The Legacy of Tyler Kozlov

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Re: The Legacy of Tyler Kozlov

Great season man! Let's see if these guys can get you to the MAC championship this year. Good luck!

Let's hope so! It's gonna be tough, but we could do it, we came so close last year.

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Re: The Legacy of Tyler Kozlov

Akron Zips 2016-2017 Media Guide

Part 1: Depth Chart
Part 2: Schedules
Part 3: Rivalries
Part 4: Coaching Staff and Closing Words

Akron Zips Depth Chart
Part 1: QB-TE



Quarterbacks
Chandler Kincade RS-SO 6'5 234 LBS 88 OVR
(169-277) 2526 PaYards 22 TD 17 INT
Tommy Woodson RS-JR 6'1 237 LBS 83 OVR
(13-33) 178 PaYds 1 TD 3 INT

Chandler Kincade returns under center for the team following a strong showing to conclude last season. Kincade was the back up heading into last season but with Kyle Pohl's major struggles, the team moved forward onto their best record ever with a 9-4 finish including a pair of victories over twice ranked Marshall to catapult themselves towards the top. Kincade had record breaking performances for Akron last season and with the help of an emergent halfback corp bolstered by a pair of halfback transfers, this team is set at the quarterback position. Quarterback Benoit Dunn will redshirt this season.



Halfbacks
J.T. Blyden RS-SO 6'0 202 LBS 80 OVR
88 Carries - 312 RuYards - 1 TD
Darian Green RS-SO 5'8 180 LBS 80 OVR
Mykel Traylor RS-JR 6'3 209 LBS 73 OVR
2 Rec 38 ReYards

The Halfback unit is vastly changed from a year ago, as the team shifts it's focus to improving a NCAA worst unit and with J.T. Blyden lining up in the backfield in addition to Darian Green, there is a lot of room for optimism with this team. Blyden will be the starter but expect the sophomore to share a lot of carries with Darian Green, with many experts claiming the two were neck and neck. Mykel Traylor makes the switch from wide out to halfback where he will provide depth. Tra Ingram will utilize a medical redshirt as he continues to struggle with his abdominal injury, while Damion Bain will utilize his redshirt after being forced into action last season.

Fullbacks
Christian Allen RS-SR 6'0 255 LBS 68 OVR
Joe Goodman FR 6'0 218 LBS 46 OVR

The Fullback position for the Akron Zips is a minimal used position and typically serves as back up depth to the tight end corp. Fullbacks accounted for just seven carries last season across the entire year and it's unlikely that this position will see much use under Tyler Kozlov who has never done much in regards to Power formations.

Wide Receivers
Jeff Parker SR 6'2 200 LBS 84 OVR
67 Rec 1133 ReYds 8 TD
Fransohn Bickley RS-JR 5'6 162 LBS 81 OVR
20 Rec 373 ReYds 3 TD
Austin Wolf RS-JR 6'3 201 LBS 79 OVR
4 Rec 59 ReYds 1 TD
Xavier Lane FR 6'6 229 LBS 75 OVR
Chance Fitzpatrick FR 6'2 175 LBS 75 OVR
Tony Guidry RS-FR 6'0 200 LBS 75 OVR
Justin Bullock RS-FR 5'10 173 LBS 74 OVR

Jeff Parker returns as Chandler Kincade's top target and while Parker's targets fell off with the insurgence of Andrew Pratt as a viable target, he has only continued to work with his quarterback in the offseason and the two have developed quite a rapport working together. The tandem is aiming for records, not just victories as they say and Parker, a junior college transfer is definitely appearing up to the job. Underneath him Fransohn Bickley is the lone name of contributors from last year, Bickley made a few grabs across the season and occasionally made the big play, this year he will have a lot more spotlight on him as the second wideout on the field, he will be utilized in a lot more situations, his small frame will see him as more of a speed target than anything. Austin Wolf comes up the ranks after being virtually non-existant last year except for times when the starters were gassed and he will play a vital role as a slot receiver, Andrew Pratt thrived in the role last season and Wolf will be expected to take the pressure off Parker and Bickley in the pass attack. Underneath them is new recruits that are either off their redshirt or are fresh to the college game such as Xavier Lane.

