Akron(2007) - Kings of Mid-America

[Its Vanilla]

Coach's Track Record:

Past Seasons:
2004: 5-7(3-5): No Bowl Invitation
2005: 7-5(5-3): No Bowl Invitation
2006: 11-3(8-1): MAC Champions, Won Motor City Bowl 41-14 over Miami of Ohio

AD Comment:
"Akron fans are expecting great things from you this season. Don't disappoint them."

Job Security: A+
Prestige: ****

Overall Record: 23-15
Current Streak: Won 2
Winning Seasons: 2('05, '06)
Longest Win Streak: 6 games
Vs. Top 25: 1-3
Vs. Rival(s): 2-4
Bowl Record: 1-0
Conference Titles: 1(2006)
National Titles: 0

Expectations:
X - Maintain Team Prestige
X - Win a Conference Title

Updates:
2005 - Signed a 2 year contract extension

[Its Vanilla]

Akron's 2007 Schedule(**):

8/25 - SAN JOSE STATE
8/30 - KENT STATE - Battle for the Wagon Wheel
9/8 - at Oregon State
9/15 - EASTERN MICHIGAN
9/22 - #11 MICHIGAN
9/29 - at Buffalo
10/6 - at Miami(Oh)

10/20 - UCF
10/27 at Troy State
11/3 - at Marshall
11/10 - at Central Michigan
11/17 - OHIO

Home Games in all CAPS.
Conference Games in bold.

[Its Vanilla]

Your 2007 Akron Zips:

Tan detotes returning starter(starters who are now backups don't count).
Red denotes redshirts.

Offense(9 returning starters):

Quarterback(B-):

#13 Ryan Landry, So
Ht: 6'3" Wt: 225 Ovr: 77(+3)
He started last year and did an excellent job. It's his to lose.

#18 Brandon Smith, Jr
Ht: 6'4" Wt: 252 Ovr: 79(+8)
He had an excellent off-season which could lead to a QB controversy. He has an excellent arm and is smart on the field, he just can't hit his receivers.

#17 John Ferguson, Sr-RS
Ht: 6'4" Wt: 217 Ovr: 74(+6)
He's still our emergency QB. He won't play.


Halfback(C+):

#29 Michael Ricks, Sr
Ht: 6'2" Wt: 217 Ovr: 82(+2)
He has a bipolar style of play. He'll have an amazing game one week, then look like he's completely lost the next. He'll start, hoping he has a bunch of amazing games.

#27 Leo Richardson, Fr
Ht: 5'8" Wt: 173 Ovr: 76
He's a small guy with speed, which is what I'm looking for in my style of offense. He'll just have to win the job by beating out Ricks.

#25 Jason Samples, So
Ht: 5'10" Wt: 180 Ovr: 73(+2)
He'll be my 3rd HB, so he may see some time.

#26 Marcus Payton, Fr-RS
Ht: 6'3" Wt: 210 Ovr: 64(+4)
He has the size, but not the talent. He won't see the field.


Fullback(C):

#41 Casey Hester, Jr
Ht: 6'2" Wt: 244 Ovr: 72(+3)
A former walk-on who has made something of himself. He's a great FB.

#42 Tim Eldridge, Sr
Ht: 6'5" Wt: 253 Ovr: 68(+5)
Another former walk-on, but somewhat on the other side of the spectrum. He'll get blowout time, if anything.


Receiver(B-):

#89 Bret Burrough, So
Ht: 6'2" Wt: 213 Ovr: 88(+5)
All-everything freshman who set 2 school records last year, and he's only gotten better.

#87 Tory Weathers, Jr
Ht: 5'11" Wt: 209 Ovr: 80(+5)
Came back from an injury in his freshman season and caught 10 TDs last year.

#8 Elijah Jones, Sr
Ht: 5'10" Wt: 189 Ovr: 79(+5)
As of now, he's making the move back to full-time WR. But things could change.

#86 Jamie Broussard, Sr
Ht: 6'1" Wt: 176 Ovr: 75(+3)
He still has trouble holding on to the ball. He seems to have less and less of a role in my gameplan as the games go by.

#80 Michael Howell, Fr
Ht: 6'3" Wt: 180 Ovr: 68
He could be a Hines Ward type receiver if he develops, but he's got a lot of talent ahead of him.


Tight End(B-)

#81 Nate Hartley, Fr
Ht: 6'5" Wt: 237 Ovr: 77
He's an athletic, receiving TE who I'm hoping will make the catches that Burton can't.

#88 Ahmaad Burton, Sr
Ht: 6'2" Wt: 263 Ovr: 75(+4)
He was able to catch more passes last year, but with the talent coming in, he'll drop to the #2 slot.

#85 Adam McElroy, Fr
Ht: 6'6" Wt: 242 Ovr: 76
He's a blocking TE, just like Burton. He'll be redshirted this season to develop.


Left Tackle(C+):

#65 Alonzo Berlin, So
Ht: 6'4" Wt: 277 Ovr: 75(+6)
Backup who made it to starter last year. It doesn't look like he'll give up that job willingly.

#75 Huey Ballard, Fr-RS
Ht: 6'3" Wt: 275 Ovr: 65(+7)
Redshirted last season and developed a good bit. He'll backup Berlin.


Left Guard(B-):

#62 Damon Minor, Jr
Ht: 6'5" Wt: 287 Ovr: 82(+4)
Struggled a bit at the beginning of last season, but came on strong at the end.

#78 Byron Murray, Jr
Ht: 6'4" Wt: 285 Ovr: 76(+4)
Lost his job at RG because of a holding problem. That's also why he's backing up this year.

#70 O.J. Green, Jr-RS
Ht: 6'2" Wt: 296 Ovr: 73(+5)
He'll play backup again this year.


Center(C+):

# 61 Ray Jeffery, Jr
Ht: 6'3" Wt: 311 Ovr: 82(+4)
Did well last season.

#69 Mark Garrison, So-RS
Ht: 6'1" Wt: 258 Ovr: 69(+7)
He's pretty small for an offensive lineman.


