OVERVIEW:
It’s been five years since the Akron Zips posted a .500 season. That 2017 squad went 7-7 while making MAC title game and bowl appearances. The last three years, however, have been particularly bleak, with UA recording a total of three wins in 27 outings.
That 3-27 mark came under head coach Tom Arth, who was replaced last November with Joe Moorhead. He spent the last two seasons as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Oregon, but his resume also includes a stint (2004-2008) on the Akron staff.
The 2005 team won a MAC championship, and while another such title is unlikely this year, Moorhead has been aggressive in trying to move Akron into winning mode. To that end, the Zips have been very active with the transfer portal. Will this influx -- along with Moorhead’s offensive expertise -- help Akron beat the MAC East last place finish predicted by this year’s preseason MAC Media poll?
► The Zips' struggles in recent years have largely been marked by offensive issues. UA was last in scoring offense last year, putting up 20.4 ppg. It was 11th in both total offense (337.1 ypg) and rushing offense (115.7 ypg). However, there was somewhat more success through the air. Akron’ passed for an average of 221.4 ypg -- good for seventh among MAC teams. UA had finished last (139.7 ypg) through the air in 2020.
► Some of the credit for improvement goes to former JUCO All-American D.J. Irons. He joined the Zips last season, seeing action in eight games with three starts. Irons completed 78 of 120 (65%) of his passes for a total of 892 yards and eight TDs with four interceptions.
► The 6-6 redshirt junior returns this year and capped off his spring work with three TD tosses in Akron’s spring game. “D.J. deserves a lot of credit for the work he’s put in since January,” Moorhead said, adding, “He certainly possesses a lot of physical tools -- tall, strong arm, very athletic.”
► Sophomore TE Tristian Brank earned Second Team All-MAC honors last year, but UA is filling in the wideout spots with transfers. Sophomore Alex Adams (LSU), Shocky Jacques-Louis (Pitt) and tight end T.J. Banks (West Virginia) could help elevate Akron’s receiving production.
► The offensive line will still be young, but a quintet of sophomores now has game experience. That should help the run game, which returns its top three running backs. Sophomore Jonzell Norrills led the Zips last year with 118 carries for 573 yards (4.9 ypc), and he tallied three touchdowns. Irons was actually second in rushing, carrying 91 times for 296 yards and a pair of scores.
There is also work to be done on the defensive side, albeit the Zips have some playmakers to build around.
► UA ranked last among MAC teams in scoring defense (38.6 ppg), rushing defense (246 ypg) and passing defense efficiency. The Zips were 11th in total defense.
► Seven starters return on defense, but UA should also reap quick benefit from transfers.
- Among the returning defenders is junior linebacker Jeslord Boateng. He led the Zips in 2021 with 72 tackles and is part of a strong linebacking corps. Redshirt senior Bubba Arslanian battled injury last year, but he led UA in tackles all six games during the 2020 season. Senior Tim Terry figures at one linebacker spot
► Senior Charles Amankwaa and junior Ronald Jackson Jr. return at the corners. Amankwaa recorded three interceptions in 2021. Jaylen Kelly is back at safety.
-- KJ Martin (West Virginia) and Cam Threatt (Mississippi State) provide transfer help in the secondary and sophomore Tyson Durant could move into a starting spot.
► Victor Jones (Wyoming) Devon Robinson (Missisippi State) and Curtis Harper (Syracuse) join returning Zips Zach Morton and Bryce Wilson in the mix up front.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
► Junior Cory Smigel hit 6 of 7 field goals, with a long of 40, last year. Kyle Romenick returns to punt. Return roles were open to competition entering fall camp.
MISC:
► The Zips open at home Sept 1 against St. Francis (PA) but follow with three tough non-conference road dates -- Michigan State, Tennessee and Liberty.
► UA opens MAC play Oct. 1 when it hosts Bowling Green. The Zips visit rival Kent State Oct. 22.
► Akron ranked fourth (MAC) in penalty yards last season (48.0 ypg).
► The Zips were third (MAC) in time of possession (31.30).
► UA recorded 29 fumbles, losing 12 of them.
Moorhead has head coaching experience and a proven track record on offense -- something the Zips dearly need. The transfer portal could prove to be quite an asset for a team like Akron, and Moorhead has shown he is willing to tap that resource.
UA has a steep hill to climb but Moorhead -- and a dose of transfers -- could be the medicine for enough improvement to give Zips fans more to cheer about in 2022.