2011 Akron Zips Gambling Odds | Predictions

2011-2012 Football Previews – MAC Conference – Akron Zips

Rob Ianello’s first year at Akron went about as poorly as it possibly could have. Ianello was known as an offensive-minded coach, but the Zips were 119th in the nation in total offense. How bad was the offense?

Mid American Conference 2011-2012 Football Previews: Akron Zips
Head Coach: Rob Ianello
2010 Record: 1-11
Akron Gambling Odds from JustBet to win BCS: +15,000 (Part of Field)
Akron Odds from JustBet to win MAC Championship: +1,000
Akron Team Page – Players Stats – Roster – 2011 Schedule –>

**BETONLINE – THE BEST SPORTSBOOK FOR NCAA FOOTBALL BETTING! – CLICK HERE NOW + BET TODAY!**

They scored more than 22 points just twice, and both of those games went to double overtime! Unfortunately, the Zips lost their two leading rushers and two leading receivers from last year’s squad as well.

There are tons of unanswered questions for the Akron offense heading into 2011.

On the defensive side of the ball, Akron hired Kevin Cosgrove to be the new defensive coordinator. Cosgrove has previously worked as the defensive coordinator at Minnesota, Nebraska, and Wisconsin.

The Zips hope that he can install a system that will help Akron succeed defensively.

Team Strengths:

Brian Wagner is an absolute star at the linebacker position for the Zips. Many inside the MAC believe Wagner might be the best defensive player in the conference. He leads a group of linebackers that does a nice job pursuing the football.

The front four on the defensive side did a pretty good job most of last year, and they should hold their own once again this season.

While the statistics don’t look impressive, it is important to remember that this Akron defense was on the field constantly in 2010.

Team Weaknesses:

To say that there are plenty of weaknesses to choose from is a major understatement. The Zips are lacking in all sorts of areas as they head into 2011.

Who is going to be running the football for the Zips this year? Akron started to get a bit of production from the running game at the end of last year, but both their leading rushers graduated. Jawon Chisholm is inexperienced, but he will likely get the first chance at the tailback position. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Akron lacks depth in the backfield.

Who will Akron throw the football to on the outside? The Zips lost their top two receivers from a year ago.

Akron’s quarterback position isn’t solidified as of yet, but no matter who the signal caller is they will need some help on the outside. The Zips are counting on Keith Sconier to be the main target, but he had just nine receptions last season.

While the front seven on defense might hold their own, the secondary has some real issues. Akron ranked 113th in pass defense last season.

The Zips cornerbacks like to take chances, and that often results in them getting beat deep. There is no clear leader in the secondary, and the Zips will likely struggle against the pass again this year.

2011-2012 Akron Football Prediction: 1-11

It’s hard to find many positives for the Zips right now. This is a team that has fallen on hard times very quickly. Akron starts the season at Ohio State, and the conference schedule is a very difficult one. Both Bowling Green and Ball State are expected to be poor this year, but Akron doesn’t play either of them in 2011.

Remember, this is an offense that averaged just 15 points per game in 2010. I don’t know that the offense will be any better this year.

The defense will probably keep them in a few games, but I expect the Zips to have a very long season.

2011 Akron Zips Schedule

9/3/11 12:00 PM ET @OHIST
9/10/11 12:00 PM ET TEM
9/17/11 12:00 PM ET @CIN
9/24/11 12:00 PM ET VMI
10/1/11 12:00 PM ET @EMICH
10/8/11 12:00 PM ET FLINT
10/22/11 12:00 PM ET OHIO
10/29/11 12:00 PM ET CMICH
11/3/11 7:30 PM ET @MIAOH
11/12/11 12:00 PM ET KENST
11/19/11 12:00 PM ET @BUFF
11/25/11 12:00 PM ET @WMICH