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By Tom Gaffney
Beacon Journal sports writer
POSTED: 12:34 p.m. EST, Dec 02, 2008
It is easy to understand the pain and frustration that beset University of Akron football fans in 2008.
No matter your perspective, it is difficult not to fret over a 2008 season that could have gone so much better, given a twist of fate here or a flirtation with good fortune there.
The Zips were good enough to create frenzy among the faithful but not good enough to reach the goals that seemed so possible as little as three weeks ago.
The East Division of the Mid-American Conference was there for the taking, and coach J.D. Brookhart's team was in position to do it.
But a devastating blow was landed the night of Nov. 13 when UA — 5-4 overall and 3-2 in the MAC — lost to the University at Buffalo 43-40 in four overtimes in the Rubber Bowl finale. Perhaps the saddest sight of the season came afterward, when the players — heads down and tears visible — had to stand near their bench area for the 20-minute postgame ceremony honoring the Rubber Bowl.
The players stood there with their feelings clear through their body language. They were not embarrassed by failure when success was the only conceivable option, but they were upset they had let everyone down.
It was my belief that the Zips never recovered from that loss, one that left them 1-4 at home. When Buffalo clinched the East championship on Nov. 21, all UA had to gain was bowl eligibility. And that was a faint hope. It became an impossibility over the next two weekends with road losses at Ohio 49-42 and Temple 27-6.
That doomed the Zips to a 5-7 finish overall and a 3-5 record in the MAC, which placed them in a tie for fourth with Kent State and Ohio, ahead of only Miami.
This is a team that gave Big East champion Cincinnati all it could handle before losing 17-15. This is a team that defeated '''name'' schools Syracuse 42-28 and Army 22-3. True, those teams did little to distinguish themselves, but the Zips were impressive in how they executed and took care of business.
Those three games were in September. In October, luck was with UA in victories over Kent State and Eastern Michigan. But any championship team will say that it needed a little luck at some point in the season.
Sandwiched between Kent State and Eastern Michigan was a home loss to Bowling Green 37-33 on Oct. 11 that was a microcosm of the entire season. The Falcons outscored the Zips 23-6 in the fourth quarter to escape with a victory.
Indeed, fourth-quarter woes and inadequacies stand as one of the primary reasons the Zips were saddled with their third consecutive losing season.
The offense, a solid contributor most of the way, broke down in the fourth quarter or in overtime against Cincinnati, Bowling Green and Buffalo, among others. The defense, a nagging problem almost every time out, allowed too many long plays or drives when stops would have changed the momentum.
Still, it is hard to fault an offense that often put the Zips in position to win. In the final MAC statistics, UA was fourth in scoring (30.0 points per game) and sixth in total offense (396.6). That was an improvement over 2007 when the 4-8 Zips were 10th (21.1) and twelfth (311.7), respectively, in those categories.
This year's offense featured senior tailback Dennis Kennedy, who rushed for 1,321 yards (third-best single-season total in school history) and scored 110 points (a school record). Junior quarterback Chris Jacquemain did have some fourth-quarter meltdowns but finished sixth in the MAC with 2,748 passing yards (fourth-best total in school history). Junior receiver Deryn Bowser did have his share of drops but finished with 64 catches (sixth-best in school history) for 785 yards, fourth in the MAC.
The defense — as any self-respecting Zips' fan will tell you — was the team's weak link.
Let's preface this by saying the Zips returned only four starters on defense. Among the losses were four of the top eight tacklers, including leader Brion Stokes. The secondary had five new starters, and the young line was hampered by early injuries to its top two nose guards, Ryan Bain, who was unstoppable in spring practice, and Cowles Stewart.
The result was a defense that finished ninth in points allowed (31.2 points), 10th in total yards allowed (397.6), and 11th in sacks (11) in the MAC.
To put a positive final spin on 2008, it must be said the Zips fared better than the prognosticators believed. The MAC Media Association picked the Zips to finish last in the East and Sports Illustrated had them finishing 1-11.
The 2008 season is history and a new era begins in 2009 with the opening of InfoCision Stadium, an on-campus facility currently under construction.
Seven starters will be back on offense and defense. The offense will have Jacquemain, receivers Bowser and Andre Jones and four of five linemen returning. The major void to fill will be at running back.
The defense will return the likes of linemen Almondo Sewell and Shawn Lemon, linebacker Mike Thomas and backs Wayne Cobham, Miguel Graham and Jalil Carter. Also coming back will be Bain and several key players who gained experience.
