Game 7 - ZIPS at ou

[PB1719]

Anyone that beats us by 6 pts deserves to be in the top 25.

[skip-zip]

I didn't think I would be able to say this after the way the season started.

But for the 2nd straight game, I think our defense played well enough for us to win, and the offense missed far too many opportunities.

[GP1]

I remain nervous about the effect the poor record has on recruiting.

As do I. The biggest problem the team has is talent. We have to attract kids with the idea of playing quickly and thats not the ideal position. "Winners" want to play for a winning team. They also want to compete to be the best and for playing time. They want to compete in practice and in games. Competition makes the team better.

Bringing in kids with the promise of getting on the field quickly is the easy way. Not a competitive mindset. Our task is hard and there is a disconnect between the kind of kid we need and the kind of kid who would be attracted to signing with Akron.

Our problems aren't impossible to fix, but they are extremely difficult. It's shocking how completely wrecked this program is and I say that as a person who believes they are better than last year. Randy Travis once wrote a song called, "I'm going back to a better class of loser" and I think that's where we are right now. We are still losing, only in less spectacular ways

[skip-zip]

I remain nervous about the effect the poor record has on recruiting.

And the 2nd part of that equation is FAN interest.

In both cases, we need to show that a turnaround is taking place. It's difficult to do that without Ws. I felt like either Miami or BG had to be a "W" in order to give both recruits and potential fans that impression. Now, the opportunities to accomplish that this season are getting slim.

I'll hate to see the attendance next weekend.

[ZippyRulz]

Anyone that beats us by 6 pts deserves to be in the top 25.

I don't think it will be quite enough unless Boise would end up losing. This was another narrow win, over a team with 1 (FCS) win...won't impress the AP voters.

ou gets to face Dysert at rival Miami next (in 2 weeks)

[OZoner]

I don't think it will be quite enough unless Boise would end up losing. This was another narrow win, over a team with 1 (FCS) win...won't impress the AP voters.

ou gets to face Dysert at rival Miami next (in 2 weeks)

Not that I think Ohio deserves to be in the top 25, but Ohio moved up a few places last week after a not-impressive win over Buffalo. So it could very well happen.

[Lee Adams]

Disappointed that Kyle Pohl isn't getting some PT right now. This season is now officially "experimental". There are only 2 games left on the schedule where the Zips will have ANY chance to win in 2012 (CMU and UMass) and neither will be easy. Coach Bowden needs to start thinking about 2013.

Absolutely! I think TB probably had a good idea that this year was going to be a crapshoot. He has done a helluva job just getting these guys to play their asses off each week. But since Williams is a one and done and some of the O line will be leaving its time. Start the #1's but start rotating more underclassmen during the game. They need to find some D linemen,LB's,O line and get Pohl some meaningful minutes. This team is obviuosly going to live and die w/the offense

At this point attendance is not an issue for this year. If they can win 1 or 2 more and start strong next season,more fans will pay attention.

[PB1719]

I still think we win one or two more, We've faced most of the top teams in our schedule. Our defense is improving, our offense is scoring quite well, minus the BG game. Have a little faith people! Also, if you want to get down to it, the last few years with Ianello the team had a lot more talent. As the team is nearly purged of any skill, Terry steps in and does way more with a lot less. I realize what the record is, but few games can you count us out, even late in the 4th. Our kids are visibly more driven under Bowden. They look like they have confidence, the never give up, they take ownership of the situation. I'm sure recruits see the difference between this year and last. Sure, we won't land them all, but being one big play from winning, be it on offense ore defense is a selling point to me. Tell them that if they were in there in that crucial situation, we would have gotten a stop, or a first down. I have as much faith as ever in Terry Bowden as ever, he was the right hire. I'm so tired of people crying on this board. He had nothing to do with the downward spiral that happened prior to his arrival. What has he done since coming here recruiting wise? Look how much the incoming freshmen are contributing on this team, then look how many had committed to our team prior to his arrival. Look at the few transfers that he brought in, what have they done? Look at the position changes, was Grice moving to the DL the right call? I'm pretty sure TB knows what the *#$@ he and his star studded staff(none of which we'd have without him) are doing!

