johnnyzip84

Here are some of my thoughts: 1) Toledo's D-Line, while reportedly banged up, really gave our O-Line fits for much of the game, especially the 2nd half. It's a good thing KP16 played most of the downs, because DW13 probably would have been sacked a number of times. We didn't have much running room the entire game. UT obviously has some talent and depth in their front 7. Their secondary isn't so strong, but KP16 was either hurried or didn't quite have the timing down on several deep balls to take full advantage. 2) GP1, having seen KP16's arm in person under live fire, I'm not sure I agree with the arm strength comment. I don't know if I'd call it a cannon, but it's certainly MORE THAN strong enough for this offense. Several times I noticed recievers coming out of their cuts and they'd either drop the pass or bobble it because (presumably on my part) they weren't used to the velocity. You could definitely hear the ball pop in there on several occasions. He needs to work on putting some air under the deep balls and taking something off of the swing passes, but all-in-all he completely answered my questions about QB play next year. I believe the Cap'n is correct: they want to bring in another QB strictly for a quality backup. I agree it's hard to tell whether he pulls it down too quickly or not, but I will say that he does seem to have a "feel" for the rush. Many young QBs would have been hit and fumbled at least once facing what he faced last night. 3) The fake FG had approximately 0.0000000001% chance of success. 4) I felt like the staff was also trying to get meaningful PT for other freshmen as well, and I agree with many who fell they could have been doing a better job of that all along. But hindsight is 20-20, and I think they were so focused on hopefully picking up a few wins they let that goal cloud the longer term goals. 5) It's been a long time since this staff has had to coach a team whose talent is generally inferior to their opponents. I would not discount the ability of this staff to improve through self evaluation in the off-season. I think the coaches know they also could have performed better (particularly after HT) regardless of the depth issues on both sodes of the ball, and I'm willing to bet they'll make some changes for the better now that they have a better handle on what it's going to take to win in the MAC. 6) If we can shore up the defense and add quality depth to both lines, I believe the other areas will be fine and we'll win at least a few in 2013. ps. The Glass Bowl just might be the perfect MAC stadium (although a few of their fans got a little whiny last night....the ones near the 50-yard line, NOT the UA/UT grad or the friendly couple we sat next to at the scoreboard end in the 1st half). It's just the right size, has some really interesting architecture, and sits in a beautiful spot on campus. Honestly, I have no idea why C-USA hasn't invited UT by now.

Keener92, Zips Win!, johnnyzip84 in the house!

Agreed.

Like a few of us predicted back when they made these short-sighted plans/decisions over the last year or so, Boise St, SDSU and BYU are exploring a "return" to the MWC. Edit: I see DiG beat me to this on another thread.

The line is down to 18.5. Injuries are apparently a big concern for UT: Toledo Blade Link 1 Toledo Blade Link 2

By the time the 2nd half was over, it only FELT like they trailed at halftime

I agree. But I still think the Zips will cover. I'm looking forward to my 1st Glass Bowl visit. Go Zips!

OSU now running away from NC St 70-50. The Wolfpack's CJ Leslie fouled out early in the 2nd half, picking up his 5th on a stupid decision to say something to the ref that landed him a technical. Edit: Final OSU 76 NC St 56

Okie St is taking it to #6 NC State 33-24 with 2:23 left in 1st half. Marcus Smart is putting on a show.

The Zips open as 21 point 'dogs.

Are things looking good for you now?

Bill Cubit out at WMU He's the 1st victim of the MAC's 2012 success. He had pretty solid teams over the years, and of course he is a one-time Zip assistant. I wish him the best!

Maryland and Rutgers to Big 10?

.....crickets........

K.E.N.T. vs. NIU for it all.

No doubt. It's hard to believe that Archer actually played against us as a WR the last time we beat them in 2009 under JD.

Even though it was just a friendly, it must have been a great thrill for Evan Bush to shutout ACF Fiorentina 1-0 on Thursday. Check out the smile at the 3:40 mark in the video! It was a little strange to see Marsch leave as coach after only one season, but I'm hoping Mauro Biello gets the nod for 2013.

Since it's only 3 days away, I thought I'd kick the final game thread of 2012 off today. Coming off the disappointing loss to UMass, many probably don't give the Zips much chance in this. Here are my top 10 reasons why I think this game could be much closer than most expect. 10) Lost amidst the 1-10 record thus far has been the surprising trend of the Zips arguably playing their best football on the road. In every single game, the Zips were in contention in the 4th quarter. Even in the worst of these (CMU), the Zips had a 1st and goal from the 5 with about 8 minutes left with a chance to make it a one score game (with several key players at home in Akron). 9) The Zips will have had 10 days between games. 8) The Rockets will have only had 6 days between games. 7) UT just lost a heart-wrenching game that was essentially a MAC championship semi-final. 6) UT just played the most physical team in the conference. 5) The Tuesday night attendance will be low, negating any appreciable home field advantage. 4) The Rockets are on a bit of a downer as the regular season winds down, having lost 2 in a row including the last game in the Glass Bowl. 3) UT will be bowling regardless of the outcome (nothing to gain). 2) The UA season is over regardless of the outcome. (nothing to lose) 1) Even though he will likely be flying solo, johnnyzip84 will be in the (glass) house (not throwing stones)! Go Zips!! Zap the Rockets!! Here is Coach Bowden's weekly press conference that I somehow missed this week on GoZips.com.

Thanks! I would definitely consider attending, as I've always looked at the Toledo football program as one UA should model, but I'm probably heading out to the Glass Bowl to see the 2012 finale.

BTW, I really appreciate your commentary during the tournament Unfortunately, work demands prevented me from seeing any of the on-court action. I think if the Zips can take care of business against PSU, the ship will have been fully righted just in time for the remainder of the early season schedule (which still offers a few opportunities to impress). Looking forward to seeing the full squad in the JAR soon! Go Zips!!!!

These are the "telling" stats for me. Couple these with the MAC having a "career year" in 2012 and I believe there is reason for cautious optimism in Zipland. I agree with MAXZip that a key in 2013 will be to make sure guys like Griggs, Suel, Dalton, Straight, Bice, Mangum, etc are adequately replaced. The DE transfer (James) from Colorado St should help, as well as guys like James Price who will be back (eligible) in 2013. Still, TB and staff will NEED to land a few transfers/JUCOS to fill in some holes.

Too bad you didn't get to wrestle the Cowpoke fan instead!

Seriously, you choose NOW to vent Are we going to play OT in all our games this year?

Have a great time, MDZip! The Zips sort of died by the 3 with the "interum" lineup against CCU. If the whole team happens to get hot from behind the arc, look out! We certainly have that capability.

Why, I expected "Big Time Sports" of course!