Right Guard(B-):

#71 Roland Carter, Sr
Ht: 6'3" Wt: 304 Ovr: 76(+8)
Became the starter during last season and will keep it for his senior year.


Right Tackle(C+):

#73 John Hollins, Sr
Ht: 6'5" Wt: 334 Ovr: 82(+4)
He's started for over a year now and is one of my best linemen.

#74 Sam Cherry, Fr
Ht: 6'5" Wt: 300 Ovr: 62
Sam could develop, but he'll backup at least this season.


Defense(11 returning starters):

Left End(C):

#95 Alonzo Novak, So
Ht: 6'2" Wt: 262 Ovr: 77
Got to the QB a good bit as a freshman. Hopefully he'll keep getting better.

#94 Brian Baker, Fr
Ht: 6'1" Wt: 250 Ovr: 70
He's my fastest D-lineman. He'll play backup this season.


Defensive Tackle(B-):

#93 Jimi Harden, Jr
Ht: 6'2" Wt: 328 Ovr: 80(+4)
Improved tremendously last season. His size makes him a wall to opposing RBs.

#40 Khari Pope, Fr
Ht: 6'4" Wt: 281 Ovr: 79
Doesn't have the size I usually look for, but he's got talent. We usually play 3-4, but we play a lot of nickel and dime too, so he'll see the field.

#98 J.D. Sutton, Sr
Ht: 6'0" Wt: 271 Ovr: 77(+4)
He'll move back to backup this year. He'll be the first in when someone gets tired.

#97 Harvey Sterling, So
Ht: 6'1" Wt: 306 Ovr: 76(+6)
He could be big as a senior, but he's 4th string right now.

#90 Rod Anderson, Fr
Ht: 6'3" Wt: 289 Ovr: 75
I feel we're a little bit overloaded with talent at DT right now. If you laugh at that, keep in mind, I took over 4-8 Akron 3 years ago. He'll redshirt this season.


Right End(C):

#92 DeShawn Tyler, So
Ht: 6'3" Wt: 263 Ovr: 76(+3)
He got to the QB, but made more of an impact as a run-stopper.

#57 Russ May, Fr
Ht: 6'2" Wt: 245 Ovr: 64
Kind of small and will backup Tyler.

#96 Desmond White, Fr
Ht: 6'1" Wt: 257 Ovr: 62
He's not amazingly talented, but since I already have 2 REs, he'll redshirt.


Left Outside Linebacker(B-):

#49 Gaylon Simmons, Jr
Ht: 6' Wt: 232 Ovr: 83(+8)
He did well in the starting role last year and I see no reason for a change.

#45 D'ondre Lindsey, Sr
Ht: 5'11" Wt: 212 Ovr: 78(+9)
He'll continue to backup, but could start at another LB position by the end of the year.


Middle Linebacker(C+)

#52 Jamil Hale, So
Ht: 6'6" Wt: 254 Ovr: 83(+6)
Surprisingly, he lived up to the hype last year. Could be a future captain on defense.

#44 Adam Blanton, Jr
Ht: 6'5" Wt: 267 Ovr: 68(+5)
Big former walk-on. He's played a lot in the 3-4 and will continue to do so.

#47 Yohance Scott, Sr
Ht: 6'1" Wt: 236 Ovr: 67(+6)
A former walk-on who plays mostly on special teams.


Right Outside Linebacker(B-)

#43 Earnest Hunter, So-RS
Ht: 6'3" Wt: 224 Ovr: 77(+5)
Talented player who broke onto the scene last year. He'll continue to start.

#50 Leigh Irwin, So
Ht: 6'2" Wt: 231 Ovr: 77(6)
He's an amazingly fast LB. Played all last year on special teams and did get in on some drives at LB. He's my first backup at ROLB and MLB.


Cornerback(C+)

#4 Charles Vincent, So
Ht: 6'3" Wt: 174 Ovr: 84(+4)
Made some freshman mistakes last year and learned from them - I think.

#1 Fredrick Foster, Sr
Ht: 5'11" Wt: 183 Ovr: 82(+5)
Looking at being a 4 year starter. He struggled last season, but improved to the point of almost declaring for the draft.

#7 Brendan Rogers, Fr
Ht: 6'2" Wt: 174 Ovr: 75
He's got the speed, I just need to see if he can catch.

#19 Trent Thompson, Fr
Ht: 6' Wt: 167 Ovr: 69
Not amazingly talented, but I think he'll get the job done.

#5 Blane Ramsey, Jr
Ht: 6' Wt: 163 Ovr: 67(+5)
Will play if needed. His slow speed keeps him off the main depth chart.


Free Safety(C+)

#24 Mack Ford, So
Ht: 6'1" Wt: 217 Ovr: 76(+3)
Forget what I said last year, this guy is great. He became a fear in the hearts of MAC QBs with his great hands and natural instincts.

#28 Eddie Barnes, Sr
Ht: 6'3" Wt: 173 Ovr: 69(+6)
Will mostly play on special teams.


Strong Safety(B)

#22 Courtney Earl, Jr
Ht: 6'1" Wt: 188 Ovr: 85(+4)
Had 13 INTs last year on his way to winning the Thorpe and Bednarik. He's looking to make a bigger impact this year.

#20 Sydney Thomas, So
Ht: 5'11" Wt: 186 Ovr: 80(+6)
Became a darkhorse in the dime defense last year, getting 5 sacks and 2 picks. He'll look to do the same this year.


Special Teams(2 returning starters):

Kicker(B-):

#48 Marcus Bingham, Sr
Ht: 5'9" Wt: 187 Ovr: 79(+5)
The former JUCO transfer hit 90% in 2006 and could do better in 2007.


Punter(B-)

#11 Mike Hooper, Sr
Ht: 6'1" Wt: 236 Ovr: 79(+6)
One of the better punters in the MAC, we'll be sad to see him go at season's end.