If you can't buy in, then cash out!

PB1719

[johnnyzip84]

I still think we win one or two more, We've faced most of the top teams in our schedule. Our defense is improving, our offense is scoring quite well, minus the BG game. Have a little faith people! Also, if you want to get down to it, the last few years with Ianello the team had a lot more talent. As the team is nearly purged of any skill, Terry steps in and does way more with a lot less. I realize what the record is, but few games can you count us out, even late in the 4th. Our kids are visibly more driven under Bowden. They look like they have confidence, the never give up, they take ownership of the situation. I'm sure recruits see the difference between this year and last. Sure, we won't land them all, but being one big play from winning, be it on offense ore defense is a selling point to me. Tell them that if they were in there in that crucial situation, we would have gotten a stop, or a first down. I have as much faith as ever in Terry Bowden as ever, he was the right hire. I'm so tired of people crying on this board. He had nothing to do with the downward spiral that happened prior to his arrival. What has he done since coming here recruiting wise? Look how much the incoming freshmen are contributing on this team, then look how many had committed to our team prior to his arrival. Look at the few transfers that he brought in, what have they done? Look at the position changes, was Grice moving to the DL the right call? I'm pretty sure TB knows what the *#$@ he and his star studded staff(none of which we'd have without him) are doing!

If you can't buy in, then cash out!

PB1719

Three of the remaining teams on the schedule are a combined 10-0 in the MAC and 17-3 overall. Other than one wacky poster, I don't recall anyone saying Coach Bowden can't or won't get it done. I'm just disappointed that the job he faces seems even bigger than I had imagined when he was hired. And I'll bet he agrees with me on that.

Are we not permitted to voice are concerns and disagreements and still be considered to be Bowden Backers?

[ZachTheZip]

People thought coach Bowden was joking or being modest when he said that his goal was to win two games this year. He wasn't.

He knew what we have looked like the past however many years. He knew the massive psychological overhaul he would need to pull off to get these players winning football games.

I think we as fans let ourselves get over-hyped. We knew it would take time, but we let our own hopes shorten our patience.

[Z-P]

I too am dissapointed in the results thus far..............and fear what is coming can be more of the same.

However, let's not overlook this possibility, and please "season" our comments (attacks) with considertion of it: how much fun do you think it is for TB (and his staff) to get their butts handed to him week after week? Could you personally "get up" week after week following close loses? Maybe he's on the edge of being depressed himself. I don't think so based upon what I see, but it is possible. He's among the most well known names in top echelon college coaches (historically) and he's got to live with his friends in that community.

Good thing he found Dalton, right? Imagine going with what he inherited for a Trigger!

We NEED his experience, skill set, ability to bring in talented support (staff), enthusiasm and desire to succeed.

So all I'm saying is lets give them a mulligan in 2012 and see what comes during the coming months (recruiting etc).

GO ZIPS!

[GoZips]

I too am dissapointed in the results thus far..............and fear what is coming can be more of the same.

However, let's not overlook this possibility, and please "season" our comments (attacks) with considertion of it: how much fun do you think it is for TB (and his staff) to get their butts handed to him week after week? Could you personally "get up" week after week following close loses? Maybe he's on the edge of being depressed himself. I don't think so based upon what I see, but it is possible. He's among the most well known names in top echelon college coaches (historically) and he's got to live with his friends in that community.

Good thing he found Dalton, right? Imagine going with what he inherited for a Trigger!

We NEED his experience, skill set, ability to bring in talented support (staff), enthusiasm and desire to succeed.

So all I'm saying is lets give them a mulligan in 2012 and see what comes during the coming months (recruiting etc).

GO ZIPS!

Z-P, what the heck are you so disappointed about? Is the glass empty? That the Zips are not

contending for a BCS bid and a chance at a National Championship? What did you realistically expect?

