Hello University of Akron Zips fans, this is Michael Beaven and I am filling in for Mike Rasor on this post.

The No. 12 Zips men's soccer team concluded a successful weekend at the Indiana University Classic on Sunday with a scoreless tie against the host No. 7 Hoosiers at Jerry Yeagley Field in Bloomington.

UA, which beat No. 3 Notre Dame 3-0 on Friday, won the Classic title before a crowd of over 3,000 fans based on goal differential in the tournament. IU, the alma mater, of Zips coach Caleb Porter, claimed the runner-up spot.

Freshman Kofi Sarkodie, sophomore Chris Korb and redshirt freshman Matt Dagilis, a Firestone High School graduate, comprised the Zips starting defense for the second consecutive game. Senior goal keeper Evan Bush recorded six saves and posted his 37th career shutout.

Zips freshman Teal Bunbury appeared to have a goal in the 49th minute after Bush kicked the ball down the pitch and Bunbury kicked it into the net. The goal was taken away when an official ruled Bunbury made too much contact with a Hoosier defender to control the ball.

Sarkodie, junior Ben Zemanski (CVCA) and sophomores Steve Zakuani and Anthony Ampaipitakwong were each named to the 11 member All-Tournament Team and Zakuani was named the Offensive MVP.

Sarkodie, Zakuani and Ampaipitakwong each scored a goal in UA's exciting victory over Notre Dame.

UA will open the home portion of its schedule against West Virginia at Lee Jackson Field at 7:30 p.m. on Friday in the Akron Tournament.

Mike is still out of town, so I thought I'd throw this up real quick.

The New Orleans Saints waived former Akron offensive lineman Andy Alleman yesterday. He was a third-round draft pick of the team last year. He lost his spot to rookie Carl Nicks.

The Chiefs waived wide receiver Jabari Arthur. He is expected to play in the CFL.

Cornerback Reggie Corner is listed on the second team on the Buffalo Bills' depth chart. He was drafted in the fourth round this year.

Hello folks, Dan Kadar here live blogging for an absent Mike Rasor.

Game over. Wisconsin 38, Akron 17.
Not embarrassing, but there are some things the Zips clearly need to work on. The positives were Chris Jacquemain actually not looking awful, Dennis Kennedy and Andrew Johnson looking pretty good in limited carries and receiver Deryn Bowser. He finished with five catches for 76 yards. He kind of looked like a dependable receiver that this team really needs.

(2:52) Hey, the Zips just covered the spread! So, there's that at least.

(2:46) Chris Jacquemain just unleashed a calamity of errors which fortunately only ended up being an incomplete pass.

(2:44) It's a little surprising Matt Rodgers wasn't in this drive for the Zips. It's not like Jacquemain has been tering it up. It would be nice to see what Rodgers could do in real in-game action.

(2:42) Andre Jones is not having a good day. That is all.

(2:32) The pass by Andrew Johnson looked neat, but why in a game you're losing by 28 points, why unleash trick plays? Wouldn't you want to keep those in reserve for a game that will matter? Still, Johnson has probably been the most positive part of this game.

(2:25) Kiel is happy. Wisconsin is getting close to covering the spread. He is a true Zips fan.

(2:24) Brookhart needs to really decide if Tyler Campbell should be getting this much playing time on the defense. It seems like he's been on the bad end of a lot of plays. Each Wisconsin running back is averaging more than five yards per carry. That is a big problem.

(2:15) Having tasty pizza makes Wisconsin's 21-point lead a little more palpable (I bet Rasor never gives you valuable insight like that). Anyway, it's clear following this game, that the Zips need Ryan Bain to get healthy to anchor the defensive line.

(1:51) Just as the Zips were starting too look good stopping the run, they give up another huge gain to PJ Hill. That's reason enough for me to run out and pick up some pizza. Against a power runner like Hill, this shows some of the weaknesses of the 3-3-5. The Zips defensive backs are having a real hard time making tackles.

(1:47) One thing the Zips are going to be able to take from this game is the play of the offensive line. For the most part, Jacquemain has remained free of pressure. So that can't be the excuse for why he keeps over- and under-throwing receivers.

Halftime

(1:21) 17-10 going into halftime, which is a much more positive outlook than this live blog might indicate. We'll see how much more PJ Hill gets the ball again in the second half. He did really well in the first quarter, but didn't get as many carries in the second half.

(1:17) I figured the Badgers would score and we'd call it a half. Instead, Bryan Williams gets an interception return to the Wisconsin 40-yard line.

(1:14) As bad as the game started off, at least the Zips defense has started paying a little better. The pass coverage, playing three or five yards off the wide receiver, is a little puzzling, but it's saved the Zips from getting burnt on any deep passes. It will be interesting to see how this defense does against a passing team.

(1:09) Andre Jones is already back on defense. That's odd. I wonder if that's alrady a permanent thing.

(1:03) Even if the Zips don't score here, the Zips are putting together a second straight nice drive.

(12:54) Nice drive by the Zips end with a touchdown to Merce Poindexter, the captain of the offense. It looks like the Zips did a lot of option read plays on that drive.

