UofAZIPS.com Blog

They’ve only been Division I since 2001 and they’ve already won two bowl games. The Owls of Florida Atlantic beat Central Michigan 24-21 in the Motor City Bowl. FAU, which has only had a football program since 2000, is considered one of D-I’s success stories. FAU, who killed Memphis in last year’s New Orleans Bowl, plays out of the Sun Belt Conference, and brought a 6-6 record into Detroit. Central Michigan was 8-4. After a slow 1-5 start in 2008, FAU won five of their six final games to go into the bowl season with some momentum. The Owls’ slow start included losses against national powers Texas, Michigan State and Minnesota.

Akron’s Record
Unlike the Owls, who have had a quick climb to D-I respectability, the Zips have had a long, hard road since becoming the first football program to make the jump from D-IAA to D-I in 1987. In fact, in the 21 seasons since the jump to the big time, the Zips have made the following accomplishments: 15 seasons under .500; 4 seasons under 4 wins; 1 Conference Championship; 1 Bowl appearance. In the 31 years that I have been following Zips football, I would expect to experience more joy than the completion of one Hail Mary in the 2005 MAC Championship game.

Could it be the Coaching?
Gerry Faust, Lee Owens, and now J.D. Brookhart, have all hovered around mediocrity with few fleeting moments of success. One of those moments came in 2005 when the Zips beat N. Illinois to win the MAC Championship before going on to lose in their only D-I Bowl appearance to Memphis. FAU, on the other hand, has been guided by legendary head coach Howard Schnellenberger, who is 5 – 0 in bowl games, including the 1983 Miami Hurricane’s national championship. Whether it is Schnellenberger, Paul Brown or Don Shula, great coaches have the ability to make their players perform at a consistent high level, despite the inconsistency of talent, through the years. This is something that has escaped the Zips football program since the jump to D-I.

New Stadium - New Era?
We were all hoping that Akron would have a successful year in 2008 to build excitement for the opening of InfoCision next year. The stadium is going to be top-shelf. We know the same cannot be said for the team. The Zips will go into their new home limping from this year’s disaster. The stands will be full. The atmosphere will be electric. However, the proof, as they say, is in the pudding. Is J.D. the man to bring that consistent high-level of performance year after year? With the new stadium, state-of-the art indoor practice facility and a brand-new campus, the recruiting excuses are, if they have not already, disappearing. J.D., who once showed so much promise and was on the tip of everyone’s tongue whenever an opening came up at a “premier” program, is fading into the stereotypical Akron coach. The hot seat awaits him if the Zips pull off a repeat 2008 performance in 2009. Time is running out - and quickly.

One thing is for certain; no matter who coaches the Zips, I’ll be a fan. It is my school. I will be sitting in the new stadium with my buddies as I have for the past three decades. Fans like me will always be there. However, for Akron to reach the level we all think they wish to achieve, they have to attract people who are NOT like me. A stadium will only go so far. The only way to attract NEW FANS is, to quote Oakland owner Al Davis, “Win Baby…Win.”

To Contact Don Olson: donolson160@yahoo.com

‘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

Box Score

Contact Don Olson at:  donolson160@yahoo.com

MEET THE TEAM SET FOR SUNDAY, AUGUST 10

With the season opener against Wisconsin only a few weeks away, the 2008 version of the Akron Zips will take the practice field Monday, August 4.

Fans will get the chance to grip and grin with the Zips Sunday, August 10 at the Meet the Team Celebration from 4 to 6 p.m. Where you might ask? All we know is that it will take place on campus. Fans are encouraged to check GoZips.com for more details during the week.

Click here to access the 2008 Akron Zips Football Media Guide

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UPDATE ON FOOTBALL ALUMNI

Reggie Corner and Jabari Arthur are the newest Zips in the NFL. Corner will be wearing number 27 for the Buffalo Bills. You can read his blogs on the Buffalo Bills Web site.

Arthur will be wearing #10 for the Kansas City Chiefs.

HOLLYWOOD WILL WAIT: JASON TAYLOR HAS MORE FOOTBALL TO PLAY
Another Zip alum wearing an NFL uniform, currently that of the Washington Redskins, is focused on nothing but football.

Jason Taylor, who was recently traded from Miami, didn’t like all the publicity that came with his run in with new Dolphin Coach Bill Parcells. However, now that all the commotion has died down, he is looking forward to helping the Redskins win — and for more than one season.

