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Final Rubber Bowl game significant on many levels
Zips eye one-game division lead on night to be filled with nostalgia
By Tom Gaffney
Beacon Journal sports writer
Published on Tuesday, Nov 11, 2008
The final Rubber Bowl game for the University of Akron football team on Thursday night
will be accompanied by nostalgic thoughts of the past by the spectators.
Obscured — but not lost — is the significance of this game in the present and the future for the UA players and coaches.
The winner between the Zips (5-4, 3-2) and the University at Buffalo (5-4, 3-2) will have a one-game lead in the East Division of the Mid-American Conference with two games remaining.
''For 20-year-olds, it's not going to be a huge distraction,'' UA coach J.D. Brookhart said about the Rubber Bowl finale. ''We have stressed the importance of this game. Innately, though, they want to win this game to have a chance to win a championship.''
The biggest home crowd of the season is expected, with some fans being there to pay homage to times past. That's fine with Brookhart, as long as the assemblage doesn't forget to pay attention to the current Zips.
''Hopefully, the crowd and the atmosphere is going to be something that really helps us,'' Brookhart said.
Senior wide receiver Alphonso Owen said having the chance to be in first place about 10 p.m. Thursday will be as emotional as playing in the last Rubber Bowl game for the Zips and the last home game for the seniors.
''That would be huge, especially . . . since we were picked to finish dead last,'' Owen said. ''We laughed about it then. We knew it would change. It would be real good [to be in first].''
How it stacks up
The MAC East race has essentially come down to three teams, with third-place and preseason favorite Bowling Green also still in contention. Temple (3-6, 2-3) is in fourth and is along shot.
A victory by the Zips would give them that one-game lead, with road games against Ohio on Nov. 22 and Temple on Nov. 28. Those teams have combined for an overall record of 5-14.
After Thursday night, the Bulls play at Bowling Green on Nov. 21 and at home against Kent State on Nov. 28.
With the MAC East standings the way they are, only the Zips and Bulls control their own destinies, meaning no one can beat them out if they win out.
''This is why you play. This is what it is about,'' Brookhart said. ''It's an exciting game, a lot going on Thursday night. Our kids are aware of that. They have been preparing well. Hopefully, you will see a well-fought football game, a physical game. We know we have to play well.''
The Zips have won two games in a row for the first time this season, having beaten Eastern Michigan 42-35 on Oct. 18 and Toledo 47-30 on Nov. 5.
The offense, led by tailback Dennis Kennedy, has carried the Zips, accounting for 1,005 yards in the two victories.
The MAC officially recognized the Zips' offensive exploits in an unusual manner Monday. The conference named the team's line of tackles Chris Kemme and Corey Woods, guards Mike Ward and Zack Anderson, and center Elliott Bates as the offensive player of the week in the MAC East.
Against Toledo, the line helped the offense to 232 yards rushing and 226 yards passing. Kennedy rushed for 153 yards and three touchdowns on 30 carries. Quarterback Chris Jacquemain threw for 226 yards and three touchdowns, and was not sacked.
''You have seen the group come together,'' Brookhart said during his news conference just moments after being told about the honor for the offensive line. ''I know Dennis has played well, but there is another reason, too. He has great ability, but the offensive line is doing their job. It's a very prideful group.''
Buffalo counters with a team that has a winning streak of its own. UB defeated Army 27-24 on Oct. 18, Ohio 32-19 on Oct. 28 and Miami 37-17 on Nov. 4.
On offense, the Bulls have three stalwarts in tailback James Starks (first in MAC rushing)
, quarterback Drew Willy (fourth in MAC passing efficiency) and receiver Naam Roosevelt (second in receiving yards in the MAC) .
Notebook
The starting time for the Zips' game at Ohio on Nov. 22 has been set for 3:30 p.m. Officials were waiting to see the time of the Michigan-Ohio State game, which is at noon. . . . Cornerback Miguel Graham and receiver Andre Jones, both listed as seniors, will not participate in senior night activities Thursday because UA expects them to be eligible and return for the 2009 season.
