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NCAA Football Betting Online: The Akron Zips were the first program to make the move from Division 1-AA to 1-A, now known as the FBS, doing so back in 1987. In the 30 years since the move the Zips have won at least seven games in a season just five times. Two years ago the Zips set a school record with eight wins and appeared in only their second bowl game, getting the program’s first postseason victory. Injuries derailed last season, but the Zips have a level of stability under Terry Bowden.
2017 Akron Zips at a Glance
Zips National Championship Odds: +50000
Zips Regular Season Win Total: 5.5
Bowl eligibility appeared to be a lock last season when the Zips were 5-3 following a win over Ball State. But the wheels came off and Akron couldn’t get that sixth win, losing their final four games. They overcame the loss of starting quarterback Thomas Woodson, but couldn’t rally after backup Tre’Von Chapman also got hurt. The Zips started receiver Tyrell Goodman in the finale and scored just three points.
With holes at the receiver spot, Bowden moved Chapman to that position and brought in former Virginia QB Nick Johns to compete for the starting gig with Woodson. Woodson had a nice season in 2016 before injuries hit. He completed better than 60 percent of his throws for 2,079 yards with 18 touchdowns and just six interceptions.
For the offense to work, though, the running game has to be more effective. The Zips were 111th in the FBS with 132 rushing yards per game and never had more than 180 in a game. Van Edwards returns after leading the team with 492 yards in 2016 and will operate behind a line that returns all five starters. In theory, the group should be more productive.
The rebuilt defense took some lumps last season and allowed more than 466 yards per game to finish 114th in the FBS. The group showed signs of stiffening later in the year and should be solid with a year of seasoning. Depth remains an issue and we saw what happened last season when key performers were shelved. Still, the Zips are good enough to go bowling, however winning the East is likely out of the question.
2017 Akron Zips Schedule
Week 1: Akron at Penn State, Saturday, September 2
Week 2: Akron vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Saturday, September 9
Week 3: Akron vs. Iowa State, Saturday, September 16
Week 4: Akron at Troy, Saturday, September 23
Week 5: Akron at Bowling Green, Saturday, September 30
Week 6: Akron vs. Ball State, Saturday, October 7
Week 7: Akron at Western Michigan, Saturday, October 14
Week 8: Akron at Toledo, Saturday, October 21
Week 9: Akron vs. Buffalo, Saturday, October 28
Week 10: OFF
Week 11: Akron at Miami Ohio, Tuesday, November 7
Week 12: Akron vs. Ohio, Tuesday, November 14
Week 13: Akron vs. Kent State, Tuesday, November 21
List of Akron Zips Seasons
| Year |
Record |
Bowl Game |
| 2016 |
5-7 |
|
| 2015 |
8-5 |
W – Famous Idaho Potato Bowl |
| 2014 |
5-7 |
|
| 2013 |
5-7 |
|
| 2012 |
1-11 |
|
| 2011 |
1-11 |
|
| 2010 |
1-11 |
|
| 2009 |
3-9 |
|
| 2008 |
5-7 |
|
| 2007 |
4-8 |
|
| 2006 |
5-7 |
|
| 2005 |
7-6 |
L – Motor City Bowl |
| 2004 |
6-5 |
|
| 2003 |
7-5 |
|
| 2002 |
4-8 |
|
| 2001 |
4-7 |
|
| 2000 |
6-5 |
|
| 1999 |
7-4 |
|
| 1998 |
4-7 |
|
| 1997 |
2-9 |
|
| 1996 |
4-7 |
|
| 1995 |
2-9 |
|
| 1994 |
1-10 |
|
| 1993 |
5-6 |
|
| 1992 |
7-3-1 |
|
| 1991 |
5-6 |
|
| 1990 |
3-7-1 |
|
| 1989 |
6-4-1 |
|
| 1988 |
5-6 |
|
| 1987 |
4-7 |
|
The Zips have had a relatively short existence at the major college level. The school participated in Division II through the 1979 season and moved to Division I-AA, now known as the FCS in 1980. In 1987 Akron became the first school to transition from the lower level to what we now know as the FCS in 1987. Success has been slow to follow.
In an effort to gain some credibility during the transition, Akron hired former Notre Dame coach Gerry Faust to lead the program. The Zips went 4-7 in their first year at the FBS level, playing as an independent. The Zips would play four more years of independent ball before joining the MAC for the 1992 season. They made a splash in their first year as conference members going 5-3 in league play and 7-3-1 overall. After a 1-10 season in 1994 Faust was relieved of his duties. The Zips won a share of the East title in 2000 but lost the tie-breaker to Marshall. They again tied for the division lead in 2005, won the tie-breaker and defeated Northern Illinois for the first MAC title in program history.
Akron would also play in its first bowl game that season, losing the Motor City Bowl. Struggles continued following that breakout season. The Zips wouldn’t win more than five games in a season until 2015, when Bowden led the team to an 8-5 mark. It was the most wins for the program at the FBS level. The Zips would also win their first bowl game, knocking off Utah State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.
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