The University of Akron Athletics
Thursday, November 1
Akron, Ohio
7 PM
University of Akron
vs
Northern Illinois
Akron to Host Northern Illinois in WHITE OUT Game on Thursday Night
October 28 | 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:
Buy Tickets
Listen to Free Audio Stream (TuneIn.com)
Follow Free Live Statistics
With just five days between games, Akron continues play at InfoCision Stadium–Summa Field, hosting Northern Illinois in its White Out game on Thursday, Nov. 1, at 7 p.m. ET.
CBS Sports Network will televise the contest with Ben Holden (play-by-play) and Jay Feely (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 4-3 overall and 2-2 in MAC play after a 17-10 win over Central Michigan on Oct. 27. UA returns 58 letterwinners, including 15 starters, to its spread offense and 4-3 defense.
Senior RB Van Edwards, Jr. (Cape Coral, Fla.) is the Zips' top rusher, gaining 379 yards and three touchdown on 89 carries. Under center, sophomore QB Kato Nelson (Hollywood, Fla.) is 105-of-208 for 1,348 yards and nine touchdowns. Sophomore WR Andre Williams (Orlando, Fla.) is the top receiver with 411 yards and four touchdowns on 28 receptions. Defensively, junior LB John Lako (Monroe, Mich.) is the top Zip with 78 tackles, 5.0 TFL, three break-ups, and a fumble recovery.
In the NCAA statistics, Akron is ranked No. 2 in defensive touchdowns (4), No. 19 in red zone offense (0.917), and No. 37 in tackles for loss (6.9). Individually, junior CB Alvin Davis, Jr. (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) is No. 2 in interceptions per game (0.7) and No. 4 in total interceptions (4).
Junior LB John Lako is No. 8 in solo tackles (6.3) and No. 13 in total tackles (11.1). Senior PK Nick Gasser (Liberty Township, Ohio) is No. 17 in field goals (1.57).
The Huskies, under the guidance of sixth-year head coach Rod Carey stand 5-3 overall (and 4-0 in MAC play) after 7-6 victory at BYU on Oct. 27. Northern Illinois returns 54 letterwinners, including 17 starters, to its multiple offensive and 4-3 defensive schemes.
Redshirt sophomore TB Tre Harbison is NIU's top rusher with 496 yards and three touchdowns on 101 carries. Under center, redshirt sophomore QB Marcus Childers is 128-of-235 for 1,064 yards and eight touchdowns. Redshirt senior WR Jauan Wesley is the leading receiver with 389 yards and two touchdowns on 37 receptions. Defensively, redshirt junior LB Antonio Jones-Davis has 78 tackles, 9.0 TFL, five hurries, four sacks, two fumble recoveries and a break-up.
In the NCAA stats, NIU ranks No. 6 in sacks (3.38), No. 17 in turnover margin (0.75), No. 19 in rushing defense (112.4), No. 20 in tackles for loss (7.8). Individually, redshirt junior DE Sutton Smith is ranked No. 8 in forced fumbles (0.38) and NO. 13 in tackles for loss (16.). Redshirt junior LB Antonio Jones-Davis is No. 12 in fumbles recovered (2) and No. 20 in solo tackles (5.8)
AKRON-NORTHERN ILLINOIS CONNECTIONS
The Akron has two players from the state of Illinois on its roster– senior S Jamal Baggett [Oak Park, Ill. | Oak Park-River Forest HS] and redshirt senior QB Robbie Kelley [Springfield, Ill. | Rochester HS].
Northern Illinois has just one player from Ohio– redshirt senior K Andrew Gantz [Dayton, Ohio | Centreville, HS].
AKRON-NORTHERN ILLINOIS: THE SERIES
Thursday's game is the 15th meeting and first since 2013 between Akron and Northern Illinois in series history, which began in 1966. The Huskies lead the series, 9-5, between the cross-division rivals, including the last four outings.
In the teams' last meeting on Oct. 12, 2013, in DeKalb, Ill., Akron opened a 7-0 lead on its first possession, but No. 23 Northern Illinois responded with 17-straight points on its way to victory at Huskie Stadium.
Jawon Chisholm capped a nine-play, 71-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run to give Akron a 7-0 edge with 11:04 left in the first quarter. That was one of two TDs on the ground for the junior, who dove 1-yard into the endzone for his second score with 1:12 remaining in the opening period. Chisholm closed out the day with 70 yards rushing on 20 carries.
