Central Michigan @ Akron !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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This game is gonna be GOOD! If I wasnt gonna attend the Mizzou/BG game..I would have drove out to Akron and watched this game for sure. 2 good QBs and lots of offense. Write up coming later
 

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QB Derrick Vickers set a school record with 28 completions, and was honored by the MAC for his play.
 

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Central Michigan News

Central Michigan News

Sept. 9, 2002

For Immediate Release September 10, 2002


MOUNT PLEASANT -- Fresh from its second straight home victory, the Central Michigan University football team ventures on the road for the first time this season with a Mid-American Conference game at the University of Akron.

Kickoff in the Rubber Bowl is set for 6 p.m.

The Chippewas enter the contest with a 2-0 record after a 32-20 win over the University of Wyoming this past Saturday. It marks the first time since 1986 CMU has opened with two wins.

Akron is 0-2 after losing a pair of road games at Iowa (57-21) and this past weekend at Maryland (44-14).

While pleased with the Chippewas' start, head coach Mike DeBord won't let his players become too statisfied.

"I'm happy for the players, coaches and the people who love CMU football," DeBord said. "There's a long way to go, and we have to keep on improving, but it's a heckuva start.

"It's been tough thus far, and it's only going to get harder. We have to remain focused, take care of business and play the way we can. If that happens, we will be in every game." Going on the road is a whole new game.

"We wanted to make it hard for people to come into Kelly/Shorts Stadium and win," DeBord said. "Now, we're going on the road where people will try and make it hard for us to win.

"This will be our toughest test. Everything changes going on the road from the bus trip to a hotel room. However, when you're focused and have something that means a lot, and this game does, there are no excuses."

Following the Akron game, CMU plays at Indiana and Boston College, and doesn't return home until October 12 against Bowling Green.

DeBord is not misled by Akron's 0-2 start.

"Akron played two good football teams on the road," DeBord said. "I watched the tape of the Maryland game, and saw a team that plays tough on defense and has a diverse offense.

"Akron has good talent and plays hard. The quarterback (Charlie) Frye is outstanding, and he has good receivers. Akron will be fired up to play at home for the first time. Plus, being the MAC opener for both schools makes it even bigger."

The Coaches

Akron -- Lee Owens (Blufton College, 1977). Career record: 29-50 (eight years). Akron record: same. Central Michigan -- Mike DeBord (Manchester, 1978). Career record: 7-17 (three years). CMU record: same.

The Series

The Chippewas and the Zips have met 17 times since 1969, and the series is deadlocked at 8-8-1.

CMU has won the last two meetings, posting a 28-27 decision in 1998 and then winning by a 17-7 margin in 2000. Both were home games.

Akron joined the MAC in 1992, and the two teams are 4-4 in conference tilts.

The Chippewas last trip to Akron resulted in a 53-14 Zip blowout.

CMU head coach Mike DeBord picked up his first career win against Akron in 2000, a needed victory coming on the heels of a 48-0 loss at Purdue.

Sophomore halfback Robbie Mixon became the first Chippewa to rush (164) and catch passes (101) for more than 100 yards in the same game. QB Pete Shepherd hit on nine-of-19 passes for 173 yards as CMU held a 344-252 edge in total offense.

Last Week: CMU

Tied 13-13 at the half, CMU dominated the second half to claim a 32-20 win over Wyoming.

The Chippewas gained 340 yards to UW's 127 (67 coming on one long scoring pass) in the final two periods, and held an incredible edge in time-of-possession, 22:27-7:33.

Junior QB Derrrick Vickers (Miami, Fla./Pace) was outstanding. He set a school record for completions by going 28-of-39 for 361 yards and two TDs.

Vickers used nine different receivers with both scoring passes going to sophomore TE Tory Humphrey (Saginaw). Senior Rob Turner (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla./Pinecrest) grabbed seven passes for 90 yards.

Senior Robbie Mixon (Detroit/Denby) rushed for 150 yards on 37 carries, scoring CMU's first TD from four yards out.

Redshirt freshman place-kicker Mike Gruzwalski (Shelby Township/Eisenhower) tied a school record with four field goals from 40, 29, 19 and 26 yards.

Junior CB Dante McKnight (Trenton, N.J./Valley Forge) had 11 tackles to lead the Chippewas, three of them for losses of 18 yards. Junior Matt Wohlgemuth (Lake Orion) had two tackles for losses of 18 yards.

CMU finished with a 529-354 edge in total offense, holding the Cowboys to 64 yards rushing. Ninety yards for the Chippewas came on a drive late in the fourth period that used more than seven minutes and resulted in a TD that iced the game.

DeBord on Wyoming Win:

"I think is was a win for our conditioning, and our ability to finish. That's something we've worked hard at. I made a decision at the half to open it up and not run our ball-control offense. The offense did a great job executing it.

"We made some mistakes on defense but the effort was there, and we made it tough for Wyoming to run the ball. We put great pressure on its quarterback, too."

Chippewas in the MAC

Central Michigan was picked to finish sixth in the West Division of the conference standings by the MAC News Media Association, trailing Bowling Green, Toledo, Northern Illinois, Western Michigan and Ball State, and ahead of Eastern Michigan.

