2010 Akron Football Predictions
Akron finished the 2009 season at 3-9 overall
, their worst finish since going 2-9 back in 1997. The Zips were just 2-6 in the Mid-American Conference, so it was an overall bad season. The Zips are hoping that a coaching change can bring some life back to the program, as they decided to let go of JD Bookhart and bring in former Notre Dame assistant Rob Ianello, who will inherit 13 returning starters from the 2009 season, and with new schemes being installed on both sides of the ball, it is likely that the Zips will be down again in 2010. Here is a quick breakdown of what the Zips will send to the field on both sides of the ball, plus my thoughts on where they finish the year in the MAC.
Offense:
It will be interesting to see who wins the starting job at quarterback in Ianello's new system. Sophomore Patrick Nicely ended up starting six games in 2009, after opening day starter Chris Jacquemain was suspended after just two games and backup Matt Rodgers went down with an injury after just three starts. Both Nicely and Rodgers return, and I think we will see some improved numbers from the quarterback position.
The Zips really didn't feature a go to guy out of the backfield last season, as seven different players finished with more than a 100 yards on the season, and no one carried the ball more than 59 times. Senior Alex Allen only played in two games last year, and was awarded a sixth season. I look for Allen and Louisville transfer Dale Martin to be the top two backs this season.
The Zips took a big hit at the receiver position this past offseason, as they only one of their top five threats from the 2009 season in senior Jeremy LaFrance, who actually led the team with 43 catches but finished second with 520 yards and two scores. To help out the position, 2009 starting safety Jalil Carter is going to make the switch to receiver, and is expected to step in right away and start. Also added to the starting mix in the passing game this season will be sophomore wide out Nadir Brown and senior tight end Kyle Weber.
Akron returns just three starters to the offensive line this season, but they do get both starting tackles back in senior left tackle Corey Woods and junior right tackle Jake Anderson. Look for junior Paul Simkovich and junior right guard Zac Kasparek to make their way into the starting lineup this season.
Defense:
The Zips had just six starters back for the 2009 season on the defensive side of the ball, but improved against both the pass and the run. This year they have seven starters back so the hope is for this unit to take another step in the right direction in 2010.
The Zips strength is on the defensive line that returns three starters, including one of the top defensive tackles in the conference in senior Almondo Sewell. Junior James Harvey is also back at the defensive tackle position, so the run defense should be very solid this season. The hope is that junior defensive end Hasan Hazime can take that next step and become a better pass rusher from the outside, after finished tied for first with 3 sacks as a sophomore.
At linebacker the Zip really have to be impressed with what sophomore Brian Wagner gave this team as a freshman in 2009. Wagner led the Zips with 132 tackles and also had a sack and two interceptions. Wagner will welcome back both starters on the outside, as seniors Mike Thomas and Sean Fobbs both return.
The concern on this side of the ball has to rest in the play of the secondary, as the Zips only have one starter back from last year in junior corner Manley Waller, who had a pretty nice season with three picks. Senior Diamond Weaver is projected to take over opposite of Waller at the other starting corner spot, while seniors Dough Richardson and Kevin Davis are slated to take over at the two safety spots.
MAC East Prediction - 6th: I actually don't think the Zips are as bad as some might think, as they really only had a couple games where they really got blown out last year. The thing is they just don't have a lot of experience coming back, and everyone has to learn the new schemes so it is more than likely going to be another long season for the Zips in 2010. I don't expect more than the 3 wins they posted in 2009.
For a complete look at how the conference will finish up this season, check out Jimmy Boyd's
2010 MAC predictions.
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2010 Akron Football Predictions
By: Jimmy Boyd
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