Game 11—Buffalo Bulls

[skip-zip]

I am surprised nobody has commented on this yet:

The hat promotion was a joke. They only had 1,000, and all of the students went in there with their ID's an hour before gametime, lined up at the tables, got their hats, and left.

I saw a poor guy with his little kid scrambling around the stadium asking where to get the hats. He was WAY too late, even though it was still 30 minutes until kickoff. And I am sure he was only one of hundreds of people who were disappointed.

The saddest thing was that I saw a group of about 10 students walking together through the campus about an hour before gametime, ALL wearing their new hats, and ALL of them were headed far away from the Stadium.

Someone had a great idea. Why didn't we give those out as people were EXITING the game?

[Dr Z]

The Bulls played a lot of cover one in the first half. Give credit where credit is due. AJ and TW13 (receivers/o-line) beat a defense that was trying to stop our run game with (vertical passing attack) good play calling and execution. The second half, the Bulls adjusted their defense, and the Zips started to have success running the ball. Good game plan, good execution. The offense took what the defense was giving. Nice to see the offense take the pressure off the defense. With the maturity of TW13, the offense has evolved into a passing team that sets up our running game. Fun time to be a Zip fan.

“I think Tommy’s ability to hit our explosive plays … that’s where we’re trying to evolve to,” -- Terry Bowden source

Edit: Sorry Jrship, I just went back and read this. I guess we had the same evaluation.

Edited November 22, 2015 by Dr Z

[ZippyRulz]

I am surprised nobody has commented on this yet:

The hat promotion was a joke. They only had 1,000, and all of the students went in there with their ID's an hour before gametime, lined up at the tables, got their hats, and left.

I saw a poor guy with his little kid scrambling around the stadium asking where to get the hats. He was WAY too late, even though it was still 30 minutes until kickoff. And I am sure he was only one of hundreds of people who were disappointed.

The saddest thing was that I saw a group of about 10 students walking together through the campus about an hour before gametime, ALL wearing their new hats, and ALL of them were headed far away from the Stadium.

Someone had a great idea. Why didn't we give those out as people were EXITING the game?

Poor execution by the AD.

[Jrship35]

Before I read another post about the improved "play calling" yesterday, I want to see if anyone wants to be specific.

1) We ran a ton of read option.

2) We went after a lot of long balls in the passing game.

They worked yesterday against a mediocre defense, at best. They worked against Louisiana and Miami too.

We were able to block better in the run game, and got some separation and some accurate throws in the passing game. They didn't defend us as well as some other teams, and we may have executed much better too.

I'm not trying to deny credit to the offensive play callers, nor was I ever openly critical of their play calling in other games. I just didn't see anything that was any different about what we were choosing to do offensively yesterday.

C'mon now ........

We ran screen plays

We focused more short and under routes that actually set up the longer opportunities

We did run more "read option" plays, not QB designed runs

The play calling was at a pace that actually looked like there was a plan .... The plays got to Woodson sooner which suggests to me that the OC was a couple plays ahead and was setting up big plays

Play calling is more than just sending in a play ....

[LZIp]

C'mon now ........

We ran screen plays

We focused more short and under routes that actually set up the longer opportunities

We did run more "read option" plays, not QB designed runs

The play calling was at a pace that actually looked like there was a plan .... The plays got to Woodson sooner which suggests to me that the OC was a couple plays ahead and was setting up big plays

Play calling is more than just sending in a play ....

We actually attempted to convert 3rd and longs.

We aggressively ended the 1st half with a score(which played a big part in the game), where in the past, we would have just mailed it in.

Edited November 22, 2015 by LZip

[zipsoutsider]

I am surprised nobody has commented on this yet:

The hat promotion was a joke. They only had 1,000, and all of the students went in there with their ID's an hour before gametime, lined up at the tables, got their hats, and left.

I saw a poor guy with his little kid scrambling around the stadium asking where to get the hats. He was WAY too late, even though it was still 30 minutes until kickoff. And I am sure he was only one of hundreds of people who were disappointed.

The saddest thing was that I saw a group of about 10 students walking together through the campus about an hour before gametime, ALL wearing their new hats, and ALL of them were headed far away from the Stadium.

Someone had a great idea. Why didn't we give those out as people were EXITING the game?