Tight Ends
Justin Matthews SO 6'7 264 LBS 76 OVR
23 Rec 338 ReYds 5 TD
Erik Greene SO 6'4 233 LBS 74 OVR
8 Rec 100 ReYds
Conor Hundley RS-SR 5'10 215 LBS 66 OVR
32 Rec 264 ReYds

Justin Matthews was quite an exciting acquisition from last years draft class but he proved to be under utilized, his key plays coming in the bowl game against Marshall where he single handedly led the team from the verge of defeat to victory, and this year he comes back with even better hands and blocking abilities, Tyler Kozlov has reportedly reworked the playbook to incorporate more tight end passing sets and Matthews will benefit. Quietly, Erik Greene has been solid in his brief action, he hasn't received much spotlight but he has been consistent in the times he had played, more than can be expected from a freshman. Conor Hundley swings over from the halfback position, after Hundley had a less than average season a year ago at halfback and seeing the logjam of talent, he opted to try a new position, his speed didn't translate well to a wide receiver position and he instead opted for tight end, where he hopes to spell the wideouts and be utilized in motion playactions to throw off the defenses.

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Re: The Legacy of Tyler Kozlov

Akron Zips 2016-2017 Media Guide

Part 1: Depth Chart
Part 2: Schedules
Part 3: Rivalries
Part 4: Coaching Staff and Closing Words

Akron Zips Depth Chart
Part 2: OL-DL

Offensive Line



Tackles
Left Side
Andre Dresdner FR 6'1 268 LBS 76 OVR
Kyle Ritz RS-SO 6'5 303 LBS 74 OVR
Melvin Young RS-FR 6'6 303 LBS 67 OVR
Right Side
Scott Boyett RS-SR 6'7 311 LBS 79 OVR

This group of tackles have no game experience between them but Tyler Kozlov cannot stop raving about their performances in practice. This group has come together nicely with Andre Dresdner taking the blind side and Boyett steamrolling the strong side to come together in a nice tandem. "The two have shown excellent work ethic together and have locked down the outside edges in a terrific way so far in practice, I cannot wait to see how they hold up against our opposition." Spoke Tyler Kozlov to our own local reporters.

Guards
Left Side
Michael Casimos RS-JR 6'2 312 LBS 78 OVR
Neal Triplett RS-FR 6'4 333 LBS 70 OVR
Right Side
Andrew Bohan RS-SR 6'3 271 LBS 78 OVR
5 Pancake Blocks - 1 Sack Given Up
Lamont Robinson RS-FR 6'4 318 LBS 65 OVR

Andrew Bohan spearheads this interior unit with his thirteen games of experience from a year ago, he is the highest tenured offensive guard on the roster in terms of game day experience and he expects to string together another solid campaign. He had five pancake blocks and allowed just one sack a year ago and would love to increase that pancake number, his sack totals cannot get much lower, this team will look to him for leadership on the offensive line.

Centers
Stephen Ericksen RS-JR 6'3 313 LBS 81 OVR
4 Pancakes 2 Sacks Allowed
Travis Jones RS-FR 6'3 302 LBS 74 OVR

Stephen Ericksen is the lone player to have started from Tyler Kozlov's inaugural year and will continue to do so in the middle of the line, Ericksen improved substantially on his numbers last year with 4 pancakes and 1 sacked allowed as opposed to his 0 pancakes and 1 sack allowed from his freshman campaign. Expect excellence out of this offensive line, they are among the best in the MAC and it all starts with the athlete in the middle of the line!


