Akron has weapons at QB
The primary question on the minds of University of Akron football fans is who will start at quarterback when the Zips play at Ohio State on Saturday night?
Starter Kato Nelsonwas injured against Temple and missed last week's game against Bryant. He was able to practice this week.
Nelson's backup, DJ Irons, produced gaudy numbers against the Bryant last week, completing 19 of 23 passes for 296 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 136 yards on 15 carries and a touchdown, showing he can be a genuine dual threat quarterback.
Against Bryant, Irons displayed that there's plenty to like in his game. His 19 completions went to nine different receivers, showing he took advantage of the time given to him by his offensive line and suggesting that time allowed him to go through his progressions.
There's something to be said about the level of competition he faced in that Bryant is an FCS school, and conventional wisdom dictates the Zips should have had the upper hand.
But this wasn't the first time this season Irons flashed his skillset. When given the opportunity to play against Auburn in the season opener, he completed 13 of 13 passes for 129 yards and a touchdown.
In the game against Temple, coach Tom Arth showed a willingness to incorporate Irons' skills into the offense before Nelson's injury, which led to a rushing touchdown early in that game.
For the season, he's 44-of-58 for 534 yards, five touchdowns and and an interception. Nelson is 16-of-26 for 144 yards and a touchdown and has missed most of the past two games.
Arth blocking out noise about the Ohio State defense
In the midst of all the offense the Buckeyes have produced, there are a lot of murmurs about the defense. Arth isn't listening to any of that, despite the Buckeyes giving up more than 28 points per game.
“All we have to do is turn on the tape and see all of those big guys running around striking blocks, making great plays," he said. "It's a great defense, let's just be real. … It's going to take everything we have from an effort standpoint and executional standpoint.” Jeslord Boetang going home Akron linebacker Jeslord Boetang said he was on Ohio State's recruiting radar for a “little bit” coming out of Dublin Coffman, but he landed at Michigan State before transferring in January.
“It'll be special," Boetang said. "I grew up watching them, Braxton Miller, all those great players, so it will be a fun time, fun time."