This feature by the Canton Repository contains some interesting Q & A, where Taylor describes his experiences as a Zip, and how former coach Gerry Faust taught him how to be a man.

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ZIPS SOCCER HAS EXCELLENT RECRUITING CLASS

According to collegesoccernews.com, The University of Akron, the defending MAC Soccer Champions, had the fifth best recruiting class in the nation. This is the second year in a row that the Zips recruiting class has earned the fifth ranking.

The ranking notes that coach Caleb Porter is attracting the kind a talent to the Akron program that is turning heads on the national scene for the second year in a row. GoZips.com has a Q & A with Coach Porter.

REDHAWKS’ SEASON FULL OF UNCERTAINTY…Cincinnati Enquirer

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CMU FOOTBALL ON VERGE OF SETTING SCHOOL RECORD

The Chippewas have 17 starters returning from last year’s championship team, including “poster boy” quarterback Dan LeFevour. CMU, the pre-season pick to be MAC Champions, would set a school record should they achieve that feat. So says this video report by…WJRT-TV/Mid-Michigan

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The Zips may be starting practice Monday, but the Owls of Temple can’t wait that long.

TEMPLE TAKES TO THE FIELD TODAY…The Philadelphia Inquirer

Contact Don Olson at: donolson160@yahoo.com

MEN’S SUMMER BASKETBALL PREIVEW

Akron head basketball coach Keith Dambrot says the Zips will not only have the youngest team in the Mid-American Conference this season, but one of the youngest in the nation. That said, Dambrot still expects his Zips to win this year.

GoZips.com

Men’s Basketball 2008-09 Prospectus

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MAC FOOTBALL PREDICTIONS - DAY 2

The reaction to this week’s MAC Media Day continues to come in…

The Midland Daily News takes an in-depth look into the career of Central Michigan quarterback Dan LeFevour. CMU, LED BY LE FEVOUR, PICKED TO WIN MAC…Midland Daily News

Central Michigan may now be “the man,” as The Morning Sun of Mt. Pleasant reports, but Western Michigan and Ball State are two schools that could rip that well-worn title away. MAC TO BE BALANCING ACT IN 2008.

Miami joins Bowling Green and Buffalo as the three teams “anointed” to lead the MAC East in 2008. So reports that bastion of journalism integrity, The Pulse-Journal of Liberty TWP Ohio.

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I’ll give the Pulse-Journal credit — they seem to devote a lot of coverage to the MAC, even if the story hook is old news, like the MAC produces good quarterbacks. QUARTERBACKS HAVE EXCELLED IN THE MAC.

Contact Don Olson at: donolson160@yahoo.com

AKRON’S LAST-PLACE FINISH MEANS PRESSURE ON BROOKHART

University of Akron head football coach J.D. Brookhart has plenty of bulletin board material to motivate his Zips after Tuesday’s MAC Media day at Ford Field in Detroit. Akron, coming off a difficult season, is picked to come in seventh — dead last in the East Division. My god, even Kent was picked to come in fourth.

As for the leaders, Bowling Green was picked to come in first in the East. Central Michigan was picked to win their third consecutive West Division Title.

Brookhart looking for redemption
On the surface, one might conclude that the last-place prediction means there is no pressure on the Zips. Quite the contrary. Akron has made little progress as a program since its 2005 MAC Championship. In fact, the gear shifter has been stuck in reverse since that glorious last-minute game winning Getsy to Hixson pass. Brookhart must begin caulking up successes again if he is going to regain his reputation as an upandcomer.

Last year at the Bowl

Closing out the Rubber Bowl thus setting the stage for a little mojo going into InfoCision Stadium next year is also squeezing the vice a little tighter for the Zips. The Athletic Department needs a winning season to inspire Zips fans to buy tickets, which by the way are going to be just a teeny weeny bit more expensive in the new place.

