Pre-season breakdowns

[RowdyZip]

Speaking of Mr. Bain, if Alex Allen can get a 6th year, why haven't we heard about Ryan? He only played a couple downs in one or two games, right?

If he played six more years, we would only get 12 plays out of him. No thanks.

Yeah, I was never quite on that hype train either, I was just wondering if he had attempted to petition the NCAA for a 6th year or if his back was that bad that it wouldn't matter. Perhaps the coaching staff told him he wouldn't have a scholarship for a 6th year. Anybody in the know?

[johnnyzip84]

Speaking of Mr. Bain, if Alex Allen can get a 6th year, why haven't we heard about Ryan? He only played a couple downs in one or two games, right?

If he played six more years, we would only get 12 plays out of him. No thanks.

Yeah, I was never quite on that hype train either, I was just wondering if he had attempted to petition the NCAA for a 6th year or if his back was that bad that it wouldn't matter. Perhaps the coaching staff told him he wouldn't have a scholarship for a 6th year. Anybody in the know?

I seem to recall someone on the board (Buckzip?) mentioning that Bain already used one RS year while he was at Iowa. That, coupled with the year he sat out here due to the substance infraction/injury/whatever, means he's already used up his 6 years.

[Zipmeister]

Speaking of Mr. Bain, if Alex Allen can get a 6th year, why haven't we heard about Ryan? He only played a couple downs in one or two games, right?

If he played six more years, we would only get 12 plays out of him. No thanks.

Yeah, I was never quite on that hype train either, I was just wondering if he had attempted to petition the NCAA for a 6th year or if his back was that bad that it wouldn't matter. Perhaps the coaching staff told him he wouldn't have a scholarship for a 6th year. Anybody in the know?

I seem to recall someone on the board (Buckzip?) mentioning that Bain already used one RS year while he was at Iowa. That, coupled with the year he sat out here due to the substance infraction/injury/whatever, means he's already used up his 6 years.

I believe that is correct, but I'm sure if we properly explain about Bain to the NCAA brains that they are sure to let Bain play again.

[ZachTheZip]

Athlon breaks down the Zips by position

[Dr Z]

Athlon breaks down the Zips by position

Two things I learned from that link.

1. Nadir Brown and Anthony Meriwether had their springs short-circuited by injuries. 2. T.J. Marchese pulled into a dead heat with Rogovic during the spring.

[ZachTheZip]

Optimism high, but struggles are likely.

[dreal1scout]

Optimism high, but struggles are likely.

I don't understand/agree with Mr. Lipscomb's logic. "The Zips should expect an improvement over last year's outing, but facing three BCS foes in the early going, two of those on the road, as well as some growing pains in the new systems being installed, will likely lead to another season of struggle for the Zips."

I believe that playing 3 BCS schools early (win or lose) only serves to toughen the ZIPS. We are winners who want/crave to be challenged. This is a great way to build team confidence. We don't want to beat-up on any team that Cant challenge us without difficulty or the need for hard work. Early predictions of our talent are just that. It is up to us to make our future. Believe me when I say "The ZIPS of 2010" are going to leave an incredible, indelible winning season mark in the annals (yes I said annals, hehe) of UA Football. We're not afraid. Bring 'em On! We've worked hard and are ready to prove ourselves. 2010

[Dr Z]

I believe that playing 3 BCS schools early (win or lose) only serves to toughen the ZIPS. We are winners who want/crave to be challenged. This is a great way to build team confidence.

More times than not, I would agree with you. Not that I/we have a choice, but this year with new schemes on both sides of the ball I wish we played more like-talent teams early. I think that would build confidence. We'll see, I could be wrong. I hope I am, especially since I'm going to Kentucky.

That photo in the link is getting me pumped for the season though!!!

[ZachTheZip]

Prediction for Zips to go 6-6, finish 3rd in the East

Also contains a quote from the new defensive coordinator and a gigantic picture of Nicely's head.

[Dr Z]

...quote from the new defensive coordinator

New defensive coordinator Curt Mallory expects good results from the new defense."'We are going to try to put eight in the box when we can, with either a corner or safety," said Mallory. "It's what my background is. You always start with stopping the run. To do that, we will try to pack the box."

Best defensive quote I have seen by a Zips coach since....well...ever.

[xu9697]

...quote from the new defensive coordinator

New defensive coordinator Curt Mallory expects good results from the new defense."'We are going to try to put eight in the box when we can, with either a corner or safety," said Mallory. "It's what my background is. You always start with stopping the run. To do that, we will try to pack the box."

Best defensive quote I have seen by a Zips coach since....well...ever.

While, in general, I like that attitude..

1. MAC is full of spread offenses.

2. Our front 7 is our strength on D, while our Dbacks could be, woeful.

Mallory has a bit outdated, "Big Ten of the 1980's and 90's view" on things with that statement.

