UofAZIPS.com Blog

BRING THE WAGON WHEEL HOME!

If this sight of Kent State President Lester Lefton and the rest of his Flashes raising the Wagon Wheel in triumph isn’t enought to make you visit the emergency room with excruciating abdominal pains, I don’t know what will. For 8 out of the last ten years, the Wagon Wheel has called The University of Akron home. For the past year, it has been in the world of the black squirrel at Kent Community School, aka Kent State University.

For the Seniors

There have been two articles in the news media about how the Zips seniors are pumped up for two reasons: This is the last Wagon Wheel game to be played in the Rubber Bowl; and this is their last chance to bring the Wheel back where it belongs - on the Hilltop.

The Match Up

This game has all the makings of being the best contest in the MAC this week.

Kent State comes into the Bowl with a 2-1 record with wins over Iowa State and Division I-AA Delaware State. The Flashes lone loss came at the hands of Kentucky. A win over Akron would see the Flashes with their first 3-1 start since the Ronald Reagan admnistration in 1987.

The Zips are going to have to find a way to contain a double threat from the Kent State offense. Quarterback Julian Edelman and running back Eugene Jarvis. Edelman is coming off a high-powered performance against Delaware State with 267 passing and rushing yards combined with three touchdowns. For the season, Edelman is averaging almost 188 yards passing per game, completing 54 percent of his passes.

Jarvis has been a dynamo in the backfield. He is 15th in the nation averaging almost 127 rushing yards per game. He has rushed for at least 100 yards in each of the Flashes’ three games this season.

Kent also poses a threat on the defensive side of the ball, led by defensive back Fritz Jacques, who leads Kent State with 24 tackles. Jameson Konz and Kevin Hogan lead the charge on the D-line.

In the week since Indiana, a big question is whether or not the Zips have figured out a way to contain a fleet-footed quarterback? The Zips had an extremely difficult time last week with Kellen Lewis spreading the defense, then finding holes up the middle.

The Zips will have a threat of their own this week, with Carlton Jackson starting at quarterback. Jackson had the most success in moving the Zips last week in Bloomington and poses a substantial running threat himself.
Zips wide receiver Jabari Arthur will challenge the Kent secondary. Arthur is third in the MAC in receptions per game (7.33) and receiving yards per game (91.67). Last week against the Hoosiers, Arthur caught seven balls for 118 yards.

If Akron is going to have a balanced attack, they’re going to need junior running back Dennis Kennedy to come alive. In the first three games, Kennedy has rushed for 95 yards and is Akron’s leading rusher.

Key for the Zips will be establishing the running game with Kennedy and Jackson balanced with effectively airing it out to Arthur.

This is going to be an entertaining game to watch. Let’s see a good crowd at the Bowl.

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SURPRISES?

The Kent-Ravenna Wretched Courier reports that the Flashes may have some surprises for their arch-rivals!

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TALE OF THE TAPE
Kent State (2-1, 0-0 MAC East, 0-0 MAC Overall) at Akron (1-2, 0-0 MAC East, 0-0 MAC Overall) - Noon

SITE: Rubber Bowl (31,000/AstroPlay) - Akron, Ohio

TELEVISION: ESPN Plus/ESPN Game Plan (Jim Barbar, Bob Chmiel)

RADIO: Sportsradio 1350 AM/Akron, WNIR 100.1 FM/Kent

SERIES RECORD: Akron leads 27-20-2

LINE:  Kent State by 3 points.

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The loss of David Harvey has forced Akron Head Coach J.D. Brookhart to reload the Zips’ passing attack - so writes David Lee Morgan in today’s Beacon Journal.

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The Plain Dealer’s Elton Alexander has a feature on Alexandra Corona, one of only two female directors of video services for a D-I football program.

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Alexander also reports in the Pee Dee that Zips defensive back Reggie Corner is eyeing a career as a coach.

Nick’s MAC picks for week #4.

OT - (OFF TOPIC)

THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON VIKINGS?

