Akron's Problems

[GP1]

I was just now able to stop my eye bleeding from watching the game yesterday so I want to write a post about what the Zips need to do. Capt. Kang. already provided a nice summary of the game and there is really nothing more to add, other than thanking the defense for saving our asses yesterday. I don't think the Zips need to panic, they just need to get back to the basics.

First, Akron needs to get back to what they were doing early in the season on offense. Short passes on first down helped the Zips move the ball well against Purdue and MTSU. The short passes were giving us second short yardage and kept defenses off balance because we could run or pass on second down. We are not seeing a lot of that right now and I would like to see more of it. The offense really lacks rythm and this may be the pill they need to find their dancing shoes again. More than anyone, I think a better rythm will help Getsy and right now he is not playing well because it appears as if they are pulling plays out of a hat.

Second, JD needs to stop trying to overthink the game. They seem to be trying for the big play too often and they really don't need to do so. I'm not a big fan of going for fourth down if it is still early in the game, and yesterday reminded me of the failure to succeed on fourth down in the Owens years. We did it yesterday in the third quarter when we were down 7-0 and there was no need for it. The kicker did have a bad day yesterday, but we did not know that at that point. In the kickers defense, the wind did blow right to left from the Zips bench, but there seemed to be a crosswind once the ball got close to where the sideline stands stop and the opening is created. No excuses though, we need to hit our fieldgoals.

Let's find ways to get the ball into the hands of 81. We can't always throw to 23 regardless of how good he is and I believe 81 would perform well if given more of a chance.

Fourth, this team really needs to refocus. Largely what I mentioned above had to do with the coaches, but the players are adults and I'm a big fan of results. These kids need to produce results. Enough dumb penalties, enough with the dropped passes, enough with the swiss cheese offensive line, let's get some results. I noticed yesterday that the players' names were not on the back of their uniforms. Good start, but largely symbolic. These kids need to understand they are getting a scholarship to play football, and people are paying money to go watch them play football and be entertained. Yesterday was anything but entertaining. They need to start producing.

One other thing and then I'll stop. JD put Kennedy in at fullback in an I formation yesterday on a third down and tried to sneak him up the middle on a pass play and it worked, only the ball was overthrown. How about a little more Biggs and Kennedy in the game in a split backfield on second and long or third and 2-5 yards? It could open up space for medium range 10-15 yard passes by forcing defenders to be more aware of the short pass threat. Kennedy is way too fast not to have on the field as much as possible.

I'd go on, but I'm more interested to see if you guys agree or disagree or have other things to add.

By the way, it looks as if the hotel rooms I bough off of Priceline in Cincinnati next weekend will be wasted as I thought the Zips were going to play Miami. I read on this site via the ABJ that they are in Florida. Too bad for me.

[Quickzips]

Fourth, this team really needs to refocus. Largely what I mentioned above had to do with the coaches, but the players are adults and I'm a big fan of results. These kids need to produce results. Enough dumb penalties, enough with the dropped passes, enough with the swiss cheese offensive line, let's get some results.

Pardon me for nitpicking, but isn't this a little contradictory. Otherwise I whole heartedly agree. Gotta stick with what works and play your ballgame.

[GP1]

Pardon me for nitpicking, but isn't this a little contradictory. Otherwise I whole heartedly agree. Gotta stick with what works and play your ballgame.

Thanks for asking.

I don't think it is too much to ask these young adults, once the proper plays are called, to block, tackle, catch the ball and not make mistakes that cost the team yardage.

[zip37]

I don't want to nit pick either but I will, I learned from critics of Tony Laturza that

wins were not good enuf--they have to be pretty!!!!!!!!!!! A win ugly is as good as a win pretty-- JUST WIN, pretty much of a bottom line guy here. AND YESTERDAY WAS A WIN!

With ball ammunition, lock and load.

[zipboy]

I love the idea about more Biggs and Kennedy in a split backfield.

[Zipsrifle]

Agree totally with GP1. Just to add something, I think Getsy really needs to get in a rhythm to build some confidence. Once he has a couple completions, it seems he's got some confidence. I also don't like how we rely on the big play so much. It keeps the fans entertained, but seems we're falling back on this too much. Just get the damn first down and keep chopping away.

I totally believe this team can come out on Saturday and put up big numbers on Miami. We looked like all-stars the first 11 quarters, lets get that back! Go Zips!