Akron Set to Open 2021 Campaign at Auburn

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GAME NO. 1 - AKRON AT AUBURN GAME NOTES (9/4)

Akron (0-0) at Auburn (0-0)
Saturday, Sept. 4
Jordan-Hare Stadium
Auburn, Ala. • 7 p.m. ET

Series History: Auburn leads 1-0
Live Stats: www.GoZips.com
Live Stream: www.GoZips.com (subscription may be required) and ESPN App
Television: www.GoZips.com (subscription may be required) and ESPN App
Radio: 640 WHLO AM (Dave Skoczen - pxp and Joe Dunn - color)

WHAT'S AHEAD
The University of Akron football team opens its 121st season with a showdown with Southeastern Conference power Auburn on Saturday, Sept. 4. The 7 p.m. ET tilt will be broadcast on ESPN+ and the SEC Network+ with Mike Corey and Ben Hartsock calling the action with a link on GoZips.com.

HEAD COACHES
Auburn: Brian Harsin (Boise State, 2000), overall record: 76-24 (Ninth Season)/record at Auburn: 0-0 (First Season)
Akron: Tom Arth (John Carroll, 2003), overall record - 50-38 (Ninth Season)/record at Akron - 1-17 (Third Season)

SERIES HISTORY
Auburn leads, 1-0
Arth vs. Auburn: First Meeting
Last Meeting: Auburn def. Akron, 42-0 (Auburn, Ala. - Oct. 15, 1988)
Last Meeting in Auburn: Auburn def. Akron, 42-0 (Auburn, Ala. - Oct. 15, 1988)

The game between the Zips and Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium will mark the second-ever encounter between the two schools. In the only other meeting between the two programs, then 12th-rated Auburn bested Akron, 42-0, on Oct. 15, 1988.

SCOUTING AUBURN
Auburn enters the 2021 campaign on the heels of a 6-5 record, including a 6-4 mark in the Southeastern Conference as season ago en route to a berth in the VRBO Citrus Bowl, where the Tigers were edged by Northwestern, 35-19. Auburn is receiving votes in both the Associated Press and USA TODAY Sports AFCA football coaches polls.

Junior QB Bo Nix paced the Auburn attack in 2020 passing for 2,415 yards, including throwing 12 touchdowns and rushing for 388 more and scoring seven touchdowns on the ground. Sophomore RB Tank Bigsby rushed for 834 yards and five touchdowns, while junior WR's Seth Williams and Anthony Schwartz combined to haul in 101 passes for 1,396 yards and seven touchdowns.

Defensively, the quartet of senior LB Zakoby McClain, junior LB Owen Pappoe, junior DB Jamien Sherwood and senior S Smoke Monday combined to record 354 tackles, including posting 57, 56, 44 and 41 solo stops, respectively. Pappoe and sophomore DE Colby Wooden led the Tigers with 4.0 defensive sacks apiece.

As a team, Auburn averaged more than 25 (25.09) points per game, while holding their opponents to under 25 points (24.73) per outing. The Tigers threw for 220 yards and rushed for 163 yards per tilt.

As a team, Auburn ranked 13th in the NCAA in blocked punts (1), 17th in punt return defense (2.75), 21st in defensive touchdowns (2), 27th in red-zone defense (.763), 32nd in third-down conversions (.449), 34th in first-down offense (227), blocked kicks (1) and fourth down conversion defense (.467), 35th in interceptions (9), 38th in scoring defense (24.7) and turnover margin (0.36), 43rd in kickoff returns (21.96) and 44th in punt returns (9.11)

Individually, Bigsby rated 26th in rush yards per carry (6.04) and rushing yards (834), 32nd in kickoff returns (23.5), 40th in all-purpose yards (122.40) and 45th in rushing yards per contest (83.4). Nix ranked 20th in passing yards (2,415), 36th in completions per outing (19.45), 40th in total offense (254.8), 42nd in points responsible for (10.7) and 49th in passing yards per game (219.5). Senior K Anders Carlson was fifth in field goals per tilt (1.82), ninth in field goal percentage (.909) and 29th in total points scored (84).

ARSLANIAN LEADS THE DEFENSE
LB Bubba Arslanian turned in a dominant season as one of the premier linebackers in both the Mid-American Conference as well as the NCAA in 2020, leading the defensive efforts for the Zips. He led the NCAA in solo tackles (7.8) and in total tackles (12.3), while ranking 20th among active career leaders in the NCAA in total tackles per contest (7.07), 49th in solo tackles per game (3.60), 54th in assisted tackles (104) and 73rd in total tackles (212).

