Zips / UMass Game Pics and Commentary

[Captain Kangaroo]

The small crowd in the stands belied the well attended parties in the stadium parking lots. 

 

 

There was no doubt Julian Hicks' foot was in-bounds for his first TD reception in a Zips uniform.

 

 

The Zips celebrate after DeMarkus Glover snared his first career INT.

 

 

...and the Zips faithful got to break out The Takeaway Pencil!

 

 

Boogie Knight nets 39 of his game high 100 yards receiving.

  

 

Kato Nelson feels the force of the UMass pass rush.

 

 

All day long it seemed like there were more UMass blockers than Zips defenders.

 

 

Nate Stewart hauls in a 17 yard TD pass.

 

 

Robbie Kelley had 8 pass attempts before giving way to Zach Gibson.

 

 

An exuberant Zack Gibson bumps butts with Trevor Brown after leading the Zips to withing 8 points, late in the game.

 

 

Gibson's strong play breathed life into a Zips team, and staff in desperate need of some positive vibes.

 

 

12-16 for 173 yards and a TD, Gibson did it all, even hauling in a 2-point conversion from WR/QB Nate Stewart.

 

 

UMass QB Michael Curtis high steps it into the endzone untouched.

 

 

The Zips' Zach Gibson does some high-stepping of his own.

 

 

True Freshman KR/WR Michael Mathison continues to impress.

 

 

Gibson gets a taste of what Kato Nelson has been feeling all season.

 

 

Kato's status for the Kent game appears to be a game day decision...at best.

 

 

In 1975 Time Magazine wrote "I've seen the future of rock and roll, and that future is Bruce Springsteen." For the Zips faithful that made the trip to Amherst, maybe...just maybe...in the abyss of what appears to be the mother of all rebuilding seasons...they saw the future of Akron football in true Freshman Zach Gibson. Time will tell.