2007 season looks promising

[sgm405]

OSU wont have the explosive offense they had last yead and they've struggled to beat up MAC schools in the past. I think it will be close. Akron has a good chance.

I agree that we have a chance against Ohio State. The Buckeyes don't know who their QB is, and they struggled prior to Troy Smith. They've got other holes to fill, and they're not unbeatable.I would appreciate if the Nation had a little more faith. If we don't, then how can we expect our team to?

But the Zips don't know who their QB is either. If they did, I really do think they'd have a shot. But Chris Wells > Dennis Kennedy and OSU Defense > Akron Defense...so I don't think it'll be much of a match. And how did OSU struggle prior Troy Smith? He began starting or at least sharing starting duties in 04-05...the previous year they won the Fiesta Bowl and finished #4 in the country...the year before that they were National Champs.

Excuse me, you forgot 2004 when they lost to Northwestern, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Purdue, and went to the top rated Alamo Bowl.

How far do you want to go back? They won big time the two years before Smith. Your comment came across as the Bucks couldn't win without Troy Smith...so I proved it wrong. That's all.

[Zip_ME87]

I can't believe that we are arguing this. My point is that if you believe you can't do something, then you won't. I hope all of you naysayers stay at home in Akron and do not attend this game. I intend to go to the Shoe with a little better outlook/expectation than this.I never said that the Zips will win, but I wouldn't bother to go if I didn't think they had a chance.

[Zip_ME87]

OSU wont have the explosive offense they had last yead and they've struggled to beat up MAC schools in the past. I think it will be close. Akron has a good chance.

I agree that we have a chance against Ohio State. The Buckeyes don't know who their QB is, and they struggled prior to Troy Smith. They've got other holes to fill, and they're not unbeatable.I would appreciate if the Nation had a little more faith. If we don't, then how can we expect our team to?

But the Zips don't know who their QB is either. If they did, I really do think they'd have a shot. But Chris Wells > Dennis Kennedy and OSU Defense > Akron Defense...so I don't think it'll be much of a match. And how did OSU struggle prior Troy Smith? He began starting or at least sharing starting duties in 04-05...the previous year they won the Fiesta Bowl and finished #4 in the country...the year before that they were National Champs.

Excuse me, you forgot 2004 when they lost to Northwestern, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Purdue, and went to the top rated Alamo Bowl.

How far do you want to go back? They won big time the two years before Smith. Your comment came across as the Bucks couldn't win without Troy Smith...so I proved it wrong. That's all.

I didn't go back any further than you did. (I went to 2004; you went to 2002.)My point was not that the Buckeyes can't win without Smith; my point was that Tressel is not infallable. Not just because of the Florida blowout, but he has had a less than remarkable season.

[skip-zip]

I'm not going to make predictions after what happened last year, but I think we will win at least half of our games. And, I actually think that the away game at Miami is going to be one of our easiest conference games.

[Valpo Zip]

I am trying to jump on the optimism train but honestly, i am still unable to forget last year's disappointment. On paper, no matter how i look at it, this year's team seems to be a lot weaker than last year's. That is why i can't see why you guys are talking about a a wonderful season.

[timmyboy]

I am trying to jump on the optimism train but honestly, i am still unable to forget last year's disappointment. On paper, no matter how i look at it, this year's team seems to be a lot weaker than last year's. That is why i can't see why you guys are talking about a a wonderful season.

How can you say we will be weaker then last year? We are more athletic in darn near every position that we lost someone in. Yeah we may have to establish a whole new offensive line, but schepp is very capable of being the leader of the group. jackson is more then able to take over where getsy left off. Our RB situation is looking very nice so far, not often could we say that we were so deep at a position that we had talent sitting. The only question that i think, will be our DL. But i expect Nate to do alot of big things and return to the old form,that he had at rutgers. Look for Cecchetti (SP) to do big things this year. PLUS.......dont forget we still have 3 scholarships to give, so we could be giving them to a stand out player who could be the difference.

[sgm405]

OSU wont have the explosive offense they had last yead and they've struggled to beat up MAC schools in the past. I think it will be close. Akron has a good chance.

I agree that we have a chance against Ohio State. The Buckeyes don't know who their QB is, and they struggled prior to Troy Smith. They've got other holes to fill, and they're not unbeatable.I would appreciate if the Nation had a little more faith. If we don't, then how can we expect our team to?

