Aaron Abernathy, QB, Archbishop Hoban HS, OH

 2012 Akron Football Schedule:

Men's basketball

Illinois will announce John Groce as its new head coach this afternoon.

There’s an old axiom when it comes to football that defenses normally are ahead of offenses early in camps.

For the Zips that’s proving to be the case – at least it was yesterday as the defense looked strong against their offensive counterparts for much of the late practice scrimmage. Here’s a look at who stood out:

Men's basketball

It's not Akron news, but the departure of John Groce could sway the balance of power in the MAC East.

Progress: In his team’s first day in shells (full pads minus knee pads), coach Terry Bowden said that although they’ve made progress, he’s still not satisfied with his team’s practice.

“We could do better. We had snaps over the quarterback’s head today,” he said. “We had players still not concentrating and not focused.”

Men's basketball

I hope you saw last night's game.

 Practice observations:

Offense: As you might expect, there was a bit more of a comfort level with the second practice that showed with both squads. Dalton Williams continued to use experience to his advantage, working with the first team offense, hitting some players right on the numbers, but Clayton Moore showed that he won’t give up the job easily. Moore, however, has a tendency to stare down his receivers – especially when he’s looking to go deep. He looks at that individual and no one else. Do not count Patrick Nicely out of this race either.

GOODYEAR, Ariz.: The Indians claimed right-hander Rick VandenHurk off waivers from Toronto and will bring him to major-league camp in the next few days.

VandenHurk,  26, has pitched in parts of five big-league seasons with the Marlins and Orioles. Last year for Baltimore, he appeared in four games (twice as a starter) and gave up eight earned runs, 12 hits and eight w,alks  in nine innings. Opposing batters hit .324 against him.

Men's basketball

Jake Kretzler and Reggie McAdams are among the elite high school players in Ohio's Division II. Next year, they will suit up for Akron.

Keep in mind folks that I wasn't around last year for football season which, given the fact that Terry Bowden is new also, has its advantages.

Where I am at a disadvantage, however, is knowing the players. Prior to the start of the season I intend to watch as many Zips games as possible on DVD.

Men's basketball

Keep refreshing your browser for updates during Akron's first round NIT game at Northwestern...

Men's basketball

Northwestern is a 6.5-point favorite to beat Akron tonight at 9 p.m. in the first round of the NIT.

Men's basketball

Fifth-seeded Akron will play at fourth-seeded Northwestern Tuesday at 9 p.m. in the first round of the NIT, to be televised on ESPN2.

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Keep refreshing your browser or smartphone for live updates from Quicken Loans Arena...

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Akron is a 1.5-point underdog in tonight's MAC Championship.

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Keep refreshing your browser or smartphone for live updates from Quicken Loans Arena...

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This is the way it's supposed to be.

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[poll id="62"]

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Now's the point in the tournament when I start to care. (So save your tweets about me needing to be watching MAC West v. MAC West on a Wednesday night.)

Men's basketball

With any one of its eight rotation players being starter-caliber, Akron should not be surprised that it does not have a First-Team All-MAC player. Having a lot of talent makes it harder for any one player to shine.

Men's basketball

Zeke Marshall consistently affects the game on the defensive side of the floor. Today, the coaches recognized this great value and named him Defensive Player of the Year.

Men's basketball

Eight teams begin the MAC Tournament tonight. Here's a poll:

Men's basketball

The new tournament format for the MAC wastes no time getting started.

Men's basketball

Keep refreshing your browser or smartphone for updates live from the M.A.C. Center...

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I think there is a split between Zips fans about whether tonight's game against Kent State matters.