Tom Gaffney can be reached at tgaffney@thebeaconjournal.com.
The final Rubber Bowl game for the University of Akron football team on Thursday night will be accompanied by nostalgic thoughts of the past by the spectators.
Obscured — but not lost — is the significance of this game in the present and the future for the UA players and coaches.
The winner between the Zips (5-4, 3-2) and the University at Buffalo (5-4, 3-2) will have a one-game lead in the East Division of the Mid-American Conference with two games remaining.
''For 20-year-olds, it's not going to be a huge distraction,'' UA coach J.D. Brookhart said about the Rubber Bowl finale. ''We have stressed the importance of this game. Innately, though, they want to win this game to have a chance to win a championship.''
The biggest home crowd of the season is expected, with some fans being there to pay homage to times past. That's fine with Brookhart, as long as the assemblage doesn't forget to pay attention to the current Zips.
''Hopefully, the crowd and the atmosphere is going to be something that really helps us,'' Brookhart said.
Senior wide receiver Alphonso Owen said having the chance to be in first place about 10 p.m. Thursday will be as emotional as playing in the last Rubber Bowl game for the Zips and the last home game for the seniors.
''That would be huge, especially . . . since we were picked to finish dead last,'' Owen said. ''We laughed about it then. We knew it would change. It would be real good [to be in first].''
How it stacks up
The MAC East race has essentially come down to three teams, with third-place and preseason favorite Bowling Green also still in contention. Temple (3-6, 2-3) is in fourth and is along shot.
A victory by the Zips would give them that one-game lead, with road games against Ohio on Nov. 22 and Temple on Nov. 28. Those teams have combined for an overall record of 5-14.
After Thursday night, the Bulls play at Bowling Green on Nov. 21 and at home against Kent State on Nov. 28.
With the MAC East standings the way they are, only the Zips and Bulls control their own destinies, meaning no one can beat them out if they win out.
''This is why you play. This is what it is about,'' Brookhart said. ''It's an exciting game, a lot going on Thursday night. Our kids are aware of that. They have been preparing well. Hopefully, you will see a well-fought football game, a physical game. We know we have to play well.''
The Zips have won two games in a row for the first time this season, having beaten Eastern Michigan 42-35 on Oct. 18 and Toledo 47-30 on Nov. 5.
The offense, led by tailback Dennis Kennedy, has carried the Zips, accounting for 1,005 yards in the two victories.
The MAC officially recognized the Zips' offensive exploits in an unusual manner Monday. The conference named the team's line of tackles Chris Kemme and Corey Woods, guards Mike Ward and Zack Anderson, and center Elliott Bates as the offensive player of the week in the MAC East.
Against Toledo, the line helped the offense to 232 yards rushing and 226 yards passing. Kennedy rushed for 153 yards and three touchdowns on 30 carries. Quarterback Chris Jacquemain threw for 226 yards and three touchdowns, and was not sacked.
''You have seen the group come together,'' Brookhart said during his news conference just moments after being told about the honor for the offensive line. ''I know Dennis has played well, but there is another reason, too. He has great ability, but the offensive line is doing their job. It's a very prideful group.''
Buffalo counters with a team that has a winning streak of its own. UB defeated Army 27-24 on Oct. 18, Ohio 32-19 on Oct. 28 and Miami 37-17 on Nov. 4.
On offense, the Bulls have three stalwarts in tailback James Starks (first in MAC rushing), quarterback Drew Willy (fourth in MAC passing efficiency) and receiver Naam Roosevelt (second in receiving yards in the MAC).
Notebook
The starting time for the Zips' game at Ohio on Nov. 22 has been set for 3:30 p.m. Officials were waiting to see the time of the Michigan-Ohio State game, which is at noon. . . . Cornerback Miguel Graham and receiver Andre Jones, both listed as seniors, will not participate in senior night activities Thursday because UA expects them to be eligible and return for the 2009 season.
Tom Gaffney can be reached at tgaffney@thebeaconjournal.com.