Marshall was tabbed to win the East, and then capture the MAC championship game to be played on December 7. The East champ will serve as the host.

Chippewa Training Room

CMU has lost two players in early drills for the season -- cornerback Richard Kiel (Detroit/Murray-Wright) and offensive guard Dean Zarafonetis (Grand Rapids/Forest Hills Northern) with knee and shoulder injuries, respectively.

Defensive lineman Caleb Anthony (Ludington) is also out for the season after undergoing back surgery in the offseason.

Starting halfback Terrence Jackson (Somerset, N.J./Franklin) had surgery to repair a broken bone in his right foot. He'll likely be out until early October.

Reserve offensive lineman Tom Langton (Westfield, N.J.) remains out with a a sprained knee. Quarterback Derek Gorney (Clinton Township/Chippewa Valley) was out with a sprained ankle but was available as a holder against Wyoming.

Offensive tackle Paul Brieger (Almont) missed the first two games while recovering from a broken foot sustained in a summer job. He could see action against Akron.

MAC Stats

The Chippewas are third in total offense (480.5) and fourth in total defense (302.0). In other team stats: CMU is tied for first in QB sacks (six); second in rushing defense (48.0), opponents third-down conversions (25.9 percent), time of possession (34.28), and first downs (48); third in scoring defense (15.0), rushing offense (196.0), pass offense (284.50), and pass efficiency (160.1); and fourth in scoring offense (33.0).

Individually, Robbie Mixon is first in rushing (145.0) and third in all-purpose yards (205.5). Derrick Vickers is second in passing average (284.5) and total offense (289.5), and third in passing efficiency (160.1). Brian Brandt is second in punting (43.1), Mike Gruzwalski is fourth in field goals per game (2.0) and tied for seventh in scoring (9.0), and Rob Turner is seventh in receptions-per-game (5.0).
 
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Central Michigan News

Central Michigan News

Where's the Beef?

It's on CMU's offensive line where the front five averages 307 pounds per man. Guard Kyle Croskey (East Lansing) is one of the biggest Chippewas ever, packing 330 pounds on his 6-3 frame.

Also starting up front are 6-7, 300-pound Adam Kieft (Rockford) and 6-7, 297-pound Jeff Jenerou (Manistique) at the tackles, 6-5, 310-pound Derek McLaughlin (Berrien Springs) at a guard, and 6-3, 295-pound Eric Ghiaciuc (Oxford) at center.

Vickers Continues to Shine

Ever since taking over as CMU's starting quarterback prior to the SHSU game, Derrick Vickers has been a focused player in charge of the Chippewa offense.

The junior set a school record with 28 completions in the Chippewas' 32-20 win over Wyoming. He connected on 28-of-39 passes for 361 yards and two TDs.

In the second half when CMU broke open a 13-13 tie, Vickers hit on 19-of-25 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns.

Vickers was named MAC West "Offensive "Player of the Week" for his efforts.

Perfect Day

After struggling a bit in his first collegiate game against SHSU (one missed extra point and one missed field goal), redshirt freshman Mike Gruzwalski nailed all four field goal attempts in the Wyoming win to tie a school record. He also converted all three extra point tries.

He was named the MAC West "Special Teams Player of the Week."

Mixon: Versatile Performer

Senior halfback Robbie Mixon rushed for 150 yards and caught passes for 58 more in CMU's win over Wyoming.

He also returns kickoffs but didn't have a chance against the Cowboys.

Mixon has rushed for 140 and 150 yards in his first two games this season after starting the fall as the No. 3 man at his position. Foot injuries to Terrence Jackson and Kenan Lawhorne (Miami, Fla./Coral Park) have thrust him into a starting role.

'Soup' Gets The Ball

Fullback Adam Supianoski (Manistee) is an outstanding blocker who had never touched the football in a game before this season.

He's now caught three passes for 44 yards, and rushed twice from scrimmage for the first time against Wyoming for nine yards.

McKnight Adjust Quickly

Junior Dante McKnight looks as though he's been playing cornerback all his career instead of just moving there in the spring.

He had a game-high 11 tackles against Wyoming, three of them for 18 yards in losses. He also had a pass breakup.

His Tackles Count

Junior Matt Wohlgemuth has made nine tackles this season as a reserve defensive end ... six of them have been for losses of 29 yards to lead the Chippewas.

The 6-5, 265-pounder also leads CMU with two QB sacks for minus 26 yards.

Red Zone Perfection

CMU was six-for-six in the red zone (inside the 20) against Wyoming, kicking four field goals and scoring two touchdowns.

New Kickoff Return Men?

Anthony Tyus (Lansing/Sexton/Jr.) and Marvin Smith (Wellington, Fla./Suncoast) had rare opportunites against Wyoming when the defensive standouts had a chance to get their hands on the football.

They are on the kickoff return team, and each returned a kickoff. The 5-10, 220-pound Tyus rumbled 35 yards while the 6-1, 270-pound Smith took his back 18 yards.

"Tyus will probably come into my office wanting to be a fullback," CMU head coach Mike DeBord joked.

Position Change?

