POLL: How many wins in 2012 will you be happy with?

[NewZipsFan]

This will be very interesting to look back on at the end of 2012!

[Dr Z]

Away Games: FIU, Tenn, Can't State, Ohio, Temple, Toledo Home Games: UCF, Morgan St, Buffalo, Miami (OH), Northern Illinois, UMass

I would expect to win 4 or 5 games just because of the scheme, and an experienced coach. We lack the talent depth that coach Bowden will recruit in the next years to make us a consistent winner. To answer the question, 4 wins or more will make me happy. But its also about competitiveness and style of play on the field. I want to be competitive in games, and I want to be entertained. I want to see progress throughout the year and I want to see a system in place that takes advantage of the talent on the team.

September 8th will be a good measuring stick against FIU if we don't beat UCF.

[NewZipsFan]

Away Games: FIU, Tenn, Can't State, Ohio, Temple, Toledo Home Games: UCF, Morgan St, Buffalo, Miami (OH), Northern Illinois, UMass

I would expect to win 4 or 5 games just because of the scheme, and an experienced coach. We lack the talent depth that coach Bowden will recruit in the next years to make us a consistent winner. To answer the question, 4 wins or more will make me happy. But its also about competitiveness and style of play on the field. I want to be competitive in games, and I want to be entertained. I want to see progress throughout the year and I want to see a system in place that takes advantage of the talent on the team.

#1. Agree with you 100%. I'm still trying to have realistic expectations - because when I look at the schedule, I want to say 6-7 wins are very possible. Things would have to really go our way, but nothing is impossible. I can't help thinking about what Coach Bowden did at Auburn They had two losing seasons in a row when Pat Dye got fired for getting the program put on probation. Terry came in late December, and of course went 11-0 that season and was the Bear Bryant Coach of the Year (beating his father, who won the National Championship). Then, won the first 9 games the next season - winning 20 straight in the SEC and going 20-1-1 in his first 2 seasons there. But I digress.... I'm supposed to be keeping my expectations in the realm of the realistic!

[johnnyzip84]

I went with 3-4, although I believe Coach Bowden and staff could very well win 1 or 2 more games than that. Morgan St and UMass both should be wins. I look at Buffalo, Miami, and Can't as definite possibilities. Wins over either FIU or UCF would be pleasant surprises, especially so early in the Bowden Era. As it stands now, the rest of the schedule looks to be daunting and I would not EXPECT a win out of any of those games. Of course, if the Zips knock off either UCF or FIU then all bets are off. Realistically I am happy with 3 or 4 wins, but that is also under the assumption that most of the losses will be reasonably competitive.

On a related note, I am really fascinated with how much different this team winds up performing on the field as opposed to last year. Don’t get me wrong, I want as strong of a recruiting class as we can land considering the circumstances. But part of me wants to witness a pseudo scientific experiment where only the coaches and not the players are changed from last year. I think we may have a rare opportunity to see just how much coaching influences game performance, both individually and collectively.

[Let'sGoZips94]

I checked them all because all of them are better than iCan'tCoach. Plus, just watching our staff on the sidelines is going to be great. Bowdens, The Chest, Buckley, etc.

[MontrealExposloveZippy]

I would really have to believe Terry and his boys can pull off at least 4 wins this upcoming season. I'm just excited to see the little man bumble about the sidelines getting his players' asses into gear.

[GP1]

I want to say 6-7 wins are very possible. Things would have to really go our way, but nothing is impossible.

As a new observer of the MAC, you will find out that strange things happen in this league. It wouldn't be outside of the world of reality of they won six. It also wouldn't be outside the world of reality if they only won 2-3. I'm leaning to 4-5.

[zen]

On a related note, I am really fascinated with how much different this team winds up performing on the field as opposed to last year. Don’t get me wrong, I want as strong of a recruiting class as we can land considering the circumstances. But part of me wants to witness a pseudo scientific experiment where only the coaches and not the players are changed from last year. I think we may have a rare opportunity to see just how much coaching influences game performance, both individually and collectively.

I posited that very same point soon after our new coach was hired.

And while the roster is sure to be different (people leaving, transfers, new faces), 2012 season will not have Bowden's fingerprints on it much at all in terms of recruiting. So basically, it will be a great chance to contrast coaching and see just how much it changes things.

[Zips fan]

I voted for 3-4. I do believe TB will make us a better team immediately but we weren't competitive in a lot of games last year. He is not taking a team over the hump. He is going to have to improve by two touchdowns per game to get to respectable. I think we are going in the right direction but icoach made a ton of mistakes that will take time to fix.

[Lee Adams]

I voted for 3-4. I do believe TB will make us a better team immediately but we weren't competitive in a lot of games last year. He is not taking a team over the hump. He is going to have to improve by two touchdowns per game to get to respectable. I think we are going in the right direction but icoach made a ton of mistakes that will take time to fix.

Good point. Its hard to get dramtic improvement on both sides offense and defense in year 1. A coach brings in new systems. He has to kind of choose which side of the ball he wants to upgrade first. Looks like 3 POSSIBLE at home. Can't on the road hopefully. But the other road games are really gonna be tough. Don't realistically see wins there right now. Year 2 is probably when the improvement will show up on the field. Gonna be some new faces at a lot of positions. I understand they brought in another QB who MIGHT end up as the starter. There will obviously be a steeper learning curve if thats the case. Gonna be better than the last 2 though.

[johnnyzip84]

I understand they brought in another QB who MIGHT end up as the starter. There will obviously be a steeper learning curve if thats the case. Gonna be better than the last 2 though.

Are you referring to Tyrell Goodman?

