Akron Tops Central Michigan
Game Report Posted: October 20, 2013 19:00
Mount Pleasant, MI
Scoops McGee, Beat Reporter
In a game that was in doubt until the 4th quarter, the Akron Zips finally pulled ahead for good on a 1 yard touchdown run from Drew Kelly to put the score at 31-21 with 26 seconds remaining in the game. "We made a couple of mistakes just outside the red zone that could have really cost us the game. That's something we'll need to improve before we go into Dekalb next week," said Coach Hutchinson as he was heading off the field. He also added, "The defense really came through for us tonight and made a couple of big stands and that was the difference in the game."
Akron Beats Huskies 48-23
Game Report Posted: October 20, 2013 23:51
In a game that was much closer than the score would indicate, Akron topped Northern Illinois 48-23. Of note, Drew Kelly set the NCAA record for a 97 yard kickoff return for a touchdown and Naren Herat threw for 4 touchdowns.
Zips Roll Georgia State 56-14
Game Report Posted: October 20, 2013 16:47
Akron, OH
Scoops McGee, beat reporter
Lou Koenigsfeld's return to Infocision Stadium as the head coach didn't go as well as he'd hoped, but he appreciated the warm reception the Akron faithful had for their former offensive coordinator, "It was nice to see a lot of friendly familiar faces." However, Coach K's team couldn't stop Akron's offense, "Coach K is in the first year of a rebuilt with his team, but hats off to their team because whenever we made a mistake they were there to pounce on it," remarked Coach Hutchinson referring to the three interceptions thrown by Akron Quarterbacks (Herat 2, Sims 1).
Lyles and Kelly carried their fair share of the load combining to rush for over 300 yards, while Naren continued to perform well as his first year in the starter role at quarterback throwing for 4 touchdowns.
Akron Stuns Buckeyes 44-14
Game Report Posted: October 19, 2013 18:59
Columbus, OH
Scoops McGee, Beat Reporter
In a game that wasn't even close, Ohio State fans walked out the Horseshoe stunned as Akron toppled #16 Ohio State 44-14. Surprisingly, it was Akron's defense that stood tall, forcing a turnover. "We didn't give up the big play early on and I think that combined with the offense really doing a good job moving the chains made a big difference," said said first year Zips Defensive Coordinator Brennan Smith. "With the injuries we had last week, we knew that everyone was going to have to step up, and the team really responded."
On the offensive side of the ball Senior Halfback, Jonathan Lyles, led the team with over 160 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns while Sophomore Drew Kelly ran for over 50 yards and punched the ball in the end zone twice as well. Rounding out the scoring Quarterback Naren Herat hooked up with Dustin Chambers for a 4 yard touchdown pass. "We were really pleased with all three phases of the game today, especially in winning the turnover battle. To walk away with this kind of win at the Horseshoe is huge for our program," commented Coach Hutchinson during his post game press conference. The Zips host former offensive coordinator Lou Koenigsfeld's Georgia State team next Saturday at Infocision Stadium.
Zips Top Texas State; Lose Donnolly and Lemon
Game Report Posted: October 19, 2013 17:59
Akron beat Texas State 31 to 21 but it cost them their Defensive Captain and a top Wide Receiver in the process.
Akron Looks to Build on Last Year's Successes
Season Report Posted: October 18, 2013 01:07
Akron, OH
Scoops McGee, Beat Reporter
Despite losing both their starting quarterback and leading rusher Coach Hutchinson looks for the offensive side of the ball to be the team's strength again this year. "We have a depth at half back," says Coach Hutchinson, "Even with Ingram graduating last year we had over 1,000 yards in rushing between Jonathan (Lyles) and Drew (Kelly) and (Stanley) Vincent who is going to start the season as our third string running back is the fastest in the group."
Drew Kelly did pick up national recognition last year when he was placed on the All-American All-Freshman team while Lyles rushed for over 500 yards as Ingram's back up. Still questions arise on the offensive line.
"Our offensive line, for the most part is in pretty good shape," says Hutchinson, "we're looking for someone to step up at Right Tackle, but we feel pretty confident as to how the offensive line will do this year, but of course action speaks louder than words."
On the defensive side of the ball the Zips look to be solid at Linebacker and the Secondary but it remains to be seen how much pressure the defensive line will be able to put on the quarterback as only 1 starter returns among the front 3. Defensive Line coach Brent Falkenstein looks for freshman Brian Bolin to have a big year, "I think he'll be an asset for us on defense. He's so tall I think he'll be a disruptive force to the opposing team's passing game as he's been showing in practice to have the ability to knock a lot of passes down. As long as he stays disciplined on the run I think he's got a chance to have a great year."
Akron's fan base will get their first look at the new look offense this Saturday at InfoCision Stadium against the Texas State Bobcats. Kickoff is at 7:00 pm.