Moonbeams in a jar?

The Zips are right where coach Terry Bowden said they would be. They have reached phase two of

his plan. You do remember his plan do you not? Phase one ... lose big. Think UCF, Tennessee.

Phase two ... lose small. Think Miami of Ohio, Ohio U.

Phase three ... win small.

Phase four ... win big. Forget Morgan State. They were an FBS program.

Phase five ... keep on winning big.

It is a tribute to coach and his staff that the Zips have shown glimpses of how good they will be.

This is like turning a sow's ear into a silk purse. The talent will come. And, it will come soon.

Parents and advisers are telling their kids that they see potential at Akron. That Akron is a good

place to play early. A chance to be part of a rebirth. A chance to have a lot of fun.

You may not be proud of our kids accomplishments; but, I am.

These kids have grown. They will pick up some of phase three this year. Wait and see. They will

do Akron proud.

Am I cheerleader for Terry Bowden? Yes, I am, a heart felt Go Zips ... !!!!! from me.

[skip-zip]

People thought coach Bowden was joking or being modest when he said that his goal was to win two games this year. He wasn't.

He knew what we have looked like the past however many years. He knew the massive psychological overhaul he would need to pull off to get these players winning football games.

I think we as fans let ourselves get over-hyped. We knew it would take time, but we let our own hopes shorten our patience.

First, can I ask how you know how our coach really felt when he made that statement?

We did all raise our expectations, based on the way the team was playing through the first several games. Lets face it, there have already been 2 or 3 more games that we could have won this year. So, I don't think it was that much of a stretch for the fans to have expected that we could exceed that 2-win goal this season, and being a little dissapointed that we have not recorded #2 yet.

It's not being disrespectful to the efforts of the coaches or players by feeling this way right now.

[johnnyzip84]

First, I want to make it clear that the way Coach Bowden and staff have been able to continue to get the team to bounce back each week and COMPETE is nothing short of amazing. I think Z-P and GoZips have made some good points here. Consequently, I will keep my "anxiety" in check (off the board).

I have never said he can't or won't get it done here, but players aren't the only people who can develop a losing culture. It's becoming evident to me that I, as a fan, may have fallen into a similar malaise over the last few years. But I've never quit on the Zips, and I never will. Go Zips!

[GP1]

Some are discussing benching starters. I'm all for it, but we can't do it in a way the leads to 30 point loses. It's one thing to try to sell a winning program, but it is even more difficult to sell a losing program that loses by 30 points per game down the stretch.

I believe we need to work in the freshman QB behind an experienced line. Experience is good for an individual player. Cohesion is important for offensive linemen and that needs to be worked on in the off season. Working in Pohl behind a young line under siege isn't the best way to develop a young QB.

[Spin]

Some are discussing benching starters.

And put in WHO? The biggest problem with this team is the lack of size and depth. We couldn't field two O lines in the spring game.

What the hell would that do for this program?

Crimony, even IaDon'tKnow could win one game a year.

[GoZips88]

I thing TB and the rest of the coaches are doing an outstanding job with what they were left to work with and those they were able to bring in on short notice. Injuries are just part of the game and it's too bad that a number of guys who were making a difference and showing a lot of promise are on the sidelines due to injury.

After the last couple of years in particular, I'm ecstatic that I've been able to watch every game from start to finish and find it entertaining for the most part. Could we have won another game here or there so far? Yeah, I suppose. No big deal as far as I'm concerned. This year is a mulligan. We're going to be fine going forward - GO ZIPS!!!!

[ctmjbowes@sbcglobal.net]

Phase I, to me, has been to produce an on-field product that can hold my attention. I actively worked to avoid even thinking about the Zips as they fell into the abyss under Ianello. The program was like a cosmic focus of sadness and I couldn't bring myself to watch it. I was a guy calling for the program to consider the drop to FCS. This year they haven't won but damn it they are fun to watch. I'm entertained as hell by this team, although it's also enraging to watch the mistakes and the points-scored-against. So, to recap:

Previous elicited emotion: pure, abject sadness.

