Indiana Game Rerun

[Blue & Gold]

If you're a masochist, ESPNU is replaying the Indiana game tonight @ 11:00. Ouch.

[Z.I.P.]

If you're a masochist, ESPNU is replaying the Indiana game tonight @ 11:00. Ouch.

Watching the 63rd Rosetta Stone commercial as I type! It's truly nice of ESPNU to replay these games in prime time. Well, at least in Hawai'i. Here's the post-post-game analysis:Akron isn't as bad as the score. Take heart. Indiana is now (late 3rs or early 4th Qtr) 8 of 12 on third down conversions. They can get 3 or 4 yards up the middle almost at will. On the other hand, Akron's unimaginative, and SLOW TO DEVELOP running game can't get off the ol' schnide. One thing that's clear: Akron's O-line canNOT sustain their blocks. They might make the initial hit, but the defense is able to shuck them off or allude the blockers before the runner can get much beyond the line of scrimmage. I've said it before: blocking is about 80-90% technique and only 10-20% strength. Coaching has to take part of the blame. But, at least Akron isn't giving up big plays defensively. Also, Akron's DBs are playing altogether TOO FAR off the IU receivers. It's just TOO easy for IU receivers on the short routes. That fellow from Central Michigan will eat them UP if they give that much space this week.BUT: Akron was in this game with Indiana until the very end of the third quarter, and Indiana is a bowl-quality football team. I think they would be a very strong contender to beat anyone or everyone in the MAC (for what that's worth).

[skip-zip]

If there is anything we can take away from this game, it's that some of those Indiana drives in the 2nd half were short....following interception returns. Those interceptions, along with the 25 yard double-penalty that stopped another drive, can really demoralize an offense. The lack of a running game still bothers me. It seems like we are fighting to get 3 yard gains. That can't continue. It's reminding me, unfortunately, of the year after we won the MAC title, where it appeared that an experience OL was underperforming.

[Sergeant Zip]

But, at least Akron isn't giving up big plays defensively.

Agreed but they allowed IU to go 10 - 15 on 3rd down.

[Dr Z]

But, at least Akron isn't giving up big plays defensively.

Agreed but they allowed IU to go 10 - 15 on 3rd down.

Good offenses can convert third downs, good defenses can stop teams from converting third downs. We are not a good team right now.

[Captain Kangaroo]

But, at least Akron isn't giving up big plays defensively.

Agreed but they allowed IU to go 10 - 15 on 3rd down.

Good offenses can convert third downs, good defenses can stop teams from converting third downs. We are not a good team right now.

So far this season the Zips have not respected their offensive first-and-10's. The predictable, vanilla play-calling has placed the QB in a no-win situation 9-out-of-10 times.If you are a defender...how do you defend 2nd and 9, or 2nd and 8...the typical situations we face because we run up-the-gut on 1st down every series. As a defender you tee-off on the QB. You KNOW the guy is going to pass. With that comes sacks and turnovers.Conversely -- In 2nd and 5, or 2nd and 6 situations, as a defender you don't really know what's coming. The QB actually has a chance to succeed.Thus far in 2009 the Zips have appeared content to run the clock down and take their chances with three time-eating plays per possession. It's getting old. It has to stop. I don't care if Rogers is inexperienced, he needs to run plays to keep the defense honest.We have the same passive approach on defense. "Keep the ball in front of you and make the tackle." I think Manley Waller is a solid cover corner. Yet in 3rd and 2 or 3rd and 1 situations, for whatever reason he's told to stay 8 yards off the line? When Indiana was in similar situations they were in our WR's face. Our defensive strategy seems to be "run clock, and hope the other team makes a mistake." That worked at NC State, where Chuck Amato kept letting his atrocious QB toss the ball instead of running it down our throats. But every head coach isn't as stupid as Amato.The Zips need to act like they want to win a damn game. On both sides of the ball. Other than bright spots Darin Bowser and Brian Wagner, I grade every aspect of the Zips strategy & execution at "F."The MAC season is here...it is time to man-up.