Will we improve from last year?

[ZipDad57]

How do you all feel about our running and passing game this year, better or worse, or about the same as last year?

[Captain Kangaroo]

Passing Should be better, since Luke will have fully shaken off the rust from his 3 year layoff. I think the competition for the #2 QB slot will only help. As far as losing Hixson and Montgomery goes, I don't think it will be a factor. Jabari came on like gangbusters late last season. I think he seamlessly replaces Hixson. Long is every bit as good as Montgomery. I also have to believe one of the heralded incoming Fr's will give us a pretty formidable 3 wr set. With Kasparek, Poindexter and Cruz at TE, we're also in great shape.Rushing: The OL is more experienced and deeper than last season. I think that will be HUGE. Last season we pretty much went "Biggs middle/Biggs left/Biggs right" because we had no real depth. Between Alex Allen, Dennis Kennedy and the incoming Fr. we'll be a lot fresher and deeper than last year. Tuzze at FB will also be a big help.With the upperclassmen having two full seasons + three summer/springs under this staff I think everyone will be on the same page. That will be a big help. No QB controversey either.Plus...they say a boxer gets 30% better once he beats the champ. The Zips got 30% better than last season solely by beating NIU. They KNOW they can win a championship. That is invaluable.

[zen]

I suspect that we should have continued levels of success (if not more) next year, and because of recruiting, for several years beyond.Coaching should continue to improve, even though there have been a few changes, as long as JD continues to build his system, all is well.I would like to think that fan support and excitement will increase.So, the biggest unknown is how much the competition in the MAC east brings on.

[GP1]

Passing will be better. I'm more interested to see if any of the running backs can play with the toughness that Biggs played with. The offensive line will be better, but I don't know if if there is anyone willing to run into the line as fearlessly as Biggs did. Akron uses a power running game similar to an NFL team and the back must be willing to run into the line instead of to the outside.

[Beanie 4 Heisman]

Alex Allan and Dennis Kennedy are both pretty good size, Alex is bigger though. So i think they will have no problem running between the tackles. Biggs had one of the biggest hearts ever. he was always determand to get those extra yards that is the thing i think we could miss with these two. the passing attack will be pretty good. lets just hope another reciever steps up so the physically imposing 5'6" marcus patterson is not a starter. haha.

[gozips19]

passing game will be about the same luke will throw for about 3k again and that is great for a college qb. but i think we will run the ball better due to multiple backs and a talented line that has some depth now. as for the d i think the passing d will be a lot better as the secondary is a year older and is deep, the line and outside linebackers are guys that can get down feild as well. my one concern is the run d. we are still a little small on the line if most of the newer guys can't play we also have a big question at the ml and our bandit and olb are on the small side (although very fast). agian they will have to gang tackle to be effective and i think they have showed they can do that. by no means do i think we'll go undefeated but i do expect more from this team that what they showed last year and that is to beat up on the east, play the big boys tough and become a more consistent team.

[Beanie 4 Heisman]

we are still a little small on the line if most of the newer guys can't play

Our line is anything but small. Jermain Reid is 6'4" and about 275-280. Kiki is about 6'2" about 290-300. And nate robinson is 6'5" 330. By no means are these guys small. Our bandit linebacker is still a good size about 6'2" 235 with good speed, and brion is a little small but still a good tackler. i do agree that the mlb spot is going to be a weaker spot unless someone steps up. right now i believe the oft injured bryan howe is playing there. And the secondary will be alot deeper and more experienced. i think our defense will improve this over last years.

[gozips19]

i agree that our starting d line is good on size but its the depth and size with the reserves that scares me. i do think that stokes and grant should be able to put on 10 lbs before the opener and will add some bulk to their long athletic frames. i can't wait for the spring game!

[zen]

i agree that our starting d line is good on size but its the depth and size with the reserves that scares me. i do think that stokes and grant should be able to put on 10 lbs before the opener and will add some bulk to their long athletic frames. i can't wait for the spring game!

Putting on 10lbs is easy. Putting on 10lbs and keeping your speed/quickness/agility, that takes time and work.

[liljc]

I think that the lack of experience at wr will be a factor early in the season. Jabari seemed to be coming on last yr and if he takes over the way I believe he can, then look out! I think the o-line should be fine and so should the running game as a result.

[Zipmania]

Yes i would have to agree that Grant and Stokes could both gain a couple pounds...... but dont forget what they were able to acomplish last season Stokes was 2nd team All-Mac and Grant was a Freshman All-American Thats a hell of a 1-2 punch so im looking forward to great thing from these kids in the spring game