It was pretty irritating - completely gone and I was in the stadium more than 30 minutes before the game and there were not 1,000 people there, yet. I could care less about the bobblehead, but I wanted a hat!

The Bulls played a lot of cover one in the first half. Give credit where credit is due. AJ and TW13 (receivers/o-line) beat a defense that was trying to stop our run game with (vertical passing attack) good play calling and execution. The second half, the Bulls adjusted their defense, and the Zips started to have success running the ball. Good game plan, good execution. The offense took what the defense was giving. Nice to see the offense take the pressure off the defense. With the maturity of TW13, the offense has evolved into a passing team that sets up our running game. Fun time to be a Zip fan.

“I think Tommy’s ability to hit our explosive plays … that’s where we’re trying to evolve to,” -- Terry Bowden source

Edit: Sorry Jrship, I just went back and read this. I guess we had the same evaluation.

Yeah, this is one of the first times where a team has defended the run to force us to win with the pass that we were able to do that. As noted, it made the run game a success in the second half. Tommy's designed run plays also seemed to come at the right points in the games to keep the defense honest. The big difference here was that the UB secondary was wide open for us and poorly defended.

Whether Miami, Umass, and UB were a good barometer of where we are or not, I like the three wins in a row with Tommy getting the experience and confidence in game situations. I believe these wins will really make a difference against Can't this week and ultimately, in a bowl. Ending the regular season with 4 straight would certainly be a tremendous success for the program.

Prior to the season, Bowden noted that the success of the seas would be determined in November, not September. He was definitely correct. (Bobblehead is shaking.)

[Jrship35]

It has definitely been on the OL. K have been following visits and offers on Twitter. We are going after JUCO OL and JS OL. I noticed several players of various positions taking visits yesterday (Twitter comments) and you could see the found the win exciting. That's the type experience that can sway a recruit's choice.

What Twitter site ?

[zipsoutsider]

What Twitter site ?

Do a few searches... @zipsfb, Akron football, etc..

[Jrship35]

Do a few searches... @zipsfb, Akron football, etc..

That's why I asked ............... Nothing at all on @ZipsFB regarding anything about 2016 recruiting visits. offers etc ?

Nothing in twitter when searching anything Akron Zips football, video, buzz, equipment, etc ?

One post 5 days ago on @MAC_Crootin about an JC OL fromTexas ?

[LZIp]

I don't recall the name or much about him in general, but I believe its been noted on here that we have an OL transfer from Kentucky that is a Youngstown native that is sitting out this year.

[Captain Kangaroo]

I don't recall the name or much about him in general, but I believe its been noted on here that we have an OL transfer from Kentucky that is a Youngstown native that is sitting out this year.

Josh Krok

[zipsoutsider]

That's why I asked ............... Nothing at all on @ZipsFB regarding anything about 2016 recruiting visits. offers etc ?

Nothing in twitter when searching anything Akron Zips football, video, buzz, equipment, etc ?

One post 5 days ago on @MAC_Crootin about an JC OL fromTexas ?

There is quite a bit if you know how to search. It's kids that mention Zips FB, not their handle posting. They can't post anything.

[Lee Adams]

(Those unsportsmanlike penalties don't 'hurt' until they hurt. No need to personalize this trivial stuff. Just say 'I don't agree' and move on.)

Woodson was very accurate on Saturday. He hit receivers out in front while they were on the move. He wasn't pressured much but he appears to be getting the ball out on time more often.

Davis made a couple of NICE grabs. Lane's TD was beautiful. The offense just appeared more cohesive. Hope they can run more 'inside' screens and not just the bubbles. And hopefully,TB will get a healthy tight end who can take some heat off Davis and Lane.

As I said above,it was nice to see the D playing 2-deep for pretty much the entire game. The secondary only had one glaring hiccup. Looked like a missed assignment. Other than that the front was pretty much able to control the game especially after Akron got ahead.

Would imagine Can't will try to pound Durham up front and hope to pull the LB's and safeties closer to the line. Maybe then hope to hit some big plays over the secondary. Doesn't look like either of their QB's can consistently move their offense through the air.

Special teams can not give up any big plays. No blocked punts,no long returns. Can't will be more than happy to play defense all day and wait.