I saw a headline in The Plain Dealer that was disturbing to say the least - Cleveland State, U of Akron could be combined.

YIKES!

The article was short on facts.  There’s a good reason for that - there are none, at this point.  The sources for the story are suspect.  There is a lack of attribution.  “Some of the talk…,” “…others familiar with the discussions…,” not very impressive.  It leaves the reader asking, “How credible is this article?”  And why Cleveland State and not Kent State?

The “talk” according to the front page story, involves, in addition to merging Akron and CSU,  moving the Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine (NEOUCOM) from Portage County to downtown Cleveland or expanding its Rootstown campus.

Eric Fingerhut, Governor Ted Strickland’s higher-education chancellor, is not commenting.

As an Akron alum, I must admit the news makes me ill.  However, as an Ohio taxpayer, I have always felt that Ohio has too many tax-supported institutions of higher learning.  To me, some consolidation makes sense.

One cannot form an opinion based on what is (or what is not) known.  I will have to see a proposal.  I’m keeping an open mind, but Mr. Fingerhut had better tread lightly.

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Contact Don Olson at: donolson160@yahoo.com

LAST WAGON WHEEL GAME AT THE RUBBER BOWL

It just struck me that this will be the last time that Akron and Kent State meet for Wagon Wheel bragging rights on the field at the Rubber Bowl. The next time the two teams meet in Akron, it will be in the new Infocision Stadium - if the aggressive construction schedule is met.

The Kent State game has taken on new meaning with Akron’s admission to the Mid-American Conference. Prior to 1992, the two teams would meet every now and then since the Rival Revival in 1979.

The Wagon Wheel was first put on the line at the 1946 game after Dr. Raymond Manchester, Kent State dean of men, suggested it be given as a trophy to the winner of the Kent-Akron game. By the way, does anybody really buy the story of John Buchtel getting his wagon stuck in the mud? But I digress.

The Zips went on to play the Flashes every year until 1954. Akron, a college division team at the time, was out-manned by Kent State of the major college division Mid-American Conference. Kent ripped off 8 straight wins before the rivalry was cancelled in 1955.

The two teams didn’t play again until 1972, when the outcome was a 13-13 tie. The Flashes and Zips played 13 more times until Akron joined the MAC in 1992.

RIVALRY?

I’ve been around Akron football since my freshman year in 1977. To be honest, I’ve never really gotten that worked up about the Kent game. How could anyone? With the exception of the Glen Mason years, Kent has been so bad in football that it’s been more of a charity game for the Zips. I’ve often thought that the coaching staffs and administrations of both schools have made the game out to be a little more than what it actually is with the hope of generating interest.

However, the Flashes have show more signs of life in recent years, despite the fact that the Zips have won 8 of the last 10 wagon wheel games. Kent State currently has possession of the wheel with last year’s impressive 37-15 victory.

Let’s hope that the Flashes continue their upward trend. A strong team on both sides will create more passion and a better rivalry.

Having an arch rival makes the college experience much more fun. What would Miami and OU be like without having the other one to hate? With both schools located so close to one another combined with the fact that they’re now in the same conference and have a rich tradition with the Wagon Wheel, Kent State and Akron have laid the foundation for such a rivalry. Now if each school could just put together a string of winning seasons….we’ve seen it happen in basketball!

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LAST CHANCE FOR SENIORS

The Buchtelite reports that Saturday’s game is the last chance for the seniors to return the Wagon Wheel to the Hilltop. The article also touches on the impact on moving the game to the middle of the season.

The Beacon Journal’s David Lee Morgan also writes about the seniors last wack at Can’t State.

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Dillion Seshong of the Buchtelite writes that senior rover John Mackey is poised for the big game with that Portage County school to the east.

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JASON TAYLOR NO CLASS?

In the Buchtelite’s “Bosma Breakdown” we read that former Zip and current Miami Dolphin Jason Taylor could use a course in manners.  Did they offer that in the Robinson Dining Hall?  Tony Bosma also opines on the recent actions in Cleveland’s Dawg Pound.

