Black Friday Game #12 Toledo

[Dr Z]

Hasn't had a turnover in three games. He looked really good today. This guy may have turned the corner.

I suspect as many times as coach has used the word "manage" when describing Kyle's game recently, the staff has worked with him on it. Best complete game he has played. Thanks for the hard work. Keep it up.

Here is a replay of the last play that put the UT coach in a tizzy.

[MDZip]

San Jose State 42, Fresno State 41. But wait, that's not the final score. That's the HALFTIME score. Incredible shootout going on in San Jose with 1,006 yards of total offense in the first half.

Fresno loses 62-52, if NIU wins the MACC that should solidify another BCS bowl for them. Incredible - more cash for the Zips too.

[Lee Adams]

The FIRST half of this game was about as well as I have seen an Akron team play against a decent MAC team in several years. Second half almost got away because of some bonehead plays and some less than stellar play calling.

It was nice to see them finally use a tight end effectively. It was nice to see the secondary play aggresively. It was nice to see Pohl execute the offense effectively for at least a half.

Fun game to watch. They hung around a found a way to win against a decent MAC opponent.

[GJGood]

Fresno loses 62-52, if NIU wins the MACC that should solidify another BCS bowl for them. Incredible - more cash for the Zips too.

Hoping it works like you say but that Bowling Green team with their stingy defense will not just roll over. The Falcons could pose a fairly serious threat to NIU.

[you am i]

I've seen Hunt on TV and he is a very dangerous back. It'll be a challenge for the Zips to contain him.

If you get a chance, stop over in Lot 9 under the scoreboard to say hello and have a snack and/or a beverage. I'll be there around 10:30 am, but several others will be there much earlier.

Hey Johnny. I was at the game today. Around 11:15 I was over at your tailgating area looking for you, but no luck. I asked the folks at the tents most directly under the scoreboard if Johnny Zip was around, but no one could help.

I've been looking at the Toledo football message board and the Rocket fans are riled up. Fire the coaches. The quarterback sucks. The refs screwed us. In other words, it sounds just like Zipsnation after an Akron loss.

It was a thrilling game. I'd say the Zips turned the corner today. Now, the big problem will be keeping the Zips' fans expectations for next season in check. I just want to see more progress.

[zippy_ua_00]

My expectations for next season is to be bowl eligible. Go to a bowl and compete

[Spin]

When did we play Louisville? I must have had too much alcohol this year.

Too much cold wind on my bald head.

Yeah, I'm sticking with that.

[Zipsrifle]

I'm a big fan of the Thanksgiving games, especially when it is cold and there is a lot of snow in the stadium!

Great win! The D has been solid all year, but for about 1 quarter yesterday I saw an offense that I have not seen in about 5 years. Pohl was money, we could catch and run! It was a thing of beauty. Though I was disappointed to be booted out of my seats in the upper deck, the fans around us were all very into the game! I cannot say how happy I am for the Seniors who went through years of HELL! They stuck it out and turned this thing around. Those guys are warriors and it showed in the post game celebration with everyone, including Terry and Chuck jumping for joy! This win is HUGE for the program! The future looks bright!

[Dr Z]

Terry and Chuck jumping for joy!

I saw the same thing. I hope someone captured that with a quality photo. That scene was one of my highlights of the day. In my mind, it showed me how much they care about the program. I enjoyed seeing the raw emotion. That's the kind of stuff you hope that carries over with the team. You want the kids to have fun while they are working hard. I agree with you, great weather (for one game a year like that).

[footballzip]

Very proud and happy for the Zips.

The program turned the corner. Nice to put the last three years behind us now.

Great to beat Toledo and finishing the season on a high note. Time to recruit some quality players. With great facilities and finally some quality WINS, we should be able to bring in some good kids. I hope the staff recruits more in the Cleveland area.

Haven't felt like this in a long time.

Go Zips!

[GP1]

After thawing out, I have a few more comments.

Many have already mentioned Pohl, but his progress could be talked about for a while. He NOW has everything a team would want in a QB: accuracy, arm strength, command of the offense, respect of his peers and doesn't turn it over. What a shame it would have been if they started to tinker with replacing players mid season. Going into spring, Pohl should be the #1. The only way he loses his position is if someone completely outplays him and has better upside. If he can develop this much over a season, there is even more upside during the off season when real development takes place. He should be pushed to get better by creating a competitive environment, but not replaced unless the wheels fall off.

