2009 Akron Zips College Football Predictions

2009 Akron Zips Predictions
2008 Record: (5-7, 3-5)
Coach: J.D. Brookhart, 6th year (27-33 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Shane Montgomery (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Jim Fleming (6th year)
Returning Starters: 17 (9 offense, 6 defense, kicker, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Chris Jacquermain)

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Offense: The offense was impressive last season, averaging 30ppg with nine starters returning including quarterback Chris Jacquermain (2,748 yards passing last year). The senior threw for 20 TDs, but also 14 picks and has never quite lived up to his potential. Adding Walter Harris as qb coach and bringing in former Miami (Ohio) coach to lead the offense should help. He also has his top targets returning from last year in senior Deryn Bowser (64 catches for 785 yards) and senior Andre Jones (47 for 678). The major concern is at running back where they have to replace all-league back Dennis Kennedy (1,321 yards, 17 TDs). Senior RB Alex Allen (6-0, 205) gets a chance to see if he can do the job. Up front, they return four of five starters, but lose All-MAC lineman Chris Kemme.

Defense: The defense returns six starters from a unit that allowed a whopping 31.3ppg (95th in the nation) and 397.6 yards per game (90th). Junior DT Almondo Sewell (6-1, 280) is back after recording 62 tackles last year. He’s the only returning starter from the three-man line. At linebacker, they return Mike Thomas (5-10, 215), who recorded 81 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. Sophomore Aaron Williams (6-0, 205) is a potential star, who played in all 10 games last year as a freshman. They return 3 of the 4 members of the secondary, including senior Miguel Graham, who picked off three passes and recorded 70 stops in 2007.

Outlook: The Zips will open their new stadium on Sept. 12 against Michigan State. They also play a brutal road game at Penn State and a home game against Indiana. They also face Syracuse on the road, along with tough MAC games against Buffalo and Bowling Green. This is a key year for J.D. Brookhart, who needs to find a running back and a defense to ensure he’s back the following year.

This MAC conference prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college football betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com