Chippewa coach Mike DeBord would put his four linebackers up against any group in the MAC.

Proof of this is the defense's attempt to get three of them on the field at the same time.

When safety Omari Colen (Lathrup Village/Lathrup) couldn't go against SHSU because of a shoulder injury, Darvin Lewis (Farmington Hills/Renaissance) moved into his slot. Certainly one of the largest safeties in college football at 6-3, 235 pounds, Lewis was solid.

"He was a little lost at first but he settled down and played well," DeBord said. "He's a smart football player."

The move of Lewis allowed Anthony Tyus Jr. (Lansing/Sexton)to start. He was the game's top tackler against SHSU with 11 stops, two of them for losses of 10 yards.

"I think we'll keep Darvin there," DeBord said. "It gives us a lot of flexibility."

On The Road

After starting the season with two home games for the first time since 1993, the Chippewas will not be home again until October 12 when Bowling Green comes to Kelly/Shorts Stadium for a Homecoming clash.

CMU is at Akron for a MAC contest this Saturday before playing at Indiana (September 21) and Boston College (September 28). The Chippewas will then have a bye week on October 5 before closing with seven straight MAC home games.

Postseason Candidates

A pair of CMU juniors are on "watch" lists for two national awards.

Terrence Jackson is one of 42 players in the country being considered for the Doak Walker Award, given annually to the nation's top college running back. Sidelined for the first part of the season with a broken bone in his foot, Terrence rushed for 1,194 yards last fall.

Brian Brandt (Wausaw, Wis./West) is one of 34 on the Ray Guy Award list as the country's top punter. He averaged 40.1 yards a boot in 2001.

Brandt is averaging 43.1 yards this season in nine punts.

An Academic All-American

WR Rob Turnerwas a first team Verizon Academic All-American in 2001. He's a 3.95 student who caught 50 passes for 688 yards.

Turner is the third first team academic All-Americans CMU has had in football since moving to Division 1A in 1974. John DeBoer (1982) and Jeff Bender (1990) were the previous first teamers.
 

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Akron News

Akron News

Kickoff: 6:05 p.m. (Eastern)
Location: Akron, Ohio
Stadium: Rubber Bowl (35,202)
Radio: Zips Sports Network (Flagship station: WTOU/1350- AM in Akron). Voice of the Zips Steve French (play-by-play), Joe Palmisano (color) and Joe Dunn (sidelines) have the call.
Television: None

In the Red Zone...
* The Zips are opening the Mid-American Conference season vs. a Western Division opponent for the first time since 1996.
* The Zips have not started 0-3 since the 1997 season when they opened that campaign 0-4. However, UA's first win that season came against Central Michigan.
* The Zips are looking to get on the winning track after dropping the first two games of the season to Iowa and Maryland. Despite being out-gained just 327 to 319 in total yards last Saturday, the Zips dropped a 44-14 decision to the Terrapins. UA turned the ball over four times in the loss.
* Head coach Lee Owens is in his eighth season with the Zips and has posted a 29-50 mark, but has a 17-18 record over the last three-plus seasons.
* Senior Brandon Payne, the Zips' sixth all-time leading rusher (2,476), has started a team-best 29 straight games in his four-year career. Payne also ranks fourth on the Zips' career all-purpose yardage list (3,332).

Akron-Maryland Postgame Notes...
* Maryland's Steve Suter, who returned Andy Jerdon's 54-yard punt 81 yards for a touchdown, became the first opposing player to return a punt for a TD since Damion Maxwell of Ohio returned one 61 yards on Oct. 17, 1998.
* Charlie Frye's 65-yard TD connection with Nick Sparks in the first quarter was the third-longest completion of Frye's career and longest reception of Sparks'. Frye hooked up with Matt Cherry for a career-best 72-yard TD completion at Miami (Oct. 13, 2001) and Jake Schifino for a 66-yd TD catch at Central Florida (Nov. 3, 2001). It was also Sparks' first career TD.
* After being picked off just once in his previous five games, Charlie Frye was intercepted a career-high tying three times by the Maryland defense. FS Madieu Williams collected two of those ints.
* Andy Jerdon averaged a career-high 45.5 yards on four punts including a long boot of 54 yards.
* WR Jason Montgomery made his first career reception with a six-yard catch in the fourth quarter.
* TE Mike Brake's 3 yard TD reception at 2:51 of the 4th quarter was his second career score. The TD strike was also the first ever scoring pass for reserve QB Micah Faler.

Akron in MAC Openers...
* The Zips are opening the Mid-American season vs. a Western Division opponent for the first time since 1996. Toledo defeated defeated Akron 27-10 on Sept. 14, 1996.
* UA has captured two of its last three Mid-American Conference season openers and has a 4-6 all-time record in MAC openers.
* Akron and Central Michigan have faced each other twice before in a MAC opener. UA downed CMU, 23-13, in 1993, and the Chippewas paid the Zips back in 2000 with a 17-7 win over UA. Both of those games were played in Mount Pleasant.

Akron in The MAC...
* The Zips have a 33-46 all-time record in Mid-American Conference games, but are 14-10 in the MAC over the last three seasons.
* UA is 9-4 at home vs. MAC foes over the last three seasons, including a 3-1 mark last year.

