The Akron Zips ended a five-game losing streak dating back to last season as they had a dominating performance, on both sides of the ball, routing the Golden Lions of Arkansas-Pine Bluff 52-3 last Saturday in the home opener at InfoCision Stadium.
This Saturday, the Cyclones of Iowa State from the Big 12 will be the opposition for the Akron Blue and Gold. ISU comes into the contest at 1-1 losing at home to in-state, arch rival, Iowa 44-41 in overtime squandering a seven-point in the fourth quarter.
Here are my preview points for the first ever meeting between the two schools
ZIPS – CYCLONES PREVIEW POINTS
IOWA STATE CYCLONES (1-1)
The Cyclones from the Big 12 Conference opened the season with two home games at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames. Defeating Northern Iowa 42-24 then losing to arch-rival Iowa 44-41 in overtime losing the lead late in regulation.
ISU is averaging 41.5 points and 436 yards per game offensively while defensively they have allowed 34 points and 437.5 yards a game.
They are coached by Matt Campbell who is in his second season after spending five seasons at Toledo
Redshirt QB Jacob Park leads the offense completing 64.2 percent of his passes (52-of-81) for 618 yards with six touchdowns and two interceptions.
Sophomore David Montgomery leads the running game with 34 carries for 194 yards and three touchdowns…Senior WR Allen Lazard is one of the bst receivers in the Football Bowl Subdivision with 14 receptions for 131 yards and two scores. The offensive line has allowed just one sack
The defense is led by sophomore LB Marcus Spears with 23 total tackles ( 10 solo) 2 ½ tackles for losses. The defense has three sacks and three interceptions through the first two games
ISU is 24-5 lifetime against the MAC their last game in 2015 to Toledo (and Matt Campbell) at the Glass Bowl 30-23 in double overtime
AKRON ZIPS (1-1)
The Zips rebounded from their 52-0 loss in their season opener at Penn State with a 52-3 rout of Arkansas-Pine Bluff last Saturday in the home opener at InfoCision Stadium
UA scored on their first five offensive possessions (four touchdowns & field goal). Graduate RB Warren Ball carried the ball 20 times for 146 yards and three touchdowns. Senior QB Thomas Woodson went 15-of-21 through the air for 166 yards and a touchdown. Part of an evening the offense amassed 464 yards.
Senior LB Ulysses Gilbert led the defense with 10 total tackles (six solo) as well as a 30-yard interception for a touchdown early in the second quarter. He was named MAC East Defensive Player of the Week.
UA defense allowed the Golden Lions just three points and 168 yards in total offense as Zips ended a five-game losing streak dating back to last season
Zips are 0-2 lifetime against the Big 12 Conference the last game was the 2015 season opener at Oklahoma losing to the Sooners 41-3