Current elicited emotions: excitement, glee, rage.

A few twists, increasingly adaptive coaching, a couple more solid players, younger players working into the scheme, these things should bring us into the win column a little more often. I see positive steps here, and minimally I can say I now look forward to watching the team play. I'm OK with that until TB has had the chance to bring in more players.

[jupitertoo]

Phase I, to me, has been to produce an on-field product that can hold my attention. I actively worked to avoid even thinking about the Zips as they fell into the abyss under Ianello. The program was like a cosmic focus of sadness and I couldn't bring myself to watch it. I was a guy calling for the program to consider the drop to FCS. This year they haven't won but damn it they are fun to watch. I'm entertained as hell by this team, although it's also enraging to watch the mistakes and the points-scored-against. So, to recap:

Previous elicited emotion: pure, abject sadness.

Current elicited emotions: excitement, glee, rage.

A few twists, increasingly adaptive coaching, a couple more solid players, younger players working into the scheme, these things should bring us into the win column a little more often. I see positive steps here, and minimally I can say I now look forward to watching the team play. I'm OK with that until TB has had the chance to bring in more players.

Chisolm is worth the price of admission. TB has done an awesome job in developing him.

[GP1]

And put in WHO? The biggest problem with this team is the lack of size and depth.

Crimony, even IaDon'tKnow could win one game a year.

Sort of my point. Work in the fresh QB behind an experienced line and don't write off everyone.

TB is making games close. To look at only the won/loss record ignores any improvement. We lost by six yesterday. Ianello would have lost by much more.

I don't know who said better coaching would have won three games this year, but that is just crazy talk. Better talent....and a lot more talent, maybe.

[MDZip]

Yep, OU now #25 in the AP poll. Completely undeserved, they have pretty much played no one and barely beaten some bad teams (including us). Their schedule is pathetic, they could actually go undefated against that awful lot, but I think BGSU exposes them for the frauds that they are. No way is OU the 25th best team in the country,

[akronzips71]

TB is not making the kind of stupid mistakes that iCoach made. We just don't have the talent this year. Eventually we have to win. I hope.

[Lee Adams]

I think at this point we all get the idea that TB has done a good job at keeping players motivated and generating at least some fan interest. He knew when he came in it was going to be really tough to win this year. And as has been repeated 'repeatedly' its probably a good idea to start getting underclassmen more playing time during the course of the remaining games. Doesn't mean he 'benches' the starters. Just means they don't get as much playing time.

Can we kind of move on from that and concentrate on which returners actually will be contributing next year,

[K92]

I was very encouraged by the appearance of JT55. I really hope he can continue to increase his playing time and provide that speed rush off the corner.

Punt, Turnover on downs, Interception, Punt, Punt. There is no way we can win starting the game with 5 possessions like these. The offense needs to score early and often to make the other team play from behind. If the offense can ever come out of the box with 5 scores, look out. The rout will be on. If you go back and look at those first 5 drives, it is mistakes that killed us. This team is on the verge of accomplishing some great wins. Eliminating mistakes can get them over the hump. They have a great opportunity Saturday to put it all together against (in my opinion) the best team in the MAC.

[bUAkronG]

I remain nervous about the effect the poor record has on recruiting.

To me, a good recruiter wouldn't have a problem recruiting now. Think of it this way: you are a high school senior looking at his options for post-secondary education. TB comes to you and says "Look at how close we were to picking up some wins in these games. How would you feel about being the one who puts us over the top and seals a game for us? Being the one who wins the game for us in the last minute. One thing is for sure, if you put in the work and effort, you have a great chance of playing for us next year. I am not afraid to start true freshman! That could be you. Come be a part of the Akron Zips and be one of the ones who helps us turn the corner. Believe in us like we believe in you."

I for one might have to look into that if I were a HS recruit.