 |
|
| Monday, August 13 Updated: August 14, 8:51 AM ET Tough schedule may hinder run at East crown By Rodney McKissic Special to ESPN.com |
||||||||||
|
Akron Zips 2000 record: 6-5 (5-3). Coach: Lee Owens (7th year, 25-41 record). Starters returning: 7 offense, 6 defense. Outlook: The Zips begin the season with no experience at quarterback as Ryan Uhlenhake and Nick Sparks will continue their battle into the fall. Sparks, a West Virginia transfer, has the edge because of his athleticism, which should compliment tailback Brandon Payne. Payne's numbers (1,062 yards with 13 TDs) should increase because of experience along the offensive line. Senior Jake Schifino is the go-to receiver, but the passing game has to be retooled following heavy losses. Bob Morris, the new defensive coordinator, has installed a Flex-50 scheme that gives the Zips more blitz packages, which means sophomore defensive end Dwayne Lefall could be headed for a breakout season. Replacing outside linebacker Lou Mackey and three players in the secondary is a concern. Keep an eye on: Senior linebacker Ed March. March, a former walk-on, has molded himself into a potential All-MAC performer. He's added 35 pounds of muscle and increased his bench press to 350 pounds since he arrived and now calls the defensive signals in the huddle. Key game: The schedule is challenging with seven road games but the key game is Oct. 27 on the road against East Division foe Marshall which could go a long way in determining who will win the East. Of course, winning in Huntington, W.V. is easier said than done. It's a good year if... The Zips can win a big game on the road. They have consecutive road games at Purdue, Western Michigan and Miami University before a homecoming game against Bowling Green before hitting the road again for Marshall, Central Florida and Buffalo. Road trips are great when you're piling up Marriott rewards points, but not when you're gunning for a third consecutive winning season. Rodney McKissic covers the MAC for the Buffalo News. |
| |||||||||
