Last Week Akron lost 10-0 at home against Wyoming. The Zips defense kept them in the game until the very end, allowing the Cowboys to score a touchdown with just over four minutes left in the game. Offensively Akron struggled, only posting 228 total yards while being held scoreless. However, Zips QB Ben Finley at 6’3” 200lbs has size and experience. Last season he passed for 2,604 yards and 16 TDs with 9 interceptions. Unlike Cincy’s QB Brenden Sorsby, Finley isn’t a rusher. RB Sean Patrick is a dual threat back who last week rushed for 30 yards and added 47 yards in receptions. While unable to get going last week, WR Myles Walker is a smaller shifty receiver who is hard to cover. Defensively, linebacker Shammond Cooper leads the way with a strong group of defensive backs behind him. Alex Branch, DiMarco Johnson, and Justin Anderson have good size and will come up to tackle when needed. Defense is the strength of this Akron team.
The Akron depth chart appears as follows:
DEFENSE
Defensive End
(10) Cyrus Durham, So., 6-3, 245
(50) Jahvon Frazier, RFr., 6-3, 230
Defensive Tackle
(5) Ronald Hull, So., 6-2, 300
(54) Kiawan Murphy, Jr., 6-2, 320
Defensive Tackle
(1) Julien Laventure, Jr., 6-1, 270
(97) Jon’Trell Mixon, So., R, 6-4, 285
Defensive End
(41) Bruno Dall, So., 6-7, 260
(16) Dahvon Frazier, RFr., 6-2, 230
Linebacker Mike
(32) Gage Summers, R-Jr., 6-0, 235
(44) Markus Boswell, Fr., 6-1, 230
Linebacker Will
(7) Shammond Cooper, Sr., 6-2, 225
(8) Rich Benenge, So., 6-1, 210
Nickel Back
(3) Alex Branch, Sr., 6-0, 190
(9) Aamii Branch, So., 5-10, 180
Safety
(2) Daymon David, Sr., 6-0, 190
(18) DiMarco Johnson, Sr., 6-0, 205
(24) DJ Stepney, Sr., 6-0, 200
Safety
(4) Justin Anderson, Sr., 6-0, 205
(13) Rodrick Hunter, RFr., 5-11, 195
Corner Back
(21) Catrell White, RFr., 5-11, 180
(11) Elijah Reed, Jr., 6-3, 200
Corner Back
(17) Malcom DeWalt, Jr., 6-2, 200
(15) Terence Thomas, Jr., 5-9, 190
OFFENSE
Quarter Back
(10) Ben Finley, Sr., 6-3, 210
(15) Michael Johnson Jr., Sr., 6-3, 220 OR
(6) Brayden Roggow, RFr., 6-4, 205
Running Back
(13) Sean Patrick, RFr., 5-11, 180
(22) Jordan Gant, Jr., 5-10, 205 OR
(24) Marquese Williams, So., 5-9, 180
Wide Receiver
(1) Myles Walker, Sr., 5-9, 175
(3) Kyan Mason, RFr., 5-9, 155
(9) Jean Louis III, So., 5-8, 185
Wide Receiver
(2) Marcel Williams, RFr., 5-11, 200
(12) Cameron Monteiro, RFr., 6-1, 190
(4) Tim Grear Jr., Sr., 6-0, 190
Wide Receiver
(7) Alex Adams, Sr., 6-1, 190
(5) Israel Polk, So., 6-1, 175
Tight End
(88) Jake Newell, Jr., 6-4, 245
(85) Conner Cravaack, So., 6-4, 245
Left Tackle
(78) Darrell Johnson, Jr., Sr., 6-4, 300 OR
(77) Jayme Motley-Simmons, Sr., 6-7, 310
Left Guard
(53) Kenneth McManus, Fr., 6-2, 320 OR
(55) Amarie Archer, Sr., 6-3, 300
Center
(72) Colin Lyons, Sr., 6-3, 295 OR
(57) Delvin Morris, So., 6-3, 280
Right Guard
(50) Allen Jones Jr., Jr., 6-4, 290 OR
(56) Keylen Davis, Jr., 6-2, 290
Right Tackle
(52) Javirea Moore, Sr., 6-5, 295 OR
(51) Maasai King, Jr., 6-4, 310
SPECIALIST
Kicker
(99) Owen Wiley, So., 6-0, 180
(47) Matthew Schramm, RFr., 5-9, 180
Punter
(34) Brayden Johnson, Sr., 6-2, 215
(95) Joseph Castle, So., 6-2, 210
Long Snapper
(30) Jacob Dennis, Sr., 6-0, 220
(49) Frank Miner, Jr., 6-2, 205
Holder
(95) Joseph Castle, So., 6-2, 210
(34) Brayden Johnson, Gr., 6-2, 215
Punt Returner
(13) Sean Patrick, RFr., 5-11, 180
(15) Terence Thomas, Jr., 5-9, 190
Kick Returner
(15) Terence Thomas, Jr., 5-9, 190
(24) DJ Stepney, Sr., 6-0, 200
Akron HC Joe Moorehead is a solid coach who hasn’t had much success since his arrival, but he’ll have his squad ready, and the Zips will let the Huskers know they came to play. But Nebraska should be able to control this game. I look for Nebraska’s starters to play two to three series before substitutes start cycling in. It’s the kind of game the Huskers need right now to get their feet under them and get young players ready for the season. Matt Rhule won’t run up the score, but the Husker win this one 42-10.
Go Big Red!
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