Jason Taylor is included in another article today.  This one in USA Today describing the aggressive drug-testing policies of the NFL.  For the record, Taylor has never tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs.

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KENT RANKED #1

Crowdrush.com has ranked Kent State #1 in its MAC power ratings. Akron ranks #6. If you’ve never heard of CrowdRush, it looks like a pretty informative site. Try it out.

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THE BOTTOM TEN

ESPN has come out with the week #4 version of the ten worst teams in college football. This week, Knute Rockne is turning in his grave with the Fighting Irish ranked number one. It also warms the cockles of my heart to see the Thundering Herd of Marshall listed at number six.

Once again, unfortunately, the MAC is well represented with Temple listed at number three. Toledo and Western Michigan are on the waiting list.

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HELP SUPPORT GOODWILL AND THE ZIPS!

Anyone bringing a donation of clothes, books or a household item for Goodwill to the Kent State game this week will receive a “Fear the Roo” seat cushion. More on Goodwill.

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The Des Moines Register says Toledo’s mid-major powerhouse is beginning to crumble through a combination of losing and scandal.

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After its win last week against Navy, the competition for Ball State heats up this week as they take on Nebraska. The Kansas City Star has a preview.

The Lexington Herald-Leader (KY) also has a Cardinals-Huskers preview.

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MAC Schedule - Sept. 22

Ball State at No. 24/No. 22 Nebraska, 11:30 a.m. (CT)
*Temple at Bowling Green, Noon - ESPN Plus/ESPN Game Plan
*Kent State at Akron, Noon - ESPN Plus/ESPN Game Plan
Miami at Colorado, 1:30 p.m. (MT)
Northern Illinois at Idaho, 2 p.m. (MT)
Howard at Eastern Michigan, 3:30 p.m. - Comcast Local
Wyoming at Ohio, 3 p.m. - WSFJ/ESPN Game Plan
North Dakota State at Central Michigan, 3:30
Baylor at Buffalo, 6 p.m.
Iowa State at Toledo, 7 p.m.
Central Conn. St. at Western Michigan, 7 p.m.

________________________________

national rankings reflect A.P/Coaches poll, respectively
all times local to site *indicates a conference game

Contact Don Olson at: donolson160@yahoo.com

GOLDEN CONTEST

Forty-nine - that’s how many times The University of Akron and Kent State have met to do battle on the football field. The backyard rivalry has run hot and cold over the years. In 1979, the two schools agreed to start playing each other again with the “Rival Revival” that had the Zips coming out on top 15-13 in a hard-fought battle in the Rubber Bowl. However, the “Battle for the Wheel” was cemented with the arrival of Akron in the Mid-American Conference in 1992. The two northeast Ohio schools have met every year since.

SCOUTING THE FLASHES

With Akron Head Coach J.D. Brookhart making the decision to start Carlton Jackson, this Saturday’s game is shaping up as a contest between two fleet-footed quarterbacks. The Zips defense, regarded as its strongest phase of the game for 2007 will be challenged to stop a substantial Kent State running attack.

So far this season, Kent State junior QB Julian Edelman has continued his running ways with 46 attempts for 196 yards. Edelman isn’t the only running threat for the Flashes. Sophomore running back Eugene Jarvis has 388 yards rushing in 67 attempts averaging 5.7 yards every time he carries the ball.

A big reason for the Flashes success on the ground is attributed to the offensive line, which returned nine starters this year. The O line is anchored by senior Joe Marafine, who moved from tackle to guard on the right side. Marafine is the Flashes iron man with 32 career starts, including 29 in a row.

In his weekly news conference, coach Brookhart said there are similarities between Edelman and Indiana QB Kellen Lewis, who carved up the Zip defense in last Saturday’s loss. “I think Edelman is similar to Lewis,” said Brookhart. “He doesn’t run around you as much, but he makes you miss an open space.”

