Game 8- Buffalo

[clarkwgriswold]

Buffalo comes into Infocision this weekend in the last game before the start of Tuesday night football (collective groan).  Our Canadian friends are 3-4 and coming off of a 27-26 win over OU.  Stow alum Kyle VanTrease remains the UB QB.  This is his third year as the starter having started the final eight games of the 2019 season.

[GoZips86]

Unfortunately I can't use my tickets to this game. On the flip side I don't know if I'll be missing much. I'll keep an eye on score and such. 

Had we been on a 2 game win streak after a win this weekend I would have been MAD that I couldn't go. And trust me, I wish I was mad...I'd be thrilled with a 2 game win streak at this point. 

[Blue & Gold]

38 minutes ago, GoZips86 said:

...I'd be thrilled with a 2 game win streak at this point. 

[kreed5120]

I'm kind of surprised we're only 11 point dogs given the spreads of our last few games. I would have thought Buffalo was better than BG, Miami, OU but then again I really haven't followed the MAC this closely this year.

[GoZips86]

1 hour ago, Blue & Gold said:

 

 I try to look at the positive side of things. And Akron football tests that...but I try. 

[clarkwgriswold]

Just to point out the rampant apathy we've been beaten into, the Terry's Next Endeavor thread about a guy fired 1052 days ago has had more posts since this thread was created than this thread.      😴

[LoyalZIP]

1 hour ago, clarkwgriswold said:

Just to point out the rampant apathy we've been beaten into, the Terry's Next Endeavor thread about a guy fired 1052 days ago has had more posts since this thread was created than this thread.      😴

You’re exactly right, I feel bad for getting sucked into that nonsense again. Gotta ignore it, but it’s so hard sometimes. 

[RowdyZip]

1 hour ago, clarkwgriswold said:

Just to point out the rampant apathy we've been beaten into, the Terry's Next Endeavor thread about a guy fired 1052 days ago has had more posts since this thread was created than this thread.      😴

Just a microcosm of today's world where everyone has to be right and spend WAYYYYYYY too much time not changing anyone's mind.  The fun part is, with the Bowden saga, both sides are right.  It was time for him to be gone from Akron, and he still has something left in the tank for coaching.

 

Anyway, we're nearly 2-touchdown underdogs to a pretty bad Buffalo team.  After watching UB/OU, I think that spread is too small unless it's buoyed by crappy weather.  Current forecast is partly cloudy, mid 50s with light winds, so that should affect much.  Buffalo 35, Zips 14. 

Edited October 19, 2021 by RowdyZip

[clarkwgriswold]

This week's episode of the Tom and George Show-

 

 

[Football grandma]

Um, uh, um, um, um ... Drove me crazy!

[Hilltopper]

12 hours ago, Football grandma said:

Um, uh, um, um, um ... Drove me crazy!

You left out "you know"

[LoyalZIP]

37 minutes ago, Hilltopper said:

You left out "you know"

 

You know, listening to Brandon Staley press conferences I've noticed they sound a bit like Arth's. From the "you knows" to even having what seems like a similar voice. It seems like a match made in heaven, how long until after Arth is fired is he in LA?

 

Also, during what I think was the post game interview with Joe Dunn last week, the following string of words came out of Arth's mouth and it gave me a good chuckle--"you know, I don't know, you know?" Just amazing 🤣

[Zipmeister]

4 hours ago, LoyalZIP said:

 

You know, listening to Brandon Staley press conferences I've noticed they sound a bit like Arth's. From the "you knows" to even having what seems like a similar voice. It seems like a match made in heaven, how long until after Arth is fired is he in LA?

 

Also, during what I think was the post game interview with Joe Dunn last week, the following string of words came out of Arth's mouth and it gave me a good chuckle--"you know, I don't know, you know?" Just amazing 🤣

 

As a youngster, I used to "you know" a lot.

My mom actually cured me of that habit by interrupting me every time I said "you know" with "no, I don't no."

Have to give her credit; at the time it was annoying, but, you know, it worked.

 

[Blue & Gold]

 

[LoyalZIP]

The first not-so-great weather game at Infocision Stadium this season could be an interesting one. Buffalo falls under the same umbrella as Miami does in my eyes over the last 5 years or so, granted they've had a bit more sustained success. They've had a string of running backs for nearly a decade that can torch you. Remember back to 2016 when Jordan Johnson led a terrible Buffalo team to a dominant Thursday night victory over Akron that haunted that Zips team the rest of the way. The rosters are completely different now, but the strategy to run it down the opponents' throats is still what Buffalo does best, even with a new head coach. 