[Its Vanilla]

Preseason Issue:

Sports Illustrated
#81 WR Ralph Capers(Sr) - #1 Virginia Tech(0-0)
"Virginia Tech's Answer - Can the athletic Capers lead the Hokies to a National Championship."


PreSeason Polls:
#3 CB Solomon Aristegui(Sr) - #3 Miami(0-0)
"Hopes Renew - Hurricanes look to take home the title in 2007."

Coach's Top 10:

Rk   LW     Team               Result                 Record
1     -     Virginia Tech(30)  Bye                    0-0
2     -     Ohio State(23)     Bye                    0-0
3     -     Miami(3)           Bye                    0-0
4     -     Florida(1)         Bye                    0-0
5     -     Arkansas(1)        Bye                    0-0
6     -     Texas              Bye                    0-0
7     -     Auburn             Bye                    0-0
8     -     USC                Bye                    0-0
9     -     Notre Dame         Bye                    0-0
10   --     Oklahoma           Bye                    0-0

Heisman Watch:
#83 WR Franklin Boldin(Jr) - #14 Louisville(0-0)
"Preseason Hopeful - If Boldin remains healthy, he could be the next Heisman Trophy winner."

-#89 WR Bret Burrough(So) - #24 Akron(0-0)
52 catches for 1,199 yards, 14 TD
-#83 WR Franklin Boldin(Jr) - #14 Louisville(0-0)
77 catches for 1,277 yards, 18 TD
-#29 HB Marcellus Tyson(Jr-RS) - #22 Florida State(0-0)
336 carries for 1,698 yards, 19 TD
-#21 HB Clint Whittaker(Jr) - #23 LSU(0-0)
369 carries for 1,683 yards, 15 TD
-#21 HB Ricky Lewis(Sr) - Tulsa(0-0)
292 carries for 1,575 yards, 14 TD


PreSeason All-Americans:
#22 SS Courtney Earl(Jr) - #24 Akron(0-0)
"Young Guns - Earl is as talented as they come."

First Team:
#18 QB Ethan McCormick(So) - #15 Texas A&M
#25 HB Ross McCormick(Sr) - Wyoming
#29 HB Marcellus Tyson(Jr-RS) - #22 Florida State
#22 HB Tommy McKee(Jr) - Air Force
#89 WR Demetrios London(Sr) - #11 Michigan
#83 WR Franklin Boldin(Jr) - #14 Louisville
#89 WR Bret Burrough(So) - #24 Akron
#82 TE Keenan Barnes(Sr) - Central Florida
#71 RT Curtis Wilson(Jr) - Alabama
#71 LG Deshon Thomas(Sr) - Air Force
#65 C Keenan Moss(Jr) - #23 LSU
#79 RG Bubba Woodruff(So) - TCU
#73 RT Mike Suggs(Sr) - New Mexico

#97 LE Jack Whitley(Jr) - UL Monroe
#92 RE Ian Chatfield(Sr) - Kent State
#91 DT Jackie Drew(Sr) - Hawaii
#99 DT Micky Fitzpatrick(Sr) - UConn
#57 LOLB Jacob Kramer(Sr) - #3 Miami
#43 MLB John Bratton(So) - Indiana
#54 ROLB John Golden(Jr) - Western Michigan
#2 CB David Williams(So) - Central Florida
#1 CB Brian Anderson(Jr) - #16 Maryland
#16 FS Guy Higgins(Sr) - Buffalo
#22 SS Courtney Earl(Jr) - #24 Akron
#13 K Jerry Day(So) - Ohio


Second Team:
#12 QB Marques Paul(Jr) - South Florida
#21 HB Ricky Lewis(Sr) - Tulsa
#21 HB Clint Whittaker(Jr) - #23 LSU
#84 WR Santonio Mullins(Jr) - #19 Washington
#89 WR Allen Halloway(Sr) - Ole Miss
#87 TE Doug McGee(Jr) - #8 USC
#77 LT Andy Morton(Jr) - #22 Florida State
#74 C Ryan Williams(Sr) - West Virginia
#74 RG Will King(So-RS) - #1 Virginia Tech
#76 RG Merrill Shelton(So) - Air Force
#75 LT LaTroy Donnelly(Sr) - Nebraska

#99 LE Kevin Hall(Jr) - Toledo
#53 LE Frank Pritchett(So) - Kansas State
#99 DT DeAngelo Williams(So) - Bowling Green
#91 DT Greg Johnson(Sr) - #2 Ohio State
#38 LOLB Bernard Humphrey(Sr) - Purdue
#49 MLB Darrin Richmond(Sr) - #14 Louisville
#54 ROLB Zack Hackett(Jr) - Arkansas State
#3 CB LaShaun Childs(Sr) - North Texas
#7 CB Antoine Gage(So) - East Carolina
#38 CB Tyler Goodwin(Sr) - Virginia
#28 FS Antoine Jackson(Jr) - #19 Washington
#21 SS Jamaal Frye(Jr) - Mississippi State
#48 K Clifton Johnson(Sr) - #2 Ohio State


Conference Outlook:
#37 LOLB Ernest Mills(So-RS) - #1 Virginia Tech(0-0)
"Future Look - Mills looks to lead the Hokies to the top of the Big East."

ACC: #16 Maryland
Big Ten: #2 Ohio State
Big 12: #6 Texas
Big East: #1 Virginia Tech
C-USA: #14 Louisville
MAC: #24 Akron
Mountain West: Air Force
Pac-10: #8 USC
SEC: #4 Florida
Sun Belt: North Texas
WAC: Fresno State


MAC East:

1.) #24 Akron
2.) Miami of Ohio
3.) Central Florida
4.) Marshall
5.) Ohio
6.) Kent State
7.) Buffalo

[NoSkillz]

Good stuff Vanilla,

You've turned the Zips around pretty quickly. I'm taking notes, since I'm playing my NCAA dynasty in the same division as you.

[Its Vanilla]

Thanks. I think having Eastern Michigan as my MAC West opponent every year helps my record a bit, along with some unexpected weak teams in my division, like Marshall. Hopefully, I'll get an invite to the Big East or Big Ten soon.

