The University of Akron Athletics
Saturday, September 30
Bowling Green, OH
6 PM
University of Akron
at
Bowling Green
Photo by: Jeff Harwell
Zips Open MAC Play at Bowling Green
September 25 | Football
Pregame Coverage:
Akron Game Notes in PDF Format
Bowden's Weekly Press Conference Video
MAC Weekly Media Teleconference Audio (Bowden)
MAC Weekly Release – Sept. 25
Gameday Coverage:
Buy Single-Game Tickets
Listen to Free Audio Stream (TuneIn.com)
Watch ESPN
Follow Free Live Statistics
Â
Akron (1-3, 0-0 MAC)
at Bowling Green (0-4, 0-0 MAC)
Saturday, Sept. 30
Doyt Perry Stadium [24,000] | Bowling Green, OH
6 PMÂ ET | ESPN3
THIS WEEK
Akron opens the Mid-American Conference schedule at Bowling Green on Saturday, Sept. 30. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. ET at Doyt Perry Stadium.
ESPN3 will televise the game with Jim Barbar (play-by-play) and Bobby Carpenter (analyst) calling the game. Â
The Zips' radio broadcast will air on the Akron-IMG Sports Network [SportsRadio 1350 AM (WARF) in Akron (flagship), 1420 WHK in Cleveland, 1440 WHKZ in Warren/Youngstown] with Steve French calling the action, Brad Detwiler providing analysis, and Joe Dunn with sideline report. The pregame show starts one hour prior to kickoff. A free audio stream is available at SportsRadio1350.com, iHeart Radio, and TuneIn.com/Akron Zips.
Under the guidance of sixth-year head coach Terry Bowden, Akron stands 1-3 on the season after a 22-17 loss at Troy. UA returns 57 lettermen, including 15 starters. The Zips utilize a spread offense and a 4-3 defense.
Senior RB Warren Ball (Columbus, Ohio) is the team's leading rusher with 325 yards and four touchdowns on 72 carries. Under center, senior QB Thomas Woodson (Monroeville, Pa.) is 72-of-124 for 745 yards and four touchdowns. Redshirt junior WR Kwadarrius Smith (Orlando, Fla.) is the top receiver with 13 receptions for 240 yards andtwo touchdowns. Defensively, junior LB Ulysees Gilbert III (Ocala, Fla.) leads the defense with 34 tackles, a sack, and an interception.
In the NCAA stats, Akron is No. 17 in kick return defense ( 16.36) and 19 in third down conversions (0.476). Individually, redshirt senior RB Warren Ball is ranked No. 32 in total touchdowns (5).
The Falcons, under the guidance of second-year head coach Mike Jinks, stand 0-4 on the season after a 24-13 loss at Middle Tennessee. BGSU returns 43 letterwinners, including 12 starters, to its multiple offensive and multiple defensive schemes.
Senior RB Josh Cleveland is Bowling Green's top rusher with 195 yards and a touchdown on 42 carries. Redshirt sophomore QB James Morgan is 45-of-106 for 662 yards and two touchdowns. Junior WR Scott Miller is the leading receiver with 233 yards and two touchdowns on 19 receptions. Defensively, junior DB Brandon Harris and redshirt senior LB Nate Locke have 34 tackles each.
In the NCAA stats, Bowling Green is ranked No. 5 in net punting (44.53) and No. 21 in turnover margin (1.00). Junior Brandon Harris is No. 2 in fumbles recovered (2). Redshirt freshman LB Amani Posey is No. 11 in forced fumbles (0.50). Redshirt senior P Joe Davidson is No. 11 in punting (45.9).
AKRON-BOWLING GREEN CONNECTIONS
Bowling Green has two players from the Akron area– redshirt senior LB Nate Locke (Canton, Ohio | Massillon HS), redshirt junior DB Jack Walz II (Cleveland, Ohio | St. Edward HS).
AKRON-BGSU:Â THE SERIES
Saturday's game is the 24th meeting between Akron and Bowling Green in series history, which began in 1941. The Falcons lead, 16-7. In MAC games only (since 1992), BGSU leads, 15-5. Bowling Green has won the last eight outings against the Zips.
Last fall, erasing an 18-point deficit in the second half wasn't enough as the Akron Zips fell short to Bowling Green, 38-28, on Senior Night at InfoCision Stadium – Summa Field.
