DEFENSE wins championships

[Sloopy]

I have been following Akron football for 9 years, and the MTSU game MAY be the first time I can remember the Zips defense leading the charge to a win. At hte point in the season the defensive unit should be ahead of the offense, but the multiple three and outs yesterday have me very excited about the future of this team, now and for the next few years.

The offense is getting yards, it just needs to tighten up on the line. The big'uns can pass protect but Biggs is not seeing much daylight. I think when people champion how well the line is playing they must be comparing them to the former Zips OL and not a truly effective offensive front, such as what Toledo or Bowling Green have displayed this year.

For Akron to be a dangerous offense it needs to be able to put Biggs over 100 yards in every game. That case in made by the passing game popping for 300+ only to have the lack of a ground attack yielded just 17 points. It is harded to push around a DL than it is to delay them from advancing. When thi OL matures the team will have something pretty good going.

[zipboy]

My thoughts on the game as I look forward to hearing from those who saw the game in person.

1. First time EVER I wanted the D back out there to put the game away. NIU will be a good test as they will pound the ball. Our strength is in the secondary, but Fleming will come up with something.

2. How good can Hixon be?

3. The running game worries me. Scoring in the red zone worries me. Getting a first down on 3rd and 2 worries me.

4. Best comment from the night came from Frank Stamms - "Akron out hit MTSU tonight."

5. O Line is much better than I thought. 2 straight weeks of solid play, they are for real.

6. Nice to see Akron not fade in the 4th quarters unlike past years. Conditioning is good.

7. Nice follow up from Purdue. I like the consistency and mental toughness. I thought 5-6 or 6-5 at the beginning of the year. A few people said look out. I am beginning to believe those guys.

8. Good job by Frenchie, Frank, and Joe.