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 When your roster includes of 46 players who are true freshmen, red-shirt freshmen, or sophomores -- 12 of whom are starting -- you know it is going to take time for a team to mature. Akron Zips head coach Rob Ianello knew that this 2011 season was going to be a work in progress, and it definitely has been through the first three games of the season.
“We have played three real good teams, and haven’t played really well in those games.” Ianello said. “We’re still finding out who we are as a football team.”
The Zips dropped a 59-14 decision last Saturday at Cincinnati. The Bearcats did their damage in the second quarter where they scored 35 unanswered points and never looked back. UA did get its first touchdowns of the season in the fourth quarter, but it was the most points an Akron team has allowed since Eastern Michigan scored 62 in 2001.
Despite being 0-3 for the second consecutive season, Ianello is pleased with the attitude of his squad. “I like their attitude, I like their morale,” he said. “I like our team’s approach to fixing our problems and looking forward to playing at home this week.”
When you look at the statistics of the contest, UA did out gain UC in total yards 349-342.It is a far cry from the 90 yards of Akron offense in the season opener at Ohio State.
Freshman running back Jawon Chisholm had his first 100-yard rushing game as he amassed 133 yards on 25 carries, while sophomore wide receiver Keith Sconiers had 137 yards in receiving including a 51-yard touchdown pass from fellow sophomore QB Clayton Moore for the Zips first touchdown of the 2011 season.
Defensively, red-shirt freshman linebacker Jamar Williams had 11 tackles (four solo), leading the UA defense for the second consecutive game. In the 41-3 home loss to Temple, Williams had eight stops.
“He’s coming along. He starts on two special teams, as well as starting at linebacker. We are pleased with his progress.” Ianello said.
Akron plays four of their next five games at InfoCision Stadium, beginning this Saturday against the Keydets of the Virginia Military Institute from the Big South Conference (FBS).
Like UA, VMI is also 0-3 after losing last Saturday at Richmond 34-19 as the Spiders built a 34-0 lead into the third quarter. It was the Keydets first road game of the season after losses at home to Delaware State and William & Mary.
“Their offense is very similar to us. They have two good running backs, their tight end has caught the ball well and their quarterback is a big strong arm player. (On) defense (with) their 3-4 scheme, they do just enough to give you adjustment problems.” Ianello said.
The last time the Zips played a team from the Big South was September a year ago when they lost to Gardner-Webb in overtime, 39-38. They had a chance to win at the end of regulation, but missed a field goal. After scoring a touchdown in overtime, the extra point attempt was blocked. G-W came down on its next possession, scored a touchdown, got the extra point and won the game.
“It’s hard to win in College Football. Just look around the country -- what happens every week. You have to give yourself a chance to win.” Ianello said.
The Zips get another chance this Saturday against VMI.
NOTES: This is the second lifetime meeting between the two schools the other meeting came in 1967 with VMI winning at Lexington 38-14…In the first three games, RB Jawon Chisholm has rushed for 222 yards and is ranked seventh in the MAC…WR Keith Sconiers 210 receiving yards is fifth in the MAC….LB Brian Wagner leads the MAC in total tackles with 32 (14 solo)…UA & VMI are two of three schools in Division I that use a Kangaroo as a mascot (Missouri-Kansas City is the other)..VMI head coach Sparky Woods was head coach at South Carolina from 1989-93 and also spent one season (1994) with the NFL New York Jets
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