Central Michigan At-A-Glance...
* The Chippewas are 2-0 after defeating Sam Houston State and Wyoming. CMU avenged a loss to the Cowboys in 2001 with a 32-30 win Saturday in Mount Pleasant.
* The Chippewas has started the season 2-0 for the first time since 1986.
* CMU has a solid offensive duo in QB Derrick Vickers and RB Robbie Mixon. Vickers has completed 67.2 percent of his passes and ranks No. 16 in the nation in passing efficiency, while Mixon is averaging 145.0 yards on the ground, good for seventh in the country in rushing yards per game.
* Head coach Mike DeBord is in his third season and has a 7-17 career record. Prior to his stint at CMU, DeBord served as an assistant coach with Michigan for nine seasons

Akron-CMU Series...
* The all-time series is even at 8-8-1, but the Chippewas have won four of the last six meetings.
* The Zips own a 5-1-1 edge in games played at the Rubber Bowl, including wins in their last three meetings in Akron. The only loss occurred in 1988 when CMU won 27-16.

Ground Repair...
After yielding 376 yards on the ground to Iowa in the season opener, it looked like Maryland was on its way to a big rushing day with 118 yards on the ground (19 carries) in the first quarter (6.2 ypc). However, the Zips defense stiffened and allowed the Terrapins 92 yards (on 30 carries) over the final three quarters (3.1 ypc).

CMU-UA Connections...
Zips' linebackers coach Dick Flynn served on the staff at Central Michigan for 22 years, the first 16 as the linebackers coach and defensive coordinator and the final six as head coach.

First Time for Freshmen...
Three true freshmen, DB Domenik Hixon, LB Jay Rohr, PK Billy Sullivan, saw action for the Zips in the season opener at Iowa and at Maryland Saturday. Sullivan has handled the kickoff and place-kicking chores, while Hixon and Rohr played on special teams in both games. Hixon did see action in the secondary during the fourth quarter vs. the Terps. DT Antonio Shippy, meanwhile, who did not play in the opener saw limited action on the defensive line in the fourth quarter vs. Maryland.

Rebounding vs. The Terps...
The Zips rebounded well after a slow start vs. Maryland last Saturday in College Park. The Terrapins jumped to a 14-0 lead and out-gained the Zips 105 to 0 through the first nine minutes of the contest. However, from that point forward, UA posted 319 yards of total offense compared with just 222 for Maryland.

Cherry Bomb...
After a breakout 48-catch season in 2001, junior wide receiver Matt Cherry assumed the No. 1 receiver role this year. Gone to the NFL is Jake Schifino and his 131 career receptions (No. 2 on the Zips' career list). After seeing limited action as a freshman, Cherry came into his own last season as one of the Zips' top threats at wideout. He averaged 13.1 per reception and 4.4 catches per game (No. 10 in the MAC). Cherry also contributed on special teams where he averaged 16.3 yards on 10 punt returns, including a 74-yard return for a touchdown at Buffalo. Cherry hasn't disappointed this season as he is averaging 5.5 receptions and 62.0 yards per game. The junior ranks No. 36 in the nation in catches per game.
 
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Akron News

Akron News

No First game Jitters...
QB's Charlie Frye and Nick Sparks seem to like season openers as they combined to complete 28 of 38 passes for 296 yards and two touchdowns vs. the Hawkeyes (Aug. 31). Their 73.7 completion percentage rivals last year's first game when they combined to hit 79.2 percent of their passes (19 of 24) en route to a 31-29 come-from-behind win over Ohio.

Among the National Leaders...
It didn't take long for Charlie Frye to jump among the national leaders in passing and total offense. Frye ranked No. 19 in the country in passing efficiency and No. 32 in total offense after the opening weekend and remains among the nation's elite this week. Frye ranks No. 30 in passing efficiency (143.3 rating) and No. 36 in total offense (226.5 yards per game) despite playing in just five quarters of action this season. Nick Sparks played the second half at Iowa and Micah Faler handled the snaps in the fourth quarter at Maryland.

Tough Opposition...
Three of Akron's opponents this season saw action in a bowl game last season. Iowa was crowned Alamo Bowl champion with a 19-16 decision over Texas Tech, while Maryland lost to Florida in the Orange Bowl, 56-23. Marshall, a team the Zips host in league play, defeated East Carolina, 64-61, in the GMAC Bowl.

Manning the Middle...
The Zips have a new face manning the middle linebacker position this season. Chace Blackburn, who switched from the defensive line after last season, has started the first two games in the middle and looks as if he will be fixture there. The sophomore, who uses his quickness to roam from sideline to sideline, posted a career-high eight tackles, including three solo stops and one tackle for loss against Maryland. With his performance against the Terrapins, he claimed the team lead in tackles with 15.

He's Done Better...
Charlie Frye's stellar completion percentage of 72.4 (21 of 29) vs. the Hawkeyes in the season opener wasn't even the best effort of his career. In his first career game (vs. Ohio, 8/30/01), he set a UA record (min: 10 atts.) by hitting 13 of his 16 attempts (81.3 percent).