The Can't D will be a tougher nut to crack. Woodson will see more pressure. Imagine they will stop the run first with more guys in the box and blitzes.TB and Milwee have to keep him in situations where he won't have to force throws. Another hundred yard rusher and a healthy tight end will help. Another turnover free game will help.

One to go.

[Jrship35]

There is quite a bit if you know how to search. It's kids that mention Zips FB, not their handle posting. They can't post anything.

Ok .....

[K92]

I did not get to see the game in person. I came up to tailgate same time I always do, but I had to leave around quarter to 3 to make a prior engagement. I cried all the way home. So anyway, my plan was to avoid my cell phone all night so that I could come home and watch the game on dvr. I held out until around 7 o'clock and checked the score. After I snuck a peek, I was dying to get home. Finally, at 10 p.m. I was able to watch.

It looked like the team finally gelled and played a complete game on both sides of the ball. Offensive line was inconsistent but improved, I thought. Very nice game by Alexander and Woodson was pretty sharp. Definitely the most confident TW13 looked all year. Imani Davis had a career game. Too bad he made an early exit. Front 7 had another impressive performance. Darryl Monroe had his best game as a Zip and the secondary hit hard and got some clutch interceptions. I am trying to temper my exuberance because the game would likely have been closer if not for the positive turnover ratio, but I can't. I am stoked for next week.

Crying shame more people weren't there to see it. I hope they enjoyed the Ohio State game, though.

Yet another game that I missed that turned out well. I think I am the jinx.

Edited November 22, 2015 by Keener'92

[Zipgrad01]

I did not get to see the game in person. I came up to tailgate same time I always do, but I had to leave around quarter to 3 to make a prior engagement. I cried all the way home. So anyway, my plan was to avoid my cell phone all night so that I could come home and watch the game on dvr. I held out until around 7 o'clock and checked the score. After I snuck a peek, I was dying to get home. Finally, at 10 p.m. I was able to watch.

It looked like the team finally gelled and played a complete game on both sides of the ball. Offensive line was inconsistent but improved, I thought. Very nice game by Alexander and Woodson was pretty sharp. Definitely the most confident TW13 looked all year. Imani Davis had a career game. Too bad he made an early exit. Front 7 had another impressive performance. Darryl Monroe had his best game as a Zip and the secondary hit hard and got some clutch interceptions. I am trying to temper my exuberance because the game would likely have been closer if not for the positive turnover ratio, but I can't. I am stoked for next week.

Crying shame more people weren't there to see it. I hope they enjoyed the Ohio State game, though.

Yet another game that I missed that turned out well. I think I am the jinx.

I saw a lot of grown men in tears at BW3's. It was nice they the akron game on though.

[Blue & Gold]

I love the solid blue uniform combo, btw.

[zipsoutsider]

I love the solid blue uniform combo, btw.

Ditto

[Aaron]

I thoroughly enjoyed myself at the tailgate and the game - it was great to meet so many posters in person, and I was so happy to see the team put together a 'complete game' for the first time in a while.

It wasn't perfect by any means, but this team seems to finally be getting back to the level of play that we had in the early Lee Owens and JD Brookhart years. I'm very optimistic for the wagon wheel game, and can't wait to see how things fall out in the bowl picture.

[akzipper]

I love the solid blue uniform combo, btw.

Anyone else notice that Pittman was wearing a different jersey than the rest of the team? It was a plain blue jersey with no striping. Unfortunate, that after 6 years they can't get quality uniforms for the entire team.

[zipsoutsider]

Someone mentioned it earlier, but I agree, it was nice to see so many of the second team contributing to the win. We are going to lose a lot with the front 7 when tey go, but we also have a lot of up and coming talent. The following will return next year and contributed on either solo or tackle assists: Zach Guiser (So) (has played well all year), Deandre Scott (Jr), Se'Von Pittman, U. Gilbert (Fr), Jordan George (R-Fr), Andrew Hauser (Jr), John Rachal (Jr), Brain Bell (Fr), AJ Turner (So), Corey Morrow (Jr), Jamal Marcus (R-Jr), and Kyron Brown with a pass break-up.

