Akron to Host Miami in Homecoming Game on Oct. 6

Saturday, October 6

Akron, Ohio

3:30 PM

University of Akron

Miami

Akron to Host Miami in Homecoming Game on Oct. 6

October 01 | Football

Pregame Coverage:
Akron Game Notes in PDF Format
Bowden's Weekly Press Conference Video
MAC Weekly Media Teleconference Audio
MAC Weekly Release

Gameday Coverage:
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Listen to Free Audio Stream (TuneIn.com)
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MIAMI (1-4, 1-1 MAC) at AKRON (2-1, 0-0 MAC)

HOMECOMING | MAC OPENER

Saturday, Oct. 6

InfoCision Stadium–Summa Field [30,000] | Akron, OH

3:30 PM ET | ESPN+

THIS WEEK
Akron returns home for its annual Homecoming game, hosting Miami (Ohio) in its Mid-American Conference opener on Saturday, Oct. 6, at 3:30 p.m. at InfoCision Stadium–Summa Field. The 2018 Sports Hall of Fame Class, including the Team of Distinction– the 1971-72 Men's Basketball Team, will be inducted prior to the game and introduced during the first half. Former head coach Jim Dennison (1973-85) and several players from his tenure will also be in attendance.

ESPN+ will televise the contest with Robert Lee (play-by-play) and John Gregory (analyst) calling the game.

The Zips' radio broadcast will air on the Akron-IMG Sports Network [SportsRadio 1350 AM (WARF) in Akron (flagship), 1420 WHK in Cleveland, 1440 WHKZ in Warren/Youngstown] with Steve French calling the action, Brad Detwiler providing analysis, and Joe Dunn with sideline report. The pregame show starts one hour prior to kickoff. A free audio stream is available at SportsRadio1350.com, iHeart Radio, and TuneIn.com/Akron Zips.

Under the guidance of seventh-year head coach Terry Bowden, Akron stands 2-1 after a 26-13 loss at Iowa State on Sept. 22. UA returns 58 letterwinners, including 15 starters, to its spread offense and 4-3 defense.

Senior RB Van Edwards (Cape Coral, Fla.) is the Zips' top rusher, gaining 185 yards and two touchdowns on 43 carries. Under center, sophomore Kato Nelson (Hollywood, Fla.) is 45-of-82 for 662 yards and six touchdowns. Redshirt sophomore WR Jonah Morris (Akron, Ohio) is the top receiver with 182 yards and a touchdown on 10 receptions. Defensively, junior LB John Lako (Monroe, Mich.) is the top Zip with 28 tackles, 1.5 TFL, and a break-up.

In the NCAA statistics, Akron is the national leader in red zone offense (1.000). The Zips also rank No. 11 in rushing defense (98.0), No. 15 in turnover margin (1.00), and No. 33 in total defense (336.7).

Individually, junior CB Alvin Davis, Jr. (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) is No. 1 in interceptions per game (1.0) and No. 2 in total interceptions (3). Senior PK Nick Gasser (Liberty Township, Ohio) is No. 3 in field goals (2.0). Senior LB Brian Bell (Valdosta, Ga.) is No. 14 in passes defended (1.7). Sophomore QB Kato Nelson is No. 16 in passing yards per completion (14.71).

The RedHawks, under the guidance of fifth-year head coach Chuck Martin, stand 1-4 overall and 1-1 in MAC play after a 40-39 loss against Western Michigan. Miami returns 47 letterwinners, including 19 starters, to its multiple offensive and base 4-3 defensive schemes.

Redshirt senior RB Alonzo Smith is Miami's top rusher with 240 yards and a touchdown on 52 carries. Redshirt senior QB Gus Ragland is 90-of-154 for 1,017 yards and eight touchdowns. Redshirt sophomore WR Jack Sorenson is the leading receiver with 360 yards and two touchdowns on 22 receptions. Defensively,senior DB De'Andre Montgomery has 44 tackles, 1.5 TFL, and a sack.