On the offensive side of the ball for the Zips, Carlton Jackson will look to continue the success he enjoyed last week against the Hoosiers. Can Akron spread the Kent defense as effectively as the Hoosiers, allowing Jackson to break open up the middle?

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HE DOESN’T GET IT

Kent State quarterback Julian Edelman does not understand why people consider him a one-dimensional, running, quarterback.  Stephanie Storm has the story in today’s Beacon Journal.

Game Notes from The University of Akron Athletics

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LEWIS GAINS BIG TEN HONORS FROM AKRON GAME

Indiana quarterback Kellen Lewis is the Big Ten Player of the Week for his performance last week against the Zips. How nice.

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WRAPPING UP INDIANA

Game notes from Akron Athletics Media Relations.

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DON’T FORGET TO VOTE FOR ZIPPY!

Vote for Zippy daily.

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The MAC has a preview of week #4 action.

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The 0-3 Rockets show snippets of success, The Blade in Toledo writes. And yes, they really used the word “snippets.”

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Buffalo has just signed a nice home and home agreement with the University of Texas at El Paso. The Buffalo News reports.

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The Muncie Star reports that the spotlight hits Ball State after the Navy win. The win against Navy was nice, but lets not go overboard.

Contact Don Olson at: donolson160@yahoo.com

“WE ARE GOING TO START CARLTON SATURDAY”

In his weekly news conference, Zips Head Coach J.D. Brookhart said he was going to start Carlton Jackson against arch rival Kent State this Saturday.

Jackson was 15/21 for 200 yards passing against Indiana. Just as important, Jackson was also the Zips leading rusher with 71 yards on 20 carries.

In a bit of role reversal, coach Brookhart said Chris Jacquemain will get some action at quarterback in the second quarter, which is the way he had been playing Jackson.

Mike Rasor blogs that he didn’t expect coacher to make his announcement on who would be starting at QB until later in the week.

The Beacon Journal’s David Lee Morgan reports that coach Brookhart isn’t concerned about making the quarterback switch the same week as the big game with Kent.

Stephanie Storm of the Beacon reports that Kent head coach Doug Martin is feeling better about the Flash offense.

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“IT’S ONE THAT YOU POINT TO ALL YEAR LONG”

In his weekly news conference, Kent Head Coach Doug Martin said it’s not going to be very difficult to get the Flashes pumped up to play their arch rival this week.

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WAGON WHEEL ON THE LINE

This will be the 50th time that the University of Akron and Kent State will meet on the football field. Akron leads the series 27-20-2. The Zips have won 8 of the last 10 meetings. Even though UA and KSU first met in 1923 (Akron won 32-0), the backyard rivals have only played for the coveted Wagon Wheel Trophy since 1946.

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KENT STATE PLEASE!

We’ve seen the school to the east of Akron, built on a site rejected by John Buchtel, known as Kent State, Kent, now it’s back to Kent State or KSU.

Please notice the admonishment that appears in the KENT media guide.

Whatever…

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MACKEY NAMED PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Senior defensive back John Mackey was named MAC Eastern Division Defensive Player of the Week. Mackey had 13 solo tackles against Indiana.

Mackey’s performance fell just one tackle shy of a career-high performance.

The Zips’ senior is a local product, a graduate of Walsh Jesuit High School in Cuyahoga Falls. He is a native of Uniontown in Stark County.

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ZIPPY WINS ROUND ONE

Zippy is 1-0 after the first week of voting in the Capital One Mascot of the Year voting contest. GoZips.com has an official update on the tabulation. Vote for Zippy daily.

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SACRIFICING THE RIVALRY

The Buchtelite’s Adam Ferrise questions MAC Commissioner Rick Chryst for moving the Kent game from Rivalry Week at the end of the season for the sake of television coverage.

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HOOSIER SPORTS NITE

Here’s a nice little student production on the Hoosiers’ defensive performance against Akron.

(Good find “Dr Z” in a post on Zipsnation.org)

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The Buchtelite writes up the Indiana game.

