What's the most important issue that needs to be fixed?

[ZachTheZip]

What do you think the team needs to work on the most from last year? In other words, what one thing if fixed would provide the greatest improvement over last year?For me, it's closing out games. The Zips lost to Ohio, Buffalo, Cincinnati, and BGSU by a combined 16 points. The team gave up 21 points to Temple in the 4th quarter after being tied going in, and 23 points to BG in the fourth after having a 13 point lead going in. Akron had a 10 point lead going into the 4th against EMU, and only a miracle won the game. They almost let Syracuse back into the game.Lots of those losses and close calls were the direct result of boneheaded plays, things that shouldn't have happened like INTs or missed FGs. The only thing that kept Akron from winning the MAC East and having a 9-3 record were the players own mental mistakes. The talent is certainly there to be one of the best in the MAC. I am hoping that with Coach Harris working with Jacq that he can iron out his knack for throwing INTs in bunches and at the worst possible time. I think with coach Montgomery running the offense, it will allow JD to focus on shoring up the defense and figuring out what went wrong with the kicking and punting games. It wasn't bad playcalling holding the Zips back or lack of talent, but a lack of focus at critical points. This is what needs to be addressed, at least from my view. What do you think is the biggest problem that needs fixing from last year?

[zip37]

A COACH!

[Class of 82]

What do you think the team needs to work on the most from last year? In other words, what one thing if fixed would provide the greatest improvement over last year?

As you say, avoiding the error-caused breakdowns is always a good thing. But I keep coming back to consistent, solid play by the defensive line. That, in my opinion, has been the Zips' most glaring weakness. Not just a year ago, but for the last 15 years. Getting undone at the point of attack makes it awfully hard.For the first time in recent memory, it looks like Akron will not only have a much imroved D-line this fall, but that it will actually have some depth. And pretty high quality depth, to boot. How much better would our linebackers and DBs look if opponents absolutely had to double-team a guy like Bain? A lot better, I think. We got a small taste of this during that brief span when Nate Robinson was healthy and playing a lot a couple years back.

[tim123]

What do you think the team needs to work on the most from last year? In other words, what one thing if fixed would provide the greatest improvement over last year?

As you say, avoiding the error-caused breakdowns is always a good thing. But I keep coming back to consistent, solid play by the defensive line. That, in my opinion, has been the Zips' most glaring weakness. Not just a year ago, but for the last 15 years. Getting undone at the point of attack makes it awfully hard.For the first time in recent memory, it looks like Akron will not only have a much imroved D-line this fall, but that it will actually have some depth. And pretty high quality depth, to boot. How much better would our linebackers and DBs look if opponents absolutely had to double-team a guy like Bain? A lot better, I think. We got a small taste of this during that brief span when Nate Robinson was healthy and playing a lot a couple years back.

I think that we can only get better...what with the coaching staff and the new facilities it will only bring in better players and let's face it you win games with good players making big plays..They must get better everyday..

[GP1]

let's face it you win games with good players making big plays..

I don't disagree with anything you said, I just want to add to it. We need good players making big plays WHEN THE GAME IS ON THE LINE. We have good players that make good plays. I've been saying it for years, we need a winning attitude. It is now up to the PLAYERS to win some games.

[Quickzips]

Defense. It's as simple as that. I don't care how many points your offense can score or how potent it is, you won't win many games by allowing teams to run and/or throw the ball down your throat all game long. The old adage that defense wins championships exists for a reason. It's been proven over and over again at all levels in all sports. A great defense beats a great offense more often than not. Unfortunatly, our defense doesn't show any signs of becoming great until we dump our ridiculous gimmick of a defensive scheme.

[Captain Kangaroo]

let's face it you win games with good players making big plays..

I don't disagree with anything you said, I just want to add to it. We need good players making big plays WHEN THE GAME IS ON THE LINE. We have good players that make good plays. I've been saying it for years, we need a winning attitude. It is now up to the PLAYERS to win some games.

