ZipsWire-Akron Stuns Syracuse
‘WE’RE STUNNED AND SHOCKED’
The Carrier Dome was as silent as a Western Cult lecture.
Despite a porous defense, the Zips commanded the line of scrimmage and the Syracuse Orange by a score of 42 to 28. This is only the second time that Akron has defeated a BCS team — the last being NC State in the MAC-Championship 2005 season.
Zips quarterback Chris Jacquemain chalked up another impressive performance, completeing 20 of 26 pass attempts for 260 yards. Jacquemain showed a lot of poise in leading the Zips on more than one scoring drive and proving that he’s not the same man of inconsistency and poor judgment that he was last year.
The only question mark for the Zips remains the defensive line, which has been riddled with injuries. The O line of Syracuse pretty much manhandled the Akron defense in the trenches.
OK, so “The Cuse” is struggling. That doesn’t take away from the joy of the Zips beating a BCS team on their own turf — under their own roof. What would have happened if the Zips had lost? I’ll tell you what — it would have been the same old story — ‘Akron is suppose to lose games like these.’
I’ll take it. I’ve been a Zips fan too long — have seen too much bad football through the years. I’ll take ‘em when I can get ‘em. After all, it could be worse. You could be a fan of “The Cuse,” right now.
The Zips will not have much time to revel in their victory. Next week, an impressive Ball State team comes into the Rubber Bowl. The Cardinals, 2-0, scored an impressive victory over Navy by a score of 35 to 23.
This, of course, will be the final opening day at the Rubber Bowl.
UA ROLLS UP POINTS IN DOWNING SYRACUSE…Akron Beacon Journal
ZIPS’ SIMPLE GAME PLAN MAKES ORANGE SEEING RED…Akron Beacon Journal
SYRACUSE FUMBLES HOME OPENER AGAINST AKRON…Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
JACQUEMAIN LIFTS AKRON OVER STRUGGLING SYRACUSE…Associated Press
SYRACUSE DEFENSE MUCH WORSE THAN ‘SHABBY’ …Observer-Democrat (Utica, NY)
ZAPPED BY THE ZIPS…Syracuse.com
AKRON HOLDS OFF SYRACUSE…The Plain Dealer
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ORANGE PULP
The Big East is making a strong case for being the weakest BCS conference, top to bottom. New York Newsday
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‘BIG LEAST’ PITT’S BEST FRIEND
The MAC is earning some respect in the news media with it’s upsets and strong showings. Joe Starkey, sports columnist for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, candidly points out that he’s not sure Pitt would contend in the MAC, though he’s certain the Panthers still have a chance in the Big East.
MAC IS ON THE ATTACK
Even though only three MAC teams have beaten high-profile opponents this year, the conference seems to be gaining respect again…as reported in the WASHINGTON POST
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AKRON WHOOPS IT UP
You could hear the Zips celebrating all the way back to Akron as they left the field at the Carrier Dome. Even though the Orange could hear them, the Zips offer no apologies….Syracuse.com
EMBARRASSED TO DEATH!
Some former Orange players are so ashamed at the direction that their program is going, that they are publicly calling for the ouster of the athletic director and head football coach…Syracuse.com
ROCK BOTTOM?
Some at “The Cuse” are wondering if their program can go any lower after the loss to Akron. Here is another call for a change at the top. (Don’t you just love it?)…Syracuse.com
Contact Don Olson at: donolson160@yahoo.com