Defensive Line
Defensive Ends
Left Side
John Rachal RS-SR 5'11 230 LBS 81 OVR
77 Tackles - 17 For Loss 2 ATK - 1 Sack - 2 Deflections - 2 FF - 1 FR
Anthony Clark RS-SO 6'4 288 LBS 77 OVR

Right Side
Travis Rogers FR 6'5 260 LBS 77 OVR
Undrea Bullard RS-SO 6'6 262 LBS 75 OVR
1 Tackle

The defensive line saw a lot of turnover from last year to this year as every starter in the 3-3-5 scheme is to be replaced by a new player. Travis Rogers has come in, in a huge way as a freshman to take over the right end spot when few expected him to do so coming in. A testament to his work ethic and Tyler Kozlov's willingness to start freshman. John Rachal makes the move from linebacker to defensive end. In order to move some of the depth around and ensure there is some seniority on the defensive line, Tyler Kozlov chose to move his veteran linebacker and allow the youth to develop somewhat for another year.

Defensive Tackles
Se'Von Pittman RS-SR 6'3 272 LBS 82 OVR
10 Tackles - 1 For Loss - 1 ATK - 1 Sack
Darius Copeland RS-SR 6'1 261 LBS 81 OVR
Brock Boxen RS-SO 6'3 282 LBS 79 OVR
Chris McCormick RS-SO 6'3 283 LBS 69 OVR

The interior tackles will be a strong point again, despite not much experience Kozlov remains high on his players that spent a lot of time learning the system, with his top two defensive tackles being neck and neck, it's obvious that the focus upon rotation will keep his defensive line primed, fresh and ready to compete.

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Re: The Legacy of Tyler Kozlov

Akron Zips 2016-2017 Media Guide

Part 1: Depth Chart
Part 2: Schedules
Part 3: Rivalries
Part 4: Coaching Staff and Closing Words

Akron Zips Depth Chart
Part 3: Defense and Special Teams



Outside Linebackers
Left side
Travonte Junius (RS-SO) 6'3 209 LBS 79 OVR
1 Tackle
Bryant Odom (RS-FR) 6'0 226 LBS 66 OVR

Right Side
Dameon Willis (RS-SO) 6'1 223 LBS 82 OVR

Inside Linebackers
Ahmad Watts (SO) 5'11 240 LBS 76 OVR
60 Tackles - 29 For Loss - 9 Sacks - 1 Interception - 2 Forced Fumbles
Newman Williams (RS-SO) 6'2 244 LBS 77 OVR
Geoffrey Byers (RS-FR) 6'1 241 LBS 66 OVR

The linebacker corp was led by the workhorse Ahmad Watts and John Rachal last season. Watts slides to the inside where he looks to make more of an impact as the leader of this defense, while Travonte Junius and Dameon Willis are the young bloods ready to have their shot at the spotlight. Willis was the transfer from Indiana who had to sit out last season while Junius was a special teams contributor for the team a year ago. This should prove to be yet another strong part of a defense that looks to substantially improve on last years campaign. Ahmad Watts earned All-American honors last season and was on the preseason lists this year, he is a force and when he plays at his full ability, it is a spectacle to watch.



Cornerbacks
Wesley Taylor (JR) 6'0 184 LBS 85 OVR
29 Tackles - 2 For Loss - 3 INT - 6 Deflections
Dennis Amoretto (JR) 6'2 194 LBS 81 OVR
DeAndre Scott (RS-SR) 5'11 180 LBS 79 OVR
53 Tackles - 9 For loss - 1 Sack - 3 INT - 3 DTD - 6 Deflections
Kyron Brown (JR) 6'1 173 LBS 78 OVR
13 Tackles - 1 Deflection
Jon Hollis (RS-FR) 6'0 200 LBS 71 OVR
Peter Wesley (RS-FR) 6'0 207 LBS 71 OVR

This group of corners had a big mixture of games ranging from when they were outright dominant to ones where they were poor. Hoping to take away from that somewhat, this group will be led by Junior Wesley Taylor. Taylor was one of the top corners last year, lined up across from DeAndre Scott who lost his starting position to newcomer Dennis Amoretto. This unit is vastly improved from a year ago where it was extremely top heavy and had little depth, that isn't true anymore as this team runs out four corners all that are talented and can be responsible for some of the top receivers the MAC can throw at them. The reason to believe in this defense definitely stems from here.