But the Zips don't know who their QB is either. If they did, I really do think they'd have a shot. But Chris Wells > Dennis Kennedy and OSU Defense > Akron Defense...so I don't think it'll be much of a match. And how did OSU struggle prior Troy Smith? He began starting or at least sharing starting duties in 04-05...the previous year they won the Fiesta Bowl and finished #4 in the country...the year before that they were National Champs.

Excuse me, you forgot 2004 when they lost to Northwestern, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Purdue, and went to the top rated Alamo Bowl.

How far do you want to go back? They won big time the two years before Smith. Your comment came across as the Bucks couldn't win without Troy Smith...so I proved it wrong. That's all.

I didn't go back any further than you did. (I went to 2004; you went to 2002.)My point was not that the Buckeyes can't win without Smith; my point was that Tressel is not infallable. Not just because of the Florida blowout, but he has had a less than remarkable season.

Jim Tressel is 62-14 at OSU in 5 years, 4-2 in Bowl games, and 1-1 in National Title games. Certainly not perfect, but pretty damn good. Last year they went 12-1, with the only loss being against Florida. How exactly is that "less than remarkable"???

[AZipsCrazy]

Regardless of anything anybody has said... the fact of the matter is that any thing can happen on any given Saturday. The truth is Miami of Ohio took the wire and the Bucks needed a 50 yard FG from Nugent to win the game. Anything can happen on any given Saturday.IMO I think this team is going to be significantly better than last years team. I also truly believe that we are going to have a legitimate shot to win the game. Just look at how inept their offense was before Troy Smith, just about every game came down to the wire, which will at least give us a shot to pull off the upset.

[Zip_ME87]

[

Jim Tressel is 62-14 at OSU in 5 years, 4-2 in Bowl games, and 1-1 in National Title games. Certainly not perfect, but pretty damn good. Last year they went 12-1, with the only loss being against Florida. How exactly is that "less than remarkable"??? My post was badly phrased...I meant that he has had one season that was less than remarkable. Thus, it is not a forgone conclusion that the Zips will lose.

[BZip_08]

"Anything can happen on any given Saturday."Completely true, that's why upsets are so fun to watch. I love OSU, but I go to Akron- my loyalty lies where it should. I want good games every week. As long as the boys give it everything, there is a chance to win every single game. Will it happen? Probably not, but hey it's April and there's snow on the ground... anything can happen.

[RACER]

any team always a chance.usually when a mac wins a game like top 25 team you need turnovers. while i think our defense should be pretty good our offense was terrible last year at the end of the season.hopefully it will be better this year,but how much.

[a-zip]

OMG...I hope our players don't read this thread.If they think like this, then UA has NO CHANCE. And, I personally don't want them to live down to these expectations.

You are right. We should all change our predictions to 12-0 with our first appearance to a BCS game.

[Dale Carnegie]

I mean, there's always a chance...and I hope our guys don't go in expecting to lose. But I wouldn't be putting any money on Akron either, that's for sure.

A true fan never bets against his own team. Those are the games you don't bet on if you really think your team is going to lose. You know why? Because when you put money on a game (without a spread), you're rooting for your pick to win so you can win money.Of course you'd put your money on OSU, they're your number one team whether you'll admit it or not. Your posts in the past are enough evidence to prove this. Sounds like one of those "wish I coulda' went to OSU but I ended up in Akron" students.If someone ever bashes OSU, even in the smack column, you'll find a certain someone crying themselves in. BOO HOO, a bunch of Akron fans hate OSU. We have very good reasons to hate OSU and all the crying in the world by you wont change it. There are Can't/Akron fans but you don't see them crying everytime someone bashes Can't State.Akron can beat OSU in football. There's no such thing as 'I Can't'I'll put my money on Akron because they're my team and I'll always be loyal to my #1 team.

[Dale Carnegie]

You are right. We should all change our predictions to 12-0 with our first appearance to a BCS game.

Boise State did it, you never know.

[Buckzip]

Like I said earlier. Our d-line really makes me nervous. I feel our offense will be better, but I don't feel we will ahve any push from the d-line to let our experienced d-backs excel. With no pass rush, an All Pro secondary wouldn't have a chance.