Looking to 2009, I have two sincere wishes for the Zips.
One is that the classy and capable Brookhart is retained as head coach. It has been said that perhaps a new coach — one without three consecutive losing seasons — is needed with the new stadium on the horizon. But what of continuity headed into a new stadium? Brookhart has two years left on his contract and several solid recruiting classes in place, so it's not time to get on the coaching carousel.
Second, perhaps it is time to look at the effectiveness — or lack thereof — of the 3-3-5 defense used by the Zips, but by few other Division I teams. Hint: Other teams don't use it for a reason. UA has depth on the defensive line, and nine months to put a new scheme in place.
The 2008 season will be remembered for the wrong reasons. Maybe 2009 will be remembered for the right ones.
Tom Gaffney can be reached at tgaffney@thebeaconjournal.com.
It is easy to understand the pain and frustration that beset University of Akron football fans in 2008.
No matter your perspective, it is difficult not to fret over a 2008 season that could have gone so much better, given a twist of fate here or a flirtation with good fortune there.
The Zips were good enough to create frenzy among the faithful but not good enough to reach the goals that seemed so possible as little as three weeks ago.
The East Division of the Mid-American Conference was there for the taking, and coach J.D. Brookhart's team was in position to do it.
But a devastating blow was landed the night of Nov. 13 when UA — 5-4 overall and 3-2 in the MAC — lost to the University at Buffalo 43-40 in four overtimes in the Rubber Bowl finale. Perhaps the saddest sight of the season came afterward, when the players — heads down and tears visible — had to stand near their bench area for the 20-minute postgame ceremony honoring the Rubber Bowl.
The players stood there with their feelings clear through their body language. They were not embarrassed by failure when success was the only conceivable option, but they were upset they had let everyone down.
It was my belief that the Zips never recovered from that loss, one that left them 1-4 at home. When Buffalo clinched the East championship on Nov. 21, all UA had to gain was bowl eligibility. And that was a faint hope. It became an impossibility over the next two weekends with road losses at Ohio 49-42 and Temple 27-6.
That doomed the Zips to a 5-7 finish overall and a 3-5 record in the MAC, which placed them in a tie for fourth with Kent State and Ohio, ahead of only Miami.
This is a team that gave Big East champion Cincinnati all it could handle before losing 17-15. This is a team that defeated '''name'' schools Syracuse 42-28 and Army 22-3. True, those teams did little to distinguish themselves, but the Zips were impressive in how they executed and took care of business.
Those three games were in September. In October, luck was with UA in victories over Kent State and Eastern Michigan. But any championship team will say that it needed a little luck at some point in the season.
Sandwiched between Kent State and Eastern Michigan was a home loss to Bowling Green 37-33 on Oct. 11 that was a microcosm of the entire season. The Falcons outscored the Zips 23-6 in the fourth quarter to escape with a victory.
Indeed, fourth-quarter woes and inadequacies stand as one of the primary reasons the Zips were saddled with their third consecutive losing season.
The offense, a solid contributor most of the way, broke down in the fourth quarter or in overtime against Cincinnati, Bowling Green and Buffalo, among others. The defense, a nagging problem almost every time out, allowed too many long plays or drives when stops would have changed the momentum.
Still, it is hard to fault an offense that often put the Zips in position to win. In the final MAC statistics, UA was fourth in scoring (30.0 points per game) and sixth in total offense (396.6). That was an improvement over 2007 when the 4-8 Zips were 10th (21.1) and twelfth (311.7), respectively, in those categories.
This year's offense featured senior tailback Dennis Kennedy, who rushed for 1,321 yards (third-best single-season total in school history) and scored 110 points (a school record). Junior quarterback Chris Jacquemain did have some fourth-quarter meltdowns but finished sixth in the MAC with 2,748 passing yards (fourth-best total in school history). Junior receiver Deryn Bowser did have his share of drops but finished with 64 catches (sixth-best in school history) for 785 yards, fourth in the MAC.
The defense — as any self-respecting Zips' fan will tell you — was the team's weak link.
Let's preface this by saying the Zips returned only four starters on defense. Among the losses were four of the top eight tacklers, including leader Brion Stokes. The secondary had five new starters, and the young line was hampered by early injuries to its top two nose guards, Ryan Bain, who was unstoppable in spring practice, and Cowles Stewart.
The result was a defense that finished ninth in points allowed (31.2 points), 10th in total yards allowed (397.6), and 11th in sacks (11) in the MAC.