Tight game with Cincinnati...game on the line...defense plays well...4th quarter INT.Tight game with BG...game on the line...defense plays well...4th quarter INT.The score is 6-6 @ Temple in the 4th quarter...defense plays great...multiple INTs in the 4th and we lose 23-6.Tight game against Buffalo...defense was adequate (43 points in a quadruple OT)...fumble.Did the defense play great all season? No. OU is a great example of some atrocious D.Did the offense lose every game for us? No...they made the plays that beat K.e.n.t. late.But -- If you want to pin the crappy 2008 solely on the defense, you are mistaken. The offense had numerous opportunities to win games...and more often than not...get ready BirdZip...they "crapped down their leg."If we continue to fumble and toss around INT's in the 4th quarter this season it won't matter if Ryan Bain gets 20 sacks. We'll still lose.

[Class of 82]

Defense. It's as simple as that. I don't care how many points your offense can score or how potent it is, you won't win many games by allowing teams to run and/or throw the ball down your throat all game long. The old adage that defense wins championships exists for a reason. It's been proven over and over again at all levels in all sports. A great defense beats a great offense more often than not. Unfortunatly, our defense doesn't show any signs of becoming great until we dump our ridiculous gimmick of a defensive scheme.

Well, you're certainly in the majority around here. But I disagree.I still think our troubles have had a lot more to do with personnel than scheme. I don't care what scheme you're running. If you're getting blocked, you ain't making a play. I go back to that Ohio State game a couple years back. When they had to double our nose guard, we had guys free to make tackles. The result was a beautiful safety on Beanie Wells and holding a pretty decent BCS offense to three first-half points in their own house while our offense was piling up three-and-outs like pancakes at IHOP.Problem was, Nate Robinson was our only decent lineman with the requisite size and ability, and when he got nicked up or was gassed, the double teams stopped, right along with our general effectiveness as a defense. All of a sudden, you're making plays six or seven yards downfield instead of around the line of scrimmage. That gets pretty ugly.

[GP1]

Defense. It's as simple as that. I don't care how many points your offense can score or how potent it is, you won't win many games by allowing teams to run and/or throw the ball down your throat all game long. The old adage that defense wins championships exists for a reason. It's been proven over and over again at all levels in all sports. A great defense beats a great offense more often than not.

Actually, the adage defense wins championships exists to make the kids who play defense and not good enough to play offense feel good about themselves.Offense is the key to any sport with the exception of baseball where one player, the pitcher, can dominate a game. Offense puts pressure on the other team to score points if they take a lead. Offense puts the other team in bad field position. Offense breaks momentum with big plays. Offense gets the lead early and then holds it with a good running game. Offense puts a team in the lead and then forces the other team to have an unbalanced offense leaning towards passing which makes the defense look good because they know what is coming.If a team can run a balanced offense, even an average offense can make a good defense look bad because the defense has to guess at what is coming.Michael Irvin said it on his radio show not long ago. "People can say all they want, but points win games."The Steelers had the best defense in the NFL last year and it fell apart in the last five minutes of the Super Bowl only to be saved by the Steelers offense. It is fiction that defense wins championships. Defense wins championships if the offense puts them in a position where they know what is coming from the offense.

[Class of 82]

It is fiction that defense wins championships. Defense wins championships if the offense puts them in a position where they know what is coming from the offense.

Well, the Zips have had numerous school record-breaking offenses and players going back to the Butchie Washington era. We have exactly one championship that we were very, very fortunate to win. Overall, our defense during that time has been generally bad to mediocre. Coincidence? Not on your life.

[GP1]

It is fiction that defense wins championships. Defense wins championships if the offense puts them in a position where they know what is coming from the offense.

Well, the Zips have had numerous school record-breaking offenses and players going back to the Butchie Washington era. We have exactly one championship that we were very, very fortunate to win. Overall, our defense during that time has been generally bad to mediocre. Coincidence? Not on your life.

Owens teams always put up big numbers on offense, except when it mattered. It's more than numbers, it is when you put the number up that matter. It's about winners vs. losers. We tend to have players, I don't care what side of the ball they play on, that don't perform late in games so we lose. We will be losers until the players decide they want to be winners and do all the right things at the end of the game. There is a fine line between winning and losing and we almost always seem to be on the losing side.

[Class of 82]

Did the defense play great all season? No. OU is a great example of some atrocious D.Did the offense lose every game for us? No...they made the plays that beat K.e.n.t. late.But -- If you want to pin the crappy 2008 solely on the defense, you are mistaken. The offense had numerous opportunities to win games...and more often than not...get ready BirdZip...they "crapped down their leg."If we continue to fumble and toss around INT's in the 4th quarter this season it won't matter if Ryan Bain gets 20 sacks. We'll still lose.