[akronad]

After reading all of the previous posts, I have decided to remain cautiously optimistic. I think back to this time last season, and it seems as if we were unbeatable. Boy, did things change. We need to keep a positive menatl attitude and hope some of the breaks that went against us last season even out.As far as OSU is concerned, this is probably going to be a loss for us and I personally would prefer playing another home game than going to Columbus, even though I love being in that city. This game is being played for 1 reason and 1 reason only, MONEY!!!!!!!!!Let's forget about the OSU game and concentrate on winning the MAC and getting back to the MAC Champonship.

[AZipsCrazy]

Buckzip-Nate Robinson is actually better than any of the DT's that OSU has, so I don't see why you're so nervous about it. He was the #1 DT in the country coming out of high school and from what it sounds like he's FINALLY living up to his potential this spring. p.s. OSU won't put up more than 24 points and you can count on that

[Buckzip]

Buckzip-Nate Robinson is actually better than any of the DT's that OSU has, so I don't see why you're so nervous about it. He was the #1 DT in the country coming out of high school and from what it sounds like he's FINALLY living up to his potential this spring. p.s. OSU won't put up more than 24 points and you can count on that

First off, I won't debate with you here, as too many people here get upset whenever OSU is mentioned. Even though someone else will bring it up, certain posters get ticked off when you you debate back.You see, to some the rules are as follows.Anyone can come on here and bash OSU. However, if anyone defends OSU from that bashing, then they are attacked for bringing up OSU. Some posters here make it really tough for those of us that went to both schools.Jealousy is a terrible thing.As for Nate, yes he was the #1 DT (coming out of high school). However, he has shown little since he has been in college. High school and college are 2 different things.Many, many stud high school players flop in college.He wouldn't even be in the 2-deep at OSU. You are too busy looking at whom OSU lost to graduation, rather than looking at whom is returning. The problem here when others are talking about OSU, is that they hate OSU so much, that they are blinded by it.Very few posters on here know anything about the OSU roster, who is coming back and who is expected to compete for playing time. Posters will say, hey they lost Smith, Pittman, Ginn, Pitcock, Patterson, etc, without having a clue about the players replacing them.OSU will put a minumum 35 on UA. That will be before the 4th quarter starts.Insiders are saying that Tressel learned so much from that humiliating NC game loss, that he will be changing his style. I think you will see some major changes next season.Like I said before, I would love UA to pull the upset. However, I am not going to be a homer about this either. Like another poster said, anything can happen on any given day. That is true. However, I really don't see it happening for UA.I will be done with this now, as I will soon be attacked for responding to a thread discussing a future opponent.

[Dr Z]

You see, to some the rules are as follows.Anyone can come on here and bash OSU. However, if anyone defends OSU from that bashing, then they are attacked for bringing up OSU. Some posters here make it really tough for those of us that went to both schools.Jealousy is a terrible thing.

It is very simple, if you want to write about the Zips this is the place to do it.If you would like to write about any other school, please go to their site and do it.I never heard of a site where you root for two schools, but maybe you are on to something.Try it out. Start a site. It might be the next big thing.

[Captain Kangaroo]

I will be done with this now, as I will soon be attacked for responding to a thread discussing a future opponent.

If you can sift through the keyboard diarrhea in the smack forum (mostly excreted by one poster) you will find two key points made that will dispel your statement:1.) The comment was clearly made that the "anti-OSU" stuff has a home IN THE SMACK FORUM. If Dr. Z's funny picture was posted in the "Football" forum, the pro-OSU crowd would have a legit beef about the topic. But it wasn't. If OSU fans, or anyone else, can't handle the smack, they should avoid that forum. 2.) It was specifically stated that comments regarding Ohio State Football, as they relate to the Zips, are welcome because they ARE an opponent this fall. Again, if you can sift through the sewage, you will find it was a thin-skinned OSU fan who fought, and continues to fight the notion that U of A can be held in a similar light to OSU by some. This is highly offensive to many Zips fans.It is very simple. This is a University of Akron Athletics forum. It exists, and is moderately popular because there really is no other outlet for supporters of University of Akron Athletics to discuss their passion. It will remain 100% dedicated exclusively to U of A athletics and related topics (MAC, NCAA policies, etc.). If someone wants to discuss issues involving the Cavs, OSU, etc, with no relevance to UA, there are a million other places to do so.Also please keep in mind that those who run this board don't have the spare time to police it every minute. And they don't have the time to edit every sentence that might be objectionable to someone (we're at about 1,000 registered members if you filter out the spammers). When there is a gray area, the Zips fan will always get the benefit of the doubt on this board. There's no fee to access this board. If anyone doesn't like how it is run, there's no one forcing them to participate.There are many Akron/OSU fans on this site who "get it." There are also many "Akron/Notre Dame" fans and "Akron/Michigan" fans who participate here and "get it." They leave their loyalties for their "other" favotite school at the door when they enter ZipsNation. Respect the fact that this is a Zips site. Zips fans fight the OSU machine for respect every day in the newspaper, on the radio, at school, in the workplace…everywhere. This is one place Zips fans can come and be treated like the top dog in town. It will always remain that way.

