Akron Zips Roster 2019 Zips Roster

Head Coach: Terry Bowden        2017 Salary: $412,500        Offensive Coordinator: A.J. Milwee               

Stadium: InfoCision Stadium       Surface: Turf        City: Akron        State: Ohio

The Akron Zips have a lot to live up to this season. The Zips unexpectedly won the MAC East title last season and are out to prove that 2017 was no fluke. Akron won practically every close game it played by making the big plays when it counted. This was the football version of an inside straight.

The good news for Akron on offense is that there will be stability at the quarterback position. Kato Nelson emerged late last season as a freshman and likely will be holding down the position for the foreseeable future barring injury. The bad news is that there is not much else left offensively to support him. Nelson is losing seven of his top eight receivers from last season and most of his offensive line. Wideout Kwaddarius Smith does offer Nelson a speedy and intriguing target.

It was the defense that was the true engine for Akron last season. The Zips thrived as a big-play unit, forcing turnovers at opportune times. The Zips' most profound loss this past ofseason was defensive coordinator Chuck Amato to retirement. Statistically, the defense was not great, but it did not break and was able to get off the field when necessary. The defense returns largely intact from last season so it figures to improve off of even last year's showing.

The pundits are calling for regression from Akron this season. However, a talented quarterback and an experienced defense promise to keep Akron more than competitive this season.