As he prepares to face the Mid-American Conference media in his fifth MAC Media Day on Thursday in Detroit, University of Akron football coach Terry Bowden is dealing with, at least in his mind, less uncertainty.
“I think our schedule is tougher. I think we’re going to be better,” he said. “Are we going to win more games or less games? That depends on how well we practice, how hard we prepare and whether we can avoid injuries.”
A combination of Zips vets and transfers account for that optimism.
On the transfer front, former Ohio State running back Warren Ball (5 feet, 10 inches, 230 pounds) has arrived to hopefully give the Zips’ running game — ranked No. 6 in the conference last season — a little jump start.
“We like our young backs, but we want that Conor Hundley type of physical back with football savvy and he’s got that,” Bowden said of Ball.
Bowden likes that Ball believes in himself. Bowden believes in him, too, a fact emphasized by Ball’s spot at the top of the preseason depth chart.
“If he does his part, that’s what we expect out of him,” Bowden said in an interview in his office earlier this week. “When you bring in a one-year guy like that, you don’t promise him a starting position, but if you’re going to be a soothsayer that’s probably how you should line it up.”
In Jelani Hamilton, a transfer from the University of Miami, UA hopes that his 6-5, 302-pound frame, can fill a void created by the departure of a couple of defensive linemen. Hamilton, a former four-star recruit, suffered through knee issues during his college career. Hamilton has received his degree, and with Mark Richt assuming the reins of the Hurricanes’ program, it was time for him to move on.
Add to the mix Bryce Jones, a former Cleveland Heights standout and transfer from Boston College, who will join the defensive backfield, and UA could plug some holes.
The most significant issue with which the Zips will have to contend, however, will be the offensive line. The Zips’ offensive line ranks 127th out of 128 teams in terms of game experience heading into the season. Three juniors, a freshman and a sophomore are currently scheduled to start, according to the depth chart. But Zips fans should not panic. Teams such as Oklahoma and Notre Dame are ranked near them on that list. Bowden would rather have three seniors and two juniors, but he surely isn’t panicking.
“I believe we’ll be a better offensive line than we were last year,” he said. “I know that we’re better athletically.”
For him, it’s a matter of whether the line can produce the chemistry of last year’s five seniors.
Given the players’ attitudes and work habits, Bowden said he expects to be in the hunt for a MAC championship this season.
The conference schedule certainly sets up in a way the Zips can build some momentum. They open it with Kent State, follow with Miami and Western Michigan at home, and take on Ball State and Buffalo. It’s the last several weeks that will prove to be the determining factor. The season ends with home games against Toledo and Bowling Green then a trip to Athens to take on Ohio.
Bowden said he can see a significant difference in the team from when he first took over to that victory in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl last December. They expect to win.
“We’re not going to be the doormat,” he said.
George M. Thomas can be reached at gmthomas@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Zips blog at www.ohio.com/zips. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GeorgeThomasABJ.