MAC PRESEASON FOOTBALL POLL

EAST DIVISION

1. Bowling Green

2. Miami

3. Buffalo

4. Kent State

5. Temple

6. Ohio

7. AKRON

WEST DIVISION

1. Central Michigan

2. Ball State

3. Western Michigan

4. Toledo

5. Eastern Michigan

6. Northern Illinois

PREDICTION FOR LAST PLACE ONLY INSPIRES ZIPS…The Akron Beacon Journal

FLASHES EXPECTING TO CONTEND IN ‘08…The Akron Beacon Journal

CMU PICKED TO WIN THIRD MAC TITLE…Sports Illustrated

CENTRAL, BGSU FAVORED TO WIN MAC…TOLEDO TAPPED FOR FOURTH IN WEST…The Blade

FALCONS PICKED AS DIVISION FAVORITES…BG News

TEMPLE’S GOLDEN TRYING TO KEEP EXPECTATIONS IN CHECK…Philadelphia Daily News

CMU, LED BY LeFEVOUR, PICKED TO WIN MAC…Midland Daily News

UB TAKES NUMBER 3 SPOT IN POLL IN STRIDE…Buffalo News

CMU’S GOAL - THREEPEAT…Traverse City Record-Eagle

POLL PUTS BALL STATE SECOND BEHIND MAC JUGGERNAUT…Journal-Gazette (Ft. Wayne)

Contact Don Olson at: donolson160@yahoo.com

THE ISSUE OF RESPECT REARS ITS UGLY HEAD…AGAIN!

Boy, you just can’t win. Can Akron ever play a team from a major conference without the “respect” issue coming up? It has happened again. At the Big Ten (11) kickoff event, Wisconsin Head Coach Bret Bielema was put on the defense after a reporter questioned the quality of the Badgers’ schedule. This year, Wisconsin plays Fresno State, Marshall, Cal-Poly, and of course, AKRON.

“Do you want to answer your own question, or do you want me to,” Bielema snapped after the reporter’s question.

Year after year Zips fans hear the same thing. We heard it last year against Ohio State. Hell, we even heard it last year against UConn, which by the way ripped us worse than Ohio State. The one time it did backfire, was when we heard it agasint NC State. But even when you beat the big boys, you still read on their fan forums something like, “I can’t believe we lost to a team called the Zips!”

I know we’re not a top-flight D-I, Bowl Championship Conference program. But technically, we are on the same level. The best way to finally bury the respect issue is to start knocking off these BCS teams on a regular basis — earn respect.

Later in the news conference, Coach Bielema gave the Akron program some street cred calling the Zips’ offense “unique” and “very dynamic.” “I don’t feel I need to defend (the schedule). But I need to educate, I guess I should say more than anything,” he added.

Until Akron’s football program climbs to the next level, Zips fans will have to stomach the jokes, the laughs and the lack of respect. Other than supporting the program, we are virtually helpless. It is time for the Athletic Department and Football staff to step up and shut the naysayers up for good.

Full article in the Wisconsin State Journal

Contact Don Olson at:  donolson160@yahoo.com

HOME GAME TIMES ANNOUNCED FOR QUIRKY SCHEDULE

The University of Akron Athletic Department announced the home game times for the 66th and final season for the Zips in the Rubber Bowl.

I’ve said from the beginning that this schedule has its pros and cons. I like the fact that most games are on Saturday. However, once ESPN gets involved toward the end of the season, things get wacky, as usual.

Most of the home games, once again are played at night, with the exception of the Cincinnati game on September 27, which begins at 3:30 p.m. The next week, the Zips only travel to that school located in Portage County. Then, it’s back home to the bowl with a game against BG with a 6 p.m. kick off.

And what’s with two bye weeks in a row? You must really get pained into a corner to make a schedule like that. In all my years of watching Zips football, I can never remember a two consecutive weeks off. Of course, if the Zips are banged up pretty bad at that point in the season, the scheduler will look like a genius.

Another thing I don’t like about this schedule is that Akron does not play Miami. Instead, we see the Cardinals of Testicle Tech invading the Rubber Bowl (I couldn’t resist myself), the first time the Zips will play Ball State since 2004.

The September 20th game against Army in West Point will be televised by ESPN. Other than that, the Zips will only be on the four-letter network two other times during the regular season, which is probably the reason for the sanity in this year’s schedule.

However, kick off for the Thursday, November 13th game against Buffalo begins at 7 p.m. Good luck getting out of work in time to see the beginning of that one. The other weeknight home game is the previous Wednesday, November 9th against Toledo.

Since the Athletic Department is packaging season tickets for this and next season, it will be interesting to see if the incentives for first dibbs for seats in the new stadium will mean more butts in the seats at the Bowl this year.

Is the excitement beginning to build? We’ll see. I’ve been there since 1985 and don’t see changing that now. Hope to see you there!

2008 University of Akron Football Schedule

News Release from Akron Media Relations

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NIKE AND LE BRON TO DRESS THE ZIPS NEXT SEASON

“…The University of Akron is my hometown school.” LeBron James

Lets see how spiffy the basketball Zips look next season as they begin wearing Nike/LJ23 gear. Lebron and the University announced a partnership through the 2011. The remainder of the Zips athletics teams will continue their agreement with adidas until 2013.

