The University of Akron Zips vs Morgan State Bears

[RowdyZip]

I just got a University email that somehow got me even more hyped up for next Saturday, so here we go. The email contained the very important and fantastic news that LESS THAN 3,000 tickets remain for Saturday's opener. I think it's safe to say, at this point, that we'll see a sellout.The regular season starts in 6 days. Let's get started:There's not a marquee opponent in town this Saturday afternoon, but it is nonetheless one of the most important games in the history of the program. It's important that the Zips come out hot and lay the wood to the Bears. There's going to be 30k fans, and a lot of them newbies, in the stands. They may not recognize Morgan State as a name, but they would recognize...say...3 tds in the 1st quarter. These next two weeks mean everything to the program and I hope JD has the kids ready. A big win in front of 30k for the opener, and perhaps an even bigger win in front of (hopefully) 30k more next week vs a Big T(elev)en program will open the eyes of a huge potential fanbase. We've all said it before, winning builds fans...and this stadium is the chance for exposure that this program needs. I can't wait to see you all Saturday morning, stop by lot 9 and have a...soda.Zips 56Morgan State 6. LETS GO ZIPS!

[Dr Z]

42-17

[tim123]

We need to start a tradition at the Info. everything we do now is the first.. first let's win Go Zips!!

[bUAkronG]

I'll go with 37-10.

[ZachTheZip]

Less than 3,000 tickets remain.It's essentially sold out. They're selling 30,000 tickets (including student tix) and there are only 27,000 seats. We're into Standing Room Only territory!

[Zipsrifle]

Not even thinking about Indiana. I predicted a win last week so.....I won't put in a prediction this week. I'll hope for a win and also, in the event we get far enough ahead, we throw some exciting plays out there so people want to come back.

[ZachTheZip]

JD needs to come out and show that the team can rebound from a loss. This game needs to be a total blowout, even at the risk of boring the crowd. If Morgan State scores more than a TD it will be disappointing, and if we score less than 30 against them it will also be disappointing. We need to come out psyched and ready to kick some ass.

[ctmjbowes@sbcglobal.net]

It has to not only be a dominant performance by the Zips, but the game day experience for fans has to be GREAT. This cannot be little old lady checking your ticket stub at the Rubber Bowl, crappy concessions, no excitement or tradition. The band marching through the campus, the team coming through to the stadium, the tailgating, the energy, excitement, the sound system, it ALL has to be great. This has to feel, to average fans, like genuine major college football through and through. Remember ZN, this Saturday isn't about us at all. ZN fans attended crappy football games played in a morgue. This is about the cynical and skeptical NE Ohio attendees who will give UA a couple shots at this thing. If they have a bad experience they won't come back and they'll tell everyone they talk to how bush league the Info was. If things are done right, then maybe word spreads, maybe people keep coming back, actually start to have a little affection for the Zips and UA in general. That's how this thing gets built. GO ZIPS!STZ

[tbozeglav]

Not only does the gameday experience need to be something that will get the fairweather fan excited... but this ENTIRE week needs to be a bombardment of excitement on campus. I fully expect to show up for class tomorrow morning beginning to be feel the buzz on campus. I expect to see signs and announcements everywhere. I want students to know this is going on and I want them all excited to be there.

[72 Roo]

It must be an event that leaves people talking about how great it was to be there. Prediction: Zips win, 27 - 7.

[ZippyTuba11]

Anything less than 40pts from our offense, and anything more than 10 by their's will be disappointing.

[johnnyzip84]

Carlton Jackson (now CJ1), apparently had a pretty effective final scrimmage for the Bears.MSU LinkI wouldn't completely rule out CJ having a decent game against his ex-teammates. While he had plenty of frustrating moments while playing here (Miami 7-0 game seems to epitomize this), it's easy to forget the good performances (notably the 41-24 loss to Indiana, in which he was 15-21 for 200 yards and 2TDs with 71 yards rushing to boot). It's highly likely the damage he can cause will be limited by the talent that surrounds him now at MSU. But he'll probably make a few plays that will have us squirming in our brand new seats a little.When it's all over, however, the Zip LB's will stuff the remainder of the Bears' rushers and force CJ to pass way too much. The turnovers will then begin to mount, and the Zips' 2 and 3 deep will see plenty of action. I expect them to continue the scoring as well.Predicted Final Score:Zips 56Bears 13

[Zipmeister]

I'm thinking Morgan State plays the best game they have in years. Akron by 14. Lets fill all 25,000 seats.

[PSU_Lions_84]

I'm thinking Morgan State plays the best game they have in years. Akron by 14. Lets fill all 25,000 seats.

Morgan State averaged 270 yards of total offense in 2008, including games against Winston-Salem State and North Carolina A&T, two of the worst "traditionally black" teams in the country. (I live just south of Greensboro, NC, -- these teams get extensive coverage in the local media, so I know of what I speak.) They averaged 20 points per game and gave up an average of 19.5 ppg. Not saying they couldn't dramatically improve, but I look for you guys to beat them handily. Say, 31 - 10. Your passing game started to come together, your D played lights out in the second half against the Lions, and as long as the coach loses the "up the gut" play I bet your running game develops also.Plus you guys are breaking in a beautiful new facility, it sounds like it will be a sell-out, and your team is hungry after losing to us. Hmmm, maybe 38 - 7.What traditions do you fans have for home games? Despite one sour post after our game that claimed we ripped off Marshall, the "We are . . . Penn State" chant has been around in Happy Valley since the 40's. (I heard it as a kid in the 1960's.) The Lion roar can be obnoxious to opponents, but that is the point, isn't it? And maybe the ____-out didn't start with Penn State, but you have to admit we have raised it to an art form. Having over 100,000 people, all in white under the lights, sends a strong message of support to the players. So, get some T-shirts, form clubs like the "Blue Royster Cult" (soon to be followed by "Blue Royer Cult" in honor of Dakota Royer, an outstanding 2010 commit), make up signs, etc. -- find some things that rock Info Stadium, and make it a fearsome place for opponents to visit. Please, tho, stay away from cow bells and shaking keys -- those are annoying, not fear-inspiring.I expect to hear noise from your stadium all the way down here in North Carolina!!!