(12:50) In this game, is breaking the 50-yard line considered a moral victory? Bowser makes a nice first impression with a leaping catch.

(12:48) A plus! Andrew Johnson has looked pretty good at running back and Dennis Kennedy continues to get positive yards. On the negative, Andre Jones just got hit in the chest with the ball. And didnt catch it. Again, this team cannot afford to make stupid mistakes.

(12:39) After one quarter, the best thing to say is that at least the scoring pace has slowed down some. Maybe the second quarter will be better.

(12:34) It seems like every other Wisconsin play on offense goes for at least seven yards, which is alarming. The Zips are packing the line, but it's not doing much to help against the run. Even Wisconsin's backups are loking good against this defense.

(12:28) Penalties are starting to pile up for Akron on the second drive. Already two false start penalties. On a team that is going to be an underdog in most games, the Zips can't be committing stupid penalties like that. Jacquemain looked good batting the ball down after it was tipped. Maybe he has a place on the Zips volleyball team.

(12:21) It's already 14-0 and there is still seven minutes left in the quarter. This is going to be a long day. Hopefully no one gets hurt.

(12:19) Hill just broke a long run all the way down to the 1-yard line. That's a 47-yard run. He's gotta be near 100 yards. Will he hit 250 or 300 for the day? And where have teh Zips linebackers been all game?

(12:15) One Zips drive, one three and out. But hey, at least Chris Jacquemain has good pocket presence to throw the ball away. Oof. Dennis Kennedy looked good on first down, though.

(12:10) It's only Wisconsin's first drive and things already look poor. Their running back, P.J. Hill, is clearly going to have a big day. Oh, Wisconsin just scored. Watching compatriot Kiel Fleming thinks Wisconsin scoring 62 points is a conservative estimate.

Men's soccer

Akron beat No. 3 Notre Dame 3-0 in its season opener.

To the best of my knowledge, it's the highest ranked team the Zips have ever beaten. Scoring goals were Anthony Ampaipitakwong, Steve Zakuani and Kofi Sarkodie.

Next up for the Zips is No. 7 Indiana, the alma mater of coach Caleb Porter. The Zips and Hoosiers will play Sunday at 2 p.m.

Football

This is the most important season in Zips history.

WHY?

1) The coach's job relies on it. Those of us who know J.D. Brookhart personally, we like him. He's a good guy, a better motivator and an outstanding recruiter who has a flash of bravado and flair for the unconventional. There is no question he's a tremendous position coach. He transformed a horrific special teams unit into one of the nation's best.

The problem: He isn't winning with his own recruits. Some people just aren't destined to lead a college football program. Heck, there's only 119 of these people. This season will determine whether the bulk of Brookhart's career will be as a college head coach or an NFL position coach.

Seven wins saves Brookhart's job. Six makes him pretty secure. Five, and it's 50-50. Four, and sayonara. Of course, there are intangibles to factor, such as whether the team improved over the season or regressed and whether the players stayed out of trouble (and eligible).

If you ask me, he'd be fine if he took a more active approach with his offense and got rid of that gimmicky 3-3-5 defense.

2) The "fear" is fading. Akron won the MAC Championship in 2005. This is 2008, and nobody really fears the Roo. That monumental year is fading into the past. Few of the contributing championship players are on the roster. Fans are beginning to forget the Zips once mattered. A winning season could get the program back on track and help advance the national perception that Akron is a successful mid-major.

3) InfoCision Stadium ticket sales. A perfect storm is possible. Can you imagine another bowl game, coupled with the knowledge that this up-and-coming team will have a shiny new home? The buzz surrounding the program would double that in December 2005. You saw how that combination helped the Indians in the mid-90s. Akron could similarly establish a tradition of sell-outs, and it could start in 2008.

TEAM BREAKDOWN

Quarterback – I want to believe, Chris Jacquemain. I really do. Until you prove to me otherwise, you will just be a low-ceiling, inconsistent player who makes bad decisions. Despite my predisposition, I cannot say Matt Rodgers looked much better this month. My only hope is that Brookhart will play the best passer, and that passer can move the offense, which will be dangerous if only it finds an above-average quarterback.

Wide receiver — People around the team seem satisfied with the depth at receiver. To me, it's just a bunch of guys who have never impressed me in a meaningful game (but maybe could). I liked Dashan Miller and Jeremy Bruce, a lot. Alphonso Owen might be a good third receiver, but hopefully Deryn Bowser takes over that role. Andre Jones needs to play more defense — at least until the secondary shows it floats. Look out for Gary Pride and Curtis Brown, too. Those two have a real future with Akron.

Tight end — Merce Poindexter is the offensive captain. Hopefully he will bring some consistent pass-catching, as well as leadership, to the position. Brian Flaherty should get his nose in the action and grab some important first downs.

Offensive line — With its youth and talent, Brookhart stocked the line for the next few seasons. The foundation is Chris Kemme, who should plow holes for the Zips running backs.

