ZipsWire - Scouting UConn
ANOTHER DEFENSIVE STRUGGLE?
As the 2-2 Akron Zips travel to East Hartford, CT this weekend to take on the 4-0 University of Connecticut Huskies, one has to look at the similarities between the two teams. Both have very strong defenses. The Huskies’ offense has been inconsistent. The Zips offense has been non-existent.
Tough “D”
UConn’s defense has rated amongst the best in the nation through the first four games. The Huskies are ranked 12th in total defense, giving up just 250 yards per game - 10th in passing defense and seventh in scoring defense. The D-Line is very athletic and the secondary can smother an opponents passing game. UConn has yielded just three passing touchdowns this season, while returning three interceptions for touchdowns.
As stingy as the Huskies defense can be, they are vulnerable against the run up the middle, which is good for the Zips as they start the fleet-footed Carlton Jackson. But still, the young Zips’ O-line is going to have its hands full with a tenacious Huskie defense.
Inconsistent Offense
Offensively, the Huskie line is suspect, giving up nine sacks in the Temple game and 13 so far this season. Without a doubt, the running game is the Huskies’ strong suit, which has produced on average, 161 yards per game, despite a low output last week against Pittsburgh with only 115 yards in 46 carries. Sophomore tailback Donald Brown is their leading rusher, averaging 4.2 yard per carry and 73 yards per game. When given time to throw, junior quarterback Tyler Lorenzen has four fantastic receivers to choose from, Terrence Jeffers, D.J. Hernandez, Larry Taylor and Brad Kanuch.
Key for the Zips
Simply stated, the Akron offense is going to have to get its act together. Unless UConn pulls a Kent State and turns the ball over giving the Zips the opportunity to capitalize, Akron’s offense must improve if it is going to win this game. The Zips must continue the improvement that they displayed in the second half of the Kent game. Defensively, Akron is going to have to put pressure on Lorenzen, who is coming off a sub par performance against Pitt, in order to prevent him from capitalizing on his solid corps of receivers.
True, the Huskies are 4-0, but they have played the likes of Duke, Maine, Temple and Pitt. Temple gave the Huskies their best game, and if you ask many, should have won, but were ripped off by the officials.
The Bottom Line
One has to give the edge to the Huskies because of their solid receivers, running game and defense. However, the Zips have a good chance to pull an upset, but only if their offense begins to gel and the defense puts pressure on the UConn quarterback.
Currently, UConn is favored by 13 points.
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ZIPS LAST NON-CONFERENCE GAME AGAINST BIG EAST
The Buchtelite previews the UConn game.
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The Mid-American Conference admits Temple was ripped off in its game against UConn a few weeks ago - the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
See the play for yourself on You Tube.
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ZIPS TIE BUCKEYES
Akron’s soccer team plays to a 1-1 tie against Ohio State, the nation’s 25th ranked team. Beacon Journal Report.
CMU IN SHAMBLES
Chips coach Butch Jones is facing a firestorm of negativity after last weekend’s loss to I-AA N. Dakota State, reports cm-life.com.
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MAC TV SCHEDULE
TV Schedule
Sep. 29 12:00 PM Temple @ Army ESPNU
Sep. 29 12:00 PM Akron @ Connecticut ESPN Plus/GamePlan
Sep. 29 12:00 PM Northern Illinois @ Central Michigan ESPN Plus/GamePlan
Sep. 29 3:00 PM Kent State @ Ohio FSN Ohio/All-MACcess
Sep. 29 3:00 PM Western Michigan @ Toledo BCSN (delayed)/All-MACcess
Sep. 29 3:00 PM Syracuse @ Miami ONN Cincinnati/Dayton/ ESPN GamePlan, Time-Warner Cable (Upstate NY)/All-MACcess
Sep. 29 6:00 PM W. Kentucky @ Bowling Green BCSN (live) /All-MACcess
All Times Local to Site
Affiliates
Sep. 29 12:00 PM Northern Illinois @ Central Michigan ESPN Plus/GamePlan
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Contact Don Olson at: donolson160@yahoo.com