 

QB-wise, I personally do not think that Akron or Kent losing a local kid in Vantrease to Buffalo meant much. He has been a fine game manager for a successful program, but the main focus of this team has been to run the ball throughout his entire career, so he's never done anything impressive through the air. In fact, if Buffalo had some semblance of a passing game, they could be a top MAC team. They scored 28 points in the third quarter at Kent by running the ball, that's insane. And QB incompetence ended up biting them at the end once they gave up the lead. After an 0-2 start and a big comeback against Ohio (SO embarrassed we lost to them, especially so badly), they stand at 1-2 in need of a big win.

 

If you argued that Akron has the better QB heading into this one, I may not fight back. He may not be as proven as Vantrease, but he's shown that he can be a good bit better. Plus, Akron has the advantage in the receiving corps, which feels weird to say but I think is true. The Bulls defense rates average to below average in the league, so the Zips could put up some points, emphasis on COULD. Also, the Bulls rush defense gives up a lot of yards on the ground, so perhaps the mess we have at RB could get some good reps in. 

 

With all that said, Buffalo has Kevin Marks (game time decision, injury) in the back field and they have Dylan McDuffie in the back field, and they have Ron Cook in the back field. That three, possibly two, headed monster should wear down the weak defensive front of Akron en route to a controlled victory for the Bulls. I hope I'm wrong, but I think their pedigree will prevail.

 

On the flip side, Akron seems to do well against Buffalo when playing them at home. If my math in my head is correct, Akron is 3-1 agains the Bulls at Infocison, with the lone loss coming in what I think was Zach Gibson's first career start in 2019. In that game, the Zip defense gave up one touchdown and the UB defense scored two for the 21-0 win.

 

A "great opportunity" as Tommy likes to say. Well, what are you gonna do about that opportunity then, coach?

[clarkwgriswold]

I'm pretty confident that Arth is "looking forward to the challenge."

[Captain Kangaroo]

27 minutes ago, LoyalZIP said:

They scored 28 points in the third quarter at Kent by running the ball, that's insane.

Kent's defense is terrible. It's almost like they're afraid to tackle anyone. Gibson/Irons will have a big day against the Flashes through the air. I wish the Zips had the horses to take advantage of it on the ground. 

[Zipmeister]

Zips by 14.

Arth gets 2 year contract extension.

Akron is invited to join C-USA.

[LoyalZIP]

35 minutes ago, Captain Kangaroo said:

Kent's defense is terrible. It's almost like they're afraid to tackle anyone. Gibson/Irons will have a big day against the Flashes through the air. I wish the Zips had the horses to take advantage of it on the ground. 

 

Kent forced approximately 7,000 turnovers in the first few games of the year to mask the stench of their D up until the last couple of weeks. Statistically, I believe they give up more yardage than Akron. And Akron's scoring defense agains the MAC has been bad, but not Kent bad so far.

 

I'm not going to get ahead of myself, but I too think Akron should be able move the ball against them. Also, on Gibson/Irons, I wouldn't mind that being the QB attack. Give Gibson the bulk of the snaps and then use Irons as a runner in shorter yardage situations. Hell, put him out at receiver and run a double pass or some goofy s***. I mean, a 6'5 dual threat QB who is a pretty darn good thrower shouldn't be left to rot on the bench even if he isn't the best QB on the roster. He's an asset. In the Temple game on Akron's first drive, Arth put him in once Akron reached the red zone to perhaps keep Kato from getting decapitated in running situations. Plus, a guy like that adds a whole new dynamic to the offense.

 

Akron unfortunately can't be picky with such a terrible offensive line. They'll need to be creative in situations, and they've got the QBs to do that. We shall see. 

[ZippyRulz]

20 hours ago, Zipmeister said:

 

As a youngster, I used to "you know" a lot.

My mom actually cured me of that habit by interrupting me every time I said "you know" with "no, I don't no."

Have to give her credit; at the time it was annoying, but, you know, it worked.

 

 

<In my best Zipmeister impersonation>:

 

Unfortunately, mom had her own bad habit of getting 'no' and 'know' confused sometimes.