To put a positive final spin on 2008, it must be said the Zips fared better than the prognosticators believed. The MAC Media Association picked the Zips to finish last in the East and Sports Illustrated had them finishing 1-11.
The 2008 season is history and a new era begins in 2009 with the opening of InfoCision Stadium, an on-campus facility currently under construction.
Seven starters will be back on offense and defense. The offense will have Jacquemain, receivers Bowser and Andre Jones and four of five linemen returning. The major void to fill will be at running back.
The defense will return the likes of linemen Almondo Sewell and Shawn Lemon, linebacker Mike Thomas and backs Wayne Cobham, Miguel Graham and Jalil Carter. Also coming back will be Bain and several key players who gained experience.
Looking to 2009, I have two sincere wishes for the Zips.
One is that the classy and capable Brookhart is retained as head coach. It has been said that perhaps a new coach — one without three consecutive losing seasons — is needed with the new stadium on the horizon. But what of continuity headed into a new stadium? Brookhart has two years left on his contract and several solid recruiting classes in place, so it's not time to get on the coaching carousel.
Second, perhaps it is time to look at the effectiveness — or lack thereof — of the 3-3-5 defense used by the Zips, but by few other Division I teams. Hint: Other teams don't use it for a reason. UA has depth on the defensive line, and nine months to put a new scheme in place.
The 2008 season will be remembered for the wrong reasons. Maybe 2009 will be remembered for the right ones.
Tom Gaffney can be reached at tgaffney@thebeaconjournal.com.
Comments
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Posted 12:54 PM, 12/02/2008
2008 wasn't the only year for underperformance and late-game collapses. It's time for a coaching change. There's something to be said for continuity heading into the new stadium, but to continue down this road would only lead the Zips to mediocrity, or worse. This is a good time to start fresh.
San Diego, CA
Posted 01:18 PM, 12/02/2008
Mark: When did you start watching Akron U football? Their defense hasn't been good since Terry Forbes was defensive coordinator years ago. I think with a new facility, Brookhart may be able to recruit better athletes for the defense. I think the Zips offense is fun to watch. Other than AU beating Temple years ago when Temple was pretty good, I don't remember Dennison or Faust of Owens beating teams like North Carolina State and Syracuse on the road. How many times did Dennison, Faust or Owens win the MAC? 0 ! I've been watching the Zips for about 40 years and I like the direction Brookhart is taking them. If he doesn't win more in the next few years with the improved facilities, then AU can re-evaluate. But I think he will.
hudson, oh
Posted 02:02 PM, 12/02/2008
Save the money. Cancel all the sports programs. Invest in education, not athletics! Stop dumbing down the region!
Posted 02:53 PM, 12/02/2008
Joseph .... Jim Dennison did NOT coach a Division I team, thus he could not win the MAC, and scheduling teams like NC State and Syracuse would be like the Little Sister's of the Poor challenging Notre Dame. Well it might not have been that bad if Faust were coaching thme.
Posted 03:14 PM, 12/02/2008
Joseph,
I've been watching them for more than 40 years. Dennison didn't have the chance to play NC State or Syracuse back then because the program wasn't about that back then. That said, the weaker team in the Big East and ACC are no better than the teams in the MAC these days. Akron should be able to compete with them. And, while Jim Dennison didn't have the opportunity to win the MAC or beat D1A competition, he did lead the Zips to a National Championship game and into the 1AA postseason a few times. Besides, one idea behind improving the program is so that you don't have to schedule the weak sisters of the ACC or Big East on the road. You can do home and home deals with them. But, if you're happy with the occasional road win over a 3-8 Syracuse or similar team, and mediocrity the rest of the time, then great. You'll get your wish if Brookhart sticks around.
As for recruiting, I'd say Brookhart is ineffective. We could find a coach who does it better, and one who will not simply dismiss or ignore local talent the way Brookhart does.
I'm glad you enjoy the direction the Zips are going. You're about the only one I know who has a good feeling about late game collapses and the inability to win big games, as well as the inability to defeat opponents who you are expected to defeat.
Posted 03:25 PM, 12/02/2008
Its hard to win games when your defense can't pressure the quarterback or stop the run. Get rid of the 3-3-5 and bring in some defensive linemen and linebackers who can make a difference. Next years recruiting class should be focused primarily on the defensive side of the ball.
As far as mark and his comments about cancelling the sports programs, in favor of athletics, the last time I checked, The University of Akron, not Akron U, academically was a pretty good state university. mark, just go away. This thread doesn't need your sort of negativity. Your probably an OSU fan who doesn't recognize that there are 8 division 1A football schools in Ohio, not just one.