In MAC play, Arslanian headlined the league in total tackles (74), solo tackles (47) and tackles per game (12.3), while ranking sixth in assisted tackles (27) and eighth in sacks (0.50).

Arslanian turned in a dominant performance to help lift the Zips to a 31-3 victory over Bowling Green on Dec. 5, 2020 with a 16-tackle effort. His 16 total tackles represented a season-high mark, while equaling a career-high total with 11 solo stops, to go along with five assists. His performance was recognized by @PFF_College, who rated Arslanian as grading out as the fourth-best linebacker in college football in Week 14

Arslanian had 10 or more total tackles in 14 of the last 18 games overall. He led the Zips in tackles all six games, seven straight overall and in nine of Akron's last 11 contests dating back to the 2019 campaign.

Arslanian surpassed the 200-tackle plateau for his career against Buffalo on Dec. 12, 2020. He has recorded 108 solo tackles, including 47 this past season, and 104 career assisted tackles. He is ranked 74th among active career leaders across all divisions in total tackles per game (7.07), 100th in assisted tackles (104) and 123rd in total tackles (212).

AKRON SET TO WELCOME BACK FANS AT 100 PERCENT CAPACITY
The University of Akron today announced that its athletic venues will return to full 100 percent capacity when fall 2021 campaigns get underway for the Zips in August per the latest COVID-19 guidance from the University, Summit County and the State of Ohio.

This will include InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field (football), FirstEnergy Stadium (men's and women's soccer) and James A. Rhodes Arena (volleyball and men's and women's basketball).

PRESEASON HONORS
A trio of University of Akron football players were named to Phil Steele's 2021 preseason All-Mid-American Conference teams. Earning preseason first-team All-MAC was redshirt junior LB Bubba Arslanian (Aurora, Ohio). Named to the preseason second-team All-MAC was sophomore CB A.J. Watts (Columbus, Ga.). Redshirt freshman OL Xavior Gray (Massillon, Ohio) was a preseason fourth-team All-MAC honoree.

A pair of Zips were named to Athlon Sports' 2021 preseason All-MAC teams. Earning preseason second-team All-MAC was Arslanian, while Watts was named to the third-team.

ARSLANIAN NAMED TO REESE'S SENIOR BOWL WATCHLIST
University of Akron redshirt junior LB Bubba Arslanian was among a decorated group of players named to the 2022 Reese's Senior Bowl Watchlist for the 2022 Reese's Senior Bowl to be played on Feb. 5, 2022 in Mobile, Ala.

The Reese's Senior Bowl is the nation's most prestigious college all-star game, as it annually serves as the first step of the NFL Draft process, which explains their hashtag, #TheDraftStartsInMOBILE. The Reese's Senior Bowl had 106 total players drafted and 36 selected in the first three rounds this year's NFL Draft. The 106 figure represents 41 percent of the NFL Draft. This year's game will be held February 5, 2022 and broadcast on the NFL Network. Practices will be live on ESPN and NFL Network hosts a daily recap show each evening in primetime.

ARSLANIAN PULLS IN THE PRESEASON ACCOLADES
Bubba Arslanian was among the nominees for the Wuerffel Trophy, College Football's Premier Award for Community Service, when the award announced its watch list of 93 players from college football's Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).

Named after 1996 Heisman Trophy winning quarterback from the University of Florida, Danny Wuerffel, the Wuerffel Trophy is presented in February annually in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. The trophy exists to honor college football players who serve others, celebrate their positive impact on society, and inspire greater service in the world.

Additionally, Arslanian was among the nominees Allstate and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) announced for the 2021 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®, the 30th year of this storied recognition. Student-athletes were nominated with stories of exemplary community service, alongside their academic dedication and impact on and off the field.

This year's candidates include student-athletes who are scholars, leaders and community champions. These nominees have volunteered to build homes, mentor underprivileged kids, aid in COVID-19 relief efforts, as well as advocate against domestic violence and racial injustice.

2020 SEASON SUMMARY
Under the guidance of third-year head coach Tom Arth, Akron finished 1-5 overall (1-5 in MAC play). The Zips posted the first win in the Arth Era on Dec. 5 with a 31-3 victory over Bowling Green.

A trio of Akron student-athletes garnered All-MAC accolades and Phil Steele All-MAC awards as RB Teon Dollard, LB Bubba Arslanian and CB A.J. Watts were honored.

Dollard was named first-team All-MAC and became the first Zip to garner first-team honors at running back, while representing the fourth offensive player to earn first-team league accolades. He rushed for 666 yards on 112 carries en route to scoring a team-high six touchdowns.

