Akron game will offer clues about offseason tactics
PSU, FROM D-1 confidence levels they have and make sure we’re a welloiled machine as quickly as we possibly can while also staying healthy and getting to the game.”
Penn State will face a Zips team that might be deceptively good, at least on paper. Akron was ravaged by injuries last year, but, in 2015, the Zips boasted the best defense in the Mid-American Conference and finished 23rd in Football Bowl Subdivision in points allowed per game (21.5).
Akron has an experienced senior quarterback in Gateway High School graduate Thomas Woodson, and sixth-year running back Warren Ball is a former Ohio State transfer who looked good in limited action last season. But coach Terry Bowden is most encouraged by the strides his defense has made.
“Our defense had to slowly build up,” Bowden said. “This year, we have most of our starters returning, and I think after the preseason is winding down into game week, I think that’s been our most improved. People want to talk about your quarterback, or they want to talk about your running back, but, if you’re going to win championships, it’s all about defense, because that’s what gets you to the championship game.”
Franklin said Penn State will be careful not to take Akron lightly, noting the MAC has pulled off several upsets against Big Ten teams in the past five years alone. Franklin noted that while Saturday might be just a season opener for his team, it’s a moment for Akron.
Akron, a 35-point underdog according OddsShark, has been competitive against highly ranked Big Ten teams in the past. In 2013, No. 11 Michigan was favored to beat Akron by 35.5 points, yet the Zips nearly pulled off an upset before falling, 28-24.
“We won’t go in there intimidated,” Bowden said. “We will go in there knowing we’ll have to play our best, and maybe they’ll be a little bit off. Somebody in the MAC will beat a Big Ten team, or will beat a power conference team on Saturday. Might as well be us.”