Grant you all of that, Captain, but the numbers don't lie.Last season, Akron was second in the MAC in scoring offense, and second from last in scoring defense. That stat has losing season all over it.For gosh sakes, we had 6... SIX!!!... sacks last year.

[Class of 82]

Akron's MAC-only rankings in scoring offense and defense since 2005. along with MAC record:2005: Defense-3rd Offense - 8th RECORD 5-3 (MAC Championship)2006: Defense-9th Offense - 11th RECORD 3-52007: Defense- 8th Offense - 8th RECORD 3-52008: Defense 12th Offense - 2nd RECORD 3-5Interesting, no?

[Dr Z]

What one thing if fixed would provide the greatest improvement over last year?

Pressure on the opposing team's QB.

[Quickzips]

The numbers DON'T lie. On a consistent basis across almost every sport (football, basketball, hockey, soccer, etc.) great defensive teams beat great offensive teams. You can look the numbers up yourself if you don't believe me. Timely offense combined with a great defense is the best way to win yourself a championship. I'm not arguing that you can win championships with total anemia on offense. At some point you do have to put a few points on the board, even with the greatest of defenses. But teams that sacrifice on the defensive side of the ball in order to score more points tend to end up in shootouts that they often times don't win. I know everyone loves watching high scoring shootouts, but it isn't the way that your going to win a championship.

[Class of 82]

The numbers DON'T lie. On a consistent basis across almost every sport (football, basketball, hockey, soccer, etc.) great defensive teams beat great offensive teams. You can look the numbers up yourself if you don't believe me. Timely offense combined with a great defense is the best way to win yourself a championship. I'm not arguing that you can win championships with total anemia on offense. At some point you do have to put a few points on the board, even with the greatest of defenses. But teams that sacrifice on the defensive side of the ball in order to score more points tend to end up in shootouts that they often times don't win. I know everyone loves watching high scoring shootouts, but it isn't the way that your going to win a championship.

Amen. Akron has been a poster child for this very thing. And no, the numbers do not lie.

[Captain Kangaroo]

There is not a huge degree of separation in the MAC, positions 1 - 10. If you want to win, you need playmakers. Games are always going to be close, and the team that makes the most late-game offensive mistakes typically loses. Our offense made things very easy on opposing defenses during crunch time last year.The QB has the ball in his hands on virtually every offensive play. If your QB is a playmaker, you'll win in today's MAC. You'll win it in the 4th quarter. Jacquemain was "Captain Almost" in 2008. If he hasn't improved...if he still gets the 4th quarter jitters...our defense won't matter in '09.And for the record - I was at the Wisconsin game."PJ Hill off left tackle for 9 yards.""PJ Hill up the middle for 12 yards.""PJ Hill sweep right for 14 yards." Etc.Our 2008 defense had some big time issues. But the offensive ineptitude put them in a lot of bad positions too.

[Class of 82]

There is not a huge degree of separation in the MAC, positions 1 - 10. If you want to win, you need playmakers. Games are always going to be close, and the team that makes the most late-game offensive mistakes typically loses. Our offense made things very easy on opposing defenses during crunch time last year.The QB has the ball in his hands on virtually every offensive play. If your QB is a playmaker, you'll win in today's MAC. You'll win it in the 4th quarter. Jacquemain was "Captain Almost" in 2008. If he hasn't improved...if he still gets the 4th quarter jitters...our defense won't matter in '09.And for the record - I was at the Wisconsin game."PJ Hill off left tackle for 9 yards.""PJ Hill up the middle for 12 yards.""PJ Hill sweep right for 14 yards." Etc.Our 2008 defense had some big time issues. But the offensive ineptitude put them in a lot of bad positions too.

Big time issues is right, Captain.

• They gave up over 36 points a game in the MAC.
• They gave up an average 411 yards a game in the MAC, including a whopping 170 yards rushing.
• They had a grand total of six sacks in the MAC.
• They allowed opponents to convert over 46 percent of 3rd downs.
• When MAC teams went for it on fourth down, they succeeded nine out of 11 times.

The offense has it's own issues, I know. Especially with the really silly and costly turnovers from the QB, as you point out. But the fact is, they still managed to score a lot of points.The defense, unfortunately, gave up even more. You're just not going to win much giving up 36 a game.

