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| | Saturday, September 2 Chances of Akron not being in the title hunt: Zip | |||||
| By George Porter Special to ESPN.com Akron Zips 1999 record: 7-4 (5-3 MAC) Coach: Lee Owens Returning starters: 14 (8 offense, 6 defense) Outlook Head coach Lee Owens is going into his best chance of winning a MAC championship since coming to Akron in 1995. The return of 14 starters has fans in Akron looking at what once seemed impossible -- knocking off Marshall or anyone else for that matter -- becoming a very reachable goal. Senior QB James "Butchie" Washington is returning off a 1,900-yard, 12 touchdown season and should own most every Akron passing record by the time he finishes his career. Freshman of the year in 1999, Brandon Payne brings explosiveness and breakaway speed to a very deep and talented backfield. Senior wide receiver Lavel Bailey will attempt to top last season's breakout year. It won't be easy. Bailey ranked third in the nation at 22.4 yards per catch. The defensive side of the ball gave up 183.5 rushing yards a game last season and, with the loss of linebackers Ricky Jones and Nate Johnson, the Zips will have a tough time improving that figure. Louis Mackey and Ryan Myers are penciled in as the starters and will need to play big this season. The secondary is air tight, led by Rich Reliford and Dwight Smith, who were the team leaders in interceptions last season. Keep an eye on ... QB Butchie Washington. Washington isn't flashy, but he gets the job done year after year. In a league dominated by flashy passers, Washington simply does enough to win. It's a good season if ... Akron wins the MAC. The defense needs to improve, but the offense will score and the Zips host Marshall. |
ALSO SEE MAC Preview: Akron, Toledo could end Marshall's reign | |||||