Chisholm..... What to say the day after a win that isn't too negative? Here is my best shot. The guy is very average and he does things that can kill a team because his head is somewhere else. He is just a robot that runs plays without thinking about where the ball is, down and distance, etc. A couple of cases. With two minutes to go in the half and Toledo having ZERO time outs, he runs on third down getting a big gain but does two things. First, he doesn't run hard enough to fight for an extra three yards. Secondly, he runs out of bounds stopping the clock. I would expect this out of a freshman, but not a junior. Juniors in their 12th game of the season don't need to be told by anyone game situation. They need to have figured it out by then. Second case, the play early in the second half that we can now refer to as the "Chisholm Rumba Rumble Pass". I've never seen a player dance around and rumble backward for such a negative intentional grounding penalty. He's lucky it wasn't a safety. Something tells me that if Toledo would have just stopped running after him, he would have run out of the back of the end zone. My solution for Chisholm isn't to not play him, it is to get carries to more players...#34 being one of them.

Play of the game. We could have an entire topic on this subject as there were so many good and key plays. Interception in the end zone at the end of the 3rd quarter is my pick slightly over the blocked extra point because I think it changed the entire 4th quarter and drastically increased the Zips chances of winning. Why? Toledo has an excellent MAC offensive line and had changed their run blocking scheme in the second half to more of a power style and were running it down the throats of Akron. They were controlling the game with their offensive line in a way that makes offensive coaches leave a stain on the front of their pants. The drive prior to this one was an easy score with them using third string RBs to run it down our throats. Their drive leading up to the int., we had slowed it down a little and were showing signs that we might be adjusting to their blocking scheme. The int happens and we gain a lot of momentum moving the ball down field some, punting and forcing Toledo into a stupid fake punt (we'll talk about when a fake punt is stupid or not in a minute). The entire look of the game changed after the int as Akron wasn't so much on their heels. It took Toledo's power running game, their best weapon in the second half, off the table and forced them to throw.

Play calling. I have no problem with out play calling whatsoever. We were aggressive at the right times and went for big kill shots at the right times on both sides of the ball. Some may squawk about running the ball late and not "playing to win" (we'll talk about playing to win in a minute). I think Bowden has a lot of faith in his defense and running the ball, reducing chances for turnovers and forcing the opponent to use his timeouts is playing to win. It can make for a lot of close wins and uncomfortable feelings for fans, but it is playing to win.

"Playing To Win". Let's have a general conversation about this overused, busted out Daytona stripper (thank you Kenny Powers) of a sports cliche. Ranks right up there with "the coach has lost the team". What is the difference between playing to win and being stupid? When you play to win, an idea works. When you are stupid, the same idea doesn't work. Cases in point. Bowden fakes a punt and it works...he is playing to win. Toledo fakes a punt and it doesn't work...he is stupid.

Let's talk about who was really playing to win yesterday. The Zips played to win. They came into the game with a lot of confidence and momentum, they were well prepared for a very good team, made good play calls, executed a good game plan and generally played better than Toledo for four quarters. Yesterday was no fluke. The Zips are a good team and we should expect more next season. This team can and did win against a good MAC team. Well done guys.

[johnnyzip84]

Hey Johnny. I was at the game today. Around 11:15 I was over at your tailgating area looking for you, but no luck. I asked the folks at the tents most directly under the scoreboard if Johnny Zip was around, but no one could help.

I've been looking at the Toledo football message board and the Rocket fans are riled up. Fire the coaches. The quarterback sucks. The refs screwed us. In other words, it sounds just like Zipsnation after an Akron loss.

It was a thrilling game. I'd say the Zips turned the corner today. Now, the big problem will be keeping the Zips' fans expectations for next season in check. I just want to see more progress.

I apologize for not being able to make the tailgate, but something unplanned came up over Thanksgiving and I missed my first tailgate in a few years. I did manage to make it to the game though. It was an entertaining game between two pretty evenly-matched teams. Did injuries play a part in this? Probably to some degree, but as GP1 points out the UT O-Line is outstanding. I'm not sure it matters too much who is playing RB behind them.

I'm sure Campbell will be getting some heat for this and some other calls during the year. He's young. I'm not sure I'd bail on him just yet.

Everyone has hit on the big points. Here are a few side notes:

1) I didn't realize when JR4 picked off Owens he was picking off his former HS teammate.