Running backs — The coaching staff tried to figure out how to distribute snaps between Dennis Kennedy, Alex Allen and Andrew Johnson. You can be certain that the position is in good hands. (Watch out for DeVoe Torrence surging into the rotation, too — sort of like Bryan Williams last year.)

Special teams — All of the positions seem solidified, even down to the backups. The Zips could win two games solely from special teams supremacy.

Defensive line — The depth of the d-line makes me even angrier about the 3-3-5. This way, however, the Zips are insulated from injury, like the setback to Eric Lively. The other problem with a 3-3-5 is that it won't allow Ryan Bain and Almondo Sewell to shine as much as they otherwise would. It's like having Rembrandt smothering beige paint in the projects. OK, not quite that, but you see what I mean.

Linebackers – The team needs more playmakers here. Besides the steady Kevin Grant and Doug Williams, Akron needs someone to force turnovers and sacks like Brion Stokes did. Sean Fobbs and Aaron Williams are candidates for that.

Secondary – Cross your fingers. Hope you play a lot of teams like Wisconsin, who prefer to run (but perhaps aren't as good at it as the Badgers). Pray for health. Rub your rabbit's ear for a few break-out athletes. What the team lacks in coverage, it must overcompensate in pressure on the quarterback.

RANDOM THOUGHTS

Why I'm excited: The offensive and defensive lines are a strength, for once. In football, that's a formula for success. At the least, it gives you a chance to stay in the game.

Why I'm concerned: An experienced quarterback will pick apart our secondary like a week-old scab. Touchdown after touchdown; I can see it coming. Combine that with the fact that Jacquemain can't match that — or at least he hasn't yet. That sounds like a lot of blowouts.

Why I'm excited: Depth at running back!

Why I'm concerned: No running game can survive when the defense stacks the box because it doesn't have to worry about a passing game.

Why I'm excited: Opposing secondaries will have to do more than double-team Jabari Arthur to contain the Zips' passing game.

Why I'm concerned: Arthur isn't even here anymore. That leaves the Zips with ZERO proven receivers and potentially no one who can find them open.

Why I'm excited: The media's gloomy predictions have lit a fire under the team.

Why I'm concerned: Every bad team says that. Early season motivation wears off like a cheap temporary tattoo anyhow.

Why I'm excited: The Zips have a favorable MAC schedule, dodging Miami and playing Bowling Green at home. They also have a two-week break to heal up before the home stretch.

Why I'm concerned: The MAC has as much parity as ever. Heck, Buffalo or Temple could play in Detroit. There are no cheap wins this year.

Why I'm excited: One last season of booze, burgers, brats and blistering cold at the Rubber Bowl.

PREDICTION

Rodgers takes over before MAC season starts and slowly becomes one of the conference's better passers. The secondary is bad, but the Zips get a good draw against MAC teams that can't pass (Kent State, Toledo, Buffalo and Ohio). The team gets an extraordinary boost from the return games. The Zips go 7-5, play in a bowl game and head to InfoCision Stadium after regaining the excitement from 2005. (Yeah, I'm a homer. So sue me.)

@ Wisconsin: L
@ Syracuse: W
vs. Ball State: L
@ Army: W
vs. Cincinnati: L
@ Kent State: W
vs. Bowling Green: L
@ Eastern Michigan: W
vs. Toledo: W
vs. Buffalo: W
@ Ohio: W
@ Temple: L

Miscellaneous

Two days before the football season opener, the university announced it supplemented its coverage with an FM station.

Along with 1350 AM, Akron fans also can listen to 106.9 FM.

For listeners who battled fuzzy signals on 1350, this must be welcomed news. Linking up with a popular music network might also add to the fanbase.

The trio of Steve French, Joe Dunn and Frank Stams will return this season. The Wisconsin game starts at noon, EST.

Football

Tom Gaffney wrote a robust preview of the Zips season.

One interesting tidbit: Eric Lively is out at least three weeks with an elbow injury. The story also gives a depth chart of sorts at wide receiver, which I was interested in. Andre Jones, Jeremy Bruce and Alphonso Owen will get most of the playing time at first, until the juco guys get going.

You should definitely read Mr. Gaffney's story and be glad he's the beat writer.

Notes…

The Zips/Badgers game will be on channel 334 on Time Warner Cable. The game starts at noon.

My colleague Dan Kadar will take the reigns of my blog for covering the game. I don't know if he plans to live-blog or what. It's up to him.

Football

Fear not, newspaper readers.

The Canton Repository's story is more positive about this season. Writing Mike Popovich featured Chris Jacquemain in its season preview.

If you're wondering about the Beacon Journal's preview, it's coming tomorrow.

Football

A Columbus Dispatch preview is much less optimistic than the Plain Dealer's analysis.

"It's difficult to see which teams the Zips can hurdle," the article says.

Football

Elton Alexander of the Plain Dealer wrote a couple of interesting articles to preview Akron's season.

First, he breaks down the team and seems pretty optimistic about most positions. The other story gives five predictions for the MAC season.

I plan to do some sort of season preview if I can get a spare half hour.