[tbozeglav]

@PSU_Lions_84We have some small traditions that Im aware of through our student section. Don't know of any creative and unique ones to our school that everyone knows of, though.

[WinZip]

Akron 41Morgan State Teddy Bears 17Just hope that we keep mistakes to a minimum. Also I agree PSU 84, we need some signature home field advantage ideas. We have an opportunity to set the traditions!

[johnnyzip84]

I'm thinking Morgan State plays the best game they have in years. Akron by 14. Lets fill all 25,000 seats.

Morgan State averaged 270 yards of total offense in 2008, including games against Winston-Salem State and North Carolina A&T, two of the worst "traditionally black" teams in the country. (I live just south of Greensboro, NC, -- these teams get extensive coverage in the local media, so I know of what I speak.) They averaged 20 points per game and gave up an average of 19.5 ppg. Not saying they couldn't dramatically improve, but I look for you guys to beat them handily. Say, 31 - 10. Your passing game started to come together, your D played lights out in the second half against the Lions, and as long as the coach loses the "up the gut" play I bet your running game develops also.Plus you guys are breaking in a beautiful new facility, it sounds like it will be a sell-out, and your team is hungry after losing to us. Hmmm, maybe 38 - 7.What traditions do you fans have for home games? Despite one sour post after our game that claimed we ripped off Marshall, the "We are . . . Penn State" chant has been around in Happy Valley since the 40's. (I heard it as a kid in the 1960's.) The Lion roar can be obnoxious to opponents, but that is the point, isn't it? And maybe the ____-out didn't start with Penn State, but you have to admit we have raised it to an art form. Having over 100,000 people, all in white under the lights, sends a strong message of support to the players. So, get some T-shirts, form clubs like the "Blue Royster Cult" (soon to be followed by "Blue Royer Cult" in honor of Dakota Royer, an outstanding 2010 commit), make up signs, etc. -- find some things that rock Info Stadium, and make it a fearsome place for opponents to visit. Please, tho, stay away from cow bells and shaking keys -- those are annoying, not fear-inspiring.I expect to hear noise from your stadium all the way down here in North Carolina!!!

Nice of you to stop by again, 84. We'll be keeping a keen eye on the Syracuse game, since we still have to travel to Upstate NY later in the year. As far as traditions go, we're sort of entering new ground with an on campus stadium. The band is supposed to march through campus. Perhaps a few other posters are privy to additional plans.I totally agree on the key/cowbell comment (MORE cowbell is only funny in SNL skits ). Besides, keys and cowbells to me just evoke memories of Akron's abbreviated stop in the Ohio Valley Conference during the early 80's. No thanks!

[johnnyzip84]

Akron 41Morgan State Teddy Bears 17Just hope that we keep mistakes to a minimum. Also I agree PSU 84, we need some signature home field advantage ideas. We have an opportunity to set the traditions!

The MONSTER HAND SECTION is apparently on hold

[Roo2]

If Matt Rodgers gets serious playing time and does well, the Info could be dubbed "Mister Rodgers Neighborhood." Though, that may not be the intimidating presence we're looking for...

[PSU_Lions_84]

@PSU_Lions_84We have some small traditions that Im aware of through our student section. Don't know of any creative and unique ones to our school that everyone knows of, though.

From small acorns mighty oaks grow, ZipsMan. Pick something(s) and start spreading the word -- on this site, in student/fan media, etc.The Duke students make up chants for each opponent and circulate them amongst the attendees for games at Cameron. (Don't ask me how -- I can't get within 10 miles of Cameron on game nights.)

[Captain Kangaroo]

Akron 51 Morganna State 13

[PSU_Lions_84]

We have an opportunity to set the traditions!Generations from now will thank you if you set a great standard. Do you guys chant "Fear . . . the ROO!"? Might be a start . . . And, thanks, JohnnyZip. We will do our best to crush the Orange!!

[GP1]

Akron 45MS 14Halftime score will be:Akron 35MS 7

[ZippyTuba11]

I think we really need to get that ZI---PS chant going between the two stands. It was tried at the RB, but failed miserably, mostly because one side always had significantly more people. That won't be the case anymore.If the endzone is at capacity too, you could pass around AK---R----ON cheer as well.Scouting out the opposing team like we do for basketball is also essential. At the BB games, it really gets into the player's heads. The "Bubba has one point" is classic.

And, thanks, JohnnyZip. We will do our best to crush the Orange!!

The more JoePa & Co. can put a thumping on the Orange, the happier I'll be. I will definitely be cheering for you guys then

[UA Fan]

One tradition we have is the Goodyear blimp flying over the stadium before and during every game. It dates back to the early days of the rubber industry in Akron. They also get great birds-eye views for the free streaming video broadcasts of the games on the web.(or was I just dreaming that the other night? )