clarkwgriswold

One student in the student section today but she's doing her best!

Wright State comes to Akron Wednesday night to face the Zips. The Raiders stand at 5-5 coming off of a 64-60 loss at Western Kentucky. They have wins over Louisville, Bowling Green, Defiance, Abilene Christian and Weber State. They have lost three in a row, to WKU, Youngstown State and Rober Morris and lost earlier in the season to Davidson and UC Riverside. The Raiders lost two of their best players, Tanner Holden and Grant Basile, who combined for 38.5 points and 15.6 rebounds last season, to P5 teams in the offseason. In their absence, the team has been led by 6'0" senior guard Trey Calvin at 17 ppg and 6'2" senior guard Amari Jackson at 12.9 ppg. 6'8" redshirt freshman forward Brandon Noel kicks in 12.1 ppg while leading the team in rebounding at 6.4 rpg. The Raiders were predicted to finish third in the Horizon preseason poll . Calvin and former Horizon League Freshman of the Year Amari Davis (who started his career at UWGB) were named to the All-Horizon preseason second team.

I don't think Jackson State will be a pushover. The Zips should win but I don't see it as a blowout.

Thank goodness that we weren't asked to respect his decision.

It makes me think back to the controversy he had with Craig James' son.

Yes, he certainly did not go out on a good note, but then again Leach isn't known much for clean breakups with players.

Dillon Johnson, a Mississippi State running back recruited there by JoMo has entered the portal. Sounds like someone we'd have a chance with. He was second on the team in yards from scrimmage.

Undercuffler also had the benefit of leading a team that had nearly a full season under them while the team was still growing during most of Irons starts. I agree that Irons isn't the fastest in his reads but I think that will improve with experience in the system. This system is also set up to be more successful with a mobile QB and Irons is far more mobile. He has shown to be a better arm talent than Undercuffler. I also have issues with Undercuffler's temperament after his embarrassing behavior in the Miami game. The way I look at this team is that every position is open. If a better talent comes in at QB it should be his job, but based upon who is in the QB room right now, Irons is the best alternative.

With respect to local guys like Sperling, I think it is important for the staff to establish some relationship with them even of they know they won't be getting the kid as there's always a chance the kid may not work out at his first stop and look to come home. One example I can recall at UA is Se'von Pittman.

Good question.

I think Tavari's ascension up the depth chart pushes Garvin down the depth chart. We'll see how he responds. I think we all hope he responds in a way that earns back the minutes but today's athletes are just as likely or more likely to jump into the transfer portal than work harder.

Word on the street is that PCCC's Sean Lewis is joining the new Prime Time staff at Colorado as OC.

Safety Dexter Jackson.

I have a good friend who is very connected in baseball circles. His friend, a college head coach, had one of his players come to him to tell him he was considering entering the portal. The coach told him "I've recruited you once, I am not doing it a second time" and gave him directions to the door!

The Zips get the week off for exams then return to the JAR next Sunday to face 1-6 Jackson State. Jackson State's record is a little deceptive as they've generally been in their games and their one win came in their last game against SMU. Prior to that they lost 95-78 in the cavern known in Oxford. They play TCU this Tuesday. Ken Evans and Trace Young lead Jackson State scoring each at 14.1 ppg. Evans is a 6'5" RS guard while Young is a 6'8" RS senior guard/forward. Young leads rebounding at 6.4 rpg along with 6'9" junior forward Romelle Mansel. They were predicted to finish 7th in the SWAC preseason poll, placing no one on the first or second team. The Tigers' new head coach in former Cav Mo Williams. Willams brought Young with him from Alabama State.

I left when Evan Wilson hit his 3. That completed my day. With the season ticket, that cost me between $3 and $4. I didn't get my money's worth.

A team consisting of Evan Wilson and the managers would be better competition.

Highlight of the game.

34-12 at half

4 guards starting, no hunter.

Tavari in starting lineup.

With Mr. Pinky, all things downward are possible.

I can confidently say that the program is in better condition on December 2, 2022 than it was on December 2, 2021. I'd have liked to have seen more wins but in the final analysis I am pleased with the direction of the team and this coaching staff.

2/3 of Ohio, the Houston area and around Lubbock, Texas- https://506sports.com/

Expecting a huge crowd with the Browns game and return of Deshawn Watsonmytowel.