johnnyzip84

The Sports Bank has the Zips as the team to beat in the MAC and #61 in the country.

Thanks for the explanation. I was familiar with the old USL and NLU monikers. This sounds a little like the issue Ohio got into with Ohio State. Keep fighting the man! After all, you are one who cooks.

FIFY!

That's one of the funniest things I've seen in a long time!

A fast tempo on offense doesn’t seem to be as high of a priority in 2012, even with the increased depth on defense. Is this by design?

Exactly. There is a post on the Ragin’ Cajun message board that quotes an “Akron University” web site description of UL with Lafayette sprinkled throughout the piece. You gotta love it. This sort of things has been going on in several different forms in recent years. Southwest Missouri State becomes just Missouri State. Southwest Texas State becomes just Texas State. Ohio lobbies to NOT have the University tacked on, to the point where they get into a legal dispute with OSU. I understand why this has happened. Schools are trying to appeal to a broader base, as in the entire state. But when you have two universities with Louisiana at the beginning (ULL, ULM), what makes one more deserving of right to drop the “branch” designation?

LOUISIANA to reduce level of intensity this week. As one Cajun fan visiting here commented, the Ragin' Cajuns so NOT like to be called anything else but Louisiana. My question to them is simple. What is Louisiana-Monroe supposed to be called?

Welcome, Cajun82! This game has a number of story lines. The first is trivial, but interesting to me nonetheless. Many of you are probably aware who Coach Bowden replaced at North Alabama. It was none other than Mark Hudspeth, the current coach of the Ragin’ Cajuns. This game could be called the UNA Lion Bowl. I’m a little unusual, but I’ve always rooted for UL-Lafayette, or the University of Southwestern Louisiana as they were was called. Some of the reasons are the Cajun culture, unique history, and fantastically flavorful cuisine. When they adopted the Cayenne pepper as their mascot, I was even more sold. I look forward to the return trip to Lafayette in 2015. I have to think tailgating there is top shelf. Laissez le bon temps rouler! Now back to this Saturday’s game. I’ve seen some badmouthing of Nicholls St (a team Faust’s squad once beat at UA) on other threads. No, they are not an FCS/1-AA power. But they’ve been a mid-level FCS/1-AA program for a while. They were stomped by Oregon in Eugene, 66-3. But, they did manage to bounce back and beat WMU at Waldo, 27-23. Then, ULL whipped them last week 70-7 in Lafayette. In the other two ULL games of 2013, the Cajuns lost at Arkansas (34-14) and K-State (48-27). Terrance Broadway is a very dangerous, experienced, dual-threat QB. A lot of Michigan’s problems last week can be tied to the poor passing of Gardner. I highly doubt Broadway will make the same number of mistakes, even if the Zips get similar pressure. We’ll need to take advantage of any he does make. I like the chances of KP16, the O-Line and the WRs building off of the momentum of the 2nd half last week. I hope the staff gets them involved early this week. I’ll hold off my prediction until I find out who may be playing and who may not be playing. I will say that opening as 7 point dogs is about what I expected. I believe I was talking to K92 at the golf course following the UM heartbreak when I said we’d be 6 to 7 point dogs. I have one “lock” prediction: The jambalaya will be tasty in Lot 9 this week!