First Time Opponents...
Akron and Maryland faced each other for the first time on the gridiron last Saturday. In fact, all four of Akron's non-conference opponents this season (Iowa, Virginia and Liberty) will be first-ever meetings. The Zips will matchup with Virginia (Sept. 21) and Liberty (Oct. 12) later in the year.

Record-Setting Season...
The sky seems to be the limit for sophomore quarterback Charlie Frye who is coming off a record-setting 2001 campaign in which he threw for a UA freshman-record 2,053 yards and posted school records in completions (170) and completion percentage (58.8). Frye wasted little time increasing his career numbers in the season opener with a 21-for-29, 230-yard performance vs. the Hawkeyes and followed that up with a 15-for-25, 216-yard performance vs. Terrapins.

Moving Up the Charts...
Despite only 12 games under center, Charlie Frye is already among the Zips' all-time passing leaders. With his 230-yard performance at Iowa, Frye passed Tom Boggs (1955-67/2,082) and John Stone (1956-59/2,270) to move into ninth on the UA career passing yards list (2,283). Last Saturday at Maryland, Frye, who threw for 216 yards, passed Dennis Brumfield (1979-81/2,314) and Brandon Payne (1999-present/2,476) to move into 14th place on the UA career total offense list. Frye now has 2,499 career yards passing and 2,528 total yards in 13 career games. In addition, his 190.3 ypg average is the best in school history.

Spreading the Wealth...
Ten Zips caught passes in the matchup with Iowa (Aug. 31), including four players with at least four receptions. Leading the way was Matt Cherry who snagged a game-high eight passes for 68 yards and one TD. Following close behind were Brandon Payne with four receptions, Dan Basch with a career-high four and Miquel Irvin with his first four catches as a member of the Zips. Saturday's meeting with Maryland saw a similar result as 11 Zips caught at least one pass from QBs Charlie Frye and Micah Faler, led by Irvin's career-high five receptions.

First Touches...
A pair of redshirt freshmen collected their first career receptions in the season opener at Iowa (Aug. 31). RB Jerell Ringer, who also rushed four times for 14 yards, caught one pass for six yards, while WR Jamie Goodwin scored a touchdown on his first-ever reception, a 31-yard toss from Charlie Frye as time expired in the first half. It was also Goodwin's first career play. In the Zips second of the season, last weekend at Maryland, WR Jason Montgomery added his name to the list of first-time receivers.

LeFall Back in the Fold...
The UA defensive coaches welcomed sophomore defensive end Dwayne LeFall back to the gridiron this summer. LeFall, who sat out the 2001 season, played in all 11 games as a true freshman in 2000. The Oakland, Calif., native also collected 4.5 sacks en route to earning the Zips' Outstanding Freshman of the Year award. In the loss to Iowa, he was in on a pair of tackles and batted down two passes, but was more active in the Maryland game collecting six tackles and one tackle for loss.

Plenty More Payne...
After playing in just five games last season, senior running back Brandon Payne is back in the fold. Payne, who ranks No. 6 on the Zips' all-time rushing list (2,476), suffered a season-ending knee injury vs. Western Michigan. At the time Payne was on pace for his second-straight 1,000-yard rushing season after posting 1,062 yards on the ground in 2000. The 5-foot-10, 205-pounder had posted 498 yards on the ground through the game with the Broncos. Payne had surgery and sat out this past spring, but now looks ready to rack up some yardage. Although Payne was held to just 32 yards at Iowa, he did manage to catch four passes for 52 yards. The senior added 38 yards on the ground vs. Maryland.

Zips in the NFL...
Four members of the 2001 Zips' roster signed professional contracts following the 2002 NFL Draft. WR Jake Schifino was chosen by the Tennessee Titans in fifth round, while OTs Konrad Dean (Cleveland Browns) and Jeff Grzeskowiak (Chicago Bears), along PK Zac Derr (Dallas Cowboys) signed free-agent deals. Derr was waived by the Cowboys earlier in the summer and Grzeskowiak was released by the Bears late in the preseason. Schifino (hamstring), meanwhile, was placed on the injured reserved list by the Titans and will miss the 2002 season. Dean was one of the final cuts by the Browns, but was picked up by the Seattle Seahawks before the season opener.

Nick "/" Sparks...
The Zips have their own version of "Slash," a term given to Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kordell Stewart in his early days with the NFL franchise. The multi-dimensional Nick Sparks maintains that role for UA. Sparks, who opened the season as the starting quarterback last year, has been used at both wide receiver and QB during the preseason and in the first two games. The junior, who suffered a turf toe injury in the 2001 season opener vs. Ohio, played sparingly the rest of the season at QB and wideout. Now healthy, Sparks gives the Zips' offense a new dimension. The Flint, Mich., native caught his first career touchdown pass last Saturday at Maryland. He showed his athleticism by snagging a five-yard slant and out-racing the Terrapin defense to the endzone for a 65-yard score. In the opener at Iowa (Aug. 31), Sparks saw action as a receiver in the first half and collected three receptions for 31 yards before heading under center after the break replacing Charlie Frye, who suffered from dehydration. Sparks completed 7 of 9 passes for 66 yards in his one half of action vs. the Hawkeyes.