[Its Vanilla]

Week 2 Wrap-Up:

Sports Illustrated
#54 DT Freeman MacPherson(Sr) - #23 North Carolina State(1-0)
"Off on the Right Foot - Wolfpack get a W in non-conference action against Arkansas."


Our Game:

We hope to erase the memory of the San Jose State game as we play Kent State for the wagon wheel.

Final Score: Akron(1-1) - 42, Kent State(0-1) - 32

AD Comments:
"Your success has led to some interesting phone calls."

Coach's Comments:
"We didn't quite make up for last week, but we played well. Landry passed for 5 touchdowns, but had 4 interceptions. Burrough continued his run for the Heisman with a great day. Ricks and Richardson couldn't get anything going on the ground. If we hope to beat Oregon State, we'll have to be more than 1 dimensional."


Top 25 Polls:
Team Mascot - #16 Arkansas(0-1)
"Not Part of the Plan - #5 Arkansas is looking to regroup after their opening weekend loss to NC State."

Coach's Top 10:

Rk   LW     Team               Result                 Record
1     1     Virginia Tech(30)  W 17-9 USC             2-0
2     2     Ohio State(21)     W 62-21 UNM            1-0
3     4     Florida(2)         W 26-22 Iowa           1-0
4     6     Texas(5)           W 31-7 MTSU            1-0
5     7     Auburn(1)          W 25-20 UTEP           1-0
6    12     Penn State         W 44-41 Miami          1-0
7     9     Notre Dame         W 19-14 IU             1-0
8    10     Oklahoma           W 40-10 NMSU           1-0
9    11     Michigan           W 38-28 EMU            1-0
10    3     Miami              L 41-44 PSU            0-1

Dropping Out:
13    8     USC                L 9-17 VT              0-1
16    5     Arkansas           L 10-19 NCSU           0-1

Heisman Watch:
#83 WR Franklin Boldin(Jr) - #12 Louisville(1-0)
"Franklin! - Boldin has emerged as the go-to receiver in the Cardinals offense."

-#89 WR Bret Burrough(So) - Akron(1-1)
10 catches for 252 yards, 4 TD
-#83 WR Franklin Boldin(Jr) - #12 Louisville(1-0)
1 catch for 7 yards
-#29 HB Marcellus Tyson(Jr-RS) - #19 Florida State(1-0)
20 carries for 115 yards, TD
-#21 HB Clint Whittaker(Jr) - #21 LSU(1-0)
26 carries for 109 yards, 2 TD
#22 HB Ell McCloud(Jr) - #6 Penn State(1-0)
30 carries for 160 yards, 2 Total TD


Players of the Week:
#16 QB Michael Bush(Sr-RS) - #12 Louisville(1-0)
"Makin' Big Plays - Bush is awarded for his performance against rival Kentucky."

NCAA Offensive Player of the Week:
#22 HB (Sr-RS) - Minnesota(1-0)
27 carries for 149 yards, 5 TD

NCAA Defensive Player of the Week:
#26 SS Garren Sheppard(Fr) - Texas Tech(1-0)
5 Tackles(2 TFL), Sack, INT, FF, TD

MAC Offensive Player of the Week:
#18 QB Shaun Benton(Sr) - Marshall(1-0)
26/47 for 424 yards, 4 Total TD

MAC Defensive Player of the Week:
#47 LOLB Kyle Lewis(Jr-RS) - Miami of Ohio(1-0)
7 Tackles(3 TFL), 2 Sacks, INT, FF, FR


Conference Standings:
#23 SS Lavell Hutchins(Fr) - #14 Maryland(1-0)
"Setting the Pace - Terrapins knock off #25 Washington State 24-21 in season opener."

MAC East Standings:

1.) Akron - 1-1(1-0) - W 42-32 Kent State(0-1)
2.) Marshall - 1-0(0-0) - W 40-20 San Jose State(1-1)
3.) Miami of Ohio - 1-0(0-0) - W 24-17 UL Monroe(0-1)
4.) Ohio - 1-0(0-0) - W 42-40 Arizona(0-1)
5.) Buffalo - 0-1(0-0) - L 14-17 North Texas(1-0)
6.) Central Florida - 0-1(0-0) - L 14-34 #18 South Carolina(1-0)
7.) Kent State - 0-1(0-1) - L 32-42 Akron(1-1)

[Its Vanilla]

Week 3 Wrap-Up:

Sports Illustrated
#27 HB Malcom Hudson(Jr-RS) - #10 Miami(1-1)
"Warning Shot - #10 Miami preserveres in overtime beating Ole Miss 34-28."


Our Game:

We travel to Corvalis, Oregon to take on Oregon State on Regional TV. Last year, we won 31-28 in an interception filled game. The Beavers are picked to win through the air.

Final Score: #23 Oregon State(2-0) - 28, Akron(1-2) - 24

AD Comments:
"Our loss to Oregon State was pathetic. Deep down you know we should've won that one."

Coach's Comments:
"This game was crazy. Although we led throughout the 2nd and 3rd quarters, we weren't in control. Oregon State scored with :37 left to go on top 28-24. We got the ball back and started to drive with no timeouts. Jones got out of bounds on the first play. Burton caught a pass over the middle on the second. On the 3rd play, we went deep to Burrough, who came up with a big catch on the 10 yardline. Unfortunately, we couldn't get the play off before the gun sounded. QB Cecil Hardin had 469 yards passing, which I feel is unacceptable. Part of the reason may be that Fred Foster was out with a broken toe. The game received a greatness score of 1480."


Top 25 Polls:
#21 HB Ricky Lewis(Sr) - Tulsa(2-0)
"Too Little Too Late - Tulsa sends Volunteers back to Knoxville with a loss."