Posted 03:41 PM, 12/02/2008
there's mark again being a big negative nancy
Medina, OH
Posted 07:03 PM, 12/02/2008
Good article Mr. Gaffney. It was indeed an extremely disappointing season for the Zips, and I am somewhat confused on my feelings for Brookhart.
I have to believe that with the new stadium, dorms and and facilities a reality, the recruiting dynamic will change somewhat in Ohio. Perhaps give Brookhart a chance to see what he can do with recruiting now with the new stadium actually in play. If classes aren't great the next two years, then you must let him go.
On the other hand, it may be a perfect time to start fresh with someone that can leverage the new facilities. We need to remember that with Cincinnati's recent success, they are also going to be competing for Akron recruits. I hope you read this J.D. and assistant coaches, we are desperate for a change....If Ball State can do it, so can we.
Will say one thing, J.D Brookhart let a lot of good Ohio recruits from Dover and Bellaire go to Ball State. Shame on you for that, look how that is turning out.
San Diego, CA
Posted 03:20 AM, 12/03/2008
Hey Mark. who do you think the Zips are going to play a home and home series with? They might get a Syracuse but not likely to get an NC State. Those teams don't have to come to our place. We probably can't guarantee the money and why would they risk the loss. They can find lots of teams the likes of Akron to schedule at home.
As far as Jim Dennison is concerned, the guy was more conservative than Jim Tressel. If you watched them for over 40 years, you knew each series was , up the middle, up the middle, sprint draw and then punt. He wouldn't throw until the ball was across midfield. He's a nice guy that seemed very loyal to the school but his style of play drove me nuts.
And as far as recruiting goes, I don't care where they come from as long as they can play. Why do they have to be from the Akron area?
Brookhart may not be the second coming of Pete Carroll but it's refreshing to see a little speed and skill on the team. I just think they need a defense. With the offense they had, they would be REAL good.
akron, oh
Posted 07:31 AM, 12/03/2008
as a kent fan, i went to the ua/kent game. kent has a hideous football team...we held a lead on ua for most of the game and it was only because we can't kick a friggin field goal that we lost the game. but you can't call a season where you took a horrible kent team to OT to win a success. it was then i knew that ua couldn't hold up over a season. jd isn't a bad coach, he just doesn't have much talent on the field.
Mogadore, OH
Posted 09:05 AM, 12/03/2008
The last drive in the Cinn. game, AU quarterback threw an incomplete pass in the flats...there was a receiver out there, AU was penalized for throwing it away, end of game. I thought this was a horrible call, but it didn't receive any other attention...
hudson, oh
Posted 09:18 AM, 12/03/2008
mark is honest and realistic, not a negative nancy. I don't play golf, which is for nancys.
Posted 01:26 PM, 12/03/2008
Just to clarify, I'm Mark. There's also "mark" who spells his name with a lower case "m". I am not an advocate of cutting funding for sports at UA. I am, however, an advocate of a coaching change for UA football.
Joseph,
You won't get those sorts of home-and-homes until you put a consistent winner on the field. If Akron can do that, especially with the prospect of a decent gate at the new stadium, then I think there's a chance to get those sorts of teams on the schedule.
As for Jim Dennison, his offense schemes worked for the time he was coaching. The game has evolved, I realize that, and I, too, like a more wide-open approach.
I don't care where recruits come from either. However, if I can get the same type of player from the Akron region as I can from NJ, MD, DC, VA, etc., then I'd rather have the local guy. The reason: I at least have a local interest already built in. Fans from nearby are more likely to come to see local players than they are players from far away. Now, if we have four and five star recruits from outside the region, and they help us win, then I'm all for it. Get them from wherever.
The defense does need improvement, and I'd like to see a move away from the 3-3-5, too, unless we can find the personnel to play it. But, this is not the first year the defense has been a problem. There's been time to fix the problem, but it hasn't happened. I also see that with miscues on offense that cost games, too. The lack of preparation, as well as the stubborn loyalt to a defensive scheme that isn't working comes down to coaching.
I think we're all on the same side here, though we have different ideas of what the solution should be.
Wadsworth, OH
Posted 02:15 PM, 12/03/2008
I like Brookhart, but he is to blame for a lot of the late-game losses this year. When you blow sizeable leads late in the game, I think the blame has to fall on the coaches. Either their defensive schemes aren't working, or the players aren't well enough conditioned to go the distance. In either case, the coaching staff is at fault.
