The defending MAC East champs, however, served notice Saturday that they are still a formidable football team. That notice came in the form of a wild 39-34 win over Northwestern at Ryan Field. It was Akron’s first-ever win over a Big Ten opponent. Moreover, UA did it the hard way, coming back from a 21-3 halftime deficit.
“Obviously when you're coming to a Big Ten team like Northwestern, and you're three touchdown underdogs, everyone doubts,” Bowden said. “The first thing is to get your kids to believe that they can win.”
Akron put up 213 yards of total offense alone in the third quarter, starting with the initial drive.
The Zips opened the final 30 minutes with a nine-play, 68-yard drive that ended on the foot of senior P Nick Gasser. QB Kato Nelson hit senior WR Kwadarrius Smith twice during the drive, providing 11 yards and 40 yards.
The three points may have seemed small at the moment, as Akron still trailed 21-6. However, but those points were the first drops of a huge momentum wave shifting in UA’s favor.
On Akron's next possession, Nelson orchestrated a nine-play, 80-yard drive that ended with the Zips' first touchdown of the game. Akron picked up 25 yards in back-to-back plays, 13 yards on the ground from Nelson and 12 yards in the air to Smith.
A defensive pass interference call gave Akron 15 more yards and set up a 25-yard touchdown pass from Nelson to sophomore WR Andre Williams. With 6:44 remaining in the quarter, UA trailed 21-13.
The defense had turned in a strong first half and continued to challenge Northwestern offense after intermission. Zips junior CB Alvin Davis, Jr. let his presence be known when he picked-off an errant pass from NU quarterback Clayton Thorson. Alvin Davis returned the interception 97 yards for six points to put Akron within two points of Northwestern, 21-19.
The Wildcats battled back with a touchdown, but that didn't rattle the Zips as Akron immediately returned the favor. Northwestern traveled 74 yards in nine plays that took just 2:01 off the clock. The Zips only needed two plays, covering 75 yards in 50-seconds, to move within two points. Akron trailed 28-26 at the end of the third quarter.
Northwestern opened the final 15 minutes with the ball and used nine plays to travel 42 yards, but missed wide left on a 43-yard field goal attempt to extend the lead. From there, the Akron defense took over.
On the Wildcats ensuing possession, junior LB Josh Ward sacked the quarterback and knocked the ball loose. Senior LB Ulysees Gilbert III pounced on the ball in the end zone to give Akron the lead, 32-28, with 8:23 remaining in the game.
The Zips added seven more points with a defensive takeaway as Alvin Davis recorded his second pick-six for the game. He intercepted the ball at the 50-yard line and returned it all the way to give Akron a 39-28 lead with 7:24 left to play.
Northwestern added a late touchdown to come within five points, 39-34, but the Wildcats did not get the ball back until two seconds remained on the clock.
On the night, Nelson completed 17-of-28 for 277 yards and two touchdowns, adding 37 yards on the ground.
Smith led the receiving corps with six catches for 90 yards, while Williams three catches for 85 yards and a touchdown. Redshirt freshman Maverick Wolfley registered his first career touchdown reception (24 yards).
On the ground, senior RB Van Edwards, Jr. led with 53 yards.
Defensively, Akron scored 21 points due to Alvin Davis' pair of touchdowns and Gilbert's fumble recovery. The Zips recorded two sacks, one by Ward and senior DL Brennan Williams and senior DL Brock Boxen were credited with the second sack. Junior LB John Lako led the squad with 12 tackles, followed by senior LB Brian Bell with 11 tackles and a team-best five pass breakups.
(Courtesy UA Athletics/MRO edit)