[RowdyZip]

I will be done with this now, as I will soon be attacked for responding to a thread discussing a future opponent.

If you can sift through the keyboard diarrhea in the smack forum (mostly excreted by one poster) you will find two key points made that will dispel your statement:1.) The comment was clearly made that the "anti-OSU" stuff has a home IN THE SMACK FORUM. If Dr. Z's funny picture was posted in the "Football" forum, the pro-OSU crowd would have a legit beef about the topic. But it wasn't. If OSU fans, or anyone else, can't handle the smack, they should avoid that forum. 2.) It was specifically stated that comments regarding Ohio State Football, as they relate to the Zips, are welcome because they ARE an opponent this fall. Again, if you can sift through the sewage, you will find it was a thin-skinned OSU fan who fought, and continues to fight the notion that U of A can be held in a similar light to OSU by some. This is highly offensive to many Zips fans.It is very simple. This is a University of Akron Athletics forum. It exists, and is moderately popular because there really is no other outlet for supporters of University of Akron Athletics to discuss their passion. It will remain 100% dedicated exclusively to U of A athletics and related topics (MAC, NCAA policies, etc.). If someone wants to discuss issues involving the Cavs, OSU, etc, with no relevance to UA, there are a million other places to do so.Also please keep in mind that those who run this board don't have the spare time to police it every minute. And they don't have the time to edit every sentence that might be objectionable to someone (we're at about 1,000 registered members if you filter out the spammers). When there is a gray area, the Zips fan will always get the benefit of the doubt on this board. There's no fee to access this board. If anyone doesn't like how it is run, there's no one forcing them to participate.There are many Akron/OSU fans on this site who "get it." There are also many "Akron/Notre Dame" fans and "Akron/Michigan" fans who participate here and "get it." They leave their loyalties for their "other" favotite school at the door when they enter ZipsNation. Respect the fact that this is a Zips site. Zips fans fight the OSU machine for respect every day in the newspaper, on the radio, at school, in the workplace…everywhere. This is one place Zips fans can come and be treated like the top dog in town. It will always remain that way.

AMEN.And LOL @ keyboard diarrhea.

[sgm405]

I mean, there's always a chance...and I hope our guys don't go in expecting to lose.  But I wouldn't be putting any money on Akron either, that's for sure.

A true fan never bets against his own team. Those are the games you don't bet on if you really think your team is going to lose. You know why? Because when you put money on a game (without a spread), you're rooting for your pick to win so you can win money.Of course you'd put your money on OSU, they're your number one team whether you'll admit it or not. Your posts in the past are enough evidence to prove this. Sounds like one of those "wish I coulda' went to OSU but I ended up in Akron" students.If someone ever bashes OSU, even in the smack column, you'll find a certain someone crying themselves in. BOO HOO, a bunch of Akron fans hate OSU. We have very good reasons to hate OSU and all the crying in the world by you wont change it. There are Can't/Akron fans but you don't see them crying everytime someone bashes Can't State.Akron can beat OSU in football. There's no such thing as 'I Can't'I'll put my money on Akron because they're my team and I'll always be loyal to my #1 team.

Did I say I didn't want Akron to win? No. I said I wouldn't bet on them. By your definition of what a "true fan" is, if I don't think the Zips will go undefeated and win the National Title, I'm not a true fan.Now does that make sense?