2) You have to really admire the work of the seniors yesterday. It was almost Disney-esque with Root catching his 1st TD, Bailey calling his own number and briefly returning to his FB roots, DF83 getting his 1st action since early in the year, Nico gutting it out, Freeman adding to his MAC leading pass break-up total (14) etc.

3) CJ Mizell recovering JR4's fumble after the INT was almost as important as the INT itself. Love having him back next year.

4) Since Capi wasn't honored as a SR, I have to assume he has one more year. That is huge.

5) Frenchy said on the pregame show (which I normally don't get to hear) that Sconiers is coming back for one more year and Rachal (and another player I forget at the moment) had season ending knee surgery.

6) KP16 must like playing against UT. I'm sure the Rockets think pretty highly of him (as do I)!

[Dr Z]

After thawing out, I have a few more comments.

You were at the game and didn't stop by lot 9?

Chisholm..... What to say the day after a win that isn't too negative? Here is my best shot. The guy is very average and he does things that can kill a team because his head is somewhere else. He is just a robot that runs plays without thinking about where the ball is, down and distance, etc. A couple of cases. With two minutes to go in the half and Toledo having ZERO time outs, he runs on third down getting a big gain but does two things. First, he doesn't run hard enough to fight for an extra three yards. Secondly, he runs out of bounds stopping the clock.

That carry angered me (not his first this season), and it would have been his last carry of the day. Probably the wrong move for the future, but that's how I roll. I hope we can upgrade this position next year.

Many have already mentioned Pohl, but his progress could be talked about for a while. He NOW has everything a team would want in a QB

While I think Kyle managed his best game yesterday, I am only cautiously optimistic after one complete game. He is still a work in progress in my mind. I hope he puts in some hard work over the offseason. Example of a one game analysis of QB play

Play of the game. We could have an entire topic on this subject as there were so many good and key plays.

Very true. I'll go with the fake punt.

Let's talk about who was really playing to win yesterday. The Zips played to win. They came into the game with a lot of confidence and momentum, they were well prepared for a very good team, made good play calls, executed a good game plan and generally played better than Toledo for four quarters.

I agree, many aggressive, well executed plays yesterday. Staff had the team well prepared, great to see.

This team can and did win against a good MAC team. Well done guys.

Makes for a more enjoyable offseason. Especially on ZN.org.

[Zipmeister]

When you play to win, an idea works. When you are stupid, the same idea doesn't work. Cases in point. Bowden fakes a punt and it works...he is playing to win. Toledo fakes a punt and it doesn't work...he is stupid.

TB said after the game that he didn't call for the fake punt. It was called by Austin. Really good thing then that he pulled it off.

[MDZip]

2) You have to really admire the work of the seniors yesterday. It was almost Disney-esque with Root catching his 1st TD, Bailey calling his own number and briefly returning to his FB roots, DF83 getting his 1st action since early in the year, Nico gutting it out, Freeman adding to his MAC leading pass break-up total (14) etc.

Root was also wide open and just ahead of Pohl on the first touchdown to Smith. Really surprised Pohl didn't go to him. Could have had a two TD Senior Day.

[Dave in Green]

TB said after the game that he didn't call for the fake punt. It was called by Austin. Really good thing then that he pulled it off.

Austin gets credit for making the correct read and properly executing. Coach Bowden and his staff get credit for preparing Austin to make the correct read and instructing him how to execute when appropriate.

[zipproud]

I said before the Can't win was the turning point of the Terry Bowden era!!! This win caps off a great season and a preview of what's to come. It appeared that there were a lot of recruits at the game. Beating both Can't and Toledo can only help our recruiting in OH. The kids that were at the game and stuck around for the teams celebration had to be excited about the future of the Zips program. Congratulations to coach Bowden and his staff for a tremendous year and bringing respect back to Akron football. Thank you to the players for believing in the staff and the program. Let's sign some of these recruits and continue the winning. It's a great time for Akron football......

Go Zips!!

[GP1]

You were at the game and didn't stop by lot 9?

I was late getting to the game. Almost didn't go. Didn't get in until around half way through the first quarter. Score was already 7-7. Stood on the Toledo side as I wanted to at least try to be in the sun because I don't own a lot of warm clothes anymore...at least the kind that will keep me warm for three hours. My feet were killing me by the end of the game.

