Akron Zips Football 2010 Preview, Predictions, Picks, Odds
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2009 Record: 3-9 MAC Record: 2-6 2010 Returning Starters: 17: 6 Offense, 9 Defense, Kicker, Punter
Coach: Rob Ianello (Akron and overall: 1st year)
Offensive Coordinators: John Latina Defensive Coordinators: Curt Mallory
2010 Akron Players to Watch: OB Patrick Nicely, OB Matt Rodgers, RB Alex Allen, WR Jeremy LaFrance, LB Brian Wagner, DT Almondo Sewell
2010 Akron Strengths:
A healthy number of returning starters gives Ianello what the administration referred to as a”full cupboard” when J.D. Brookhart was fired. Allen has the skill set to have abig season in the new pro-style system, and a 4-3 front makes best use of the defensive personnel on hand.
2010 Akron Weaknesses:
The defense has miles to travel before Akron becomes aperennial threat in the MAC. An impotent pass rush and the team’s inability to make Its own breaks doomed past Zips’ defenses that couldn’t stop the run. Rodgers has more talent, but Nicely could keep the starting OB Job if Rodgers’ recovery from knee surgery is slow. Neither has proved himself yet.
2010 Akron Offense:
Junior Matt Rodgers has the best chance to start at quarterback for the Zips. His recovery this spring from a torn ACL in his left knee, however, left open the door for sophomore Patrick Nicely, who will be first on new coach Rob Ianello’s depth chart at least until August. Nicely completed 54.1 percent of his passes last season and was erratic in the spring game. That’s because both quarterbacks must rewind fundamentally, switching from a spread attack to a traditional-based offense. Akron can only improve after its stagnant offense ranked 113th nationally in 2009. The new offense – a pro-style, two-back set uses shifting and often adds a receiver or tight end, while taking away a running back, to gain matchup advantages. Alex Allen returns on a sixth-year waiver from the NCAA. If he’s healthy, he’ll remain the lead running back. Teams are sure to shade coverage to Jeremy LaFrance, who is the only receiver back among the Zips’ top five from 2009. He provided two explosive plays – 38 and 41 yards – in the spring game.
2010 Akron Defense:
Akron fired coach J.D. Brookhart after his string of losing seasons, but it was the inability of the Zips’ 3-3-5 defense to show significant improvement that sealed his fate. The Zips gave up an average of four touchdowns and 367 yards per game – 171 on the ground – and their lack of big plays added to the problem. Ianello has entrusted a basic 4-3 defense to coordinator Curt Mallory, a finalist for the Central Michigan head coaching job. Mallory, the son of former Indiana coach Bill Mallory, left Illinois for Akron. Considered a strong recruiter, Mallory will adjust his defense depending on the opponent using eight in the box one week and a three-man front the next. Senior tackle Almondo Sewell and sophomore linebacker Brian Wagner return to help the defense, which must raise its sacks total (n) and takeaway count (19) from last year. The unit shined in the spring game, with three fumble recoveries, four sacks and seven tackles for a loss.
2010 Akron Special Teams:
The Zips missed 10 of 17 field-goal attempts last season. Branko Rogovic was 7 of 15, but could be the guy again in 2010, pending fall competition. Akron ranked above average in kickoff returns and coverage last year, but the Zips were 90th in punt returns, 89th in punt return coverage and 112th in net punting. Zack Campbell has the leg to be better.
| 2010 Akron Football Schedule | 2010 MAC Football PreviewAkron Football Sportsbooks |
2010 Akron Predictions:
Ianello earned a sterling reputation as a recruiter at Wisconsin, Arizona and Notre Dame before coming to Akron. With 17 starters returning, the Zips hope to break their string of four losing seasons. Expect the offense to come together. But if a defense of little clout can’t improve quickly – Akron faces three BCS foes in the first four weeks – even a .500 finish will be a reach.
2010 Akron Betting Odds:
Akron Current odds to win a National Championship: OFF
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