Miami Prediction Thread

[Captain Kangaroo]

Miami (7-3, 6-1 MAC) at Akron (6-4, 6-1 MAC) - 6:00

Television: FOX Sports Net Ohio/Empire Network (Ron Thulin, play-by-play; Rob Otto, analyst).

Site: Akron , Ohio - Rubber Bowl (35,000/AstroPlay)

Series: Miami leads 10-4-1 ... the RedHawks have won three in a row and six of the last seven ... Akron 's last win was in 2000, 37-20.

Coaches: MIA-Terry Hoeppner (47-23, sixth season); UA-J.D. Brookhart (6-4, first season).

Game Notes:

* It's all on the line for the East Division championship in this game.

* Miami is the defending MAC Champion and also won a co-divisional title in 1998 - the Zips shared the East tile in 2000 and are after their first ever post season action since going to I-A in 1987.

* Akron has won five in a row, a school record for its I-A competition.

* Miami has captured five in a row also and its last two road games have resulted in wins ... the Zips have come back from 28-7 and 13-0 deficits the last two games for wins.

* QBs Josh Betts ( Miami ) and Charlie Frye ( Akron ) rank third and fourth, respectively, in the league in passing efficiency.

* Frye needs 13 completions to reach 900 for his career.

* The Zips have allowed four punt returns for a score this year and will be challenged by Miami specialist Ryne Robinson, a sophomore who holds the MAC all-time record with five punt returns for a touchdown - the Zips have rebounded from a 1-4 overall start to the season with two five-point wins and one three-point victory among its five-game winning streak.

Comment: Akron is very focused and has done a great job winning five in a row, but Miami does have more talent and is used to playing in and winning ‘big games’ when they count. Expect Miami to pull away late.

Nick’s Pick: Miami 35 – Akron 24

Line: Miami by 8

[zff]

I really can't say I don't agree with the above. Until the last few lines.

Comment: Akron is very focused and has done a great job winning five in a row, but Miami does have more talent and is used to playing in and winning ‘big games’ when they count. Expect Miami to pull away late.

Nick’s Pick: Miami 35 – Akron 24

If this was a LO team I would agree with the above but JD has these guys playing very strong in the 4th qtr.

ZFF's Pick: Akron 38 Miami 35

[Captain Kangaroo]

Zips are good at stopping the straight ahead run, so they should be able to keep Clemens in check.

Zips defense gives up yards, but also generates turnovers.

Every game for the past 5 has been a "playoff" game for the Zips, so the jitters probably won't be there.

Frye is 0-3 vs Miami. He's due.

Zips 31-Miami 27

[Z-P]

Hate to hang it on a guy......but IMHO, the result depends on which Swiger shows up......

Will we get the UConn/Can't State03/OU04 Swiger or the 4th Qtr Marshall Swiger?

If we can't haul it into the EZ, we have got to be able to put points on the board.

No prediction here..........luv my guys........but we'll need "A" games out of everbody......and need to pick up points when we're in range.

[Zipsrifle]

Well put Z-P. Sweiger was off last weekend. That would have killed us against a better opponent. I say he makes 4 and the Zips win...33 - 31.

[redhawk95]

ryne robinson has a big game returning and receiving.

miami 31

akron 24

[Guest CoachdadJC]

Interesting reading these predictions. I am glad that you guys have had another decent season. We have had a great deal of trouble with the Zips in Akron, but I think this year will be different.

Miami 45

Akron 24

If Miami makes a lot of mistakes, then it will be a barn burner. Either way it will be a great game!

[zipboy]

27-20 Akron.

[Guest ***GUEST_ZIPPER]

Zips magic show stops on Saturday...

Miami 56

Akron 24

[mrelegazna]

Akron 32, Miami 31.

[Guest KangarooFan]

I think we can all agree that our Zips just don't have the talent to win in a blowout. However

I've been to enough games to know that anything can happen at home.....

Zips 28

Miami 27

See you all in Detroit!