[Ham]

How will coaching make a difference? Eliminate stupid coaching mistakes like kicking off to start both halves, going for 2 pt conversions when 1 is clearly called for. Offensive play calling was not only stupid but also predictable. How many times did you say "Don't run that play", only to see them do just that and get stuffed? So many 3 and outs put the defense in bad field position. A little coaching creativity with game planning, play calling, and individual player utilization will make a world of difference! Bad field position aside, the defense lacked preperation. How many TD's did we give up where the DB was no where to be found. I blame that on coaching. Lack of a pass rush? Creative coaching could have played "games" with the front 4 and LB's more. Kick coverage? Did we always have the right people in there? I wouldn't utilize my star LB or starting FB, but the right mix of speed and grit needs to be in there. Coach B took a demoralize Auburn team with nothing to play for except pride, and brought them together to win 20 in a row! We have a group of young men who I'm betting are pumped to have a new beginning. Look for our new staff to bring out the best in them. That could be enough for 6 or 7 wins , but I'll be happy with 4 or 5 in '12.

[ZachTheZip]

4-5 is certainly possible. Good coaching and playcalling fundamentals can go a long way.

[GalleyBoy]

Beat Can't and win 3-4 other games (hopefully some at home).

[GP1]

Galley Boy!!!! Man do I miss that sandwich. If Vegas had to set a line on the over/under for the length of time it took between finishing a Galley Boy and sitting on the toilet, I wonder what that line would be.?.?

[zestycoyote]

Galley Boy!!!! Man do I miss that sandwich. If Vegas had to set a line on the over/under for the length of time it took between finishing a Galley Boy and sitting on the toilet, I wonder what that line would be.?.?

I just had a Galley Boy today. I wish I could send one your way!

I think 5 wins is possible. Athletes don't matter much in the MAC, but coaching does. Bowden is already one of the best coaches in the MAC without ever coaching a game. Assuming he will maximize the current talent on the roster, I think winning one of the big out of conference games is possible and the MAC almost always lends 1-3 games to inferior opponents.

[GP1]

I just had a Galley Boy today. I wish I could send one your way!

So do I.

If you would like to go the extra mile, maybe you could build a Swensons next to my house....

[acstorfer]

Considering the last two years, I will be ecstatic with four wins.

I know this might sound silly, but with Jason Taylor's retirement from the nfl, could he not be brought in to help with recruiting? I mean it won't make us competitive with Big 10 schools, but seeing Jason Taylor at my door would make me very interested in what Akron has to offer.

[Blue & Gold]

2 wins would DOUBLE our total from last year! That's an increase of 100%!

Having said that, 4 wins would make me very happy. I don't want to get too greedy.

If we weren't so unimaginiably abominable and entirely uncompetitive last year, I'd say we have an extremely favorable schedule. However, we were soooo bad last year, I'm only expecting to win 2 games - Morgan State & UMass. Anything else will be gravy.

Here is my absolutely best case scenario:

UCF - L

FIU - W

Morgan State - W (our first above .500 record in years!)

Tennessee - L

Can't - W (Coach Bowden will have our guys sky high for this one)

Ohio - L

Temple - L

Toledo - L

Buffalo - W (though they simply had their way with us last year)

Miami - W

NIU - L

UMass - W

Final record: 6-6. Bowl eligible, baby!

[akzipper]

Considering the last two years, I will be ecstatic with four wins.

I know this might sound silly, but with Jason Taylor's retirement from the nfl, could he not be brought in to help with recruiting? I mean it won't make us competitive with Big 10 schools, but seeing Jason Taylor at my door would make me very interested in what Akron has to offer.

I would like to see him have some sort of job with the football team, whether it be a position coach, recruiting, or something else. But my question is how does Jason really feel about Akron? Is he proud of being a graduate and want to give back, or does he just consider it the place he went to school? If I had to guess I'd say he just considers it the place he went to school, since I've never heard of him attending games, coming back to campus, or even talk about Akron.

[NewZipsFan]

I would like to see him have some sort of job with the football team, whether it be a position coach, recruiting, or something else. But my question is how does Jason really feel about Akron? Is he proud of being a graduate and want to give back, or does he just consider it the place he went to school? If I had to guess I'd say he just considers it the place he went to school, since I've never heard of him attending games, coming back to campus, or even talk about Akron.

T-Buck played with him at the Dolphins, so I am sure the staff has already reached out to him. I doubt with all the money he's made over his career that he is looking for a job right now . But I sure hope he comes back to support the program, and I'll bet he does.

[zippy5]

I guess I have a different definition of happy.

6+ wins will make me happy.

3-5 I'll understand and in no means will be disappointed or calling for TB's head, but I can't say I'd ever be "happy" with a losing season.

[NewZipsFan]

I guess I have a different definition of happy.

6+ wins will make me happy.

3-5 I'll understand and in no means will be disappointed or calling for TB's head, but I can't say I'd ever be "happy" with a losing season.

I guess I should have used the word "satisfied" instead of "happy".

[K92]

I am satisfied with another 1-11 season if the Zips players and coaches play with fundamental competence, coupled with what my high school coach called "reckless abandon". That means no more moronic coaching decisions and playing full-go til the last whistle. You have to win the games you are supposed to win and steal one or two you aren't. I want to see a total effort. I want to see the Zips play not only extremely hard, but also smart. If they do that, I will accept any record and I will have a helluva good time coming to the Info in 2012. I am banking on having that good time. If the Zips display the core competencies that were absent under the last coaching staff, I look forward to 4 or more wins in 2012. I am chomping at the bit to see what the Bowden-led Zips look like.