Game #6 CMU @ Akron - 3:30 pm October 3rd: Catdaddyp July Preview → Official Game Thread

[catdaddyp]

2024 Rewind:

Jim McElwain retired after leading the Chips to a 4-8 record at the conclusion of his sixth season in Mt. Pleasant. It was a year full of injuries and frustration for CMU.

 

Matt Drinkall, the former Army offensive line coach, has been tasked with turning the ship around in Mt. Pleasant. He inherits a program that’s lost some of its edge in recent years.

 

 

Recruiting under Drinkall:

2025:

On3 - 11th in MAC

247 - 9th in MAC

 

 

Chips on Offense:

CMU will look different offensively, and it’s likely some of the starters will routinely change as Drinkall works to find the right fits for his new scheme.

 

Joe Labas is expected to start again, though he didn’t show much in limited spring game action. Labas threw for 1,114 yards with 7 touchdowns and 7 interceptions on 59% passing last season before going down with an injury. Behind him is Jayden Glasser, who I thought was the best prep quarterback prospect in the MAC from the 2024 class.

 

Running back is up for grabs, as CMU returns very little production at the position. Defensive back turned running back Nahree Biggins will compete with Tulane transfer Trey Cornist for early snaps as the staff looks to sort out the backfield.

 

Wide receiver is wide open as well, with no returning player logging more than 25 receiving yards a year ago. That said, Langston Lewis and Tommy McIntosh look like the most likely starters heading into the season. Decorian Temple will reprise his role at tight end, though he’s rarely been involved in the passing game to this point.

 

The Chips return just one full-time starter and another part-time starter up front—which might not be the worst thing for a unit Drinkall will demand more from. CMU’s offensive line graded out in the bottom tier of the MAC last season, per PFF, and will need to take a big step forward for the offense to find any kind of rhythm.

 

 

Chips on Defense:

It remains to be seen what scheme Drinkall ultimately decides to go with, but CMU does return both starting ends from last year’s three-man base front in Michael Heldman and Kade Kostus. The duo combined for 52 total tackles and 5.5 sacks and should provide some stability up front. Nose tackle is a different story—options there are limited to players who saw fewer than 70 snaps or none at all at the G5 level.

 

Linebacker will be a strength of the defense, led by All-MAC Second Team selection Jordan Kwiatkowski. He’s the clear anchor of the group and will likely be joined by former backups Dakota Cochran and Fernando Sanchez, who now step into larger roles.

 

The secondary returns plenty of production, including both starting safeties in Caleb Spann and Elijah Rikkard. Starting cornerback Jaion Jackson is also back, giving the unit a solid foundation. Backups Aakeem Snell and Brenden Deasfernandes figure to round out the starting group, at least early on.

 

The Chips will role out new specialists in kicker Cade Graham and left footed punter Declan Duley.

 

 

Position Advantage:

Outside of offensive line, Akron should hold a clear advantage across the board on offense. Defense is a different story—CMU holds the edge on that side of the ball, particularly in the front seven.

 

QB - Akron

RB - Akron

WR - Akron

TE - Akron

OL - Even

DL - CMU

LB - CMU

DB - CMU

ST - Even

 

 

Way too Early Prediction:

CMU reminds me of the Buffalo situation last year—except the Chips have less overall talent. For CMU to win games, they’ll need to lean heavily on the run game, limit turnovers, and squeeze every bit of production they can out of this roster.

 

Defensively, there’s reason for optimism. With a good chunk of production returning, CMU has a shot to be solid on that side of the ball. If the defense can keep games within reach, the Chips should at least be able to stay competitive in the MAC.

 

The last time CMU visited Akron, the Zips were marching for a game‑winning drive when the quarterback and running back botched the mesh point—each thinking the other had the ball. A CMU lineman scooped it up and lumbered 60 plus yards to the end zone, untouched, with no Zip in position to catch him. That won’t be the case this season. Akron should be able to exploit a coach in his first year of MAC play still finding his footing and a CMU roster that doesn’t boast overwhelming talent in 2025. Most media are higher on CMU than I am this season. I’m calling a Zips win, 21-17.

 

 

Game Day Notes:
 

CMU has rotated quarterbacks for much of the year but seems to have settled on Labas and Flores. When Labas is under center, they throw it about 65% of the time, while Flores’ snaps are heavily run-oriented — 81% of his plays have been runs.

 

Outside of Flores, Biggins and Cornist have handled most of the work on the ground, each averaging over four yards per carry. Biggins has also been a reliable option as a receiver out of the backfield.

 

In the passing game, McIntosh and Lewis are the primary threats, while tight end DeCorian Temple is a name to keep an eye on in the red zone.

 

Whether it’s more about scheme or personnel, this offensive line is noticeably stronger in the run game than in pass protection. If the Chips think they can establish the run against an opponent, they’ll lean into it — and the passing game will take a back seat.

 

Most of CMU’s pass rush comes from one source — defensive end Michael Heldman. No one else on the roster has come close to matching the kind of pressure he’s generated in 2025. While CMU doesn’t boast an elite defense and has been about average overall, the unit has tackled well.

