AKRON, Ohio - The Zips' football team returns home to InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field to take on Kent State in the annual rivalry with the winner gaining possession of the coveted Wagon Wheel.   Kickoff is slated for 3:30 p.m.

Kent State at Akron 3:30 p.m. (EST)
InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field
TV: FSN Ohio, ESPN Plus, and ESPN Gameplan
Radio: Akron/ISP Sports Network (1350 AM, 106.9 FM)

Coach J.D. Brookhart's Weekly Press Conference

Opening statement...

Our defense played extremely tough in the first half against Northern Illinois.  Offensively we did not play well.  Being stopped on two third and shorts in the first half took the momentum away from us.  After the amazing 80 yard touchdown pass by Alex Allen, we took a 10-6 lead but missed opportunities down the stretch to increase the lead. Defensively, we gave up some big runs that we haven't been giving up all year, which resulted in being outscored 21-0 in the fourth quarter.

On Patrick Nicely...

Patrick has a great talent level for a young quarterback.  He has to take advantage of the coaching he is given to become not just a talented college quarterback, but a great college quarterback.   It is very hard for a freshman quarterback to play against the multiple schemes we see each week, but he is doing better each week.  He is a tough kid that is willing to stand in the pocket in order to make the throw.  So far he has been very impressive.

On the play of Broderick Alexander...

Broderick turned in a very good performance.  He was able to run the ball well and most importantly protect it too.  

On the impact of Brian Wagner on the defense...

Brian's instinctive, fast, and physical play has carried over to his teammates.  Other players see him on tape and want to emulate the way he plays.  He is pretty impressive in some of the moves he makes and way he plays the game.  He is such a humble guy I would never expect that aggressive personality to come out on the field the way it does.

On Kent State...

Kent hasn't changed much since losing Eugene Jarvis they still have good play action passes and receivers to go along with their running game.  Their quarterback (Spencer Keith) can throw the ball well, obviously after throwing for 373 yard last week. Keith is not as elusive as Julian Edelman was last year, but he can move.

Defensively Kent is very aggressive and creates a lot of turnovers.  They have some good players in the secondary capable of making interceptions.