Coach's Top 10:

Rk   LW     Team               Result                 Record
1     1     Virginia Tech(37)  W 44-17 Clemson        3-0
2     2     Ohio State(21)     W 33-3 Kent            2-0
3     3     Florida(1)         W 23-17 Nevada         2-0
4     4     Texas              W 31-17 Minn           2-0
5     5     Auburn             W 38-10 Baylor         2-0
6     6     Penn State         W 28-21 FS             2-0
7     7     Notre Dame         W 51-13 Purdue         2-0
8     8     Oklahoma           W 36-6 MiamiU          2-0
9     9     Michigan           W 48-10 Miss St        2-0
10   10     Miami              W 34-28 Miss           1-1

Dropping Out:
None

Heisman Watch:
#22 HB Ell McCloud(Jr) - #6 Penn State(2-0)
"Ready to Shine - McCloud has the Nittany Lions talking about winning a Championship."

-#89 WR Bret Burrough(So) - Akron(1-2)
16 catches for 381 yards, 5 TD
-#83 WR Franklin Boldin(Jr) - #11 Louisville(1-0)
1 catch for 7 yards
#22 HB Ell McCloud(Jr) - #6 Penn State(2-0)
58 carries for 270 yards, 4 Total TD
#29 HB Marcellus Tyson(Jr-RS) - #22 Florida State(1-1)
39 carries for 176 yards, TD
#28 HB Ross Tucker(Jr) - #1 Virginia Tech(3-0)
74 carries for 345 yards, 5 TD


Players of the Week:
#20 HB Jed Walter(Sr) - #5 Auburn(2-0)
"Takin' it to 'Em - Walter named Player of the Week for performance against Baylor."

NCAA Offensive Player of the Week:
#29 HB Carter Colburn(Sr) - Washington State(1-1)
25 carries for 184 yards, 4 TD

NCAA Defensive Player of the Week:
#54 ROLB Travis Lane(Sr) - #17 West Virginia(2-0)
7 Tackles(1 TFL), INT, 2 FF, TD

MAC Offensive Player of the Week:
#18 QB Shaun Benton(Sr) - Marshall(2-0)
25/40 for 330 yards, 4 TD

MAC Defensive Player of the Week:
#29 FS Matt Huggins(Jr) - Marshall(2-0)
6 Tackles, 2 INT, FF, FR


Conference Standings:
#20 HB Jed Walter(Sr) - #5 Auburn(2-0)
"First Real Test - Auburn's SEC schedule begins this week in a matchup with the Commodores of Vanderbilt."

MAC East Standings:

1.) Akron - 1-2(1-0) - L 24-28 #23 Oregon State(2-0)
2.) Marshall - 2-0(0-0) - W 38-31 UL Lafayette(0-1)
3.) Miami of Ohio - 1-1(0-0) - L 6-36 #8 Oklahoma(2-0)
4.) Ohio - 1-1(0-0) - L 20-25 North Texas(2-0)
5.) Buffalo - 0-2(0-0) - L 10-33 Alabama(2-0)
6.) Central Florida - 0-2(0-0) - L 9-30 Pittsburgh(1-1)
7.) Kent State - 0-2(0-1) - L 3-33 #2 Ohio State(2-0)

[tucker342]

Tough loss to Oregon State

But great job so far with turning around Akron

[Its Vanilla]

Week 4 Wrap-Up:

Sports Illustrated
#99 LE Taveres Earl(Sr) - #17 Syracuse(2-1)
"Convincing Win - Orangemen show their character in a 32-10 win over Penn State."


Our Game:

We take on Eastern Michigan in our 2nd conference game.

Final Score: Akron(2-2) - 34, Eastern Michigan(0-3) - 27

AD Comments:
"We're 2-2 now thanks to that last win over Eastern Michigan."


Top 25 Polls:
#42 FB Donnell Anderson(So) - #11 Ohio State(2-1)
"What Madness! - Ohio State's 27-16 loss to UNLV is one of many upsets this weekend."

Coach's Top 10:

Rk   LW     Team               Result                 Record
1     1     Virginia Tech(33)  W 56-21 KU             4-0
2     3     Florida(24)        W 34-18 OR St          3-0
3     4     Texas(1)           W 31-21 WSU            3-0
4     5     Auburn(1)          W 52-14 Vandy          3-0
5     7     Notre Dame         W 30-27 TAMU           3-0
6     8     Oklahoma           W 35-9 IU              3-0
7     9     Michigan           W 44-13 Kent           3-0
8    10     Miami              W 47-10 Tulsa          2-1
9    12     Maryland           W 23-6 SDSU            3-0
10   13     USC                W 31-10 Purdue         2-1

Dropping Out:
11    2     Ohio State         L 16-27 UNLV           2-1
14    6     Penn State         L 10-32 SU             2-1

Heisman Watch:
#83 WR Franklin Boldin(Jr) - #19 Louisville(1-1)
"Mid-Season Form - Boldin's performance has fans in Louisville believing in their Cardinals."

-#89 WR Bret Burrough(So) - Akron(2-2)
23 catches for 522 yards, 7 Total TD
#22 HB Ell McCloud(Jr) - #14 Penn State(2-1)
82 carries for 375 yards, 4 Total TD
#28 HB Ross Tucker(Jr) - #1 Virginia Tech(4-0)
96 carries for 481 yards, 6 TD
#83 WR Franklin Boldin(Jr) - #19 Louisville(1-1)
4 catches for 77 yards, TD
#86 WR Jerrell Jones(Sr) - #3 Texas(3-0)
22 catches for 377 yards, 3 TD


Players of the Week:
#26 FS Julian McGrath(Jr) - #9 Maryland(3-0)
"Steppin' it Up - McGrath and the Terrapins have a field day against San Diego State."

