K.E.N.T. Week

[johnnyzip84]

I realize many of us didn't want to hear it at the time, but Joe Dunn was on the mark during the NIU post-game show when he mentioned the K.E.N.T. game as coming at a very opportune time this year. The Zips went from playing their best game of the year in Bloomington to last week's shellacking at the hands of the Huskies. At this point ANY win would be more than welcome, but a win over our eastern foes would certainly turn a few frowns upside down, at least for an afternoon. Here is Gaffney's early take on the game.

[GoZips88]

I wanted to read Gaffney's article, headed over to do so, but it just looked like so much blah, blah, blah ...

MAN UP, GET PISSED, AND LOOK LIKE A FREAKIN' FBS FOOTBALL TEAM FOR A FULL 60 MINUTES!!!

[Kangaroo Craig]

I saw the latest line in the local paper yesterday. It has Can't favored by 16 1/2. Although I do not think they will cover, I do see them winning this year. They are an average MAC team at best this year, but we are downright awful. At this point, I would be surprised if we win a single game.

[InTheZone]

Here's a question...

Let's say by some miracle we win the East. Let's say we win it at 5-3 like we did in '05. We head into the MAC title game at 5-7, and somehow pull off a miraculous win. We're MAC champs at 6-7. Do we get a bowl bid with a losing record?

If this scenario were to happen, it'd be the biggest turnaround of the century. I don't think we can win 2 games, much less 5. But I've always wondered about a scenario like that. If it can happen anywhere, it's the MAC

[Dr Z]

I saw the latest line in the local paper yesterday. It has Can't favored by 16 1/2.

I had to look it up. 17 point underdogs to hippies! Come on man! Embarrassing.

[akronad]

As much as I hate to say, we are that bad. I have been a fan for over 40 yrs. and the last 3-4 years have probably been the most frustrating I have ever been through.

But, DW & I will be in the parking lot at Dix stadium late Saturday morning to cheer on the Zips.

[Let'sGoZips94]

Just have to prove the haters wrong. I know we are horrible, but I don't know how much better Can't is. Did anyone watch last week's game against Miami (OH)? Cant's QB is just as bad as ours. Sadly, it's going to be a good game, but at the end of the day, if we have the Wagon Wheel still, I'll be happy.

[Dr Z]

Cant's QB is just as bad as ours.

I'll bet Keith's stats are close to the ones he put up playing Murray State, and not Penn State on Saturday. I have to admit, I have only seen him play one game against us last year, but I was impressed, especially for his age. He put up 377 yards on last years secondary with 5 people back there!?!? Maybe Ken+'s OL is worse this year? Is it possible for us to get pressure on him this week? I have to see it, to believe it.

[skip-zip]

I always hate trying to predict this game. We had a surprise win against them at home last year that I don't think anyone expected. We also got a serious beatdown from them at Ken+ right after winning the MAC title (one of my most embarrassing moments as a Zips fan).

Another tidbit of concern is that we are probably facing a QB that has much more ability to run than the QBs we've faced so far this year. As if we need another problem trying to account for people defensively.

I want to know if there's even been an Akron/Ken+ game with a 17 point underdog. Embarrassing.

[johnnyzip84]

I always hate trying to predict this game. We had a surprise win against them at home last year that I don't think anyone expected. We also got a serious beatdown from them at Ken+ right after winning the MAC title (one of my most embarrassing moments as a Zips fan).

Another tidbit of concern is that we are probably facing a QB that has much more ability to run than the QBs we've faced so far this year. As if we need another problem trying to account for people defensively.

I want to know if there's even been an Akron/Ken+ game with a 17 point underdog. Embarrassing.

It's just my opinion, but I don't think Keith is anywhere near the runner that Chandler Harnish is.

Spencer Keith's Stats

Chandler Harnish's Stats

I seem to recall LOSING to K.E.N.T. as a 17 point FAVORITE once. Marcel Weems days? Game at K.E.N.T.? Anyone else recall?

EDIT: I think it was in 1992 (link), the year we had our best record as a D-1 team at 7-3-1. K.E.N.T. pulled off a 20-14 upset that year. That was one of Pete Cordelli's (another Notre Dame WR coach, IIRC) total of THREE victories in three years as K.E.N.T. head coach

[skip-zip]

I always hate trying to predict this game. We had a surprise win against them at home last year that I don't think anyone expected. We also got a serious beatdown from them at Ken+ right after winning the MAC title (one of my most embarrassing moments as a Zips fan).