In the NCAA stats, Miami ranks No. 15 in kickoff returns (27.47) and No. 23 in redzone offense (0.938). Individually, sophomore DB Maurice Thomas is No. 2 in kickoff return touchdowns (1), No. 6 in combined kick returns (371), and No. 12 in kickoff returns (28.5). Senior LB Junior McMullen is No. 3 in fumbles recovered (2).

HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS
The 44th Annual Varsity "A" Sports Hall of Fame Class will be honored during Homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 6. The Class of 2018 features: Jabari Arthur '07 (Football), Kurt Davidson '08 (Baseball), Caleb Porter (Soccer), Natalie Sako Switalski '07 (Track & Field), Sinisa Ubiparipovic '10 (Soccer), Bill Williamson '99 (Golf), Krystin Wilson Ross '08 (Soccer). The Team of Distinction— the 1971-71 men's basketball team, the Kenneth "Red" Cochrane Meritorious Service Awardee, Mark T. '78 and Cathy Clark, and the Mike Krino Varsity "A" Achievement Awardee, Greta Johnson '99, '01, '04 (Volleyball), will also be honored. The banquet festivities, which are SOLD OUT, will begin at 10:30 a.m., with a brunch buffet followed by the induction program at 11:15 a.m.

WR Jabari Arthur (2003-07): First name is pronounced Ja-BARRY ... An Honorable Mention All-American and first-team All-MAC selection, Arthur holds school records for receptions in a game (15), season (86), and career (184); and receiving yards in a game (223) and career (2,653). In 2005, Arthur was a member of the Zips squad that qualified for the first Division I bowl game in school history. In the Motor City Bowl, Arthur set the record for most receiving yards with a 181-yard performance. As a senior in 2007, Arthur set the Zips record for catches in a season with 86.

Following graduation, Arthur signed a free agent contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. After one year with the Chiefs, he found a home with the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League. Arthur spent eight seasons (2008-15) with the Stampeders and short stint with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. During his time in Calgary, he appeared in three Grey Cups and was a champion twice.

In 2017, Arthur moved into the coaching realm. He is in his second season as the receivers coach and offensive assistant with the University of Calgary Dinos football team.

HOMECOMING
Under head coach Terry Bowden, the Zips stand 3-3 in Homecoming games. Last fall, Akron claimed a 31-3 win over Ball State in its MAC home opener on Oct. 7. In 2016, the Zips claimed a 35-13 win over Miami (Ohio). In 2015, Akron dropped a 14-12 decision to Ohio on Oct. 3. In 2014, the Zips claimed a 31-6 win over Eastern Michigan on Oct. 4. In 2013, UA fell to Ohio, 43-3, on Oct. 5. In 2012, Akron fell to Bowling Green, 24-10, on Oct. 6.

AKRON-MIAMI CONNECTIONS
Miami has four players from the Akron area on its roster– freshman Brody Carper [Mogadore, Ohio | Springfield HS], redshirt freshman TE Adam Mehelic [Hudson, Ohio | Hudson HS], sophomore WR Dominique Robinson [Canton, Ohio | Canton McKinley HS], and sophomore DB Donte Taylor, Jr. [Akron, Ohio | St. Vincent-St. Mary HS].

AKRON-MIAMI: THE SERIES
Saturday's game is the 28th meeting between Akron and Miami in series history, which began in 1916. The RedHawks lead, 17-9-1.

Last fall in their final road game of the regular season, the Akron Zips dropped a 24-14 decision at Miami (Ohio) in Mid-American Conference action on a Tuesday night at Yager Stadium.

Making his first start at quarterback, redshirt freshman Kato Nelson went 19-of-38 for 218 yards and a touchdown.

Junior WR Kwadarrius Smith led the receivers with a career-high six receptions for 69 yards. Senior RB Manny Morgan was the top rusher with 41 yards on 10 carries. Defensively, sophomore CB Alvin Davis led Akron with nine tackles.

