Do we really know how good the Zips are this year?  After two regular-season games, we’re still waiting to gauge Akron’s talent level.

In the opener against Penn State, Akron was overmatched.  However, in the InfoCision home opener, the Zips pounded FCS Morgan State.

Going in to this weekend’s game against Indiana, Akron is five-point favorites.  A weekend of firsts.  Not only are the Zips hosting a Big Ten (11) team, they are also favorites against their midwestern big brother.

From all indications, Indiana is not very good and has been described as a mid-level MAC team.  Lets hope that is an accurate description.

Has anyone heard how attendance is shaping up for Indiana?  One would think interest would be high, with the new stadium. 

A win this weekend, against a Big Ten-team will be key in keeping momentum generated by the stadium alive.  Because the long-term factor on generating fan interested will be the Zips’ performance on the field, rather than the field itself.  Sorry Summa.

Looking ahead, the schedule looks tough.  Next week, Akron travels to Mt. Pleasant to take on the class of the conference, Central Michigan.  After a homecoming game against Ohio, the Zips are on the road for three games; Buffalo, defending MAC champions, Syracuse, which is looking for payback after last year’s embarrasment, then, Northern Illinois.  It would be nice to take away at least two victories in that three-game road swing.

The Zips will then come home to Kent State on November 7 and Temple on November 13.

THERE’S ONLY TWO MAC TEAMS STILL PLAYING – WE’RE ONE OF THEM

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Twice denied, Akron is getting a third straight try at a Mid-American Conference championship.

Steve McNees made an NBA-range 3-pointer to key Akron’s comeback and the Zips reached their third straight MAC title game with a 63-55 win over top-seeded Bowling Green on Friday night.

Akron, which has lost in the final the past two seasons, will play Buffalo in Saturday’s championship. The third-seeded Bulls earned their second trip to the title game with a 64-52 win over Ball State in the first semifinal.

“I’m hoping the third time is a charm,” Zips senior forward Nate Linhart said. “I really don’t consider it much of anything, if we don’t get it done this time.”

The Zips (22-12) had to rally to offset the shooting of Bowling Green’s Nate Miller, who made five 3-pointers and scored 25 of his 27 points in the second half.

Brett McKnight scored 14 points, Darryl Roberts had 12 and the Zips went 6-for-6 from the line in the last minute to hang on.

The Falcons (19-13), who held a three-point lead with eight minutes left, haven’t been to the NCAA tournament since 1968.

Down by 11 at halftime and eight midway through the second half, the Falcons took their first lead at 43-40 when Darryl Clements drained a 3-pointer from the top of the key with one second left on the shot clock and 8:17 remaining. The hoop capped a 13-2 run that included two 3-pointers and a three-point play by Scott Thomas.

Falcons coach Louis Orr screamed, “Yeah,” after Clements’ bucket. Orr slapped hands with his assistants and pumped his fists as his players sprinted past.

But the Zips weren’t fazed and countered with their own 13-2 spurt, which included a 3-pointer from Brent McKnight and one from Akron’s city limits by McNees, who got the ball back on a tap out after a missed free throw.

Miller banked in a 3-pointer off the glass to get the Falcons within 53-50, but the Zips showed poise down the stretch as they handled BG’s press and knocked down their free throws. Akron outrebounded Bowling Green 43-26.

Akron coach Keith Dambrot had to hold his breath every time Miller fired toward the rim.

“That’s one recruit we let get away and he almost did us in,” he said.

The Falcons shot only 20 percent (5-of-25) from the floor in the first half, missing all six 3-point tries, and fell behind 28-17 at halftime.

But Miller finally got a 3 to drop in the opening minute after the break and made two more while scoring 13 of the Falcons’ first 15 points in the second half.

Akron freshman guard Anthony Hitchens didn’t play because he sprained his left ankle in an opening-round win over Toledo. He made his 30th straight on Thursday night in the quarterfinals against Miami (Ohio), but aggravated the injury and couldn’t go. McNees started in place of Hitchens.