MAC Attack...
Brandon Payne entered the 2002 campaign as the Mid-American Conference's active leader in career rushing yards and scoring. He continues to lead in scoring but now ranks second in rushing. Payne has scored 224 career points and has 2,437 career rushing yards. It should be a season-long battle between Marcus Merriweather (Ball State/2,499), Thomas Hammock (Northern Illinois/2,432) and Payne on the rushing chart as all enter this weekend separated by 67 yards. However, Payne does have a comfortable lead over Steve Azar (181) of NIU on the scoring chart.

Sanders Returns...
Running back Marcus Sanders returned to the Zips two weeks ago. The talented sophomore from Ravenna, Ohio, left the squad in August for what he termed "medical and personal reasons." Sanders, who may play vs. Central Michigan, missed the Zips first two games. Sanders has been bothered by a left foot injury. Sanders, who played at Ravenna High School, is one of six players in Ohio prep history to rush for more than 6,000 career yards. The 5-foot-10, 180-pounder sat out last season after transferring from the University of Minnesota following the 2000 campaign.

Injury Report...
RB Matt Carter (knee) and DB Jesse Smith (shoulder) are out indefinitely, while RBs Ty Washington (sprained ankle) and Jerell Ringer (sprained ankle) missed the Maryland game and are questionable for the CMU contest. RB Brandon Payne (sprained ankle) should return to practice later this week and SS Marcus Suber (stinger), who missed most of the Maryland game should practice this week.
 

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JEFF - This will be a good game. I was liking Akron at first...but I then I got some news about some injuries and that they will be playing with 2 QBs. Charlie Frye is hurt but will play.

I got Central -2...Hopefully I can get a middle on this game. But this game is gonna be a tough call

Good Luck :drinky:
 

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What Central Did against Wyoming

Football Starts 2-0, Tops Wyoming, 32-20
Vickers tosses for 361 yards and two TDs.


Sept. 7, 2002




Box Score





MOUNT PLEASANT - Central Michigan University quarterback Derrick Vickers completed a school-record 28 passes as CMU defeated the visiting Wyoming Cowboys, 32-20, here Saturday afternoon.

The Chippewas open the season 2-0 for the first time since 1986.

CMU rolled to 529 yards of total offense while the Chippewas held the high-powered Wyoming attack to 354 yards, 290 of them coming through the air.

Vickers completed 28-of-39 passes for a career-high 361 yards and two TDs. He threw to nine different receivers.

Robbie Mixon rushed for 150 yards and one TD, and Rob Turner had seven catches for 90 yards to lead CMU's offense.

Central Michigan University took advantage of a Wyoming fumble of the first drive of the game and drove 64 yards for a touchdown, a four-yard run by Mixon. CMU tacked on a Mike Gruzwalski field goal on the Chippewas' next drive for a 10-0 lead.

Gruzwalski nailed four field goals on the day, tying a school record held by five others. He hit from 40, 29, 19 and 26 yards.

Wyoming came back to take a 13-10 lead following a 17-yard TD pass from Casey Bramlet to Scottie Vines and another 29-yard Bramlet strike to Brock Ralph. CMU's James King partially blocked the point after attempt on the first score and the kick was no good.

The Chippewas tied the score with 3:15 left in the half on Gruzwalski's second three-pointer of the game.

Gruzwalski added two more field goals in the third and Vickers hit Tory Humphrey on an 18-yard TD pass with 53 seconds left in the quarter to give CMU a 13-point cushion.

That cushion didn't last for long as Wyoming needed just one play to score, a 67-yard pass from Bramlet to Malcom Floyd.

CMU used a ball control offense in the fourth quarter to take time off the clock. The Chippewas held on to the ball for 11:47 of the fourth quarter and added a late score, a four-yard Vickers pass to Humphrey, to seal the victory.

Bramlet threw for 290 yards and three Cowboy TDs. Wyoming gained just 64 yards rushing with Derek Armah picking up 46 of them on eight carries. Dustin Pleasant was Bramlet's favorite target, catching five passes for 69 yards.

Central Michigan University shoots for its third straight win in its Mid-American Conference opener next week at Akron.




Central Michigan University Notes:
*Adam Supianoski carried for his first career rush
*Anthony Tyus had his first career kickoff return
*Mike Gruzwalski had his first career field goal. He had four in the game, one shy of the stadium record. The four field goals in one game ties Gruzwalski with five other CMU kickers for the school record.
*CMU was 6-for-6 in the red zone. It had four field goals and two TDs, one which was a pass.
*Tory Humphrey had two TD receptions, a career high for Humphrey.
*With the 32-20 win over Wyoming, Central Michigan University starts 2-0 for the first time since 1986.
*CMU QB Derrick Vickers threw for 361 yards on 28-of-39 throwing. The 361 yards is a career high. He set the school record for completions in a game and his passing yards were good enough for fourth in the CMU record book.