Bowling Green controlled the first half. However, Akron scored 18 unanswered points, tying the game 28-28 with 10:48 left in the fourth quarter. Seven minutes later, the Falcons regained the lead with a 27-yard field goal. On the ensuing kickoff, BGSU recovered a fumble, which led to a 22-yard touchdown run by Donovan Wilson.
Because of two injuries in the first half, Akron was forced to use three quarterbacks on the final showing at InfoCision Stadium. QB Thomas Woodson opened the game behind center, but was injured on the final play of the first series.
Junior QB Tra'Von Chapman took over the duties, throwing for 58 yards on 7-of-14 attempts while gaining 14 yards on the ground on six attempts with a touchdown. On the final offensive play of the first half, Chapman left the field and never returned.
The last time at Perry Stadium on Oct. 17, 2015, Akron fell to Bowling Green, 59-10, as the Falcons posted 31-unanswered second-half.
Woodson completed 13-of-28 passes for 91 yards and a touchdown. Senior RB Conor Hundley was the top rusher with 15 carries for 69 yards. Sophomore WR Jerome Lane led all Zip receivers with four catches for 45 yards.
Defensively, senior LB Dylan Evans was the team leader with 11 tackles, while senior LBs Jatavis Brown and Darryl Monroe (Orlando, Fla.) had nine tackles each.
SERIES INFORMATION
Akron all-time vs. Bowling Green:Â Â 7-16
Akron in games at Akron:Â 4-8
Akron in games at Bowling Green:Â 3-8
Akron in games at a neutral site:Â Â 0-0
First meeting in series:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 1941, at Akron, W, 8-0
Last meeting in series:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2016, at InfoCision Stadium, L, 28-38
LAST GAME
Penalties and turnovers proved costly as the Akron Zips fell at Troy, 22-17, before 27,324 fans on Saturday evening at Veterans Memorial Stadium.
Following a 25-minute weather delay for lightning, the Zips jumped on the scoreboard first and then fought to regain the lead throughout most of the game. With 5:37 to go, UA went ahead 17-16 but couldn't hold on for the win.
Senior RB Warren Ball led the rushers with 112 yards and a touchdown on a career-high 28 carries. It marked the third 100-yard rushing performance of his career.
Senior WR Austin Wolf (Lebanon, Ohio) had a six receptions for 71 yards, while redshirt junior WR Kwadarrius Smith had a career-high four receptions for a career-high 103 yards. It marked the first 100-yard receiving performance of his career.
Senior QB Thomas Woodson went 20-of-40 for 268 yards and a touchdown. He also had two interceptions.
Defensively, redshirt junior DB Shawn Featherstone (Pittsburgh, Pa.) led the defense with a career-high 11 tackles, including a career-best seven solo stops.
POSTGAME NOTES
ZIPS QUICK HITS
MAC PREDICTIONS
Akron was selected to finish fourth in the Mid-American Conference East Division this fall by both the media and the head coaches. Defending East champion Ohio was picked first, followed by Miami and Bowling Green. Akron, Buffalo, and Kent State rounded out the picks.
In the West Division, Toledo was selected first, followed by Western Michigan and Northern Illinois. Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan, and Ball State rounded out the predictions.
The Toledo Rockets were also predicted to win the 2017 MAC Championship Game which will be held on Saturday, Dec. 2 at Ford Field in Detroit. Â
UP NEXT
Akron returns to InfoCision Stadium– Summa Field on Saturday, Oct. 7, to host Ball State during the annual Homecoming game. The 2017 Hall of Fame Class, including the Team of Distinction– the 1986 Men's Soccer Team, will be inducted prior to the game and introduced during the game.
Â
Akron Game Notes in PDF Format
Bowden's Weekly Press Conference Video
MAC Weekly Media Teleconference Audio (Bowden)
MAC Weekly Release – Sept. 25
Gameday Coverage:
Buy Single-Game Tickets
Listen to Free Audio Stream (TuneIn.com)
Watch ESPN
Follow Free Live Statistics
Â
Akron (1-3, 0-0 MAC)
at Bowling Green (0-4, 0-0 MAC)
Saturday, Sept. 30
Doyt Perry Stadium [24,000] | Bowling Green, OH
6 PMÂ ET | ESPN3
THIS WEEK
Akron opens the Mid-American Conference schedule at Bowling Green on Saturday, Sept. 30. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. ET at Doyt Perry Stadium.