I did not realize how young Zach Guiser was. He has had a very good season. I honestly thought he was a senior, based mostly on the way he plays. I am not sure about whether Pittman and Marcus have another year of eligibility left, or not, but I believe so. Not on that list, but also a guy who has been a strong contributor this year is Brock Boxen (Fr). He has played like a beast. He, Bell, Guiser, and Rachal have the ability to deliver punishing blows. And, this list doesn't cover the kids who red-shirted this season. I am also very happy to see Deandre Scott will returning next year.

Defensively, our future continues to be bright. All of the defensive coaches deserve a shout out for the unit they have put together and their ability to start building the talent behind the very talented starting unit. The secondary might be the most improved unit on the field.

I am very excited about the future of Zips football!

[zipsoutsider]

Anyone else notice that Pittman was wearing a different jersey than the rest of the team? It was a plain blue jersey with no striping. Unfortunate, that after 6 years they can't get quality uniforms for the entire team.

It has been that way for several games. I am guessing he has a jersey preference that the regular jerseys cannot accommodate in terms of fit or some other feature.

[zippyfan34]

I am surprised nobody has commented on this yet:

The hat promotion was a joke. They only had 1,000, and all of the students went in there with their ID's an hour before gametime, lined up at the tables, got their hats, and left.

I saw a poor guy with his little kid scrambling around the stadium asking where to get the hats. He was WAY too late, even though it was still 30 minutes until kickoff. And I am sure he was only one of hundreds of people who were disappointed.

The saddest thing was that I saw a group of about 10 students walking together through the campus about an hour before gametime, ALL wearing their new hats, and ALL of them were headed far away from the Stadium.

Someone had a great idea. Why didn't we give those out as people were EXITING the game?

Agreed Skip. I seem to always be losing my Zips hat so I wanted to have an extra just to keep in the car. I was going to get there early to get my hat but since the weather wasn't terribly cold the wife said she would come with the kids (we were only staying until half due to other family obligations). I hurried her out the door and we got into the stadium a good 30 minutes before kickoff and no way were there 1,000 fans in there already. Why would you only do 1,000? They may need to switch to a voucher system if they are going to do that few and say you can term them in after halftime.

Meanwhile at the soccer game yesterday for the t-shirt giveaway they seemed to have plenty left when I got mine 5 minutes before kickoff.

[Balsy]

Agreed Skip. I seem to always be losing my Zips hat so I wanted to have an extra just to keep in the car. I was going to get there early to get my hat but since the weather wasn't terribly cold the wife said she would come with the kids (we were only staying until half due to other family obligations). I hurried her out the door and we got into the stadium a good 30 minutes before kickoff and no way were there 1,000 fans in there already. Why would you only do 1,000? They may need to switch to a voucher system if they are going to do that few and say you can term them in after halftime.

Meanwhile at the soccer game yesterday for the t-shirt giveaway they seemed to have plenty left when I got mine 5 minutes before kickoff.

They should do a voucher system. Season ticket holders should get one automatically IMHO. I arrived about 35 min before kickoff and didn't get one.

[Captain Kangaroo]

Someone mentioned it earlier, but I agree, it was nice to see so many of the second team contributing to the win. We are going to lose a lot with the front 7 when tey go, but we also have a lot of up and coming talent. The following will return next year and contributed on either solo or tackle assists: Zach Guiser (So) (has played well all year), Deandre Scott (Jr), Se'Von Pittman, U. Gilbert (Fr), Jordan George (R-Fr), Andrew Hauser (Jr), John Rachal (Jr), Brain Bell (Fr), AJ Turner (So), Corey Morrow (Jr), Jamal Marcus (R-Jr), and Kyron Brown with a pass break-up.

I did not realize how young Zach Guiser was. He has had a very good season. I honestly thought he was a senior, based mostly on the way he plays. I am not sure about whether Pittman and Marcus have another year of eligibility left, or not, but I believe so. Not on that list, but also a guy who has been a strong contributor this year is Brock Boxen (Fr). He has played like a beast. He, Bell, Guiser, and Rachal have the ability to deliver punishing blows. And, this list doesn't cover the kids who red-shirted this season. I am also very happy to see Deandre Scott will returning next year.

Defensively, our future continues to be bright. All of the defensive coaches deserve a shout out for the unit they have put together and their ability to start building the talent behind the very talented starting unit. The secondary might be the most improved unit on the field.

I am very excited about the future of Zips football!

We also have Jones (BC transfer) to bolster the secondary next season.