Free Safeties
Jerome Lane (RS-JR) 6'3 215 LBS 80 OVR
72 Tackles - 3 For Loss - 2 ATK - 3 Deflections
Nick Higgins (RS-FR) 6'2 219 LBS 76 OVR
Jamal Baggett (RS-SO) 5'9 191 LBS 75 OVR

Jerome Lane returns to spearhead the defensive secondary at free safety, Lane was a quietly capable player last year and should continue to pose a threat for opposing quarterbacks as he now has an extra year of maturity under his belt. Lane will be backed up by both Nick Higgins and Jamal Baggett, both players are coming off red shirt years and/or didn't post any notable stats a year ago, but with both players evolving their game expect a fluid rotation among safeties.

Strong Safeties
Deon Eldridge (JR) 6'3 183 LBS 78 OVR
Dylan Evans (RS-SR) 6'2 211 LBS 76 OVR
Zach Guiser (RS-JR) 6'1 208 LBS 74 OVR

With Carl Weisbecker redshirtting, it left the depth chart at three in what was orginally an open contest in spring practices, with Deon Eldridge enrolling early, he joined the squad and from the outright impressed the coaching staff with his athletic ability and quickly earned the starting job. He's a play maker when he's dialed in and while he will need to work on the mental side of things, he does look primed for a strong 2016 campaign.

Kicker
Tom O'Leary (JR) 5'11 178 LBS 89 OVR
16-21 (76%) 51 Long 96% XP 51 TB on KO

Punter
Dustin Kirchner (FR) 6'2 200 LBS 74 OVR

Losing their punter equates to Dustin Kirchner coming in as a true freshman starting for all four years (in all likelihood). Kirchner has a booming leg but his accuracy is questionable which will be the only thing hurting his stock with the team. Tom O'Leary had an up and down season last year, while his field goal accuracy drastically improved, he was about three points worse on extra points than in the previous year.

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Re: The Legacy of Tyler Kozlov

Akron Zips 2016-2017 Media Guide

Part 1: Depth Chart
Part 2: Schedules
Part 3: Rivalries
Part 4: Coaching Staff and Closing Words

Akron Zips 2016-2017 Schedule
Part 1




@ #13 UCLA Bruins
Tyler Kozlov: "This will be a touch matchup that's for sure and obviously the odd's makers have no faith in our ability to beat them, I think the spread had them as three touchdown favorites? This is a team with stars all over the place, and our point of attack will only be able to focus on the right side of the defense where there is a slight bit of weakness. If we can get the aerial attack going early we will have some success, our big emphasis will be to wear down their defense and play good pass defense in our hopes to beat them. Their wideouts aren't anything too special, but their quarterback has a cannon and he's accurate.."
Kozlov's pick: L 14-31

@ Hawai'i Warriors
Tyler Kozlov: "The first game of the year that we will actually be favored in, and it's by half a point. They have a solid offense and a slightly average defense that has a few star talents spotted around to increase their capablities. Honestly, I feel that we are too well maintained to fall victim, and we get back on track with the win here, I believe our passing game will be a big catalyst to that in this one."
Kozlov's pick: W 38-28

vs #22 Ohio State Buckeyes
Tyler Kozlov: "Ohio State will make the road trip to our home stadium for the final game in a 3 game series that they've dominated in. I want to pick the upset here but they have gotten a lot better and after last season's terrible finish they will be hungry. If we can catch them napping, our team is definitely good enough but I'd hate to overhype our chances in this one. They are a very good football program that has NFL players at several positions. It won't be easy and not the best way to start out our home opener. We won't shy from the fight however."
Kozlov's pick: L 17-37

vs Indiana Hoosiers
Tyler Kozlov: "Last year we didn't prepare as well as we should've for this team and they smacked us right in the teeth. WE won't let them do that to us this time around. We got to make a stand for ourselves and our MAC Championship hopes with a victory here. They lost their top halfback from a year ago, that eliminates the biggest trouble we had. They bring an extremely well rounded squad into this one, but we are as well and I feel that we have better players. We take this one to start out the MAC season on the right foot."
Kozlov's pick: W 17-14