[johnnyzip84]

After reading the various arguments, I'm still in the "defense is a more glaring need" camp. I don't think we can underestimate how much additional pressure our typically "less than stellar" defense puts on our offense to carry the load. True, Jacq himself is to blame for many of the mistakes that have been mentioned. But too often the opponent is scoring in the 40's and forcing the Zip offense to play a higher risk brand of football than they might otherwise prefer. Now specifically what I'd like to see on the defensive side is MUCH more enthusiasm and excitement. The one game last year in which the defense played like that, IMHO, was against Cincinnati. The hitting from the Zip defense was fierce during most of the game. If we see this kind of effort during all of the games in 2009, I believe the MAC East will be ours (at the very least).

[ZachTheZip]

Defense in football exists to create and then take advantage of an offense's mistakes. An OT missed an assignment? Defense gets a sack. QB has the ball slip a bit? INT. Misscommunication in the backfield? Tackle for loss. A good defense takes advantage of every mistake an offense makes. A bad defense lets them get away with timing issues and missed blocks.A good offense doesn't make those mistakes, and so nullifies the opposing defense. Akron's offense made so many mistakes with the game on the line that it was way too easy for even the bad MAC defenses to take over a game. That's what needs to stop. BG, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Temple, and Ball State were all decided because of dumb offensive mistakes, not a defense who often found themselves with their back right against the endzone thanks to a horribly timed interception or fumble with no rest from the last possession. Eliminate dumb mistakes, and the Zips had a chance to be 10-2.At the beginning of last season, I said that the Zips could go anywhere from 1-11 to 11-1. Would anybody argue that that wasn't the case? Aside from Wisconsin, the Zips were in every game, and aside from Army they were also in a position to lose every game right up to the end.I'll say the same about this year's team. Aside from Penn State, the Zips have the ability to beat any team on the schedule if they can eliminate or at last minimize dumb plays when the game is on the line. And aside from Morgan State, they also have the ability to completely screw up at the worst possible time and blow the game. I am hoping that Walt Harris can work out the problems with Jacq playing great except when the game is on the line. He was a great MAC QB for the most part, but when he was bad, he was REALLY bad. We should see less of Bad Jacq and more of Good Jacq this season.Also, the defense should be able to disrupt offenses better than last year, with or without Bain.

[g-mann17]

Defense in football exists to create and then take advantage of an offense's mistakes. An OT missed an assignment? Defense gets a sack. QB has the ball slip a bit? INT. Misscommunication in the backfield? Tackle for loss. A good defense takes advantage of every mistake an offense makes. A bad defense lets them get away with timing issues and missed blocks.A good offense doesn't make those mistakes, and so nullifies the opposing defense. Akron's offense made so many mistakes with the game on the line that it was way too easy for even the bad MAC defenses to take over a game. That's what needs to stop. BG, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Temple, and Ball State were all decided because of dumb offensive mistakes, not a defense who often found themselves with their back right against the endzone thanks to a horribly timed interception or fumble with no rest from the last possession. Eliminate dumb mistakes, and the Zips had a chance to be 10-2.At the beginning of last season, I said that the Zips could go anywhere from 1-11 to 11-1. Would anybody argue that that wasn't the case? Aside from Wisconsin, the Zips were in every game, and aside from Army they were also in a position to lose every game right up to the end.I'll say the same about this year's team. Aside from Penn State, the Zips have the ability to beat any team on the schedule if they can eliminate or at last minimize dumb plays when the game is on the line. And aside from Morgan State, they also have the ability to completely screw up at the worst possible time and blow the game. I am hoping that Walt Harris can work out the problems with Jacq playing great except when the game is on the line. He was a great MAC QB for the most part, but when he was bad, he was REALLY bad. We should see less of Bad Jacq and more of Good Jacq this season.Also, the defense should be able to disrupt offenses better than last year, with or without Bain.

