Zips sports news, features and notes
- Marla Ridenour: From walk-on to champion: UA’s Alex McCune finds his niche
- KSU’s Jennifer Ha struggles to 79 in first round of NCAA Women’s Golf Championships
- Zips notebook: Quincy Diggs back in school; football player arrested
- College baseball/Kent State 4, Akron 1: Flashes top Zips, get help from Bowling Green to win MAC title, earn top seed in tournament
- On the Record — May 18
- College baseball/Kent State 4, Akron 3: Flashes muster enough energy to top Zips, stay alive for top seed in MAC Tournament
- Kent State golf in fifth after two rounds of NCAA Regional
- Kent State-Akron in-game updates: Kent State wins 4-3
- Kent State 5, Akron 4 in 17 innings: Diamond Classic turns into real gem
- On the record: Ohio State, UA and KSU college roundup and recruiting news
Western Michigan offensive breakdown
Football
The theme -- The Broncos offense reminds me a lot of the San Diego Chargers, circa 2006. They have two strong tailbacks, a good quarterback, an outstanding tight end and a solid offensive line. WMU is capable of a multi-faceted attack and can put up huge numbers if it keeps turnovers down. So far that hasn't quite been the case, coughing up the ball 14 times in five games. Despite the talent at running back, WMU has passed more than I would've thought this season.
Key players -- Mark Bonds is an excellent tailback. The Broncos lose little when they substitute Brandon West. Branden Ledbetter, a 6-foot-5 tight end, is dangerous in the redzone. Stud center Robbie Krutilla leads an experienced offensive line. Quarterback Tim Hiller, who sat out last season with a knee injury, has come back strong, but the Zips will be relieved to learn they don't have to worry about any semblance of a mobile quarterback for once. His favorite target has been 6-2 receiver Jamarko Simmons.
How Akron can stop them -- Blitzing Hiller should be a priority, given his lack of mobility and propensity to throw interceptions. Other than that, WMU has too many weapons to focus on one aspect. The linebackers will need to regroup from a demoralizing second half at UConn. I hate to be a skeptic, but this offense is much more potent than the Huskies', so without the kind of effort Akron showed at Ohio State, this could get ugly in a hurry.
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More Broncos news...
Denver cut Domenik Hixon in what the Denver Post calls a surprising move. Hixon's stats weren't great, and his most notable play was a collision with Buffalo's Kevin Everett that nearly paralyzed the Bills' special teams player. Mile High Report says Hixon never recovered mentally from that play.
John Clayton on ESPN says Seneca Wallace has been used more in the Seattle Seahawks offense aside from quarterback. Clayton said this might be because Mike Holmgren is confident in Charlie Frye to back up Matt Hasselbeck.
A New Orleans Saints blogger says he wouldn't be surprised to see Andy Alleman step in for Jamar Nesbit at starting left guard, considing the line's reluctance to protect Drew Brees.
A Miami Dolphins radio announcer says he wouldn't be surprised to see Jason Taylor jettisoned as part of an inevitable youth movement. As Browns fans, let's pray he doesn't land with his hometown Steelers.