Saturday, September 11, 2010

It's Going To Be a Long Year...

I saw that coming. In the first quarter, with the Zips up 14-3, I saw that coming. The crowd had an aura of overconfidence from the first snap, and before we knew it, The Ever Dependable Igor had shanked the game-winner and overtime began. It wasn't until that point that the crowd even got into the game (not that there was a sizable crowd to begin with).

For those just tuning into this day of disaster, the Akron Zips football squad lost to FCS team Gardner-Webb 38-37 today, in overtime. The planets just didn't align for the Zips today. First, miscommunication between head coach Rob Ianello and his captains resulted in the Zips kicking off at the beginning of both halves. Yep. You read that right. Near the end of the game, a series of questionable officiating prevented a Gardner-Webb turnover, and also allowed the Runnin' Bulldogs bench to explode onto the field after a touchdown without having 15 yards tacked on for excessive celebration. Also, a Bulldogs defensive back pulled one of the simplest stalling tactics ("My helmet is broken!") during a late Akron drive (allowing the defense to get some extra rest), which the refs stood by and allowed to happen, waiting patiently for him to "fix his helmet" before starting the play clock.

Overtime began, and the Zips did what any FBS team should be able to do, which is drive the 25 yards for an easy touchdown. Enter The Ever Dependable Igor Iveljic. Granted, the blocked extra point that ensued isn't entirely his fault, but after missing the 34 yard game-winner, it's easy to be upset with the guy.

Let's get to the statistics:

Rob Ianello and I had similar thoughts for an offensive strategy. The Zips came out gunning early, and it opened up the running game well. Alex Allen (20 CAR, 110 YDS, 3 TD) and Nate Burney (17 CAR, 119 YDS) both looked incredible today. I can only hope that they can keep this kind of play up for conference games. Today's game was the first time two Akron backs have rushed for over 100 yards in a single game since 2002.

Nicely was 14-21 for 165 yards, with a touchdown and an interception. He looked a lot calmer than last week, hanging around in the pocket much longer when under pressure.

Once again, Jeremy LaFrance dominated the receiving crew:
AKR-Jeremy LaFrance: 7 REC, 88 YDS, TD
AKR-Everybody Else: 7 REC, 77 YDS

The Ever Dependable Igor was 1/2 on field goals and 4/5 on extra points. His 48 yarder sailed through, but as mentioned, the 34 yard game-winner didn't. I like Igor Iveljic, don't get me wrong. He's certainly capable of making long-distance field goals, but his late-game attempts haven't been pretty. Part of me wants to see T.J. Marchese out there for a game.

Zack Campbell had another great game in terms of punting (3 punts, 103 yards).

Away games at Indiana and Kentucky are next. Oh, boy...

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