The Akron Zips finished 5-7 last season but could have easily found themselves in a bowl game. Instead, the Zips starting quarterback went down with an injury. The running game was an issue as well as a defense that couldn’t stop anybody.
The quarterback position still is a question mark heading into the 2017 season. Even still, the potential is there for Akron to field a dangerous offense. The defense is anchored by one of the best linebackers in the country. In this years campaign, many others need to emerge. If that side of the ball can figure things out and their playmakers stay healthy, the Zips could be contending for the East crown.
Head coach Terry Bowden has proven he can win at Akron but a 5-7 record in 2016 hurt. Yes, it was the result of numerous injuries but the program does have enough talent back to reverse their fortunes.
Offense
First, the Akron Zips have to have Thomas Woodson healthy under center. The progressing quarterback showed plenty of signs of potential before going down. Woodson missed five games last year with a bum shoulder.
Scoring was the least of the Zip’s problems with Thomas Woodson at the helm. As a whole, the offense averaged 33 points a game when he played. All totaled, he tossed the ball for over 2,000 yards with 18 scores and six picks.
Senior Tra’Von Chapman has been moved to the wide out position. Last season, the multi-talented player started three matches at quarterback. As of now, he has been moved to wide receiver and Akron looks to replace its top two targets from 2016.
Over the course of last year, Jerome Lane and JoJo Natson did most of the damage for the Zips. Altogether, the duo caught 121 balls for over 1,800 yards and 16 scores. That is a lot of production lost heading into this year. Obviously, Akron needs other receivers to step up their numbers.
Terry Bowden has not had a 1,000-yard runner in all five seasons he has been on the sidelines. All that could change this season. Transfer Warren Ball comes into the backfield after leaving Ohio State. He rushed for 181 yards on 25 carries in the first two games last year then fell to a season-ending injury. Fortunately, Ball was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA.
The hopeful will be running behind four returning linemen. All are good pass-blockers and should compete with the other MAC defenses on an even level. The group is led by the 300-pound junior right guard, Kyle Ritz.
Defense
Akron nose dived in the defensive department last season. The Zips surrendered 33.6 points and 466.0 yards per game. Surprisingly, they were the most dominant unit in the MAC Conference in 2015. That squad gave into only 21.5 points per game and led the program to eight wins and its first bowl victory in the FBS era.
The cupboard isn’t completely bare for the Zips’ D. They have a cornerstone to build their foundation around. Linebacker Ulysees Gilbert, a 6’1″, 225-pound junior is back. Gilbert received first-team All-MAC honors last season after leading the team in tackles (122). He also led them in tackles for loss (11.5), sacks (4.0), quarterback hurries (8) and forced fumbles (2).
Three other full-timers return for Akron. Seniors Darius Copeland and Zach Guiser will be shoring up the front four and back half. Copeland is a 6’1″, 266-pound end, and had 4.5 sacks last season. Guiser was fourth on the club with 53 tackles in nine games at strong safety. Even with the return of the above mentioned, other playmakers will need to rise up. The Zips only created 14 turnovers and a MAC Conference low 16 sacks.
Prediction
Despite all of the team’s injuries and their constant struggles on defense, the Zips were a dropped pass in the end zone away from playing in last year’s MAC Championship Game. Unfortunately, they fell 9-3 to Ohio and will have to try it again this season.
Terry Bowden has built a program that’s been inconsistent over the last five seasons. Last year was his third 5-7 season. Currently, the quarterback spot is still a concern since they play in such a high-scoring conference. If Woodson can’t return to his productive ways, the Zips could be in some trouble.
The defense will have Ulysees Gilbert leading the way as an upperclassman. The Zips also have a respected coordinator calling the shots in Chuck Amato. It’s hard to imagine them not improving from last years debacle. If the signal-caller situation stabilizes, Akron could compete for the MAC East Division crown in 2017.
The desert prognosticators have the Akron Zips’ team win total at 5 games (-110). I think this number is doable, but a few upsets need to occur for this to happen. Vegas also has them at 18 to 1 (+1800) to win the MAC Conference. With Miami (Ohio), Toledo, Western Michigan and Ohio looking strong, I’d say save your money on this one.
Schedule
9-2 @ Penn State
9-9 vs. Ark-Pine Bluff
9-16 vs. Iowa State
9-23 @ Troy
9-30 @ Bowling Green
10-7 vs. Ball State
10-14 @ Western Michigan
10-21 @ Toledo
10-28 vs. Buffalo
11-7 @ Miami (Ohio)
11-14 vs. Ohio
11-21 vs. Kent State
The getmoresports.com NCAA College Football Throwdown Podcast will be returning to the air on August 24th. We will be highlighting the first five games on August 26th of the 2017 NCAA College Football season. That will be the first of three installments leading into the first week of the season. We also we will be covering our expectations for the Heisman Trophy front runners as well as predictions for conference winners and team totals.
Our second NCAA College Football Throwdown is penciled in for August 29th. In that installment, we will be discussing all the games that will be played on August 31st and the 1st of September.
Our third segment will officially be airing on August 31st. In this edition of the NCAA College Football Throwdown, we will be covering all the relevant games for Sept 2nd, 3rd, and 4th.
Keeping with tradition, EJ the Rainmaker and Erik the Hun will give their predictions for the contests. On top of that, we will be providing our dog play of the podcast as well as cash money plays for the week. Join us for all three opening episodes and improve your college football knowledge while increasing the size of your sports book betting account. Come join us and help everyone make it rain. #moneytreesgrow Also, feel free to download the
Join us for all three opening episodes and improve your college football knowledge while increasing the size of your sports book betting account. Come join us and help everyone make it rain. #moneytreesgrow Also, feel free to download the getmoresports app from the Google Play Store. It makes finding all your sporting information easy and available with just a touch of an icon on your mobile device.