At half, I went and bought some Zips clothes at the team store then walked the concourse on the Zips side and didn't see anyone I would recognize. I would only recognize a couple of guys from the Board anyhow and I don't know where anyone sits. Besides, everyone sort of looks the same dressed in winter clothes.

After the game, I had to get straight to the airport but I did walk through Lot 9 and I didn't recognize anyone. My wife threw in the towel at the end of the third quarter (she has even less warm clothes than I do) so I had to stop at BW3 to get her, then the car, then fill up at the gas station on the corner and then straight to the airport to return the car an get on the plane by 5:30.

While we were heading down the runway, all I could think was, "My feet are still killing me.".

Now that the Zips are going to be good again, I'm going to make it a point to go to more games, in better weather, and tailgate in Lot 9.

[Dr Z]

Now that the Zips are going to be good again, I'm going to make it a point to go to more games, in better weather, and tailgate in Lot 9.

Let me know when it happens, I'll help set you up. I enjoy reading your (and others) analysis when your at the game. I wish we had more that attend games post opinions. That's when I enjoy ZN the most.

Funny, I cancelled my trip to NC because of the crappy weather there and ended up at the game.

While we were heading down the runway, all I could think was, "My feet are still killing me."

Best advice I ever got skiing in Aspen...buy one good pair of wool socks.

[GP1]

Funny, I cancelled my trip to NC because of the crappy weather there and ended up at the game.

Good move. You aren't missing anything.

Everyone should plan to come to Charleston for the basketball tournament. It is a great event, great city and opportunity for Zips across the country to experience something really special. Throw in my fool proof recommendations for Charleston and it will be a lifetime of memories.

[you am i]

You were at the game and didn't stop by lot 9?

That carry angered me (not his first this season), and it would have been his last carry of the day. Probably the wrong move for the future, but that's how I roll. I hope we can upgrade this position next year.

While I think Kyle managed his best game yesterday, I am only cautiously optimistic after one complete game. He is still a work in progress in my mind. I hope he puts in some hard work over the offseason. Example of a one game analysis of QB play

Very true. I'll go with the fake punt.

I agree, many aggressive, well executed plays yesterday. Staff had the team well prepared, great to see.

Makes for a more enjoyable offseason. Especially on ZN.org.

It was an entertaining game between two pretty evenly-matched teams. Did injuries play a part in this? Probably to some degree, but as GP1 points out the UT O-Line is outstanding. I'm not sure it matters too much who is playing RB behind them.

I would disagree with the idea that it did not matter too much who played at RB behind that offensive line. Put an NFL prospect behind that line and you get an idea of how dangerous that offense could be. The defense had to stack up to stop the run which made the QB much more effective. It was no coincidence that Toledo's slide coincided with Fluellen's injury. Akron caught a break but no complaints or excuses. Injuries are part of the game. If Chisolm had gone down with injuries no one from Toledo would have cared.

[Dr Z]

One thing I didn't see mentioned. Hopefully we learned something for next season. Toledo did an excellent job catching Akron in defensive substitutions. Many times yesterday Akron defenders weren't in position, didn't know the play, or weren't even facing the line of scrimmage after substituting in. Is it necessary to substitute after every play defensively? Overall this season, great job by coach Amato and his staff turning our defense around. I hope we only get better and better. Good luck recruiting!

[johnnyzip84]

I would disagree with the idea that it did not matter too much who played at RB behind that offensive line. Put an NFL prospect behind that line and you get an idea of how dangerous that offense could be. The defense had to stack up to stop the run which made the QB much more effective. It was no coincidence that Toledo's slide coincided with Fluellen's injury. Akron caught a break but no complaints or excuses. Injuries are part of the game. If Chisolm had gone down with injuries no one from Toledo would have cared.

Looking at the UT stats, Fluellen does look like he makes a difference. I guess I'm a big believer that the running game is about 70% line play and 30% RB play. IMHO, RBs get more credit and more blame than they actually deserve.

Certainly, UT has a quality stable of backs behind Fluellen. But you've followed the Rockets far more closely, so I'll take your word at Fluellen's importance to their success. I hope he heals well and gives the NFL his best shot.

[Zipmeister]

Finding a Zip on any first, second, third or fourth string preseason All MAC football team was harder than finding a Marshall coed with a full set of teeth.

I'm looking forward to seeing how many Zips show up on the postseason teams.

[GP1]

Question about something that struck me at the game Friday. Didn't our band used to be bigger?