[sgm405]

Again, if you can sift through the sewage, you will find it was a thin-skinned OSU fan who fought, and continues to fight the notion that U of A can be held in a similar light to OSU by some. This is highly offensive to many Zips fans.

We disagree so I am "thin-skinned"? Let's see...Ohio State Football - 787-301-52 all-time, 18 bowl wins, 31 conference titles, 7 Heisman winners, 128 All-Americans, 5 National Titles. In the past five seasons - 1 National Title, 3 top five finishes in the AP PollAkron Football - 473-447-37 all-time, 0 bowl wins, 1 conference title, 0 Heisman winners, 0 All-Americans, 0 National Titles, never been ranked in the AP PollNow I firmly believe (and hope) that one day Akron football WILL be held in similar light to Ohio State football. But to say they are right now is just an enormous stretch. They haven't been in D-1 long enough and haven't yet built a consistent winner (which I think they will very, very soon). Give it time...it'll happen one day. But right now? No...the programs simply aren't in the same league. You may say that because I feel that way I'm being "thin-skinned"...But I prefer "realistic"On a side note, the work the Mods do is greatly appreciated. While I've butted heads with some of you, you guys do a great job - especially considered this isn't a subscription site. Kudos to you all...keep up the good work

[Balki Bartokomous]

Let's see...Ohio State Football - 787-301-52 all-time, 18 bowl wins, 31 conference titles, 7 Heisman winners, 128 All-Americans, 5 National Titles. In the past five seasons - 1 National Title, 3 top five finishes in the AP PollAkron Football - 473-447-37 all-time, 0 bowl wins, 1 conference title, 0 Heisman winners, 0 All-Americans, 0 National Titles, never been ranked in the AP Poll

Oh my god, will you shut the hell up. I have tried to stay out of this because tOSU fans arguing w/ tOSU haters is like fighting over politics. There isn't a damn thing you can say that will make the other side feel any different. With that said, we get it. We understand that tOSU is better than Akron. However we come here to enjoy our team. Here, the Zips could beat the '72 Dolphins. Why? Because we are Akron fans. Is it being realistic? Probably not, but that is not the point. Here we have a place where we can dream of such things happening. We don't need assclowns like you leaving 10 trillion posts about how Jim Tressel's wife can cook better than JD's wife, because her husband coaches at tOSU. Again, we get it. They have more money, exposure, talent, jackass fans. Congrats. If you want to go give tOSU a big sloppy BJ, then take it somewhere else. Here you talk Zips. Respect the zips faithful and their love for the team, city, school. I'm a fan of other schools. I'm a big Texas Longhorns fan. I'm not on here talking about how if Akron were to play them, they would get their asses kicked. No. Akron would win that game. Why? Because i'm a goddamned Zips fan and I believe they could do anything. Thats why.

[blueandgold]

Let's see...Ohio State Football - 787-301-52 all-time, 18 bowl wins, 31 conference titles, 7 Heisman winners, 128 All-Americans, 5 National Titles.  In the past five seasons - 1 National Title, 3 top five finishes in the AP PollAkron Football - 473-447-37 all-time, 0 bowl wins, 1 conference title, 0 Heisman winners, 0 All-Americans, 0 National Titles, never been ranked in the AP Poll

Oh my god, will you shut the hell up. I have tried to stay out of this because tOSU fans arguing w/ tOSU haters is like fighting over politics. There isn't a damn thing you can say that will make the other side feel any different. With that said, we get it. We understand that tOSU is better than Akron. However we come here to enjoy our team. Here, the Zips could beat the '72 Dolphins. Why? Because we are Akron fans. Is it being realistic? Probably not, but that is not the point. Here we have a place where we can dream of such things happening. We don't need assclowns like you leaving 10 trillion posts about how Jim Tressel's wife can cook better than JD's wife, because her husband coaches at tOSU. Again, we get it. They have more money, exposure, talent, jackass fans. Congrats. If you want to go give tOSU a big sloppy BJ, then take it somewhere else. Here you talk Zips. Respect the zips faithful and their love for the team, city, school. I'm a fan of other schools. I'm a big Texas Longhorns fan. I'm not on here talking about how if Akron were to play them, they would get their asses kicked. No. Akron would win that game. Why? Because i'm a goddamned Zips fan and I believe they could do anything. Thats why.

Beautiful!