ESPN3 will televise the game with Jim Barbar (play-by-play) and Bobby Carpenter (analyst) calling the game. Â
The Zips' radio broadcast will air on the Akron-IMG Sports Network [SportsRadio 1350 AM (WARF) in Akron (flagship), 1420 WHK in Cleveland, 1440 WHKZ in Warren/Youngstown] with Steve French calling the action, Brad Detwiler providing analysis, and Joe Dunn with sideline report. The pregame show starts one hour prior to kickoff. A free audio stream is available at SportsRadio1350.com, iHeart Radio, and TuneIn.com/Akron Zips.
Under the guidance of sixth-year head coach Terry Bowden, Akron stands 1-3 on the season after a 22-17 loss at Troy. UA returns 57 lettermen, including 15 starters. The Zips utilize a spread offense and a 4-3 defense.
Senior RB Warren Ball (Columbus, Ohio) is the team's leading rusher with 325 yards and four touchdowns on 72 carries. Under center, senior QB Thomas Woodson (Monroeville, Pa.) is 72-of-124 for 745 yards and four touchdowns. Redshirt junior WR Kwadarrius Smith (Orlando, Fla.) is the top receiver with 13 receptions for 240 yards andtwo touchdowns. Defensively, junior LB Ulysees Gilbert III (Ocala, Fla.) leads the defense with 34 tackles, a sack, and an interception.
In the NCAA stats, Akron is No. 17 in kick return defense ( 16.36) and 19 in third down conversions (0.476). Individually, redshirt senior RB Warren Ball is ranked No. 32 in total touchdowns (5).
The Falcons, under the guidance of second-year head coach Mike Jinks, stand 0-4 on the season after a 24-13 loss at Middle Tennessee. BGSU returns 43 letterwinners, including 12 starters, to its multiple offensive and multiple defensive schemes.
Senior RB Josh Cleveland is Bowling Green's top rusher with 195 yards and a touchdown on 42 carries. Redshirt sophomore QB James Morgan is 45-of-106 for 662 yards and two touchdowns. Junior WR Scott Miller is the leading receiver with 233 yards and two touchdowns on 19 receptions. Defensively, junior DB Brandon Harris and redshirt senior LB Nate Locke have 34 tackles each.
In the NCAA stats, Bowling Green is ranked No. 5 in net punting (44.53) and No. 21 in turnover margin (1.00). Junior Brandon Harris is No. 2 in fumbles recovered (2). Redshirt freshman LB Amani Posey is No. 11 in forced fumbles (0.50). Redshirt senior P Joe Davidson is No. 11 in punting (45.9).
AKRON-BOWLING GREEN CONNECTIONS
Bowling Green has two players from the Akron area– redshirt senior LB Nate Locke (Canton, Ohio | Massillon HS), redshirt junior DB Jack Walz II (Cleveland, Ohio | St. Edward HS).
AKRON-BGSU:Â THE SERIES
Saturday's game is the 24th meeting between Akron and Bowling Green in series history, which began in 1941. The Falcons lead, 16-7. In MAC games only (since 1992), BGSU leads, 15-5. Bowling Green has won the last eight outings against the Zips.
Last fall, erasing an 18-point deficit in the second half wasn't enough as the Akron Zips fell short to Bowling Green, 38-28, on Senior Night at InfoCision Stadium – Summa Field.
Bowling Green controlled the first half. However, Akron scored 18 unanswered points, tying the game 28-28 with 10:48 left in the fourth quarter. Seven minutes later, the Falcons regained the lead with a 27-yard field goal. On the ensuing kickoff, BGSU recovered a fumble, which led to a 22-yard touchdown run by Donovan Wilson.
Because of two injuries in the first half, Akron was forced to use three quarterbacks on the final showing at InfoCision Stadium. QB Thomas Woodson opened the game behind center, but was injured on the final play of the first series.
Junior QB Tra'Von Chapman took over the duties, throwing for 58 yards on 7-of-14 attempts while gaining 14 yards on the ground on six attempts with a touchdown. On the final offensive play of the first half, Chapman left the field and never returned.
The last time at Perry Stadium on Oct. 17, 2015, Akron fell to Bowling Green, 59-10, as the Falcons posted 31-unanswered second-half.
Woodson completed 13-of-28 passes for 91 yards and a touchdown. Senior RB Conor Hundley was the top rusher with 15 carries for 69 yards. Sophomore WR Jerome Lane led all Zip receivers with four catches for 45 yards.
