NT, Akron game matchups

[MeanGreen61]

FWIW. From the UNT student newspaper (NT Daily)NT, Akron game matchupsMichael PrescotIssue date: 9/22/06 Section: SPORTSWhen the Mean Green run: Advantage ZipsThe Mean Green has yet to have a 100-yard rusher this season. Although NT was able to gain 168 rushing yards against SMU, the team has been held to under 40 yards rushing twice this season. With Jamario Thomas struggling to go more than 50 yards in two starts this season and Woody Wilson being hit or miss each time he takes off and runs, look for it to be another long day for NT. Unless the offensive line wakes up Saturday morning and remembers how to block, the Akron Zip defense will show the Mean Green what it is like to be stuffed at the line.When the Mean Green pass: Advantage ZipsAlthough the NT quarterbacks have looked decent when they have dropped back to pass this season completing a combined 27 of 47 passing attempts in three games, they have only gained 294 yards. Akron, on the other hand, averages 386 yards a game which is almost a 100 yards more than NT has gained all season. The Mean Green will be going up against a stiff secondary that has only allowed an average of 192.3 passing yards per game.When the Zips run: Advantage Mean GreenThe Akron Zips has its fair share of struggles in the running game as well, averaging a mere 69 rushing yards per game. The Zips leading rusher is running back Dennis Kennedy, who has gained only 245 yards on 65 carries in three games this season. The Mean Green defense has looked good at stopping the run this season allowing an average of 149 rush yards per game this season. When the Zips pass: Advantage ZipsThe Akron Zips live for the passing game, averaging 278 passing yards a game. The Mean Green defense on the other hand has looked good at times, while looking a little shaky as well, giving up an average of 210 passing yards per game. Zip quarterback Luke Getsy has completed 49 percent of his passes for 778 yards this season but has thrown five interceptions. The NT defense, on the other hand, has picked off five passes this season. Although I see the defense keeping it close for a while, I think Getsy and the Zip passing game take this one away from the Mean Green.Special Teams: Advantage Mean GreenThe Zip special teams have been a low point this season. Zip place kicker Matt Domonkos has made only one field goal in three tries while punter John Stec has struggled as well. Stec has averaged only 36 yards per punt this season. Meanwhile, it has been the lone consistency for the Mean Green. Senior place kicker Denis Hopovac has made all but one field goal attempt, and the punting game has looked solid, averaging 40.3 yards per punt. Also, the special teams scored a touchdown against SMU.