Wyoming Notes:
*Wyoming suffered its 10th consecutive loss today, dating back to a Sept. 29, 2001 loss to Colorado State
*Wyoming wide receiver Malcom Floyd caught a pass in his 21st consecutive game today, including one reception that went for a 67-yard touchdown.
*Freshman wide receiver Dustin Pleasant caught his first career pass today, ending the day with five catches for 69 yards
*Derek Armah played in his first game of the season, and led Wyoming with 46 yards rushing.
*Injuries (All injuries will be re-evaluated next week to determine status for next week's Boise State game) Place-kicker J.D. Wallum suffered torn cartilage in his left (non-kicking leg) as he made a tackle on a kickoff Cornerback Gary Wright suffered a fracture in his right foot Linebacker Tyler Gottschalk suffered a leg contusion to his lower right leg in the second half and didn't return

Wyoming head coach: Vic Koenning
"It doesn't get this hot Laramie. It got especially warm with the turf field. The temperature was something that was not a positive for us."

"Two years of experience for CMU's running back and quarterback has helped the team improve a lot. On defense, it has changed dramatically and showed great improvement."


"Central got more pressure on our quarterback than we thought they should and Casey Bramlet looked like a deer in headlights."


"We had to get away from our running game because it was not as effective as we needed it be."


Central Michigan University head coach: Mike DeBord
"We have a focused and committed team right now and I think that is one of the main reason for our success. After our win last week, I was worrried that we might get soft in preparation for this game. But, we had no let down. I happy with our players and assistant coaches. They stayed with it and even though we have a long way to go, this is a great start for us."


"Our offense has stalled in the fourth quarter, but, today the kids stayed focused and committed to finishing the game and we were able to put together a great drive to put the game away. We had some players step up down the stretch and make plays to keep the drive alive and give us this victory."


"I made the decision at halftime to be more aggressive and throw the ball down the field. Derrick Vickers did a great job comming out in the second half and staying focused to help move the offense. Derrick did a great job executing the offense today and when he makes smart plays, we are a better football team."
 

JEFF

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Akron's passing game looked decent against MD. If they can run the ball decent and dont committ so many penalties, they should win IMO. But I havent seen CMU play.

IS Frye playing for sure?

CMU hasn't won 2 straight since 1994. Theyve played two at home, Akron has played two at home, and is a desparate 0-2 home dog (same situation as UVA last week). Just my early thoughts. Keep up all the good info.
 

hellah10

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From what i hear Frye is playing....but one wrong hit and his shoulder could pop out again. Yea those penlaties...omg, thats crazy...what was it.. 16 penalties for 132 YARDS!!!!!!!!! On top of that they had like 4 or 5 turnovers....thats just sick. Central got a new coach in the off season....he was the offensive coordinator at Michigan...so he basically moved up the road. He took his offense from Michigan and is applying with what he has at Central. And to tell ya the truth...he`s doing a good job because you never heard Derick Vickers name at all....let alone over 400 yards of offense. I just think they are better coached.
 

hellah10

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Akron is like 20 miles South of Cleveland

There is suppose to be PM showers. This game is at 6pm. Hopefully the storm goes else where.

CLE19_anim.gif
 

hellah10

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FACTS & STATS: Site: Rubber Bowl (35,202) -- Akron, Ohio. Television: None. Home Record: Central Michigan 2-0, Akron 0-0. Away Record: Central Michigan 0-0, Akron 0-2. Neutral Record: Central Michigan 0-0, Akron 0-0. Conference Record: Central Michigan 0-0, Akron 0-0. Series Record: Series is tied, 8-8-1.


GAME NOTES: MAC rivals collide as the Central Michigan Chippewas meet the Akron Zips in the conference opener for both sides on Saturday at the Rubber Bowl. The two teams enter the game with opposite records, as Akron is winless at 0-2, and the Chippewas are unbeaten at 2-0. However, the records are simply a result of their competition, as Central Michigan was at home for games against Sam Houston and Wyoming. Akron has had a very tough non-conference schedule thus far, as the Zips were on the road against Iowa and Maryland. Akron will try to avoid its first 0-3 start to a season since 1997, in this affair. The all-time series is even after 17 contests at 8-8-1. Central Michigan has had the edge recently, as the Chippewas have taken four of the last six meetings. The inter-division rivals last met in 2000, with the Chippewas emerging with a 17-7 victory for their second straight win over Akron. The Zips are 5-1-1 against Central Michigan at the Rubber Bowl.

The Chippewas head on the road for the first time this season, and possess a 2-0 record for the first time since 1986. The offense awoke in the second half to gain 340 yards after the break last week, and controlled the ball for an amazing 22:27 in the third and fourth quarters. Central Michigan finished the game with a total of 529 yards, which included 168 yards rushing and 361 yards passing. Derrick Vickers had a career game, as he established a school record for completions by going 28-of-39 for 361 yards with two touchdowns. Vickers hit nine different receivers, and found tight end Tory Humphrey for both scoring strikes. Robbie Mixon led the ground attack with 150 yards on 37 carries, including Central Michigan's first touchdown of the game. The Chippewas enter Saturday's tilt placing third in the conference with 480.5 ypg of total offense. The key to any success lies with the huge offensive line, as the five starters average 307 pounds each. Starting running back Terrence Jackson will likely miss Saturday's game as he is recovering from surgery to repair a broken bone in his foot.