BOX SCORE
http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/boxscore?gameId=290720189

ZIPS UNLEASH BARRAGE TO GROUND FALCONS – Akron Beacon Journal
http://www.ohio.com/sports/zips/41247962.html#

McManamon: UA TAKES HARD ROAD TO TONIGHT’S MAC FINAL – ABJ
http://www.ohio.com/sports/zips/41247967.html

UNDER COACH KEITH DAMBROT, MUCH-IMPROVED AKRON ZIPS COULD GET THEIR DUE – THE PLAIN DEALER
http://www.cleveland.com/livingston/index.ssf/2009/03/akron_is_better_than_it.html

SEMI-TESTED ZIPS SLAM THE DOOR ON BOWLING GREEN – The Plain Dealer
http://www.cleveland.com/sports/college/index.ssf/2009/03/semitested_zips_slam_the_door.html

MAC TOURNAMENT PHOTOS – The Plain Dealer
http://photos.cleveland.com/gallery/4501/MAC%20Men%27s%20Tournament%20semifinals%20|%20March%2013%2C%202009/slideshow

AKRON GETS BY FALCONS MILLER SCORES 27 – The Blade
http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090314/SPORTS03/903140415/-1/SPORTS

AKRON STOPS BOWLING GREEN TO MAKE MAC TOURNEY FINAL – Canton Repository
http://www.cantonrep.com/sports/x792892055/Akron-stops-Bowling-Green-to-reach-MAC-tourney-final

MAC BASKETBALL SCOREBOARD – MARCH 13 – ABJ
http://www.ohio.com/sports/zips/41248042.html

Akron 73, Miami (Ohio) 63

Associated Press

CLEVELAND — Steve McNees scored 15 of his season-high 17 points on 3-pointers, leading Akron into the semifinals of the Mid-American Conference tournament with a 73-63 win over Miami (Ohio) on Thursday night.

The Zips (21-12), who have lost in the title game the past two seasons, will play Bowling Green in Friday’s second semifinal. In the first semifinal, Ball State (14-16) will face Buffalo (20-10).

The winners will meet in Saturday night’s title game for the MAC’s automatic NCAA tournament bid.

Akron, the No. 5 seed, did its damage from outside in the second half. The Zips made six of their first eight 3-pointers to build a 13-point lead. McNees and Nate Linhart hit back-to-back 3s as Akron opened a 63:50 lead with 5:33 left.

 The Redhawks (17-13) got it down to seven but couldn’t come up with the big shot when they needed one.

Michael Bramos, the conference’s player of the year, led Miami with 24 points.

Darryl Roberts had 15 points and freshman Nikola Cvetinovic (SEH-tin-o-VICH) had 12 the Zips.

Akron, which scored 93 points to beat Toledo in overtime in the opening round, started just 4-of-19 from the floor and fell behind by 12 in the first half. The Zips were teetering on serious trouble, but behind eight points from McNees, they closed with a 16-5 burst to pull within 32-31 at the break.

BOX SCORE
http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/boxscore?gameId=290710193

ZIPS RALLY ZAPS REDHAWKS- Akron Beacon Journal
http://www.ohio.com/sports/zips/41189642.html

TAKING A LOOK AT AKRON’S WIN OVER MIAMI IN THE MAC TOURNAMENT-
Blog by the Beacon Journal’s Patrick McManamon
http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/mcmanamon/2009/03/12/taking-a-look-at-akrons-win-over-miami-in-the-mac-tournament/

REDHAWKS FALL TO AKRON IN MAC QUARTERFINAL-Miami Athletics
http://www.muredhawks.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/031209aab.html

FLASHES FALL SHORT IN GAME, SEASON- Akron Beacon Journal
http://www.ohio.com/sports/41186352.html

FALTERING FLASHES MISFIRE-Akron Beacon Journal
http://www.ohio.com/sports/41186052.html

KENT STATE KNOCKED OUT BY BUFFALO-Associated Press
http://www.ohio.com/sports/41173487.html

Other scores from the MAC tournament

Thursday, March 12th

Central Michigan 61
Ball State 64 OT

Kent State 62
Buffalo 65

Ohio 61
Bowling Green 74

With the final day of the regular season in the books, the Mid-American Conference announced the brackets for this week’s tournament at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.

The Akron Zips, after Sunday’s loss in Kent, are seeded #5 and will play Toledo, which is seeded #12 in the first round, Tuesday at 6 p.m.

In the meantime, Kent State is seeded #6, and will play Northern Illinois in the first round Tuesday, tip off is 2 p.m.

The winner of the Toledo/Akron game will play #4 seed Miami on Thursday, March 12 at 9:30 p.m.

The MAC Tournament semi-finals will be played Friday at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., with the championship game scheduled for Saturday at 8 p.m.