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MAC Report Online has a summary of week #3 action.

Former Notre Dame QB Demetrius Young has enrolled at Northern Illinois. MAC Report Online has that story too.

Ball State’s win over Navy was one of the few bright spots for the MAC last weekend. Nick’s MAC Football Recap.

In addition to John Mackey, the MAC named their other players of the week.

Contact Don Olson at: donolson160@yahoo.com

ZIPS QB IN QUESTION

The Plain Dealer reports that three weeks into the new season and the Zips quarterback situation remains up in the air.

BEST IN OHIO?

Who has the best college football team in Ohio?  Ohio Sports Time weighs in. (The Zips remain at #5)

VOTE FOR ZIPPY!

I’m starting to see what the fans of other schools are saying who also have a mascot in the Capital One All-American Mascot competition.

One fan from Virgina offers, “I can’t believe Cavman can’t even beat Zippy.” 

I’ve got news for you bozo, Cavman isn’t even in Zippy’s class.  I think the second post on the blog sums up what Virginia is all about.

Another response on a blog from Montana displays more common sense:  “…how can I not vote for a mascot named Zippy.”

Don’t forget to vote for Zippy daily. Now that Zippy has cleaned Cavman’s clock, Hokiebird from VaTech is next!

Zippy is currently the #2 overall vote-getter, only a few hundred votes behind “Cocky” of South Carolina.

Van Delay Sports has a recap of Week #3 MAC action.

TOUGH TO TAKE

If this doesn’t make you hurl your Wheaties, I don’t know what will.

OT-(off topic)

Michael McCarthy of USA Today has an interesting column about the Bill Belichick “spy scandal.”  McCarthy writes that Belichick thinks he has the say on deciding when the video-taping incident is over.

“Nothing is over until we decide it is!” says the news media.  (apologies to Bluto!)

Contact Don Olson at:  donolson160@yahoo.com

LEWIS UNPLUGGED

Zips couldn’t figure out a way to contain Kellen Lewis. How many times can a broken play end up with the QB running 30 yards up the middle? Why couldn’t the Zips put a spy on Lewis and take a gamble on opening up the defensive secondary?

Akron head coach J.D. Brookhart said it was difficult for the Zips to contain Lewis when Indiana sent their receivers deep, spreading the defense. Before you know it, Lewis is running 50 yards up field.

As expected, the Akron offense made a better showing. One would think that with a quarterback such as Kellen Lewis, who accounted for 70 percent of Indiana’s offense, the Hoosiers would know how to defend against a shake and bake quarterback. However, such was not the case as Carlton Jackson was much more effective leading the Zips than pocket-passer Chris Jacquemain.

In the second half, it ended up being a case of the offense just not being able to keep the defense off the field…again.

For the most part, the Zips were able to make 6′7″ wide receiver James Hardy a non-entity. Although you can see where Hardy has the physical build, and the talent to be an NFL-quality receiver. Hardy didn’t catch a TD pass until slop time when the game was already decided.

In addition to neutralizing James Hardy, the Zips also took kick receiver and running back Marcus Thigpin out of the game.

These are the types of games the Zips, and MAC teams must win to gain any respect in the D-I world. Having said that, the Zips gave the Hoosiers a good game - probably better than a lot of Big Ten teams will give them this year.

As far as looking forward, the way the Zips played two tough Big Ten teams and beat Army, I think we’re going to do some damage in the MAC East this year.

CARLTON STARTING AGAINST KENT?

David Lee Morgan of the Beacon Journal reports that Carlton Jackson may be the Zips starting quarterback against Kent State next week.

And by the way, if you’re looking for Zips coverage in your Beacon Journal sports section today, you’ll have to page all the way back to C14 (last page). Much better coverage in The Plain Dealer’s “Big College Sunday” where there is a large photo of Carlton Jackson reaching in for the touchdown. What is happening to our hometown paper?

Mike Rasor blogs, and rightly so, that with Kent State’s Julian Edelman, another running qb looming, the Zips had better come up with a plan to contain the quarterback.