 

 

Despite the overall record, we’ve got a few players who are tracking toward all-conference seasons — RG Davis, DE Dall, LB Cooper, CB DeWalt, and CB Reed. Hopefully the team can bounce back today and put together a strong performance against an opponent that’s very beatable, as long as we stay within striking distance.

 

 

Edited 7 hours ago by catdaddyp

[clarkwgriswold]

Just a reminder that the Zips have a game this week!

 

Yikes, two days before homecoming and absolutely no chatter or interest.

[MangoZip]

The line is Zips +7.5 so that tells me that we have a chance. Would I take that bet…no. 

[kreed5120]

5 hours ago, clarkwgriswold said:

Just a reminder that the Zips have a game this week!

 

Yikes, two days before homecoming and absolutely no chatter or interest.

Excitement is building...

[clarkwgriswold]

3 hours ago, MangoZip said:

The line is Zips +7.5 so that tells me that we have a chance. Would I take that bet…no. 

 

Careful, you might be called a degenerate gambler!  LOL.

[exit322]

On 10/2/2025 at 12:40 PM, MangoZip said:

The line is Zips +7.5 so that tells me that we have a chance. Would I take that bet…no. 

I wouldn't touch that line with a 10 foot pole.  CMU is more than capable of letting the Zips think they're competent.

[1981 grad]

Is Finely playing?  After watching last week, I just cannot see us moving the ball without him.

Edited 21 hours ago by 1981 grad

[catdaddyp]

Game Day Notes:
 

CMU has rotated quarterbacks for much of the year but seems to have settled on Labas and Flores. When Labas is under center, they throw it about 65% of the time, while Flores’ snaps are heavily run-oriented — 81% of his plays have been runs.

 

Outside of Flores, Biggins and Cornist have handled most of the work on the ground, each averaging over four yards per carry. Biggins has also been a reliable option as a receiver out of the backfield.

 

In the passing game, McIntosh and Lewis are the primary threats, while tight end DeCorian Temple is a name to keep an eye on in the red zone.

 

Whether it’s more about scheme or personnel, this offensive line is noticeably stronger in the run game than in pass protection. If the Chips think they can establish the run against an opponent, they’ll lean into it — and the passing game will take a back seat.

 

Most of CMU’s pass rush comes from one source — defensive end Michael Heldman. No one else on the roster has come close to matching the kind of pressure he’s generated in 2025. While CMU doesn’t boast an elite defense and has been about average overall, the unit has tackled well.

 

 

Despite the overall record, we’ve got a few players who are tracking toward all-conference seasons — RG Davis, DE Dall, LB Cooper, CB DeWalt, and CB Reed. Hopefully the team can bounce back today and put together a strong performance against an opponent that’s very beatable, as long as we stay within striking distance.

[Sergeant Zip]

Ben is back

 

https://x.com/Brett_McMurphy/status/1974504534606270629

[roopride]

Go ZIPS!  

[exit322]

2 hours ago, Sergeant Zip said:

Ben is back

 

https://x.com/Brett_McMurphy/status/1974504534606270629

Wonderful 

[clarkwgriswold]

Funny how last week made us excited about Finley being our starter.

[exit322]

4 minutes ago, clarkwgriswold said:

Funny how last week made us excited about Finley being our starter.

Speak for yourself.  I'd still rather see what Roggow could do

[LZIp]

Use your 2nd timeout in your first offensive possession at midfield just to punt it smh.

[clarkwgriswold]

Just now, LZIp said:

Use your 2nd timeout in your first offensive possession at midfield just to punt it smh.

Punt strategy.

[LZIp]

Gage Summers called for another “disconcerting signal” penalty. Smh

[exit322]

2 minutes ago, LZIp said:

Use your 2nd timeout in your first offensive possession at midfield just to punt it smh.

Offensive genius works in mysterious ways

[exit322]

Just now, LZIp said:

Gage Summers called for another “disconcerting signal” penalty. Smh

Dumb in the classroom.  Dumb on the field.

[LZIp]

6 minutes ago, exit322 said:

Dumb in the classroom.  Dumb on the field.

And it cost us points like it did against UAB

[ZippyDoo]

i didn't understand this penalty when they showed the replay... he smacked the defensive tackle on the side to move over?

[LZIp]

Anyone know what the deal with Sean Patrick is? We always have all these key players out without any idea why. Still wondering why Daymon David hasn’t played a snap this year.

[ZippyDoo]

i'd rather listen to the game on mute than listen to this blowhard praise finley for completing an out pass... 

i get being a homer but come on

[clarkwgriswold]

5 minutes ago, ZippyDoo said:

i didn't understand this penalty when they showed the replay... he smacked the defensive tackle on the side to move over?

It's usually shouting out something similar to the offensive cadence to confuse the offense.  It's quite disconcerting.

Edited 1 hour ago by clarkwgriswold

[LZIp]

Nothing like taking a 10 yard sack on 3rd down to take us out of FG range. FG missed as expected.

[exit322]

15 minutes ago, LZIp said:

Anyone know what the deal with Sean Patrick is? We always have all these key players out without any idea why. Still wondering why Daymon David hasn’t played a snap this year.

I'd bet money Patrick is using his redshirt.