[Dr Z]

1. MAC is full of spread offenses.

2. Our front 7 is our strength on D, while our Dbacks could be, woeful.

Mallory has a bit outdated, "Big Ten of the 1980's and 90's view" on things with that statement.

1. Zone and Dime can take care of spread offenses. Worked very well against the Zips last year.

2. You would be surprised how sometimes a weakness can turn into a strength when a scheme changes. Pressure on the QB will help our secondary this year.

3. There is nothing outdated about stopping the run on D. That is defensive football 101 my friend, and I haven't seen much of it in Akron since I have been around.

[skip-zip]

1. MAC is full of spread offenses.

2. Our front 7 is our strength on D, while our Dbacks could be, woeful.

Mallory has a bit outdated, "Big Ten of the 1980's and 90's view" on things with that statement.

1. Zone and Dime can take care of spread offenses. Worked very well against the Zips last year.

2. You would be surprised how sometimes a weakness can turn into a strength when a scheme changes. Pressure on the QB will help our secondary this year.

3. There is nothing outdated about stopping the run on D. That is defensive football 101 my friend, and I haven't seen much of it in Akron since I have been around.

If this were true, wouldn't every team in the country just line up and rush the QB, and leave their secondary exposed? Our new DC didn't make some prophetic statement here. After the ball is snapped, it still comes down to 11 guys trying to beat 11 guys. You can get hurt just as badly by not having receivers covered as you can by not getting to the QB. Putting more guys in the box just leaves less guys somewhere else. There must be a balance between the two.

[ZachTheZip]

Mac-Sports.com in-depth Akron football preview. This is actually a very good write up.

[ZIPFB#1]

Great article.

[johnnyzip84]

CBS isn't expecting much out of the Zippers either, although a 5th place finish is better than some have predicted. Their all-MAC team (link within the link) doesn't have a single UA player. Go on prove them all wrong Zips!

CBS Sports Link

[johnnyzip84]

CNN-SI has the Zips finishing in 5th place also at 2-6 in the MAC and 3-9 overall. More motivation.

Link

[dreal1scout]

CNN-SI has the Zips finishing in 5th place also at 2-6 in the MAC and 3-9 overall. More motivation.

Link

Although I have no real proof, I strongly suspect that Mr. Feiner, the SI.com writer of the MAC Breakdown report is of the Merry & Happy persuasion (not that there’s anything wrong with that), and as such, has absolutely no knowledge of college football (Especially The MAC conference teams), and any “How They’ll Finish” prediction of his is pure, untainted, stinky, smelly BS. He is full of IT!! (misspelling IT on purpose).

I sure hope that Mr. Feiner’s stupidity helps ignite that fire/desire of every 2010 Zip player to go out and give their 100% effort of every game. I hope that Coach I inspires this team to give their best. That is all we can hope for, and that in my opinion, will ensure that the 2010 Zips are The . GO ZIPS!!!

[Zipmeister]

CNN-SI has the Zips finishing in 5th place also at 2-6 in the MAC and 3-9 overall. More motivation.

Link

Although I have no real proof, I strongly suspect that Mr. Feiner, the SI.com writer of the MAC Breakdown report is of the Merry & Happy persuasion (not that there’s anything wrong with that), and as such, has absolutely no knowledge of college football (Especially The MAC conference teams), and any “How They’ll Finish” prediction of his is pure, untainted, stinky, smelly BS. He is full of IT!! (misspelling IT on purpose).

I sure hope that Mr. Feiner’s stupidity helps ignite that fire/desire of every 2010 Zip player to go out and give their 100% effort of every game. I hope that Coach I inspires this team to give their best. That is all we can hope for, and that in my opinion, will ensure that the 2010 Zips are The . GO ZIPS!!!

Yes. I hear he wears a kangaroo suit in the privacy of his own home. Thank goodness he doesn't wear it out in public.

[Dr Z]

I'm glad to hear that iCoach and me have the same measuring stick of success for the team.

Players sure seem like they like the new strength coach!?!?

[ZachTheZip]

Players sure seem like they like the new strength coach!?!?

That may be the biggest factor of any turnaround we might see. Last year we were outmuscled by teams like Indiana and Temple. They were just better conditioned, stronger, tougher. You could argue that we had just as much natural talent as either team, but we were physically pushed around easily.

[K92]

Players sure seem like they like the new strength coach!?!?

That may be the biggest factor of any turnaround we might see. Last year we were outmuscled by teams like Indiana and Temple. They were just better conditioned, stronger, tougher. You could argue that we had just as much natural talent as either team, but we were physically pushed around easily.

Agree in the case of Temple. That was a country boy ass whoopin' right there. We should have won the Indiana game. We beat ourselves against the Hoosiers.

[johnnyzip84]

Here is Rasor's outlook on the 2010 season. I'm not sure if Mike realizes Odefin and Dawson are no longer with the team (unless they returned recently)

Zips season outlook

by MRASOR on AUGUST 29, 2010

in FOOTBALL

Football

If any Zips fan tells you he knows what will happen this year, he's either a liar, a psychic, a Pollyanna, or a persistent pessimist.