Indiana University Athletics reports that Kellen Lewis had a career high 199 yard rushing against the Zips.

When Akron took away the Hoosiers’ passing game, Indiana QB Kellen Lewis relied on his feet, reports the Canton Repository.

The Indianapolis Star reports that Lewis “teased” the Akron defense, as he had the second highest rushing total for a quarterback in Indiana history. To do so, the article says that Lewis, “duped,” the Zips.

Lewis runs, passes past Zips - Courier Journal (Louisville, KY)

The Post-Tribune out of Merrilville, IN has an interesting story about how Kellen Lewis’ high school football coach had to beg D-I football programs to even take a look at him.

As good a game as he had against the Zips, Hoosier QB Kellen Lewis would rather pass than run the ball. Column in the Times-Mail in Lawrence Co. IN.

IT’S ALL ABOUT “TEAM”

The Beacon Journal has a message for Cleveland Browns GM Phil Savage on their editorial page today.

HIGHWAY ROBBERY
Temple got ripped off by the refs in their game against UConn. Click here to see the video, where Temple clearly caught a game-winning touchdown pass that was ruled out of bounds.

Congratulations to Ball State for their overtime win against a quality Navy team.

Ball State is on a roll this week. A nice win against Navy and a seven-figure donation from alum David Letterman, who returned to Muncie this week for the dedication of a building in his name.

ESPN MAC Summary

Contact Don Olson at: donolson160@yahoo.com

AKRON COULDN’T STOP LEWIS

The Zips just couldn’t find a way to contain Hoosier quarterback Kellen Lewis, despite a better offensive showing. Akron also neutralized the Indiana passing game, however, whatever they contained in the secondary was exploited by Lewis after leaving the pocket.

Akron falls to 1-2 while Indiana is now 3-0.

The Wagon Wheel Trophy is on the line as the Zips open their MAC schedule next week against Kent State at the Rubber Bowl.

Associated Press game write up.

Akron - Indiana Box Score

GoZips.com 

Akron-Indiana Final Stats 

Contact Don Olson at: donolson160@yahoo.com

WEEK #3

AKRON (MAC) at Indiana (Big Ten)

Noon, Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN

TV: Big Ten Network

Radio: Sportsradio 1350/Akron, WERE-AM 1490/Cleveland

Line: Akron + 13

ZIPS ARE DANGEROUS

Akron has shown its foes how dangerous it can be this season - the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

STARR POWER

Indiana placekicker Austin Starr hasn’t missed a field goal of more than 40 yards since he’s been a Hoosier. The Indianapolis Star reports.

AKRON “D” vs INDIANA “O”

That’s how USA Today says the Zips/Hoosiers game stacks up. Key will be whether of not the Zips offense comes alive.

INSIDE THE AKRON GAME
Indiana University athletics has an interesting look at today’s Zips - Hoosier matchup.

HOOSIERNATION.COM PICKS, WELL OF COURSE, THE HOOSIERS!

If there’s a proverbial trap on the Indiana schedule, HoosierNation says it’s today’s game against Akron. But they predict the Hoosiers to come out on top.

FLIRTING WITH DANGER

The SportingNews.com reports that today’s game against the Zips is a dangerous one for Indiana coach Bill Lynch.

IU Defense, Mixed Signals

Earlier in the week, we read how the Hoosier defensive front line has been a pleasant surprise this year. However, Mike Rasor blogs differently.

A CLOSER MATCH UP

FOX sports previews today’s game as saying the Hoosiers will be more of Akron’s speed than the Ohio State Buckeyes.

IN THE HUDDLE

Here’s how the Indianapolis Star previews today’s game.

STAUNCH D-FENSE

The Indiana Daily Student reports the Hoosiers are not overlooking their second straight MAC opponent.

DIFFICULT DAY

Off the 11 MAC games on the schedule today, ten are out of conference.