In 2016 at InfoCision Stadium on Homecoming weekend, the Akron alumni witnessed the Zips' dominating performance against Miami for a 35-13 win to remain undefeated in Mid-American Conference play. It was the Zips' sixth consecutive conference win, and Akron's longest league winning streak since joining the MAC in 1992.

Akron's starting QB junior Tra'Von Chapman had a career day in passing completions (15), attempts (29), and touchdowns (3) while passing for 174 yards. He also found the endzone on a 70-yard run for the Zips' first touchdown. He led the team with a career-high 80 yards on the ground on 10 carries.

Senior WR JoJo Natson led the Zips in receiving, scoring two touchdowns on seven catches for 81 yards, while junior WR Austin Wolf followed with one reception for 24 yards and a touchdown.

The Zips' defense managed two sacks, five tackles for loss, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery. Sophomore LB Ulysees Gilbert led the squad with nine take downs and one for loss. Senior DE Daumantas Venckus and sophomore DL Brock Boxen recorded sacks for nine and seven yards for loss, respectively.

In 2015 at Yager Stadium, PK Robert Stein nailed a 50-yard field goal with less than three minutes to play to seal the Zips' 37-28 Mid-American Conference victory.

Despite a 27-7 halftime lead, the Zips allowed 21 MU second-half points, including two touchdowns less than a minute apart in the fourth quarter.

Akron racked up 432 yards of total offense, including 211 yards on the ground. Senior RB Conor Hundley, playing before a huge hometown crowd, rushed for 110 yards and a career-high three touchdowns.

QB Thomas Woodson went 13-of-28 for 221 yards. WR Imani Davis led the receiving corps with seven catches for 64 yards, while WR Jerome Lane had four receptions for 83 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, LB Jatavis Brown had a game-high 11 tackles, including seven solo stops, 4.5 TFL for a loss of 25 yards, two sacks, an interceptions, and a forced fumble.

In the teams' last meeting at InfoCision Stadium on Oct. 11, 2014, the Zips found the end zone twice in the second half while posting nine sacks on defense to down the Miami RedHawks, 29-19. The win was the third-straight-overall for Akron and the fifth-straight win in league play dating back to the 2013 season. The victory also marked No. 150 in head coach Terry Bowden's career.

In 2013, Jawon Chisholm rushed for three touchdowns to lead the Akron to a 24-17 victory at Yager Stadium. Chisholm closed out the day with 86 yards rushing on 16 carries and also had one catch for 18 yards. His first score came with 12:09 to go in the opening quarter.

SERIES INFORMATION
Akron all-time vs. Miami: 9-17-1
Akron in games at Akron: 6-6
Akron in games at Miami: 3-11-1
Akron in games at a neutral site: 0-0
First meeting in series: 1916, at UA, L, 23-6
Last meeting in series: 2017, at Yager Stadium, L, 14-24

LAST GAME
Akron fell 26-13 on the road to Big 12 opponent Iowa State on Sept. 22 at Mid-American Energy Field at Jack Trice Stadium.

It was a closely fought battle throughout as the Akron (2-1) defense gave the Iowa State (1-2) offense trouble all game. Iowa State led by a touchdown at the break (17-10), and added three second-half field goals for their first win of the season. Iowa State outscored Akron 9-3 in the final 30 minutes of play.

Akron saw two players reach career milestones as senior P Nick Gasser booted a 49-yard field goal for the longest of his career, and senior WR Kwadarrius Smith surpassed the 1,000-yard career receiving mark on a 13-yard reception. Both plays occurred in the second half.

Sophomore QB Kato Nelson led the Akron offense with 153 yards passing and 56 yards on the ground. He completed 12-of-28 passes for one touchdown and a long of 29 yards. His longest rushing effort went for 22 yards.