 

[94zipgrad]

1 hour ago, LoyalZIP said:

 

Kent forced approximately 7,000 turnovers in the first few games of the year to mask the stench of their D up until the last couple of weeks. Statistically, I believe they give up more yardage than Akron. And Akron's scoring defense agains the MAC has been bad, but not Kent bad so far.

 

I'm not going to get ahead of myself, but I too think Akron should be able move the ball against them. Also, on Gibson/Irons, I wouldn't mind that being the QB attack. Give Gibson the bulk of the snaps and then use Irons as a runner in shorter yardage situations. Hell, put him out at receiver and run a double pass or some goofy s***. I mean, a 6'5 dual threat QB who is a pretty darn good thrower shouldn't be left to rot on the bench even if he isn't the best QB on the roster. He's an asset. In the Temple game on Akron's first drive, Arth put him in once Akron reached the red zone to perhaps keep Kato from getting decapitated in running situations. Plus, a guy like that adds a whole new dynamic to the offense.

 

Akron unfortunately can't be picky with such a terrible offensive line. They'll need to be creative in situations, and they've got the QBs to do that. We shall see. 

IMO - On this team DJ is the best QB for this team.  He has shown statistically in games to be a good enough thrower and with our weak OL and pressure the QB gets he is Akron’s biggest threat.  I like Gibson but just my opinion DJ gives us a better chance to make those big plays when needed in tight games to keep the chains moving.  Buffalo has a couple good DL that could make our OL look worse than normal & DJ could help.  Again, just my opinion

[Section210Zip]

2 hours ago, LoyalZIP said:

QB-wise, I personally do not think that Akron or Kent losing a local kid in Vantrease to Buffalo meant much. He has been a fine game manager for a successful program, but the main focus of this team has been to run the ball throughout his entire career, so he's never done anything impressive through the air. In fact, if Buffalo had some semblance of a passing game, they could be a top MAC team. They scored 28 points in the third quarter at Kent by running the ball, that's insane. And QB incompetence ended up biting them at the end once they gave up the lead. After an 0-2 start and a big comeback against Ohio (SO embarrassed we lost to them, especially so badly), they stand at 1-2 in need of a big win.

 

If you argued that Akron has the better QB heading into this one, I may not fight back. He may not be as proven as Vantrease, but he's shown that he can be a good bit better. Plus, Akron has the advantage in the receiving corps, which feels weird to say but I think is true. The Bulls defense rates average to below average in the league, so the Zips could put up some points, emphasis on COULD. Also, the Bulls rush defense gives up a lot of yards on the ground, so perhaps the mess we have at RB could get some good reps in. 

 

I don't disagree with any of this but I will point out the Vantrease is 2nd in pass attempts (211) in the MAC while completing 61.1% 

 

DJ and Zack are 1-2 in completion % and passer rating in the MAC for more than 5 attempts. 

DJ has 104 attempts completing 69.2% for a passer rating of 155.4

Zack has 59 attempts completing 72.9% for passer rating of 178.5

[clarkwgriswold]

This week's version of Zips Weekly with ya know, Tom Arth, ya know.

 

 

 

 

Edited October 21, 2021 by clarkwgriswold

[Football grandma]

14 hours ago, LoyalZIP said:

 

Kent forced approximately 7,000 turnovers in the first few games of the year to mask the stench of their D up until the last couple of weeks. Statistically, I believe they give up more yardage than Akron. And Akron's scoring defense agains the MAC has been bad, but not Kent bad so far.

 

I'm not going to get ahead of myself, but I too think Akron should be able move the ball against them. Also, on Gibson/Irons, I wouldn't mind that being the QB attack. Give Gibson the bulk of the snaps and then use Irons as a runner in shorter yardage situations. Hell, put him out at receiver and run a double pass or some goofy s***. I mean, a 6'5 dual threat QB who is a pretty darn good thrower shouldn't be left to rot on the bench even if he isn't the best QB on the roster. He's an asset. In the Temple game on Akron's first drive, Arth put him in once Akron reached the red zone to perhaps keep Kato from getting decapitated in running situations. Plus, a guy like that adds a whole new dynamic to the offense.

 

Akron unfortunately can't be picky with such a terrible offensive line. They'll need to be creative in situations, and they've got the QBs to do that. We shall see. 

The operating word here is "creative." It's the plays I've been waiting to see.

 

[Football grandma]

I'm anxious to watch the game to see if the coaches have read this thread and taken some of my advice! 😅 But, what do I know? I'm an old grandma.👵 Actually, I have blonde hair, but a brunette brain.