There are eight football games involving MAC teams on the boob tube today.
The Blade in Toledo reports that the Rockets are more interested in showing improvement than beating undefeated Kansas of the Big 12.

The Ball State Cardinals are ready for a Navy attack - so says The Muncie Star.

The Buffalo News has a feature on Joe Paterno as the UB Bulls take on the Nittany Lions.

The Daily Chronicle in DeKalb previews the only MAC game today - N. Illinois and Eastern Michigan.

Eastern shouldn’t see any surprises from the Huskies today - The Ann Arbor News reports.

Five elements of impact is what the Western Michigan - Missouri game comes down to according to the Kalamazoo Gazette.

Bowling Green has a bye week, of which the Sentinel Tribune reports, the Falcons are greatful.

This is all I could find in the Philadelphia Inquirer about the Temple-UConn game - WOW!

Contact Don Olson at: donolson160@yahoo.com

ZIPSWire keys to the game

Akron’s offense is going to have a better game against Indiana’s defense, but only if the Zips can capitalize on the Hoosier secondary. Running up the middle against the Hoosiers is going to be difficult.

The Zips defense is going to have to put pressure on IU QB Kellen Lewis and contain running back Marcus Thigpen. The Akron secondary will have to key on Hoosier wide receiver James Hardy.

ON PAPER, ZIPS SHOULD LOSE

According to Hoosiernation.com, that is.

Hoosier “D” Line

A source of concern last year, the Indiana defensive line has really come through so far this year, so says the Indianapolis Star.

Ball Security & Penalties

The Hoosiers have two concerns going in to Saturday’s game against Akron. Article in The Sporting News.

Akron-Indiana Game Notes from the MAC

Akron (1-1, 0-0 MAC East, 0-0 MAC Overall) at Indiana (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten) - Noon
SITE: Memorial Stadium (52,354/Astro-Play) - Bloomington, Ind.
TELEVISION: Big Ten Network
SERIES RECORD: First meeting.
COACHES: UA-J.D. Brookhart (19-19, fourth season); IU-Bill Lynch (2-0, fi rst season at school;
83-67-3, 15th season overall).
GAME NOTES: The Zips, off a 20-2 loss at Ohio State, will be playing their second consecutive
Big Ten opponent … the Zips were limited to 69 yards of total offense by the Buckeyes and rank
last in the MAC with 178 yards per game of total offense … UA’s defense, however, forced fi ve
Buckeye turnovers … John Mackey and Reggie Corner nabbed interceptions, and Doug Williams,
Parris McNeal and Eric Lively each recovered a fumble … the Zips +6 turnover margin is the best in
the MAC and ranks sixth nationally … UA is also second in the MAC in scoring defense, allowing
17.0 ppg … IU won a 37-27 road game at Western Michigan last week … Hoosiers QB Kellen Lewis
has thrown three TD passes in each of the fi rst two games.

A CHANGE OF TUNE

Coach Brian Kelly seemed to like the idea of teams from BCS conferences playing in MAC stadiums when he was head coach at Central Michigan. However, now that he’s head coach at Cincinnati of the Big East Conference, he seems to have changed his tune.

First, an article from the Cincinnati Enquirer where he’s calling for the Cincinnati/Miami game, one of the oldest rivalries in the nation, to be played on neutral turf, this despite the fact that the game only seems to draw about 20,000 fans per year.

Second, excellent context from MAC Report Online, which has first-hand knowledge of coach Kelly’s lack of integrity on the subject.

MAC QB RATINGS

As we told you yesterday, the Zips offense is the doormat of the MAC, however QB Chris Jacquemain is in the middle of the pack in the quarterback ratings. MacReport Online has the story.

NEXT GREAT MAC QB?