Heading into camp, I wasn't optimistic. I'm still not. But now I recognize the potential the Zips have to make a run at a bowl game.

Aside from beating Gardner-Webb and losing at Temple, the entire schedule is uncertain to me. Can you say for sure that Akron will beat Miami in the last game of the season? Can you rule out a win at Indiana or Kentucky? No and no. It's a middling schedule that will provide an opportunity for Rob Ianello to surpass his dirt-low expectations for Year One.

Let's take a look at each position heading into Saturday's opener:

Quarterback

STARTER — Patrick Nicely looks like a stronger player than when we last watched him. At best, he's the MAC's best passer. At worst, he's average.

DEPTH — You can't ask for a better backup than Matt Rodgers.

Running back

STARTERS — Alex Allen and Nate Burney will share carries. Allen is running at his best, and Ianello is impressed with how Allen has improved his running between the tackles. Burney is a coaches' favorite, although I can't say I've seen so much from him personally.

DEPTH — Allen better stay healthy. That is one of the keys to the season. I haven't seen much from Dale Martin or Larry Dawson this month, so you'll probably see Giorgio Bowers lose his redshirt if an injury occurs.

Wide receiver

STARTERS — Jeremy LaFrance is a steady No. 1 option. Jalil Carter, from all accounts, has All-MAC ability.

DEPTH — Receiver looked like a weakness after Akron lost its top two from last year. I would say this is now a strength. Anthony Meriwether has raw skill. Gary Pride is ready to get his chance. True freshmen Keith Sconiers and Antoine Russell are going to be really good players. The question is whether they are needed this season.

Offensive line

STARTERS — Like the last few years, Akron will have a dependable starting line. Jake Anderson will start at right tackle; Zac Kasparek at right guard; Mike Ward at center; Mitch Straight at left guard; Corey Woods at left tackle.

DEPTH — Here is where the problem lies. Keeping the line healthy is the second key to this season. Akron needs to stay completely healthy. There are only a few guys beyond the starters who I can envision playing this year. Paul Simkovich is one, and the coaches won't say when he'll be back.

Defensive line

STARTERS — You have to like Shawn Lemon and Hasan Hazime on the ends rushing the passer, with Almondo Sewell and Dan Marcoux inside clogging the running game. This is a strong line, for sure. It will get stronger when Sean Fobbs returns from injury, too.

DEPTH — But this is the most exciting part… Akron can easily establish a third string at each position. The second string ends are probably Fobbs/Lemon and Deni Odofin. You are likely to see Joe Rash, Cowles Stewart and James Harvey at tackle. Ianello intends to have the second string rotate in and out, giving the starting linemen an extra dose of energy.

Linebacker

STARTERS — Few linebacking corps in the midwest can compare to the unit of Brian Wagner, Mike Thomas and Troy Gilmer. They're smart, athletic and make huge plays.

DEPTH — But they must stay healthy. The second string is quite thin. Ianello will call upon sophomore Matt Little and true freshman Jamar Williams. Redshirt freshman Blake Fraley might also be pressed into service. Along with offensive line, this is the other position that Ianello wishes he had more depth.

Safety

STARTERS — Josh Richmond and Doug Richardson have combined for 15 career tackles. Ianello says he's comfortable with his starters. These guys have a lot to prove before I'll be at ease.

DEPTH — Akron has Jared Province and Kevin Davis in case the starters don't produce. Province is a sophomore who sat out most of last year with an injury. Davis, a juco transfer, had a quiet junior season in 2009.

Cornerback

STARTERS — Manley Waller and Diamond Weaver have been the clear starters since the spring. Waller will be responsible to cover the opponent's top receiver. I trust he will do a good job. I need to see a lot more out of Weaver before I have faith in his coverage ability.

DEPTH — Akron has a slew of young corners to jump in, but they have little experience. The list includes sophomore Marvase Byrd and freshmen Emmanuel Lartey and Randy Greenwood.

Special teams

KICKER — Igor Iveljic, T.J. Marchese and Branko Rogovic are all candidates. Ianello said he might follow his predecessor's lead and have one guy kickoff and one guy placekick. Placekicking is the third key to this season. Akron must have a dependable field goal option.

PUNTER — This is Zack Campbell's job. Who can forget his 76-yard blast at Syracuse last year?

RETURNER — LaFrance will do most of the returning, but I'd like to see Weaver back there, too.

LONG SNAPPER — Sophomore Adam Steiner will play the Brian Flaherty position for the rest of his career.

[xu9697]

Where are Rasor's FB and TE previews?!?!!? :-)

[johnnyzip84]

Where are Rasor's FB and TE previews?!?!!? :-)

Good pickup! He must have been using last year's template and forgot all about them. Of course, this year if you neglect to mention TEs, you're neglecting to mention 8-9% of the team