Zips eye one-game division lead on night to be filled with nostalgia
By Tom Gaffney
Beacon Journal sports writer
Published on Tuesday, Nov 11, 2008
The final Rubber Bowl game for the University of Akron football team on Thursday night
will be accompanied by nostalgic thoughts of the past by the spectators.Obscured — but not lost — is the significance of this game in the present and the future for the UA players and coaches.
The winner between the Zips (5-4, 3-2) and the University at Buffalo (5-4, 3-2) will have a one-game lead in the East Division of the Mid-American Conference with two games remaining.
''For 20-year-olds, it's not going to be a huge distraction,'' UA coach J.D. Brookhart said about the Rubber Bowl finale. ''We have stressed the importance of this game. Innately, though, they want to win this game to have a chance to win a championship.''
The biggest home crowd of the season is expected, with some fans being there to pay homage to times past. That's fine with Brookhart, as long as the assemblage doesn't forget to pay attention to the current Zips.
''Hopefully, the crowd and the atmosphere is going to be something that really helps us,'' Brookhart said.
Senior wide receiver Alphonso Owen said having the chance to be in first place about 10 p.m. Thursday will be as emotional as playing in the last Rubber Bowl game for the Zips and the last home game for the seniors.
''That would be huge, especially . . . since we were picked to finish dead last,'' Owen said. ''We laughed about it then. We knew it would change. It would be real good [to be in first].''
How it stacks up
The MAC East race has essentially come down to three teams, with third-place and preseason favorite Bowling Green also still in contention. Temple (3-6, 2-3) is in fourth and is along shot.
A victory by the Zips would give them that one-game lead, with road games against Ohio on Nov. 22 and Temple on Nov. 28. Those teams have combined for an overall record of 5-14.
After Thursday night, the Bulls play at Bowling Green on Nov. 21 and at home against Kent State on Nov. 28.
With the MAC East standings the way they are, only the Zips and Bulls control their own destinies, meaning no one can beat them out if they win out.
''This is why you play. This is what it is about,'' Brookhart said. ''It's an exciting game, a lot going on Thursday night. Our kids are aware of that. They have been preparing well. Hopefully, you will see a well-fought football game, a physical game. We know we have to play well.''
The Zips have won two games in a row for the first time this season, having beaten Eastern Michigan 42-35 on Oct. 18 and Toledo 47-30 on Nov. 5.
The offense, led by tailback Dennis Kennedy, has carried the Zips, accounting for 1,005 yards in the two victories.
The MAC officially recognized the Zips' offensive exploits in an unusual manner Monday. The conference named the team's line of tackles Chris Kemme and Corey Woods, guards Mike Ward and Zack Anderson, and center Elliott Bates as the offensive player of the week in the MAC East.
Against Toledo, the line helped the offense to 232 yards rushing and 226 yards passing. Kennedy rushed for 153 yards and three touchdowns on 30 carries. Quarterback Chris Jacquemain threw for 226 yards and three touchdowns, and was not sacked.
''You have seen the group come together,'' Brookhart said during his news conference just moments after being told about the honor for the offensive line. ''I know Dennis has played well, but there is another reason, too. He has great ability, but the offensive line is doing their job. It's a very prideful group.''
Buffalo counters with a team that has a winning streak of its own. UB defeated Army 27-24 on Oct. 18, Ohio 32-19 on Oct. 28 and Miami 37-17 on Nov. 4.
On offense, the Bulls have three stalwarts in tailback James Starks (first in MAC rushing)
, quarterback Drew Willy (fourth in MAC passing efficiency) and receiver Naam Roosevelt (second in receiving yards in the MAC) .Notebook
The starting time for the Zips' game at Ohio on Nov. 22 has been set for 3:30 p.m. Officials were waiting to see the time of the Michigan-Ohio State game, which is at noon. . . . Cornerback Miguel Graham and receiver Andre Jones, both listed as seniors, will not participate in senior night activities Thursday because UA expects them to be eligible and return for the 2009 season.