NCAA Offensive Player of the Week:
#12 QB Marques Paul(Jr) - South Florida(1-1)
22/45 for 418 yards, 7 TD

NCAA Defensive Player of the Week:
#29 HB Lynn Vaughn(Jr) - #15 LSU(3-0)
6 carries for 22 yards, TD

MAC Offensive Player of the Week:
#12 QB Cedric Fredrickson(Jr-RS) - Central Michigan(2-1)
21/34 for 328 yards, 4 TD

MAC Defensive Player of the Week:
#40 DT Khary Pope(Fr) - Akron(2-2)
7 Tackles(2 TFL), 2 Sacks, FF, FR


Conference Standings:
#88 WR Bob Brewer(Sr) - #16 Georgia(2-1)
"Fans Fuel Victory - Just ask the Gamecocks how difficult it is to win on the road."

MAC East Standings:

1.) Akron - 2-2(2-0) - W 34-27 Eastern Michigan(0-3)
2.) Miami of Ohio - 2-1(0-0) - W 34-20 New Mexico State(1-2)
3.) Buffalo - 1-2(0-0) - W 27-20 UConn(2-1)
4.) Ohio - 1-2(0-0) - L 10-27 Louisiana Tech(2-1)
5.) Central Florida - 0-3(0-0) - L 34-49 South Florida(1-1)
6.) Marshall - 2-1(0-1) - L 27-34 #23 Toledo(3-0)
7.) Kent State - 0-3(0-1) - L 13-44 #7 Michigan(3-0)

[Its Vanilla]

Week 5 Wrap-Up:

Sports Illustrated
#7 CB Akil Kerr(Sr) - #24 Washington(2-2)
"By a Razor's Edge - Cougars survive a thrilling 27-21 game against Louisville."


Our Game:

We face Michigan, who we were playing well against until our collapse last year.

Final Score: #7 Michigan(4-0) - 47, Akron(2-3) - 20

AD Comments:
"Your AD is willing to match any offer from any other program in the nation."


Top 25 Polls:
#40 HB Luther Kramer(Jr) - #22 Alabama(4-0)
"Conference Crush - #22 Alabama should handle #12 Arkansas in their SEC matchup next week."

Coach's Top 10:

Rk   LW     Team               Result                 Record
1     1     Virginia Tech(32)  W 37-20 Toledo         5-0
2     2     Florida(22)        W 44-31 Tenn           4-0
3     3     Texas(3)           Bye                    3-0
4     4     Auburn(1)          W 52-14 Vandy          3-0
5     5     Notre Dame(1)      W 43-10 MSU            4-0
6     6     Oklahoma           W 43-17 UNLV           4-0
7     7     Michigan           W 47-20 Zips           4-0
8     8     Miami              W 30-3 BC              3-1
9     9     Maryland           W 31-14 Cal            4-0
10   10     USC                Bye                    2-1

Dropping Out:

None.

Heisman Watch:
#28 HB Ross Tucker(Jr) - #1 Virginia Tech(5-0)
"The New Favorite? - Tucker jumps to first place following a 103 rush yards, 2 TD performance."

#28 HB Ross Tucker(Jr) - #1 Virginia Tech(5-0)
120 carries for 584 yards, 8 TD
#89 WR Bret Burrough(So) - Akron(2-3)
26 catches for 641 yards, 9 Total TD
#22 HB (Sr-RS) - Minnesota(3-1)
111 carries for 642 yards, 9 TD
#24 HB Jerad Bonner(Sr) - Brigham Young(4-0)
65 carries for 284 yards, 9 Total TD
#22 HB Ell McCloud(Jr) - #14 Penn State(2-1)
82 carries for 375 yards, 4 Total TD


Players of the Week:
#38 CB (Sr-RS) - #7 Michigan(4-0)
"Another Level - Michigan's CB #38 is named Player of the Week after convincing victory."

NCAA Offensive Player of the Week:
#21 HB Jarvis Lloyd(Jr) - Texas-El Paso(1-2)
30 carries for 166 yards, 4 TD

NCAA Defensive Player of the Week:
#42 MLB Mike Ashley(Sr) - Texas-El Paso(1-2)
11 Tackles(3 TFL), 2 Sacks, FF, FR

MAC Offensive Player of the Week:
#10 QB Tony Marks(Sr) - Western Michigan(3-1)
25/39 for 285 yards, 3 TD

MAC Defensive Player of the Week:
#90 DT Austin Ridgeway(Fr) - Bowling Green(1-2)
5 Tackles(3 TFL), Sack, 2 FF, 2 FR


Conference Standings:
#86 WR Vic Ryan(Jr) - #2 Florida(4-0)
"Home Cookin' - Volunteers lose a tough one at rival Florida."

MAC East Standings:

1.) Akron - 2-3(2-0) - L 20-47 #7 Michigan(4-0)
2.) Miami of Ohio - 2-1(0-0) - Bye
3.) Ohio - 2-2(0-0) - W 21-14 Utah(2-2)
4.) Buffalo - 1-3(0-0) - L 23-28 Brigham Young(4-0)
5.) Central Florida - 0-4(0-0) - L 26-28 #11 Ohio State(3-1)
6.) Marshall - 2-2(0-1) - L 10-37 #18 Nebraska(4-0)
7.) Kent State - 1-3(0-1) - W 29-23 Iowa State(0-3)

[Its Vanilla]

Week 6 Wrap-Up:

Sports Illustrated
#22 HB(Sr-RS) - #19 Minnesota(4-1)
"Braggin' Rights Baby! - Minnesota hands their rival Penn State a 45-17 defeat."


Our Game:

We head to Buffalo in hopes of getting our season back on track.

Final Score: Akron(3-3) - 38, Buffalo(1-4) - 24

AD Comments:
"Great teams don't settle for a win. They find ways to keep winning."

Coach's Comments:
"I'm not exactly sure what happened here. We just played a sloppy game. Landry ended the day on the bench with 5 picks. Broussard continued his run for the Heisman, but I feel our bad performance on the field, and especially in broadcasted games(where we have yet to win) have really hurt his chances. Next week we face Miami of Ohio on regional TV."


Top 25 Polls:
#44 ROLB Glen Hernandez(Sr) - #3 Texas(4-0)
"Movin' On Up! - #3 Texas breezes by the #5 ranked Fighting Irish 50-23."