I had to fall back on the 24 hour rule before posting about the game. First off I will apologize to LZip, and to the UA football program for that matter, because of my timid expectations ahead of this game. LZip, you called me out for my "loser" attitude and I have to admit that I was completely wrong and you were right. You can't play football that way and ever expect to turn around a program. In regards to the controversial ending, it was difficult for those of us at the game to get a good view of the spot that was altered by 1/2 yard, resulting in a 3rd and goal instead of a 1st and goal. I have yet to watch the DVR of the game, but that is the aspect of which I have the greatest interest. If the Zips were screwed on that spot, then the final result gets an asterisk in my view. If the spot was good (after the review), I'm not as bothered by the rundown from 24 to 15 seconds because at 3rd and goal the Zips only had 2 plays left regardless of the time remaining. Of course, if the final spot was in error against the Zips, then both the rundown AND the spot had a big impact. There were some other iffy calls, but other than the spot I don't think they were anything wildly different than we should expect as the road team. It wasn't like UM didn't have penalties called against them. Here are some other random observations and comments: 1) KP16 - He has taken firm grip of the #1 job. On the drive back, I listened to ESPN radio on XM and when the crew were handing out "game balls" for early action across the country Trevor Matich gave one to KP16 for his performance and I could not agree more. Should he have thrown that end zone pass intended for Ritussa in the stands? Of course. But the guts and poise he showed in the 2nd half were as impressive as ANY Zip QB has ever displayed IMHO. I can't wait to see him perform when his wheels are 100%. Lee Adams saying he is "immobile" is the most ridiculous statement made regarding a player I have seen in a long time. 2) Tank - After a pretty good effort pass blocking against UCF, the O-Line struggled for much of the JMU game (Orelus getting hurt didn't help). Kudos to Tank for making the necessary adjustments and motivating this group to more than hold their own against a quality D-Line. It shouldn't be too surprising that it might take a few games for a group like this, several arriving only this summer, to gel. Numerous UM fans commented on the size and play of this bunch. 3) The WRs - It is SO comforting to see the upper classmen begin to show their stuff once again. It all started with D'Orazio. He was giving the Wolverines fits and eventually drew so much attention in the middle (HE has taken the role of Suel, not LT) that LT got consistent 1-on-1 coverage on the outside that he eventually beat several times. Dillard had a big gain on the final drive as well. 4) JM5 - I am mesmerized as much as anyone by Mizell (and he had a monster game), but what more can you say about the game Justin played? Without his 2nd INT that he took back for a score, we probably aren't discussing much about the 4th quarter. 5) The D-Line - Can you believe that performance was WITHOUT Nico? Hopefully he's back soon, because these guys will do nothing but improve as the season progresses. McCray drew (and beat) double teams all day long. I also have to give it up for Austin Bailey for his gutsy contributions with Nico out. 6) The Big House - The UM fans were very accommodating and many complimented the Zips. I have no idea why anyone would call it a "dump". Everything (structure, facilities, surroundings, etc.) looked perfectly acceptable to me. There was one thing that struck me. I had always heard the slope the stands was comparatively shallow to allow for the large capacity, much of it below ground level. Being there the 1st time, I did not think the slope was really all that shallow. It looked about the same as the Rubber Bowl. 7) The Aftermath - I agree with those who believe the positive effect of this good showing will not last unless the Zips parlay it into a victory against ULL this week. This goes for the fan base AND the players, who need (and deserve) an FBS win soon. Life isn't always fair, and you need to take advantage of momentum and opportunities when they occur. I think the Cajuns will probably be favored, so this will not be easy in the least. But if TB and staff can pick their spirits up, the Zips can win this game. Win this one and every other game on the remaining schedule is suddenly in play. 8) The Diehards - Kudos to all of the fans who made the trip to Ann Arbor. Sorry I couldn't keep up to date with text messages during the game, but my mind was occupied! As much as the last play felt like a punch in the gut, I am thankful I have been able to meet and travel with such a loyal bunch. You guys and gals are GREAT!!!! Go Zips!!!!

The Beacon's George Thomas is interviewed by the Detroit Free Press on tomorrow's game.

I think the O-line needs the work just as much. It's interesting to me that the line has remained steady at 37 the entire week. I thought for sure it would increase. Hopefully the Zips can clean up some things and make it even closer.

jz84 will be in the (big) house!!

UM 49 UA 10 Bickley has a couple of nice plays and Stein hits a long one. I finally got a chance to watch the coach’s show last night. TB keeps using the phrase “banged up” to describe his QBs. He must read ZnO The helmets do look better on TV, but from my seats I only thought they added a stripe. Now that I’ve seen it up close and I can connect it with Zip history, the new decal is growing on me. Players of the Game: March/Defense – Hirschman/Offense Up and Coming Players: Mizell/Defense – Pratt/Offense TB insinuated that Mizell is being worked in slowly because he came in to camp late and he hasn’t played football in over a year. He seemed to imply that we will see more and more of him as the season progresses.

And w/o schollys too - impressive!

Maybe I should have emphasized "NORMALLY I LIKE TO SEE......" When your top 2 QBs are hobbling (and the drop off to #3 is equivalent to the Grand Canyon), I think it's the smart thing to do IN THIS SITUATION. It's probably the only time I've thought like this regarding the Zips and these types of games.

Normally I like to see the Zips throw caution to the wind and take some chances in these “money” games. But with both QBs banged up a little, I really want to see a conservative offensive game plan limiting the shots either of these guys has to take. Let’s play as many guys as possible, allow the refs much liberty with the game clock, take the paycheck and get home to compete another day. While I think Tommy Woodson has potential, I don’t wish to see him pay in 2013. We need to keep either KP16 or NH15 available for the Ragin Cajuns, or the chance of an upset in that one is gone.