The Exponent (Purdure student paper) wonders if the Boilers will be taking on the next great quarterback to come out of the MAC, Central’s Dan LeFevour

(Purdure student paper) wonders if the Boilers will be taking on the next great quarterback to come out of the MAC, Central’s Dan LeFevour(Purdure student paper) wonders if the Boilers will be taking on the next great quarterback to come out of the MAC, Central’s Dan LeFevour(Purdure student paper) wonders if the Boilers will be taking on the next great quarterback to come out of the MAC, Central’s Dan LeFevour 

A MAC MAN

Gary Pinkel, head coach at Misouri, was a player and coach in the MAC before taking his current post at Mizzou. Article in the Kalamazoo Gazette.

I KNOW AN INSULT WHEN I READ IT

“Cupcake” - “…little Bowling Green..” - “inferior opponents” - “embarrassing” - could this Associated Press article on the Minnesota Golden Gophers be any more insulting to the MAC? I don’t think so. Just remember that little Bowling Green handed it right to you where the sun don’t shine.

IN OTHER NEWS…

The University of Akron reports that enrollment and endowments are on the rise. Akron now is just short of 25,000 students. News release from UA media relations.

Contact Don Olson at: donolson160@yahoo.com

ZIPS OFFENSE NEEDS TO IGNITE

The Army game was average, but in the Ohio State game, the Akron offense not only sputtered, it flat out died. Going in to week 3 action, the Zips rank last in the MAC in total offense, 12th in scoring, averaging only 12 points per game. Akron also ranks dead last in passing offense and 11th in rushing.

Conversely, the defense is one of the best in the conference, ranked second yielding only 17 points per game. The Zips have the second most stingiest defense against the run, and 3rd best defense in the conference against the pass.

LONG ODDS

An article in today’s Buchtelite says the Zips have their work cut out for them in this week’s game against the Whose there’s.

HOOSIERS LOOKING TO CUT BACK ON MENTAL ERRORS

Controlling those pre-and post- snap penalties this weekend against Akron - a team that held Ohio State to only three points in the first half of their matchup last weekend - will be crucial when playing the Zips’ talented defense, said Indiana Head Coach Bill Lynch.

Lewis to Hardy

IU QB Kellen Lewis to James Hardy has become one of the most prolific scoring combos in Indiana history. (some may note that’s not saying much) Hardy has been named to the Biletnikoff Award Watch List.

One Man Scoring Machine

In his last nine games, Kellen Lewis has thrown for 18 scores, rushed for five, averaged 231.6 yards passing, 47.3 yards on the ground and thrown only seven interceptions.

Tightening the Screws

After strong contributions in both Hoosier victories this season, the IU defense ranks fourth in the Big Ten (11) in total defense and fourth in the league and tied for seventh nationally in rushing defense. As we stated earlier in the week, the Zips will have to pressure the only weak link in the Hoosier D, the secondary.

Lynch and the MAC

Hoosier Head Coach Bill Lynch is very familiar with the Mid-American Conference. He had the top coaching job at Ball State from 1995 to 2002. He was born in Indy and graduated from Butler U.

Game Notes…from UA Athletics Media Relations

All is well in Chippewa country once again.

MAC Schedule - Sept. 15

September 15 - Saturday
*Eastern Michigan at Northern Illinois, 11 a.m.
Cincinnati at Miami, Noon
Central Michigan at Purdue, Noon
Akron at Indiana, Noon
Buffalo at Penn State, Noon
Temple at Connecticut, Noon
Western Michigan at Missouri, 1 p.m.
Ohio at Virginia Tech, 1:30 p.m.
Delaware State at Kent State, 4 p.m.
Ball State at Navy, 5 p.m.
Toledo at Kansas, 6 p.m.

*MAC game

MAC TV Schedule - Sept. 15

Temple @ Connecticut - ESPN Plus/ESPN Game Plan
Akron @ Indiana - Big Ten Network
Buffalo @ Penn State- Big Ten Network
Central Michigan @ Purdue - ESPN2
E. Michigan @ N. Illinois - ESPN Plus/ESPN Game Plan
Cincinnati @ Miami- ESPN Plus/ESPN Game Plan
Ohio @ Virginia Tech- ESPN360

Contact Don Olson at: donolson160@yahoo.com