Defensively, senior LB Dylan Evans was the team leader with 11 tackles, while senior LBs Jatavis Brown and Darryl Monroe (Orlando, Fla.) had nine tackles each.
SERIES INFORMATION
Akron all-time vs. Bowling Green:Â Â 7-16
Akron in games at Akron:Â 4-8
Akron in games at Bowling Green:Â 3-8
Akron in games at a neutral site:Â Â 0-0
First meeting in series:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 1941, at Akron, W, 8-0
Last meeting in series:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 2016, at InfoCision Stadium, L, 28-38
LAST GAME
Penalties and turnovers proved costly as the Akron Zips fell at Troy, 22-17, before 27,324 fans on Saturday evening at Veterans Memorial Stadium.
Following a 25-minute weather delay for lightning, the Zips jumped on the scoreboard first and then fought to regain the lead throughout most of the game. With 5:37 to go, UA went ahead 17-16 but couldn't hold on for the win.
Senior RB Warren Ball led the rushers with 112 yards and a touchdown on a career-high 28 carries. It marked the third 100-yard rushing performance of his career.
Senior WR Austin Wolf (Lebanon, Ohio) had a six receptions for 71 yards, while redshirt junior WR Kwadarrius Smith had a career-high four receptions for a career-high 103 yards. It marked the first 100-yard receiving performance of his career.
Senior QB Thomas Woodson went 20-of-40 for 268 yards and a touchdown. He also had two interceptions.
Defensively, redshirt junior DB Shawn Featherstone (Pittsburgh, Pa.) led the defense with a career-high 11 tackles, including a career-best seven solo stops.
POSTGAME NOTES
- Sophomore LB John Lako (Monroe, Mich.) had the first forced fumble of his career on Troy's opening drive. UA scored on the turnover with a 27-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead.
- Redshirt junior WR Kwadarrius Smith had a 29-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter. It marked his third collegiate touchdown. He finished the game had a career-high four receptions for a career-high 103 yards. It marked the first 100-yard receiving performance of his career.
- Senior RB Warren Ball led the rushers with a career-high 28 carries for a game-high 112 yards and a touchdown. It marked the third 100-yard rushing performance of his career and his second this season. His direct-snap rushing touchdown with 5:47 to go in the fourth quarter gave the Zips a 17-16 lead and momentum.
- Junior P Nick Gasser (Liberty Township, Ohio) punted five times for 229 yard, averaging a career-best 45.8 yards. His long of 56 yards, which landed on the Troy three-yard line) was a career long.
ZIPS QUICK HITS
- The players elected seniors RB Warren Ball, WR A.J. Coney, and S Zach Guiser as team captains for the 2017 season.
- Six of Akron's 2017 opponents— Penn State (Rose), Troy (Dollar General), Western Michigan (Cotton), Toledo (Camelia), Miami (St. Petersburg), and Ohio (Dollar General)— participated in bowls in 2016.
- Since 1979, Akron has faced 29 nationally ranked teams, going 1-28. The Zips' sole victory was a 34-20 win over No. 25 Marshall at the Rubber Bowl on Nov. 2, 2002.
- Akron has 46 student-athletes on its roster from the state of Ohio; 33 of those live within a 30-mile radius to campus.
- In 2017, Akron opens its ninth season playing on-campus at InfoCision Stadium – Summa Field. The Zips have a 18-30 record at the venue. The stadium opened in 2009.
MAC PREDICTIONS
Akron was selected to finish fourth in the Mid-American Conference East Division this fall by both the media and the head coaches. Defending East champion Ohio was picked first, followed by Miami and Bowling Green. Akron, Buffalo, and Kent State rounded out the picks.
In the West Division, Toledo was selected first, followed by Western Michigan and Northern Illinois. Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan, and Ball State rounded out the predictions.
The Toledo Rockets were also predicted to win the 2017 MAC Championship Game which will be held on Saturday, Dec. 2 at Ford Field in Detroit. Â
UP NEXT
Akron returns to InfoCision Stadium– Summa Field on Saturday, Oct. 7, to host Ball State during the annual Homecoming game. The 2017 Hall of Fame Class, including the Team of Distinction– the 1986 Men's Soccer Team, will be inducted prior to the game and introduced during the game.
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Players Mentioned
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PK/P
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