I saw these quotes and they struck me the same way, K92. I think we both know there is only one thing that will grow the game day experience – winning. We’ve hashed and rehashed the whole FBS/1-A vs. FCS/1-AA vs. something in between debate, so I really don’t think we need to go over that again. BUT, a big reason JMU has established a decent following isn’t too hard to decipher. Having said all of that, the claims of a 1000 or 3000 or 5000 strong “Purple Wave” taking over Akron were obviously just a little off. I’m guessing, maybe 300 to 350 JMU fans were in attendance? Not bad, and actually pretty close to what the typical MAC foe brings, but it certainly didn’t live up to the hype.

JMU beers for my crew yesterday: Ohio Brewing Buckeye Blonde Great Lakes Commodore Perry Thirsty Dog Rail Dog Corona Light Rivertown Pumpkin Ale

If you pick enough games, you eventually get close on 1 or 2 Here are some additional thoughts: 1) I sure wish the Zips could have stopped a few 3rd/4th and longs and maybe the end wouldn't have been so nerve wracking. 2) Mizell needs to play, period. 3) GP1 started a separate thread about it, but I'd institute a "no chest/ass bump celebration" policy immediately. 4) While I was certainly hoping for a more convincing victory, I will absolutely take the W at this point. I think it's quite possible that JMU is the best team the Zips have defeated since 2008. That's not saying a whole lot, but you have to walk before you can run. 5) I think it's time to start working in Osborne or another youngster at right tackle. 6) Could the refs have blown the whistle on the last play once forward progress was stopped? Perhaps. But, that's the chance you take throwing over the middle in that situation. Plus, the JMU FG team did not look to be prepared to rush onto the field. Whose fault is that? 7) I like having 2 QBs that can play. But I think KP16, once healthy, still provides the better option. I just hope we can keep one or both available for UL-Lafayette. 8) Zach Paul continues to play well. 9) Teams are beginning to take advantage of the aggressive over-pursuit of Capi and James. Capi, especially, needs to stay at home at times. 10) The JC7 catch over the middle was huge. I expect to see that play a few more times this year. 11) Are we officially scrapping the up-tempo offense? 12) It was great to be back at Lot 9 and spend a great day with some of the most die-hard fans I know. Edit: almost forgot to mention.....did K92 have anything to do with the new "steamboat whistle" after each Zip score??

Or both like me

JMU plans to take 75-80 snaps. From the sounds of this, you better not blink tomorrow night

Good topic, Dr. Z. Mack certainly looks like a truly dominant MAC defender, well deserving of the preseason hype. One player who might have made this list is CMU RB Zurlon Tipton who unfortunately broke his ankle against Michigan and is out for the year (although there is talk of him getting a 6th year). Toledo WR Bernard Reedy is a big talent.

Well, last week I correctly predicted UA would hold UCF to 38 points. But I also predicted the Zips would score 27, so I missed that by a tad This is a tough game for me to visualize. The JMU board, for the most part, is quite confident (and a lot more active) heading into this one. The one concern some of them have is depth. So I REALLY hope the Zips play up-tempo to take advantage. This puts a fair amount of pressure on the offense, particularly KP16, to get off to a decent start. Nevertheless, I take TB at his word that we will see a more aggressive, looking downfield approach this week. And whoever is toting the rock needs to take advantage of the opportunities that are presented when the Dukes take some chances themselves, which they may do often (since TB is publicly stating his desire to open things up). I wouldn’t be surprised to see a little bit of “running back by committee”. The Zip defensive game plan will no doubt be to force Birdsong to throw. I suspect Capi/James/Horner/Presley will be instrumental, not only in getting pressure, but in not allowing the Dukes QB to escape containment. I expect to see more zone coverage in the backfield. I think special teams will be the difference in this game. I expect both Paul and Stein to contribute to a closely fought, much needed victory (in OT): Zips 37 Dukes 34

I nearly started a similar thread as this, but after thinking about it I decided it wasn’t quite a “must win”. The only thing that stops me from agreeing is the makeup of the Zip roster. I think many of us based our enhanced expectations on the talent of transfers such as Mizell, Capi, James, etc. I still retain that hope. BUT at this early point in the season it is possible (although I certainly hope it is not the case) that these new additions will still take some time to mesh with the team and perform at their highest level. Mizell, for one, may just now be getting into football shape. So while I agree the season, and Bowden’s tenure, begin to look more ominous with a loss to the Dukes, I still believe it’s possible to lose this one and still win 4 games (I agree with GP1 that 4 wins are probably necessary in 2013).

Could DJ Jones be a Brett Biggs?