Another tidbit of concern is that we are probably facing a QB that has much more ability to run than the QBs we've faced so far this year. As if we need another problem trying to account for people defensively.

I want to know if there's even been an Akron/Ken+ game with a 17 point underdog. Embarrassing.

It's just my opinion, but I don't think Keith is anywhere near the runner that Chandler Harnish is.

Spencer Keith's Stats

Chandler Harnish's Stats

I seem to recall LOSING to K.E.N.T. as a 17 point FAVORITE once. Marcel Weems days? Game at K.E.N.T.? Anyone else recall?

Wow. That's really surprising to me. I've seen both of them play, and Keith appears to be a lot more mobile to me. But I am sure glad we don't have to chase around Edelman anymore.

Johnny...I hope someone can recall the game you might be referring to. I'd just be really surprised if either Ken+ or Akron has ever been a 17 point favorite in this game.

[johnnyzip84]

I always hate trying to predict this game. We had a surprise win against them at home last year that I don't think anyone expected. We also got a serious beatdown from them at Ken+ right after winning the MAC title (one of my most embarrassing moments as a Zips fan).

Another tidbit of concern is that we are probably facing a QB that has much more ability to run than the QBs we've faced so far this year. As if we need another problem trying to account for people defensively.

I want to know if there's even been an Akron/Ken+ game with a 17 point underdog. Embarrassing.

It's just my opinion, but I don't think Keith is anywhere near the runner that Chandler Harnish is.

Spencer Keith's Stats

Chandler Harnish's Stats

I seem to recall LOSING to K.E.N.T. as a 17 point FAVORITE once. Marcel Weems days? Game at K.E.N.T.? Anyone else recall?

Wow. That's really surprising to me. I've seen both of them play, and Keith appears to be a lot more mobile to me. But I am sure glad we don't have to chase around Edelman anymore.

Johnny...I hope someone can recall the game you might be referring to. I'd just be really surprised if either Ken+ or Akron has ever been a 17 point favorite in this game.

I'm pretty sure the game was in 1992 (see edited post).

[bUAkronG]

Here's a question...

Let's say by some miracle we win the East. Let's say we win it at 5-3 like we did in '05. We head into the MAC title game at 5-7, and somehow pull off a miraculous win. We're MAC champs at 6-7. Do we get a bowl bid with a losing record?

If this scenario were to happen, it'd be the biggest turnaround of the century. I don't think we can win 2 games, much less 5. But I've always wondered about a scenario like that. If it can happen anywhere, it's the MAC

I'm pretty sure winning the MAC Championship nets you a bowl bid regardless of your record. You must be talking about next year, though.

[skip-zip]

Here's a question...

Let's say by some miracle we win the East. Let's say we win it at 5-3 like we did in '05. We head into the MAC title game at 5-7, and somehow pull off a miraculous win. We're MAC champs at 6-7. Do we get a bowl bid with a losing record?

If this scenario were to happen, it'd be the biggest turnaround of the century. I don't think we can win 2 games, much less 5. But I've always wondered about a scenario like that. If it can happen anywhere, it's the MAC

I'm pretty sure winning the MAC Championship nets you a bowl bid regardless of your record. You must be talking about next year, though.

Next Year? A year that, unlike this year, where we actually will have some significant personnel losses? We'll lose our two best RBs, a couple of our best OLs, two WRs, and some pretty good and experienced DLs and LBs?

Yikes.

Like I said yesterday, if this guy can recruit, NOW would be a good time to start, or I think we are in for a really rough next couple of years !!!!

[InTheZone]

Spot on skip. That's what I've been trying to tell people. This year's team is experienced and talented. If we were going to win something, this would be the year to do it. It's not like we can look at this team and say "oh, well we're just young, wait until next year!". That's not the case at all. As hard as it is to fathom, we'll probably be worse next year. RI will probably be gone sooner rather than later. If he can't win with what he has this year, we might not come within 3 touchdowns of anybody next year.

[RootforRoo44]

Spot on skip. That's what I've been trying to tell people. This year's team is experienced and talented. If we were going to win something, this would be the year to do it. It's not like we can look at this team and say "oh, well we're just young, wait until next year!". That's not the case at all. As hard as it is to fathom, we'll probably be worse next year. RI will probably be gone sooner rather than later. If he can't win with what he has this year, we might not come within 3 touchdowns of anybody next year.

