zipsoutsider

Take it for what it's worth

Gilbert is Zips' top defender Nice to see Gilbert getting a little positive hometown attention.

The game notes even reference the Marshall game.

Predicting: Playing: Woodson Natson Pittman Out: Ball Marcus Hauser I think we continue to see TC5 in various situations and Bowden is right, Woodson never breaks a 79 yard run like that. Saturday's forecast is 72 and mostly sunny. I am itching to see a Statue of Liberty or Hook and Ladder play with the speed we have. Time for a little trickery. But Gt thinks, TC5 gets the start.

GT: What about Jojo Natosn? TB: He's a wonderful person.

Spot on. Let's make the most of what we have, for now and beat WMU. #sinktheboat

Bowden could not care less, or so he says, about time of possession and playing calling more or less supports that. I think it is a somewhat bigger factor without Tommy, but overall, we are a quick score offense and we will live or die by that this year. In our offense, the pass sets up the run. I don't look for much of a focus shift in that area unless we regain Warren Ball, and even then, I still expect a primarily pass-oriented offense. We can definitely put as many points on them as they can on us. If we play yo the top of our game, we can make this game come down to the last half of the 4th quarter and be in a position to win.

Bowden has mentioned Marcus being out for the season a couple of times in interviews. The Pitt fans complain about Narduzzi not providing injury status updates, either. It's one of the little edges coaches like to keep. It's frustrating to fans, but understandable. On the other hand, I am glad I didn't know prior to KSU that Woodson was going to be out. If I had to guess, I would guess we will see Woody and Pittman but not Ball, and I would be surprised (but pleasantly) to see Natson.

Sounds liked he was trying to intimidate another student with the photo. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2668708-sam-bruce-dismissed-by-miami-latest-comments-and-reaction Bowden seems to have the nose for when to take a risk on a kid and when not to take that risk. I am sure he would get the scoop on the kid. I am not sure anyone would have had the success we have had with the transfers.

We can compete and win this game but we have to play at the top of the game. I am encouraged by the trends in more disciplined play and an improving defense. TC5 looked better this week but we still need him to be able to connect with Lane. We also need Edwards and Coney to step up in a major way if we do not have Natson. We can run on the ball on WMU. I was not overly impressed with their run defense. I wouldn't be surprised to see us run some downs with TC5 even if Woodson is back. He has speed and can make big plays with his feet. If we were to, surprisingly, get Warren Ball back, I think he could have a huge game. TC5 seems comfortable with Smith and Lauro so I expect to see them with catches, again, if TC5 is in the game. Natson has not played like the smallest guy on the field for us. He has played like a work horse and seems to put his all out there for the team. It's hard to put a value on his contribution this year. I would like to see Lane pick up his game this week, regardless of who is behind center. I have begun to wonder if he has some unknown, nagging injury affecting his play, or if coverage has just been that good on him? His chemistry with TC5 is not great, but he hasn't really been open, either. It gives Natson a lot of touches, though and we have been able to be successful without the higher productivity from him. Defensively, we need to be able to stop them a few times each half. It might sound like that is a low bar, but their offense is extremely talented. Their QB is very intelligent and they have a wide receiver that is probably better than Jerome Lane. We still need to tackle better, but there was improvement. Don't view a tough time against WMU as a step back for the D. They are going to have their work cut out for them. Gilbert seems to be developing the same propensity for being a heat seeking missle that marked JB1. Kyron Brown is also starting to show a knack for being in the right place at the right time and coming up with the ball. If we manage to create a turnover against WMU, that will be a major accomplishment. One side note - the kicking game has been solid and kick-off coverage was better. O'Leary seemed to have found his way and settled into D1 kicking. Dr. Z had a nice shot of he and holder, Foster, with Bowden last week after the game. Gasser also did a nice job burying a short punt inside the 5 and out of bounds last week.

Lots of talent, but you have to wonder about a true freshman who gets kicked off the team for breaking multiple team rules in October.

Have we ever done a promo with the local high schools where we run an ad featuring the alumni from their school playing the Zips and offer discounted tickets - maybe handed out as a flyer with the programs? Plant the seed - "You had fun watching them here, just think about how much fun to see them at D1 level playing ball."

I like the attitude.

I am not sure it send any message since we don't really know the status or condition of either player.

Radio guys said he was "held out". What about DeAndre Scott? I don't recall seeing him play, either. I have noticed Davis and Lauro, as well. Coney also made a nice 3rd down grab, if I remember correctly. The Miami run D was more stout than Kent's and after watching the WMU game last night, probably better than WMU, too. Bowden mentioned how tough their Defense was on his post game interview. They have kept their games close and I think that must be largely due to their defense. I thought their young QB played respectably well in his first game. He made the mistakes you would expect him to make. TC5 mentioned chemistry still being an issue but that more reps with the 1st team have helped. A 4-2 start, 2-0 in the conference, 6 straight MAC wins, we continue to move in the right direction.

1 penalty for 5 yards, total today. We converted on 2/3 turnovers. I hope Tommy is back. Chapman played well, but against better team, there would have been interceptions. We need a better connection between QB and WRs to compete against WMU. That being said, we won't be the same team without JoJo. But, who knows, maybe we will have Warren Ball back next week. The defense had another chance to improve today. Let's hope they can play well enough to give the offense a chance to win it next week.

That was just Fox's guess - we won't know unless it is season-ending until next weekend, probably.

TV guys think separated AC joint, possibly.

For a change, some defensive notables today. Kyron Brown is going to be a special player. Gilbert gets better every game. Starting to get excited about him. Zach Guiser is our most dependable defensive player. He is the defensive MVP of the season, so far. Deon'Tae Moore and Alvin Davis are players to watch. Venckus ha played well for us. Boxen looking sharper. Larry Hope plays hard for us Where is Deandre Scott?

I like the idea of the throwbacks to honor the "76 Zips but I don't love this helmet. Are the Zips Nations shirts the ones they handed out in week 1 with schedules on the back?

In fairness, it was the second. No Woody, no Ball, no Marcus....21-6. Not too shabby, so far. Our penalty issue has certainly improved - we have zero so far and the D is coming along - another good opportunity to grow. Gilbert looks better and better every week. Boxen also looking better.

Woohoo! What a run by Chapman!

Miami's play calling seemed to chicken out after Hope almost grabbed that interception. Zips started to adjust to the run. Glad we stopped them at 3.