Coach's Top 10:

Rk   LW     Team               Result                 Record
1     1     Virginia Tech(39)  Bye                    5-0
2     2     Florida(20)        W 41-10 UK             5-0
3     3     Texas              W 50-23 ND             4-0
4     4     Auburn             W 31-20 BC             5-0
5     6     Oklahoma           Bye                    4-0
6     7     Michigan           W 46-12 IU             5-0
7     9     Maryland           W 27-14 WVU            5-0
8     8     Miami              W 30-3 BC              3-1
9    10     USC                W 41-13 Cal            3-1
10   11     Ohio State         W 26-12 NU             4-1

Dropping Out:
11    5     Notre Dame         L 23-50 Texas          4-1

Heisman Watch:
#22 HB (Sr-RS) - #19 Minnesota(4-1)
"Checking the Ballots - There's a new leader atop the Heisman list."

#22 HB (Sr-RS) - #19 Minnesota(4-1)
135 carries for 804 yards, 12 Total TD
#45 HB Ahmaad Harris(Sr) - Texas Christian(4-1)
132 carries for 1,000 yards, 11 Total TD
#89 WR Bret Burrough(So) - Akron(3-3)
28 catches for 685 yards, 10 Total TD
#28 HB Ross Tucker(Jr) - #1 Virginia Tech(5-0)
120 carries for 584 yards, 8 TD
#22 HB Tommy McKee(Jr) - #23 Air Force(5-0)
171 carries for 952 yards, 10 Total TD


Players of the Week:
#44 ROLB Glen Hernandez(Sr) - #3 Texas(4-0)
"Taking it to 'Em - Texas's Hernandez has a spectacular game against an overpowered Notre Dame team."

NCAA Offensive Player of the Week:
#45 HB Ahmaad Harris(Sr) - Texas Christian(4-1)
24 carries for 200 yards, 4 Total TD

NCAA Defensive Player of the Week:
#4 CB Charles Vincent(So) - Akron(3-3)
4 Tackles, 2 INT, 2 TD

MAC Offensive Player of the Week:
#87 WR Leon Mayfield(Sr) - Western Michigan(4-1)
5 catches for 104 yards, 2 Total TD

MAC Defensive Player of the Week:
#4 CB Charles Vincent(So) - Akron(3-3)
4 Tackles, 2 INT, 2 TD


Conference Standings:
#21 FS Markus Matthews(Jr) - #9 USC(3-1)
"The Way to Play - USC starts their conference season off right with a win over Cal."

MAC East Standings:

1.) Akron - 3-3(3-0) - W 38-24 Buffalo(1-4)
2.) Kent State - 2-3(1-1) - W 20-10 Central Florida(0-5)
3.) Miami of Ohio - 3-1(0-0) - W 40-7 Cincinnati(0-4)
4.) Ohio - 2-3(0-1) - L 3-34 Western Michigan(4-1)
5.) Marshall - 2-3(0-1) - L 26-30 Arkansas State(1-3)
6.) Buffalo - 1-4(0-1) - L 24-38 Akron(3-3)
7.) Central Florida - 0-5(0-1) - L 10-20 Kent State(2-3)

[Its Vanilla]

Week 7 Wrap-Up:

Sports Illustrated
#13 SS Steve Upton(Sr) - #19 Kansas State(4-1)
"Building Momentum - Kansas State opens conference play with a win over Texas."


Our Game:

We travel to face the Redhawks in a rematch of last year's Motor City Bowl on regional television. Both Corso and Herbstreit pick Miami to win through the air.

Final Score: Akron(4-3) - 27, Miami of Ohio(3-2) - 24

AD Comments:
"Good game last week. Celebrate tonight and then get ready for UCF."

Coach's Comments:
"Landry had another poor performance, adding 3 to his interception total. Ricks was the heart of our offense, pounding out over 100 yards against this team. He always has good games against the Redhawks. We pretty much controlled the game until the 3rd quarter, when they scored a TD to make it 24-14. We kicked 2 FGs to make it 24-20. Landry finally managed to get it right when he hit Bret Burrough on an 87 yard TD pass to put us up 27-24. They sustained a last minute drive, until Brendan Rogers stepped in front of a John Renedo pass with 39 seconds left to seal the victory. The game received a greatness score of 884."


Top 25 Polls:
Team Mascot - #11 Texas(4-1)
"Tough Loss - Texas is stunned in a nail-biter to Kansas State."

Coach's Top 10:

Rk   LW     Team               Result                 Record
1     1     Virginia Tech(35)  W 52-13 RU             6-0
2     2     Florida(22)        W 34-6 Miss            6-0
3     4     Auburn(1)          W 46-7 Tenn            6-0
4     5     Oklahoma(1)        W 49-21 ISU            5-0
5     7     Maryland           W 24-20 Clem           6-0
6     8     Miami              W 38-14 WVU            5-1
7     9     USC                W 52-20 ASU            4-1
8    10     Ohio State         Bye                    4-1
9    14     Iowa               W 21-16 Mich           5-1
10   11     Notre Dame         W 38-20 Stan           5-1

Dropping Out:
11    3     Texas              L 10-16 KSU            4-1
14    6     Michigan           L 16-21 Iowa           5-1

Heisman Watch:
#21 HB Ricky Lewis(Sr) - #25 Tulsa(4-1)
"Heisman Form - Lewis is mentioned on everyone's Heisman list."

-#22 HB (Sr-RS) - #18 Minnesota(5-1)
156 carries for 921 yards, 14 Total TD
-#45 HB Ahmaad Harris(Sr) - Texas Christian(5-1)
153 carries for 1,121 yards, 13 Total TD
-#89 WR Bret Burrough(So) - Akron(4-3)
34 catches for 862 yards, 12 Total TD
-#28 HB Ross Tucker(Jr) - #1 Virginia Tech(6-0)
144 carries for 701 yards, 12 TD
#21 HB Ricky Lewis(Sr) - #25 Tulsa(4-1)
1,057 All-Purpose yards, 11 Total TD


Players of the Week:
#52 LOLB Randy Peters(Jr-RS) - #3 Auburn(6-0)
"A Hero Emerges - Peters named Player of the Week for performance against Tennessee."