SERIES INFORMATION
Akron all-time vs. Northern Illinois: 5-9
Akron in games at Akron: 2-4
Akron in games at Northern Illinois: 2-5
Akron in games at a neutral site: 1-0
First meeting in series: 1966, at Huskie Stadium, L, 18-31
Last meeting in series: 2013, at Huskie Stadium, L, 20-27
LAST GAME
Akron football claimed its fourth win on the season with a 17-10 victory over Central Michigan on a soggy Saturday afternoon at InfoCision Stadium–Summa Field.
The Zips utilized 319 yards of total offense despite five turnovers to snap a six-game series win streak by the Chippewas.
Senior Van Edwards, Jr., led all rushers with a career-high 112 yards and a touchdown, eclipsing the 100-yard rushing mark for the third time in his career and first time this season. Sophomore QB Kato Nelson went 10-of-27 for 149 yards and a touchdown. Sophomore WR Andre Williams was the Zips' leading receiver with five catches for 50 yards.
Defensively, junior LB John Lako led all defenders with a career-high 23 tackles, two TFL, a fumble recovery, and a break-up.
POSTGAME NOTES
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-plus 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 (4) = 24 total] each year. The Zips became bowl eligible twice in three seasons, a program first. They claimed the 2017 MAC East title and four consecutive Wagon Wheel trophies.
UP NEXT
Akron travels to Eastern Michigan on Nov. 10 for a Noon game on ESPN3. The Zips close out their home slate with Bowling Green on Saturday, Nov. 17 at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN3. The Senior Class will be honored in a pregame ceremony.
Akron Game Notes in PDF Format
Bowden's Weekly Press Conference Video
MAC Weekly Media Teleconference Audio
MAC Weekly Release
Gameday Coverage:
Buy Tickets
Listen to Free Audio Stream (TuneIn.com)
Follow Free Live Statistics
NORTHERN ILLINOIS (5-3, 4-0 MAC) at AKRON (4-3, 2-2 MAC)
WHITE OUT
Thursday, Nov. 1
InfoCision Stadium–Summa Field [30,000] | Akron, OH
7 PM ET | CBS Sports Network
With just five days between games, Akron continues play at InfoCision Stadium–Summa Field, hosting Northern Illinois in its White Out game on Thursday, Nov. 1, at 7 p.m. ET.
CBS Sports Network will televise the contest with Ben Holden (play-by-play) and Jay Feely (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 4-3 overall and 2-2 in MAC play after a 17-10 win over Central Michigan on Oct. 27. UA returns 58 letterwinners, including 15 starters, to its spread offense and 4-3 defense.
Senior RB Van Edwards, Jr. (Cape Coral, Fla.) is the Zips' top rusher, gaining 379 yards and three touchdown on 89 carries. Under center, sophomore QB Kato Nelson (Hollywood, Fla.) is 105-of-208 for 1,348 yards and nine touchdowns. Sophomore WR Andre Williams (Orlando, Fla.) is the top receiver with 411 yards and four touchdowns on 28 receptions. Defensively, junior LB John Lako (Monroe, Mich.) is the top Zip with 78 tackles, 5.0 TFL, three break-ups, and a fumble recovery.
In the NCAA statistics, Akron is ranked No. 2 in defensive touchdowns (4), No. 19 in red zone offense (0.917), and No. 37 in tackles for loss (6.9). Individually, junior CB Alvin Davis, Jr. (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) is No. 2 in interceptions per game (0.7) and No. 4 in total interceptions (4).
Junior LB John Lako is No. 8 in solo tackles (6.3) and No. 13 in total tackles (11.1). Senior PK Nick Gasser (Liberty Township, Ohio) is No. 17 in field goals (1.57).
The Huskies, under the guidance of sixth-year head coach Rod Carey stand 5-3 overall (and 4-0 in MAC play) after 7-6 victory at BYU on Oct. 27. Northern Illinois returns 54 letterwinners, including 17 starters, to its multiple offensive and 4-3 defensive schemes.