The defense has been solid enough over the first two weeks of the season to let the offense win both games. The Chippewas were able to shut down the Wyoming running game last week, as the Cowboys ran 24 times for a paltry 64 yards. Wyoming was able to move the ball through the air and Central Michigan allowed 290 yards passing in the contest. Cornerback Dante McKnight paced the squad with 11 tackles, with three of them coming for losses of 18 yards. Defensive end Matt Wohlgemuth also had 2 TFL's for losses totaling 18 yards. Wyoming managed just 127 yards after halftime in the loss and the Cowboys converted just 3-of-11 third down opportunities in the game. After two contests, the Chippewas have surrendered just 30 points and are ranked fourth in the MAC in total defense. The pass rush has been excellent, as Central Michigan is tied for first in the conference with six sacks and is allowing just 48 ypg rushing to its opponents. Wohlgemuth leads the team with two sacks in a reserve role.

Despite an 0-2 start, there certainly is no panic in Akron. The club's ambitious non-conference schedule is to blame, and not the talent and play of the Zips. Akron was outgained by just eight yards last Saturday against Maryland, but still fell by 30 points to the Terrapins. Akron turned the ball over four times in the loss, which was ultimately the Zips' demise. Charlie Frye completed 15-of-25 passes for 216 yards with one touchdown and three costly interceptions in the defeat. Akron was forced to rely on its passing game, as the ground attack was nowhere to be found. The Zips managed just 82 yards on 34 carries in the loss, and were led by Bob Hendry's 41 yards on 11 tries. Matt Cherry hauled in a game-high eight receptions for 56 yards. Akron's only points came on a 65-yard scoring pass from Frye to Nick Sparks, until they finally reached the end zone for the second time with just 2:51 remaining in regulation. Frye enters this week ranked 30th in the nation in passing efficiency, a stat which should improve as Akron's schedule eases up.

While the defense has taken its lumps it in the first two weeks, yielding 101 points, the unit still should improve upon last season's totals when the Zips allowed a MAC-high of 470.5 ypg. The Terrapins were simply too much for defensive coordinator Joe Tresey's troops to handle last week. Maryland raced out to a 35-7 halftime advantage, before calling off the dogs in the second half. Maryland amassed 209 rushing yards in the contest, which was very disheartening for the Zips after club yielded 376 yards on the ground to Iowa in the season opener. Linebacker Chase Blackburn led the way with 10 tackles in the loss, and the Zip pass rush failed to produce a sack. Freshman linebacker Diontre Earl had a solid game, registering five stops, including two TFL's. Defensive end Marques Hayes led the team in sacks a year ago, but has failed to get to the quarterback so far this season. Akron's defense features a blend of youth and experience, as the unit has five seniors in the starting lineup, but also includes five freshmen and sophomores.

This should be a close affair most of the way, as both teams are evenly matched. The toughest part of Akron's schedule is over and the Zips can now begin to concentrate on conference foes. The rough stretch is just beginning for the Chippewas, as Saturday's game marks the start of a three-game road trip that will also take Central Michigan to Indiana and Boston College. Head coach Lee Owens will have his club poised to avoid an 0-3 start to the season, and Akron should finally be able to register a win, although the Chippewas won't go quietly.
 

hellah10

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The Line Movement Thus Far - And The Line Isnt Moving Towards My Favor :( - Will Try a Middle If It Becomes A PK

Vegas Insider - Line Movements
9/14 - Central Mich at Akron (College Football)
LVSC
9/08 19:58 ET - Central Mich -2.0
9/09 12:40 ET - Central Mich -3.0
9/09 21:02 ET - Central Mich -2.0

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Stardust
9/08 20:48 ET - Central Mich -1.5
9/08 20:49 ET - Central Mich -2.5
9/09 10:48 ET - Central Mich -3.0
9/09 10:48 ET - Central Mich -3.0 +100
9/09 11:54 ET - Central Mich -3.0
9/09 12:07 ET - Central Mich -3.0 +100
9/09 13:22 ET - Central Mich -2.0 +100
9/09 13:22 ET - Central Mich -2.0

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Caesars
9/09 15:46 ET - Central Mich -2.0

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WWTS
9/09 10:35 ET - Central Mich -3
9/09 13:01 ET - Central Mich -2.5
9/09 13:01 ET - Central Mich -2

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Stations
9/09 16:04 ET - Central Mich -2.0

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MGM-Mirage
9/09 13:28 ET - Central Mich -2.0

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Sportsbook.com
9/11 15:52 ET - Central Mich -1.5

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SportBet

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Bowmans
9/08 21:47 ET - Central Mich -3.0
9/09 13:05 ET - Central Mich -2.5

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9/09 01:03 ET - Central Mich -3
9/09 05:48 ET - Central Mich -3 -110
9/09 11:56 ET - Central Mich -3.5
9/09 13:00 ET - Central Mich -3
9/09 13:06 ET - Central Mich -2

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9/09 22:23 ET - Central Mich -2

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Harrahs
9/09 13:58 ET - Central Mich -2.0

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BoDog
9/09 18:02 ET - Central Mich -2.5
9/10 14:48 ET - Central Mich -2
 
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