So let me get this straight. (exluding Can't State (a win), Ball St, and Temple) at what point in all the insane games we played, did an offensive mistake occur while we had the lead? EMU we had a double digit lead, let them into the game, BGSU same thing. Hmm had the lead against Cinci, lost the lead. Buffalo, the D couldn't even get one stop. Wisconsin, the most over matched we were the entire season. The O, a fumble and the D? was a siv except for a few Wisci mistakes. So Ohio? Couldn't get a single stop against them either.So for the record, BGSU, Loss, no defense when it counted, Ohio, no defense when it counted, Cinci, no defense when it counted, Buffalo, no defense when it counted. Hmmm four losses, common factor. NO DEFENSE.We were + 6 on turnover for the season, 28th in the nation. But they couldn't stop a pee wee team when it mattered.The D last year, and the year before, and the year before, and the year before and, you get the idea HAS BEEN THE PROBLEM, and has kept us from winning close games. Not offensive mistakes.Jacq had 10 interceptions in three games (BSU, Can't State, Temple), the rest of the season 9 games, he had 4. Throwing 10 int's in 3 games 1-2. Throwing 4 in 9 games 4-5. Somehow Jacq's 1 interception in the BGSU game counted for 23 points in the 4th quarter.Look I've said enough, is he the best? Best we have that is game ready yes. Is the 5-7 season his fault? Clearly not.

[Captain Kangaroo]

So let me get this straight. (exluding Can't State (a win), Ball St, and Temple) at what point in all the insane games we played, did an offensive mistake occur while we had the lead? EMU we had a double digit lead, let them into the game

Do Jacquemain's fumbles count, or only INT's? His 4th quarter fumble that gave EMU the ball on the Zips 11 yard line was a killer.

BGSU same thing.

Jacquemain's 4th quarter interception that gave BG the ball at the 6 yard line was a killer and a HUGE momentum-changer. He dumps it out of bounds and BG is getting a punt at their 15 yard line, not our 6. Didn't Poindexter plow into the BG punter when Andre Jones would have fielded a punt at the BG45? Was that a big play? Was it the defenses fault?

Hmm had the lead against Cinci, lost the lead.

The defense gives up 17 points to a team that made a BCS bowl and you're complaining? I don't get that at all.Going off memory...with about 1:30 remaining and needing only a field goal to win...Jacquemain had an intentional grounding penalty, then followed it up with ...*shocker* an INT. He needed to take the Zips about 35 yards in 1:30 for the win.

Buffalo, the D couldn't even get one stop.

Neither could Buffalo, and they were the MAC champs. Also - The Akron D didn't fumble the ball in the 4th OT (notice a trend on late game turnovers yet?).

Wisconsin, the most over matched we were the entire season.

Agreed.

So Ohio? Couldn't get a single stop against them either.

Terrible defensive game by the Zips.

Temple (I added this one)

The Zips defense held Temple to 6 points well into the 4th quarter! Jacquemain threw two 4th quarter (note - trend continues) INTs that resulted in 18 and 28 yard Temple scoring drives.

Ball State (I added this one too)

The Zips offense had FIVE turnovers against Ball State. Jacquemain's roll out where he coughed the ball up to the BSU cornerback...who ran it back 33 yards for a TD...was that the defense's fault? Did I mention FIVE turnovers?The Zips offense has just as much work to do in 2009 as the defense. Without Dennis Kennedy, maybe more. Jacquemain is the freethrow shooter that shoots 84% for the season, but 45% in the 4th quarter. People point to the overall stats and say "He's a great free throw shooter...84%!" Baloney.

[UADavid]

After reading the various arguments, I'm still in the "defense is a more glaring need" camp. I don't think we can underestimate how much additional pressure our typically "less than stellar" defense puts on our offense to carry the load. True, Jacq himself is to blame for many of the mistakes that have been mentioned. But too often the opponent is scoring in the 40's and forcing the Zip offense to play a higher risk brand of football than they might otherwise prefer. Now specifically what I'd like to see on the defensive side is MUCH more enthusiasm and excitement. The one game last year in which the defense played like that, IMHO, was against Cincinnati. The hitting from the Zip defense was fierce during most of the game. If we see this kind of effort during all of the games in 2009, I believe the MAC East will be ours (at the very least).

Well said. I agree with your assessment.

[UADavid]

The defense was the red headed step child.(no offense to anyone with red hair) They didn't bleed three yards here, four yards there. They were losing arms and legs. Huge plays by mediocre and bad teams. The offense has it's issues but they were a mostly potent offense in the MAC.

[GP1]

Offense vs. Defense is always a good debate.The bottom line is this. It really doesn't matter if the Zips have not had enough losing. At some point, everyone on the field has to say "enough is enough" and go out and execute and win games. The talent is there and it has been for years. A losing attitude is killing this team and has been killing this program for many years now. Our problem is not talent and not coaching, it is the losers mentality.