A team captain, Arslanian earned second-team All-MAC and first-team Phil Steele All-MAC accolades leading the defensive efforts for the Zips.

Becoming the sixth Akron linebacker to earn second-team league recognition, he led the NCAA in solo tackles (7.8) and in total tackles (12.3), while ranking 20th among active career leaders in the NCAA in total tackles per contest (7.07), 49th in solo tackles per game (3.60), 54th in assisted tackles (104) and 73rd in total tackles (212).

In MAC play, Arslanian headlined the league in total tackles (74), solo tackles (47) and tackles per game (12.3), while ranking sixth in assisted tackles (27) and eighth in sacks (0.50).

Arslanian had 10 or more total tackles in 14 of the last 18 games overall. He led the Zips in tackles all six games in 2020 and seven straight overall and in nine of Akron's last 11 contests.

Earning Third-Team on both the All-MAC and Phil Steele All-MAC teams at defensive back as Watts, who led the Zips in interceptions (2), pass break-ups (2) and forced fumbles (1), while ranking second in tackles (29) and solo tackles (22) and fourth in assisted tackles (7).

In MAC play, Watts was second in the league in interceptions (2), third in interceptions per game (0.33) and 19th in solo tackles (22). He capped his campaign with interceptions in back-to-back games against Bowling Green (Dec. 5) and Buffalo (Dec. 12).

ZIP TIDBITS
• QB Kato Nelson is Akron's active career leader in rushing attempts (335), pass attempts (762), pass completions (399), passing yards (5,138) and passing TD's (34) and is responsible for 36 career offensive TD's.
• Thirteen different Zips have pulled in a reception for Akron last season led by 17, 12, 12 and 11 catches, respectively, from Nate Stewart, George Qualls, Jr. (Caruthersville, Mo.), freshman WR Tony Grimes, Jr. (Pittsburgh, Pa.) and sophomore WR Michael Mathison (Covington, Ga.).
• Seven different Akron players recorded a rush for the Zips in 2020. Freshman RB Jonzel Norrils (Toledo, Ohio) and Xavior Gray added one touchdown apiece for Akron on the ground.
• DB A.J. Watts established career-high marks for tackles (12) and solo stops (9) against Kent State (Nov. 17).
• The Zips rated second in the NCAA in fewest penalties per game (31.67), fourth in fewest penalties per game (4.00), seventh in fewest penalty yards (190), eighth in fewest penalties (24), 13th in blocked punts (1), 22nd in first-down defense (124), 33rd in red-zone defense (.778), 34th in blocked kicks (1), 43rd in red-zone offense (.857) and 51st in time of possession (30.35).
• Akron was 12-for-14 in the red zone last season, including nine touchdowns.
• Four of Akron's 2021 opponents played in bowl a year ago: Auburn, Ball State, Buffalo and Ohio State.
• Freshman TE Tristian Brank (Asheville, N.C.) equaled a career-high two catches for a career-best 32 yards against Bowling Green on Dec. 5, including a 29-yard reception.
• WR George Qualls, Jr. and WR Tony Grimes, Jr. recorded career-high marks in receiving at Ohio (Nov. 10) with 64 (3 catches) and 60 (5 catches) yards.

ZIPS IN THE COMMUNITY
Winner of the 2020 Zippy Cup for the most community service hours of any Akron team, the Zips' football team completed 554 community service hours prior to quarantine and were on track to fulfill 1,100 hours for the spring 2020 semester. While participation included 100 percent of the team members, the Zips completed a total of 1,300 community service hours for the academic year. This past year, the team volunteered at the Akron Canton Regional Foodbank, Open M Community Center, Second and Seven Reading Program, Mason Park Community Center athletic programs, Haven of Rest and FCA All-Abilities Camp and is scheduled to volunteer at the International Soap Box Derby and HALO Foundation Gala Fundraiser.

ZIPS IN THE CLASSROOM
Akron under head football coach Tom Arth continued to excel in the classroom over the 2020-21 academic year as the Zips registered 3.148 GPA, including a program-record 3.212 GPA during the spring 2021 semester.

Following a volatile 2020 spring semester due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Zips overcame obstacles as the squad combined for a 3.091 grade-point average (GPA), the then highest-team semester GPA in program history.

UP NEXT
The University of Akron football team will open its 2021 home campaign welcoming Temple for InfoCision Stadium - Summa Field on Saturday, Sept. 11 in a 3:30 p.m. tilt.

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Bubba Arslanian

Tristian Brank

Teon Dollard

Xavior Gray

Tony Grimes, Jr.

Michael Mathison

Kato Nelson

George Qualls, Jr.

Nate Stewart

A.J. Watts

The University of Akron Athletics