” Because of my ties to the Akron Community, the University and Coach Keith Dambrot, it is important to me that UA is designated a Nike/Lebron James LJ23 school,” said James. “I want to be sure that Coach Dambrot’s guys look great head to toe.”

“This is just another example of LeBron’s commitment to the City of Akron, its University and our basketball program,” said Dambrot. “This announcement is important to us in many ways. It furthers our connection with one of the greatest players in the world.”

The announced partnership is great news for the basketball program. It can’t hurt recruitment to have a guy like Lebron hanging around. As for the new look, I’ll hold judgment until I see what Lebron has to offer.

Contact Don Olson at: donolson160@yahoo.com

CHANGE OF STADIUM COMES AT RIGHT TIME

She was a grand old dame in her time - but her time has past.

I usually have two distinct feelings when it comes to replacing sports venues. Either the new facility is a waste, in the vein of not needed, or it’s time to get rid of this pit. I felt that way about old Cleveland Stadium - that it was time to get rid of the pit. Jacobs (Progressive) Field was needed in the worst way. In addition, Baseball Commissioner Selig made it clear that if the Indians didn’t get a new house, they would be playing in another city, probably Tampa. My only issue with Progressive Field was that it was built with taxpayer dollars. The same with Cleveland Browns Stadium…also much-needed, but funded at the public trough - but I digress.

I felt that tearing down the Coliseum and building the Gund Arena was a complete waste. The Coliseum, the first sports venue with luxury suites, or loges, was still in the top ten of NBA venues. Had the suites been built between the upper and lower decks and closer to the action for the goober smoochers instead of up in the rafters, the Cavaliers would still be playing there.

Now we have the last season at the Rubber Bowl. Plenty of memories? You bet. There was a time when the second largest college football stadium in Ohio was a huge plus for The University of Akron. In fact, Gerry Faust said the Rubber Bowl was a big reason for his selection of Akron on the heels of his Notre Dame career. Faust had his sites on making Akron a major independent football power, such as Penn State, Syracuse, and a few other major non-conference programs. He never had the goal of joining the Mid-American Conference, a mid-major league. He thought Akron was a sleeping giant and our stadium played a big part. One thing went wrong - we didn’t win.

Since then, a whole new attitude surrounds sports venues. Look at Canal Park where the Akron Aeros play. Great field. Great Restaurant. Great Suites. Great $$$. The big time hit minor-league baseball about ten years ago. Compare Canal Park with Thurman Munson Stadium where the double A Canton-Akron Indians played.

I predict the same scenario that played out for Canal Park will play out for UA. Both projects are replacing a blighted area. Main Street has had its development problems even with the addition of Canal Park, with a high turnover rate of restaurants and night spots. Crime is also an issue. However, having the football stadium on campus is going to give Akron football, and the entire campus, a whole new feeling.

Yes, InfoCision was built with public money. But the university is a public school. Every building on campus is built predominately with public money. So I don’t have the same gripe with the Zips new stadium that I do for professional teams.

Yes, the Bowl provided us with many great memories. But time pushes on, and with the new stadium, so will Akron football.

Contact Don Olson at: donolson160@yahoo.com

AKRON GUARD IS NOW GUARDED

Rydell Brooks is no longer a member of the University of Akron basketball team.

Broke team rules? Nope.

Couldn’t make grades? Nope.

Attempted Murder, Felonious Assault and Carrying a Concealed Weapon? Yepper.

You see, the folks at the Hilltop frown on getting in a foot chase with police (allegedly) and shooting at them.

The University announced that Brooks has officially been expelled from school. So, instead of working out at the JAR Arena, Brooks is now sitting on his can in the Summit County clink under $1 million bond.

No real loss on the court. Brooks didn’t even play one second on the hardwood last year, and only played 18 minutes the year before. His career average is less than five points per game.

His basketball career seems to be over. If convicted, he can earn his degree from the College of Hard Knocks. Lets hope he gets his act together. Too bad he had to learn it the hard way.

UA Basketball Player Expelled Following Arrest…WKYC-TV

Akron Player is Expelled…Akron Beacon Journal

Miami Linebacker Picked Pre-Season All MAC

College Football Preview magazine has picked Clayton Mullins as one of the best players in the conference before the season even begins…Dayton Daily News

Miami Media Relations

Contact Don Olson at: donolson160@yahoo.com