TO VIEW THE MAC TOURNAMENT BRACKETS, CLICK BELOW
http://mac-sports.com/downloads1/98569.pdf?ATCLID=3647734&SPSID=42971&SPID=3803&DB_OEM_ID=9400

KENT STATE 67, AKRON 63

Associated Press

KENT, Ohio — Al Fisher scored 18 points and went 6-of-7 from the foul line to lead Kent State to a 67-63 home win over Akron on Sunday afternoon.

The Flashes (18-13, 10-6 Mid-American Conference) fell behind by as many as 10 points in the first half and bounced back from a 4-point halftime deficit to reclaim the lead midway through the second period.

Brett McKnight led Akron (19-12, 10-6) with 14 points. Anthony Hitchens had 13, including two foul shots that kept the game close near the end.

It turned into a nail-biter as Kent State took a 63-62 lead with a minute to go on a three-pointer by Mike McKee, who finished with 10. The Flashes clinched the win by outscoring the Zips 4-1 in remaining free throws and ended with a 23-7 advantage in second-chance points.

Kent starter Chris Singletary was ejected a minute into the game for a flagrant personal foul.

BOX SCORE-ESPN
http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/boxscore?gameId=290672309

PLAY BY PLAY-ESPN
http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/playbyplay?gameId=290672309

MEN’S BASKETBALL FALLS AT KENT STATE-GoZips.com
http://www.gozips.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=10800&ATCLID=3687877

FLASHES PUSH ASIDE RIVALS-Akron Beacon Journal
http://www.ohio.com/sports/zips/40932597.html

ZIPS HALTED IN MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE RIVALRY-The Plain Dealer
http://www.cleveland.com/sports/college/index.ssf/2009/03/zips_halted_in_midamerican_con.html

SUNDAY, MARCH 8, Noon
M.A.C. Center, Kent, OH

TV/Radio
Fox Sports Ohio (Michael Rehgi and Steve Mix)
ESPN1350 (Steve Frensh and Joe Dunn)
WNIR 100.1 FM (Tom Linder)

In contention for the No. 1 seed in the Mid-American Conference tournament,
the University of Akron men’s basketball team (19-11, 10-5 MAC) closes
out the regular season at neighborhood rival Kent State (17-11, 9-6 MAC) on
Sunday at noon EDT at M.A.C. Center.

The Zips, winners of three of their last four league games, sit in a four-way
tie atop the MAC’s East Division standings following a 60-51 victory over Ohio
at home on Thursday. A UA win would assure it a bye and no worse than a No.
3 seed in the league championship event (would be idle until Thursday), while
a loss could potentially make the Zips a No. 5 seed and put them in Tuesday’s
opening round (with a loss, UA could also finish as a No. 4 seed).

GAME NOTES – GoZips.com
http://www.gozips.com//pdf5/385322.pdf?DB_OEM_ID=10800

GAME NOTES – KentStateSports.com
http://www.kentstatesports.com//pdf4/384661.pdf?SPSID=47654&SPID=4464&DB_OEM_ID=11400

BRAGGING RIGHTS FUEL FLASHES, ZIPS – Akron Beacon Journal
http://www.ohio.com/sports/zips/40904937.html

MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE TIE BREAKERS UP IN THE AIR – The Plain Dealer
http://www.cleveland.com/sports/college/index.ssf/2009/03/the_best_player_in_the_midamer.html

THE MAC HAS A FULL SLATE OF GAMES SCHEDULED TODAY
http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/scoreboard?date=20090308&confId=14

Join the AK-OLDIES FaceBook Page

Contact Don Olson at:  donolson160@yahoo.com

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 do that is to quote Oakland owner Al Davis, “Win Baby…Win.”

To Contact Don Olson: donolson160@yahoo.com

The UA band and the alumni band play “Akron Blue and Gold” at halftime.

Calling all AK-OLDIES Akron alumni.

Please join us for a fun tailgate before the Cincinnati game this Saturday, September 27.

We’ll set up at around 11:30 a.m. for the 3:30 p.m. kickoff.

There will be a photographer from the School of Communication. They are writing an article about the AK-OLDIES for their alumni magazine.

Bring your own food and beverages. We’ll have grills in which you can throw your meat. We will also have extra food and beverages for fellow Zips fans.

Just look for the new Akron flag with the gold AK-OLDIES flag flying underneath. We’ll be somewhere along the fence in tailgate city.

Hope to see you there.

‘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

<<<>>>

ORANGE PULP

The Big East is making a strong case for being the weakest BCS conference, top to bottom.  New York Newsday

<<<>>>

‘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

<<<>>>

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

<<<>>>

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.

<<<>>>

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

<<<>>>

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

<<<>>>

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