Football
The Zips continue a three-game road trip with a visit to Syracuse's Carrier Dome for a 3:30 kickoff.
The teams have a combined three wins, but this is a better Orange that the one the Zips faced last season. Still, Syracuse has problems. The team has committed nine turnovers in its last two games. The third-down conversion percentage is 117th in the nation (out of 120 teams).
It would be uber-redundant to go over the Zips' problems. There are excuses galore for the team sitting at 1-5. Regardless of the outcome Saturday, it would be great to see Patrick Nicely take another positive step against a team that doesn't stop the pass too well.
- Notes…
The Zips are 10.5-point underdogs. The over-under is around 46.5.
Here is this week's MAC Bloggers Roundtable. It's a new format, and I think I like it more. You get to read the most entertaining of the bloggers' responses.
According to FanIQ.com, someone took out an ad in the school newspaper, looking for someone to play quarterback for the Zips. I'm not sure if it's true, but it's a little funny.
Here is the AP's preview, which mentions that Akron is down 13 scholarship players from last season.
This is a really good blog post by a Syracuse writer. It breaks down the game nicely.
In Tom Gaffney's preview, J.D. Brookhart says we will continue to see more of DeVoe Torrence, who has "played a lot better than he practiced."
Former Toledo offensive coordinator Chris Hedden has joined the team to fill the void left by assistant coach Reno Ferri's resignation. Hedden will coach tight ends. Shane Montgomery will take over the running backs.
Here is what I wrote on June 25, when 76 percent of readers thought Akron would win.
Prediction:
I actually think the Zips have a shot tomorrow. They have done a decent job in forcing turnovers, and Greg Paulus' team is prone to them. Brookhart's teams have a way of surprising you, just when you think they're dead. The problem is, this is far too late to affect the team's postseason hopes. I think you'll get a pleasant surprise on Saturday.
Akron 28, Syracuse 24
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
A FRESHMAN QB GOING TO ORANGE STADIUM WILL BE OVERWHELMED..SYR.27-9.
ALL the trends are against an Akron win. Playing poorly,on the road,injuries,Syracuse revenge,freshman QB,lameduck coaches…Hopefully it won't get out of hand early.
Syracuse 24-7.
Ill be surprised if we're able to hang with them. I have really lost faith in the team this season and just hope we beat Kent in 2 weeks.
This season has turned into JDs farewell tour… and instead of going out with a bang, he's going out with a thud.