NCAA Offensive Player of the Week:
#21 HB Ricky Lewis(Sr) - #25 Tulsa(4-1)
21 carries for 123 yards, 5 Total TD

NCAA Defensive Player of the Week:
#52 ROLB Jeremiah Burns(Jr) - Southern Methodist(3-3)
10 Tackles, 2 INT, FF, TD

MAC Offensive Player of the Week:
#89 WR Bret Burrough(So) - Akron(4-3)
6 catches for 177 yards, 2 TD

MAC Defensive Player of the Week:
#45 ROLB Brandon Walker(Jr) - Central Florida(1-5)
10 Tackles(1 TFL), Sack, TD


Conference Standings:
#16 QB Michael Bush(Sr-RS) - #23 Louisville(3-2)
"Starting Strong - Cardinals win their conference opener over USF."

MAC East Standings:

1.) Akron - 4-3(4-0) - W 27-24 Miami of Ohio(3-2)
2.) Ohio - 3-3(1-1) - W 14-10 Northern Illinois(1-4)
3.) Central Florida - 1-5(1-1) - W 21-12 Buffalo(1-5)
4.) Kent State - 2-4(1-2) - L 14-21 Ball State(2-3)
5.) Marshall - 2-3(0-1) - Bye
6.) Miami of Ohio - 3-2(0-1) - L 24-27 Akron(4-3)
7.) Buffalo - 1-5(0-2) - L 12-21 Central Florida(1-5)

[Its Vanilla]

Week 8 Wrap-Up:

Sports Illustrated
#44 MLB Jimi Goodwin(Fr) - #1 Virginia Tech(7-0)
"New Batch of Rankings - Check out the season's inaugural Bowl Rankings."


Our Game:

We have a bye week before facing "rival" Central Florida, who we've never beaten.

AD Comments:
"The Akron newspaper had some good things to say about the Zips football program."


Bowl Rankings:
#28 HB Ross Tucker(Jr) - #1 Virginia Tech(7-0)
"Where Do They Stand? - The first Bowl Rankings of 2007 are unveiled."

BCS Top 10:

Rk     Team               Record      Total
1      Virginia Tech      7-0         3.57
2      Florida            7-0         7.08
3      Auburn             7-0         9.14
4      Maryland           7-0         11.44
5      Texas              5-1         12.90
6      USC                5-1         14.24
7      Iowa               5-1         19.98
8      Ohio State         5-1         19.98
9      Notre Dame         5-1         23.82
10     Oklahoma           5-1         23.82

Top 25 Polls:
#45 MLB Jermelle Milton(Sr) - #13 Miami(5-2)
"Fallen! - #6 Miami falls 20-13 to Florida State in Rivalry Game."

Coach's Top 10:

Rk   LW     Team               Result                 Record
1     1     Virginia Tech(36)  W 45-13 SU             7-0
2     2     Florida(22)        W 34-27 LSU            7-0
3     3     Auburn(1)          W 27-17 Ark            7-0
4     5     Maryland           W 49-14 Duke           7-0
5     7     USC                W 52-6 Stan            5-1
6    11     Texas              W 42-23 OU             5-1
7     8     Ohio State         W 34-21 Wisc           5-1
8     9     Iowa               Bye                    5-1
9    10     Notre Dame         Bye                    5-1
10    4     Oklahoma           L 23-42 Texas          5-1

Dropping Out:
13    6     Miami              L 13-20 FSU            5-2

Heisman Watch:
#22 HB Tommy McKee(Jr) - #16 Air Force(7-0)
"Rolling Along - McKee has become a threat every week as the Falcons focus on the running game."

-#22 HB (Sr-RS) - #25 Minnesota(5-2)
184 carries for 1,010 yards, 15 Total TD
-#45 HB Ahmaad Harris(Sr) - Texas Christian(6-1)
163 carries for 1,187 yards, 13 Total TD
#21 HB Ricky Lewis(Sr) - #23 Tulsa(5-1)
1,336 All-Purpose yards, 13 Total TD
#89 WR Bret Burrough(So) - Akron(4-3)
34 catches for 862 yards, 12 Total TD
#22 HB Tommy McKee(Jr) - #16 Air Force(7-0)
247 carries for 1,322 yards, 15 TD


Players of the Week:
#12 QB Josiah Gatlin(So-RS) - #5 USC(5-1)
"Player of the Week - Gatlin is honored after USC's thrashing of Stanford."

NCAA Offensive Player of the Week:
#28 HB Drew Carswell(Jr) - Virginia(5-2)
35 carries for 139 yards, 2 TD

NCAA Defensive Player of the Week:
#91 DT D.D. Manley(So) - Colorado(5-1)
5 Tackles(3 TFL), 3 Sacks, FF, FR

MAC Offensive Player of the Week:
#16 QB Steven Moffett(Sr-RS) - Central Florida(2-5)
21/39 for 370 yards, 5 TD

MAC Defensive Player of the Week:
#16 FS Guy Higgins(Sr) - Buffalo(1-6)
4 Tackles, 2 INT, TD


Conference Standings:
Team Mascot - #24 Syracuse(3-3)
"Run Over! - Virginia Tech looks impressive after a 45-13 victory over #17 Syracuse."

MAC East Standings:

1.) Akron - 4-3(4-0) - Bye
2.) Central Florida - 2-5(2-1) - W 42-28 Ohio(3-4)
3.) Miami of Ohio - 4-2(1-1) - W 24-13 Buffalo(1-6)
4.) Marshall - 3-3(1-1) - W 39-13 Kent State(2-5)
5.) Ohio - 3-4(1-2) - L 28-42 Central Florida(2-5)
6.) Kent State - 2-5(1-3) - L 13-39 Marshall(3-3)
7.) Buffalo - 1-6(0-3) - L 13-24 Miami of Ohio(4-2)