Tom Gaffney can be reached at tgaffney@thebeaconjournal.com.
The final Rubber Bowl game for the University of Akron football team on Thursday night will be accompanied by nostalgic thoughts of the past by the spectators.
Obscured — but not lost — is the significance of this game in the present and the future for the UA players and coaches.
The winner between the Zips (5-4, 3-2) and the University at Buffalo (5-4, 3-2) will have a one-game lead in the East Division of the Mid-American Conference with two games remaining.
''For 20-year-olds, it's not going to be a huge distraction,'' UA coach J.D. Brookhart said about the Rubber Bowl finale. ''We have stressed the importance of this game. Innately, though, they want to win this game to have a chance to win a championship.''
The biggest home crowd of the season is expected, with some fans being there to pay homage to times past. That's fine with Brookhart, as long as the assemblage doesn't forget to pay attention to the current Zips.
''Hopefully, the crowd and the atmosphere is going to be something that really helps us,'' Brookhart said.
Senior wide receiver Alphonso Owen said having the chance to be in first place about 10 p.m. Thursday will be as emotional as playing in the last Rubber Bowl game for the Zips and the last home game for the seniors.
''That would be huge, especially . . . since we were picked to finish dead last,'' Owen said. ''We laughed about it then. We knew it would change. It would be real good [to be in first].''
How it stacks up
The MAC East race has essentially come down to three teams, with third-place and preseason favorite Bowling Green also still in contention. Temple (3-6, 2-3) is in fourth and is along shot.
A victory by the Zips would give them that one-game lead, with road games against Ohio on Nov. 22 and Temple on Nov. 28. Those teams have combined for an overall record of 5-14.
After Thursday night, the Bulls play at Bowling Green on Nov. 21 and at home against Kent State on Nov. 28.
With the MAC East standings the way they are, only the Zips and Bulls control their own destinies, meaning no one can beat them out if they win out.
''This is why you play. This is what it is about,'' Brookhart said. ''It's an exciting game, a lot going on Thursday night. Our kids are aware of that. They have been preparing well. Hopefully, you will see a well-fought football game, a physical game. We know we have to play well.''
The Zips have won two games in a row for the first time this season, having beaten Eastern Michigan 42-35 on Oct. 18 and Toledo 47-30 on Nov. 5.
The offense, led by tailback Dennis Kennedy, has carried the Zips, accounting for 1,005 yards in the two victories.
The MAC officially recognized the Zips' offensive exploits in an unusual manner Monday. The conference named the team's line of tackles Chris Kemme and Corey Woods, guards Mike Ward and Zack Anderson, and center Elliott Bates as the offensive player of the week in the MAC East.
Against Toledo, the line helped the offense to 232 yards rushing and 226 yards passing. Kennedy rushed for 153 yards and three touchdowns on 30 carries. Quarterback Chris Jacquemain threw for 226 yards and three touchdowns, and was not sacked.
''You have seen the group come together,'' Brookhart said during his news conference just moments after being told about the honor for the offensive line. ''I know Dennis has played well, but there is another reason, too. He has great ability, but the offensive line is doing their job. It's a very prideful group.''
Buffalo counters with a team that has a winning streak of its own. UB defeated Army 27-24 on Oct. 18, Ohio 32-19 on Oct. 28 and Miami 37-17 on Nov. 4.
On offense, the Bulls have three stalwarts in tailback James Starks (first in MAC rushing), quarterback Drew Willy (fourth in MAC passing efficiency) and receiver Naam Roosevelt (second in receiving yards in the MAC).
Notebook
The starting time for the Zips' game at Ohio on Nov. 22 has been set for 3:30 p.m. Officials were waiting to see the time of the Michigan-Ohio State game, which is at noon. . . . Cornerback Miguel Graham and receiver Andre Jones, both listed as seniors, will not participate in senior night activities Thursday because UA expects them to be eligible and return for the 2009 season.
Tom Gaffney can be reached at tgaffney@thebeaconjournal.com.