AKRON, OH—Marshall has some less than fond memories in Akron over the years. In 2002, and injured Byron Leftwich was carried down the field by his linemen and nearly led Marshall to comeback victory, but ultimately lost to the Zips 34-20.
Then in 2004, a Charlie Frye led Zips team, derailed Marshall’s bid for a Mid-American Conference title in its final season in the league with a 31-28 win over the Herd.
Of course, those games were all played at the old Rubber Bowl, this year’s contest is in the five-year-old InfoCision Stadium, a new venue and a chance for Marshall to make some new memories in Akron.
The Zips offense is headed up by A.J. Milwee, 28, the second youngest coordinator in Division I. He actually started coaching under Bowden at North Alabama.
Junior quarterback Kyle Pohl is in his second year as a starter for the Zips. He started all 12 games last year throwing for 2,438 yards and 14 touchdowns. Holliday says is a dual threat quarterback.
“He’s a guy who can beat you with his feet. He can make all of the throws. He’s a returning starter who got hurt a little bit a year ago, but whenever he played they did extremely well,” said Holliday. “He can make all of the throws and get himself out of trouble. He’s a typical quarterback that we have seen over the last three weeks, who can beat you with his feet.”
Pohl is the leading rusher for Akron with 56 yards on 17 carries in two games. Akron is going to look to throw first and run second. The Zips are averaging 304 yards passing per game while gaining just 91 yards on the ground. Defensive Coordinator Chuck Heater says the Zips will look to spread the field.
Mykel Traylor-Bennett leads Akron with 111 yards receiving and two touchdowns. He and Pohl connected on a 43-yard touchdown pass and catch in the 41-0 season opening win over Howard.
Bennett also had a 28-yard touchdown catch in the win over Howard. L.T. Smith is also over 100 yards receiving on the season and Zach D’Orazio is not far behind with 98 yards receiving. Heater says part of the gameplan to defend the pass is getting pressure on Pohl.
Akron’s run game has been nearly non-existent through the first couple of games. Starting tailback Jawon Chisholm has just 16 carries and 55 yards on the year.
Marshall will be facings the most athletic defense it has seen so far this year in the Zips. Akron is led by defensive coordinator Chuck Amato and Herd Offensive Coordinator Bill Legg says Akron is just not going to let Marshall get the big plays like it racked up the last couple of weeks.
“In the games we used to scout them, against teams that are like us, in five games they’ve given up nine big plays and ten touchdowns,” said Legg. “There’s some complexity to the defense. They are not a standard defense.”
It starts up front, where the Zips are anchored by junior Cody Grice. He’s started every game of his collegiate career at nose tackle for Akron. Grice actually started as a fullback for Akron before switching to the nose. Tackle Se’Von Pittman is a transfer from Ohio State. Center Chris Jasperse says it’s a physical defensive front.
“They’ve got some big time guys who run around and play football but we do too,” said center Chris Jasperse.
Akron’s three best players are its three linebackers. Justin March, C.J. Mizell and Jatavis Brown. Legg says Brown is a converted wide receiver and can fly around the field.
“That sucker was outside the left hash and the quarterback broke contain to the right and the next thing I know he’s lighting him up on the right sideline. He’s a heat-seeking missile,” praised Legg.
Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. tomorrow afternoon.