I have to think you're right there. It seems that a vast majority of people i've talked to have already had enough of RI and if much more of this continues I have to think that a few big donors/people up high are going to start calling for it as well.

btw I have a new poll on my site regarding Ianello, feel free to check it out. On the right side of the page.

[skip-zip]

Spot on skip. That's what I've been trying to tell people. This year's team is experienced and talented. If we were going to win something, this would be the year to do it. It's not like we can look at this team and say "oh, well we're just young, wait until next year!". That's not the case at all. As hard as it is to fathom, we'll probably be worse next year. RI will probably be gone sooner rather than later. If he can't win with what he has this year, we might not come within 3 touchdowns of anybody next year.

It's almost more than I can stand to stomach, but if you look at our senior personnel, it's not a stretch to think that this year's team should be better than next year's team.

Makes me want to

[akronad]

Spot on skip. That's what I've been trying to tell people. This year's team is experienced and talented. If we were going to win something, this would be the year to do it. It's not like we can look at this team and say "oh, well we're just young, wait until next year!". That's not the case at all. As hard as it is to fathom, we'll probably be worse next year. RI will probably be gone sooner rather than later. If he can't win with what he has this year, we might not come within 3 touchdowns of anybody next year.

This years team might be experienced, but I would have to disagree with you on the fact of being talented. They have played for 1 -3 or more years with a losing program, and with just an exception or 2, there are NO outstanding players on this team. Some of you might say differently, but looked at the records of not just this year, but the last few years.

[skip-zip]

Spot on skip. That's what I've been trying to tell people. This year's team is experienced and talented. If we were going to win something, this would be the year to do it. It's not like we can look at this team and say "oh, well we're just young, wait until next year!". That's not the case at all. As hard as it is to fathom, we'll probably be worse next year. RI will probably be gone sooner rather than later. If he can't win with what he has this year, we might not come within 3 touchdowns of anybody next year.

This years team might be experienced, but I would have to disagree with you on the fact of being talented. They have played for 1 -3 or more years with a losing program, and with just an exception or 2, there are NO outstanding players on this team. Some of you might say differently, but looked at the records of not just this year, but the last few years.

Then the simple questions would be........if there are so many starters who are no good, then what does it say about the guys on the bench who will be replacing them as starters next year?

[Dr Z]

Then the simple questions would be........if there are so many starters who are no good, then what does it say about the guys on the bench who will be replacing them as starters next year?

They will be in the system one more year longer than the players that are playing now. You can hope that being more familiar with the system will help them play better.

[GP1]

Spot on skip. That's what I've been trying to tell people. This year's team is experienced and talented. If we were going to win something, this would be the year to do it. It's not like we can look at this team and say "oh, well we're just young, wait until next year!". That's not the case at all. As hard as it is to fathom, we'll probably be worse next year. RI will probably be gone sooner rather than later. If he can't win with what he has this year, we might not come within 3 touchdowns of anybody next year.

I agree. This was the year to make a splash. The three questions that needed answered coming into 2010 were:

1. Can Nicely throw the ball on target?

2. Can the new guy coach or is he just a recruiter?

3. Can this group of Zips find a heart.

The answer to #1 is no. Just check the statistics.

The answer to #2 is no. There was a good enough team to win this season regardless of how long the new coach has been around.

The answer to #3 is no. Same guys....same losing mentality....the more things change the more they stay the same. 20+ years is enough.

[GJGood]

Here's a question...

Let's say by some miracle we win the East. Let's say we win it at 5-3 like we did in '05. We head into the MAC title game at 5-7, and somehow pull off a miraculous win. We're MAC champs at 6-7. Do we get a bowl bid with a losing record?

If this scenario were to happen, it'd be the biggest turnaround of the century. I don't think we can win 2 games, much less 5. But I've always wondered about a scenario like that. If it can happen anywhere, it's the MAC

I am pretty certain we would get a bowl bid in this scenario. I know back when the Sun Belt only had one bowl tie-in that North Texas won the league title and played in the bowl game despite not meeting the 6 win requirement.

its not really something I think will come into play this year though.

[johnnyzip84]

Although it's probably not a big deal at this point, Jarvis is unlikely to be back this Saturday.

[skip-zip]

Although it's probably not a big deal at this point, Jarvis is unlikely to be back this Saturday.

I think the biggest factor here is that they've been forced to remove Terry from an already-thin receiving corp and move him back to RB.

We can't lie to ourselves. Without a healthy Jarvis in the game, we have a better chance of winning.

[akronad]

I just got my tickets at our box office. GA, $5.00 for season ticket holders.