Comments on: Who is Kent State?

By: LEE ADAMS

LEE ADAMS — Tue, 26 Sep 2006 23:00:27 +0000

The fear here and should be for Akron coaches and players is that Akron turns the ball over early or isn't 'ready to play' in the first half. This is the kind of game that will either see Akron's offensive line finally take charge for a full game and the defense stop Kent on the ground(look out for the option)or sees Kent hit big plays on a short field all day. BG and Miami are not 'that' bad. But Kent got on a roll and took advantage of turnovers and 'mo'. Lookout this is the season. Go Zips!

By: Eric

Eric — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 23:21:06 +0000

"DOH!"

By: Luke

Luke — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 22:04:03 +0000

I will be worried when the Kent-Akron comes down to a FG.

By: BigHappy

BigHappy — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 18:45:56 +0000

Heck, give the fans a tryout. Even I can kick extra points without much effort. Field goals are one thing, but extra points!?! Come on. I have to wonder if he's shanking 'em like that in practice to or if it's a bad, bad case of gametime nerves.

By: Mike

Mike — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 18:00:40 +0000

Eric,

Igor hurt his back in the preseason. He's out for the year.

By: Eric

Eric — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 17:30:58 +0000

Rather obvious question: Isn't it time to see what freshman phenom kicker Igor Iveljic can do? I've seen enough of Matt D. to know I don't want to suffer thru 2 seasons of special-teams mediocrity, just because he's the "upperclassman." If Igor has the monster-leg, let's get him out there, and stop holding our breath everytime there's a PAT or FG try. What do we have to lose?—and might just gain a consistent placekicker.

By: LEE

LEE — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 16:10:27 +0000

Was at the Zips game Saturday. First half was what we have been waiting for a month, except the embarassing kicking game. Akron's season will turn on the Kent game. The team that wins is in the driver's seat in the East. Lose and you need lots of help.

Zips have yet to win a division game much less a MAC game. With more road games at Toledo and Ohio plus Western at home this is must win. Zips overall talent is better and more experienced. But, Kent is on a roll and gaining an 'attitude'. If I'm the Kent coaches, I'm looking at the problems the option gave the Zips in the second half of the North Texas game and I'm making Getsy move and throw under pressure. Here's hoping the Zips have turned the corner and can become consistent.

By: BigHappy

BigHappy — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 15:37:57 +0000

Agree with the above in that it won't likely be 2 touchdowns for the following reasons:

1) Akron's special teams, namely the kicking game

2) Penalties and Miscues… not Akron's strong suit

3) It's a rivalry game… both sides will play at levels above the norm, moreso since the game MEANS something in terms of the MAC standings

4) Did I mention the kicking game?!?

Having said that, I see Akron winning a closer than it should have been game.

GO ZIPS!

By: Todd

Todd — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 14:43:52 +0000

Kent State is a much improved team from last year. They started quite a few freshmen last year, but actually had several very close games that they eventually lost.

Last year Kent State really had only one offensive playmaker (Najah Pruden), but the QB had a difficult time getting him the ball. The running game was essentially non-existent.

The additions of Edelman, Jarvis, and Tony Howard to the offensive backfield combined with the experience gained last year for the defensive newcomers has helped turn the team around.

Kent State's pass efficiency defense rating is ranked 6th in the nation. This should be a good matchup between Akron's passing game and the Flashes defense.

The team that avoids costly turnovers will likely prevail on Saturday. Akron's ability to stop the run will be a key as it would put pressure on Edelman to make plays with his arm. Barring something unexpected and catastrophic, it certainly will not be a 2 touchdown margin for either team, IMO.

Keep your eyes on Jarvis; he's a difference maker.

Kent State 24

Akron 22