Senior RB Van Edwards, Jr., carried the ball 12 times for the Zips, gaining 23 yards, while sophomore WR Nate Stewart (Bethlehem, Pa.) led the receiving corps with four receptions for 52 yards. Sophomores WR Andre Williams and WR Jonah Morris followed in receiving with 45 and 37 yards, respectively.

Defensively, senior LB Ulysees Gilbert III led the squad with 12 tackles, while teammate Jamal Davis II corralled the team's lone sack for a five-yard loss. He finished with eight tackles, while senior LB Brian Bell and junior LB John Lako brought down 10 players apiece. Bell and Davis, both, forced fumbles as junior CB Alvin Davis, Jr. and junior DL Devon'te Jest picked the loose balls off the turf. In addition, Bell and senior DL Brock Boxen recorded pass break-ups.

POSTGAME NOTES

With his only reception on the day (at 9:30 in the fourth quarter), redshirt senior Kwadarrius Smith hit the 1,000-yard receiving milestone of his career. He now has 1,011 career yards.
In the first quarter, senior LB Brian Bell forced a fumble, the first of his career. It was recovered by junior CB Alvin Davis, Jr., the third of his career and first this season. The turnover set up Akron's first touchdown three plays later.
Senior PK/P Nick Gasser nailed a 45-yard field goal in the second quarter to tie the game at 10-10. The 45-yarder tied his career long. In the third quarter, Gasser re-set his career high with a 49-yard field goal to pull UA within four, 17-13.
Sophomore WR Nate Stewart led the receivers with a career-high four receptions for a career-high 52 yards.

WEEKLY HONORS
Senior P/PK Nick Gasser earned Mid-American Conference Special Teams Player of the Week honors for the East Division on Sept. 24

At Iowa State, Gasser nailed a 45-yard field goal in the second quarter to tie the game at 10-10. The 45-yarder tied his career long.

In the third quarter, Gasser re-set his career high with a 49-yard field goal to pull UA within four, 17-13.

Gasser punted six times for 226 yards (37.7 average). He also connected on the PAT after UA's touchdown, finishing with seven points on the day.

Gasser, who has now earned MAC honors for the sixth time in his collegiate career, is the third Zip to earn MAC honors this fall. He was also named the Special Teams Player of the Week on Sept. 10. Junior CB Alvin Davis earned Defensive Player of the Week accolades on Sept. 17.

MAC PREDICTIONS
For the second consecutive year, Akron was selected to finish fourth in the Mid-American Conference East Division this fall by both the media and the 12 head coaches. Defending East champion Akron earned 74 points. Ohio was picked first, followed by Buffalo, Miami, and Akron. Bowling Green and Kent State rounded out the picks. In the West Division, Northern Illinois was selected first, followed by Toledo, Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan. Central Michigan and Ball State rounded out the predictions.

The Ohio Bobcats were also predicted to win the 2018 MAC Championship Game which will be held on Friday, Nov. 30, at 7 p.m. at Ford Field in Detroit.

MAC EAST PRESEASON         MAC WEST PRESEASON
1. Ohio (21)                                 1. Northern Illinois (15)
2. Buffalo (1)                               2. Toledo (7)
3. Miami (2)                                 3. Western Michigan (1)
4. AKRON                                   4. Eastern Michigan
5. Bowling Green                         5. Central Michigan (1)
6. Kent State                                6. Ball State

SENIOR STATUS
Akron's 31 members of the 2018 Senior Class may leave campus as the all-time most productive class in program history. In the past three seasons, they were a part of the re-building process, helping the Zips to at least five wins [2015 (8), 2016 (5), 2017 (7), 2018 (2) = 22 total] each year. The Zips became bowl eligible twice in three seasons, a program first. They claimed the 2017 MAC East title and three consecutive Wagon Wheel trophies.

UP NEXT
Akron travels to undefeated Buffalo on Saturday, Oct. 13, for its first MAC road game. Kickoff at UB Stadium is set for Noon on the CBS Sports Network.