Redshirt sophomore TB Tre Harbison is NIU's top rusher with 496 yards and three touchdowns on 101 carries. Under center, redshirt sophomore QB Marcus Childers is 128-of-235 for 1,064 yards and eight touchdowns. Redshirt senior WR Jauan Wesley is the leading receiver with 389 yards and two touchdowns on 37 receptions. Defensively, redshirt junior LB Antonio Jones-Davis has 78 tackles, 9.0 TFL, five hurries, four sacks, two fumble recoveries and a break-up.
In the NCAA stats, NIU ranks No. 6 in sacks (3.38), No. 17 in turnover margin (0.75), No. 19 in rushing defense (112.4), No. 20 in tackles for loss (7.8). Individually, redshirt junior DE Sutton Smith is ranked No. 8 in forced fumbles (0.38) and NO. 13 in tackles for loss (16.). Redshirt junior LB Antonio Jones-Davis is No. 12 in fumbles recovered (2) and No. 20 in solo tackles (5.8)
AKRON-NORTHERN ILLINOIS CONNECTIONS
The Akron has two players from the state of Illinois on its roster– senior S Jamal Baggett [Oak Park, Ill. | Oak Park-River Forest HS] and redshirt senior QB Robbie Kelley [Springfield, Ill. | Rochester HS].
Northern Illinois has just one player from Ohio– redshirt senior K Andrew Gantz [Dayton, Ohio | Centreville, HS].
AKRON-NORTHERN ILLINOIS: THE SERIES
Thursday's game is the 15th meeting and first since 2013 between Akron and Northern Illinois in series history, which began in 1966. The Huskies lead the series, 9-5, between the cross-division rivals, including the last four outings.
In the teams' last meeting on Oct. 12, 2013, in DeKalb, Ill., Akron opened a 7-0 lead on its first possession, but No. 23 Northern Illinois responded with 17-straight points on its way to victory at Huskie Stadium.
Jawon Chisholm capped a nine-play, 71-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run to give Akron a 7-0 edge with 11:04 left in the first quarter. That was one of two TDs on the ground for the junior, who dove 1-yard into the endzone for his second score with 1:12 remaining in the opening period. Chisholm closed out the day with 70 yards rushing on 20 carries.
SERIES INFORMATION
Akron all-time vs. Northern Illinois: 5-9
Akron in games at Akron: 2-4
Akron in games at Northern Illinois: 2-5
Akron in games at a neutral site: 1-0
First meeting in series: 1966, at Huskie Stadium, L, 18-31
Last meeting in series: 2013, at Huskie Stadium, L, 20-27
LAST GAME
Akron football claimed its fourth win on the season with a 17-10 victory over Central Michigan on a soggy Saturday afternoon at InfoCision Stadium–Summa Field.
The Zips utilized 319 yards of total offense despite five turnovers to snap a six-game series win streak by the Chippewas.
Senior Van Edwards, Jr., led all rushers with a career-high 112 yards and a touchdown, eclipsing the 100-yard rushing mark for the third time in his career and first time this season. Sophomore QB Kato Nelson went 10-of-27 for 149 yards and a touchdown. Sophomore WR Andre Williams was the Zips' leading receiver with five catches for 50 yards.
Defensively, junior LB John Lako led all defenders with a career-high 23 tackles, two TFL, a fumble recovery, and a break-up.
POSTGAME NOTES
- The Zips snapped Central Michigan's six-game series win streak.
- Redshirt freshman LB Bubba Arslanian (Aurora, Ohio) made his first collegiate start.
- Senior TE Newman Williams (Akron, Ohio) put UA on the scoreboard in the first quarter with a four-yard TD reception. It was the second TD reception of his career and his first this season.
- In the second quarter, junior DL Davon'te Jest (Ocala, Fla.) and senior DE Walter Brady (Florence, Ala.) each recorded their first sack as a Zip. Jest's was for a loss of nine yards, while Brady's was for a loss of 11 yards.
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-plus 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 (4) = 24 total] each year. The Zips became bowl eligible twice in three seasons, a program first. They claimed the 2017 MAC East title and four consecutive Wagon Wheel trophies.
UP NEXT
Akron travels to Eastern Michigan on Nov. 10 for a Noon game on ESPN3. The Zips close out their home slate with Bowling Green on Saturday, Nov. 17 at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN3. The Senior Class will be honored in a pregame ceremony.
Players Mentioned
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