@ Western Michigan Broncos
Tyler Kozlov: "Western Michigan faught us strong and hard to the bitter end last year and they are always a team that proves to be a tough out. I don't expect that to change at all this time around. They are a team that always find a way to be competitive in the MAC and they will do it again this year. Zach Terrell and Corey Davis will be one of the best QB-WR duo's in the MAC this year and our secondary has to be up to the challenge. Western Michigan has done an excellent job developing their quarterback corp and it doesn't change here, but neither does the outcome."
Kozlov's pick: W 24-14

vs Toledo Rockets
Tyler Kozlov: "Toledo has managed to slip past us twice so far, and it's embarrassing. That doesn't continue. They were a major blemish last year and we refuse to let them do the same this year. We are going to blow them out of Akron right back to Toledo. My word is on it. We are going to make a statement here."
Kozlov's pick: 49-10

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Re: The Legacy of Tyler Kozlov

Akron Zips 2016-2017 Media Guide

Part 1: Depth Chart
Part 2: Schedules
Part 3: Rivalries
Part 4: Coaching Staff and Closing Words

Akron Zips 2016-2017 Schedule




@ Ball State Cardinals
Tyler Kozlov's Take: "After seasons of being competitive in the MAC, Ball State is set to have one of it's worst seasons after being devastated from graduations, not many starters return from last years 7-6 team. What they do have? Transfer quarterback Shane Morris from Michigan is looking to take over the helm in Ball State. Their offense could keep them in games, their defense can't. We win easily here."
Kozlov's Pick: W 42-24

vs Miami (OH) Redhawks
Tyler Kozlov's Take: "Miami is coming into the preseason ranked as one of the worst teams in the NCAA, despite this their offense is set for positives and could do just enough to keep themselves in games. Their linebackers are weak and that'll be our point of attack, we can control the line and middle of the field and this game will be ours. They always play us hard though and I don't expect that to change, but I do expect a victory."
Kozlov's Pick: W 49-31

@ Ohio Bobcats
Tyler Kozlov's Take: "I haven't lost to Ohio yet, and I'm expecting a clean run through the state [aside from State] and I expect us to take care of business against the Bobcats this season. Joey Duckworth is a great talent under center, but he has a situation where his receivers aren't up to snuff and aren't going to do much to turn the tide in their favor. On defense, their line backers are weak but they have a strong defensive line and their top cornerback Marshon Lattimore is a force, and I'd hate to suggest this won't be close."
Kozlov's Pick: W 28-17

vs Buffalo Bulls
Tyler Kozlov's Take: "I give this team a lot of credit. Buffalo was projected to win maybe one or two MAC games all last year and they were competitive until the bitter end. They fought us hard but there's only so much that desire can account for and the talent level isn't there. They may surprise some again but we won't be and we will hit them hard."
Kozlov's Pick: W 35-10

@ Kent State Golden Flashes
Tyler Kozlov's Take: "This game cost us our shot at the MAC Championship last year, you better believe that our rivals loved that. We aren't prepared to let that stand. The left side of their defense is weak, and I know that, they know that. We are hitting their left side hard, and we won't be afraid to run up the score on our rivals. We are making up for last season's loss."
Kozlov's Pick: W 42-21

@ Bowling Green State Falcons
Tyler Kozlov's Take: "I was really surprised how much of a pushover they were last year in our contest, they didn't have Travis Greene but they played without heart. They won the MAC because we lost to Kent State the week before, it's not gonna happen again. We take the MAC and we make our stand here. We win again and take our record unblemished in conference play."
Kozlov's Pick: W 31-28

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Re: The Legacy of Tyler Kozlov

Deadline for CAC's for the upcoming season will be tomorrow. Likely later in the day.

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Re: The Legacy of Tyler Kozlov

Akron Zips 2016-2017 Media Guide

Part 1: Depth Chart
Part 2: Schedules
Part 3: Rivalries
Part 4: Coaching Staff and Closing Words


Kent State Golden Flashes
Blue and Gold Wagon Wheel
Historic Head to Head: 32-25-2 (Akron)
Last Result: KENT 21-18

This historic rivalry traces it's birth to the 1920's when the college programs located just ten miles apart started playing eachother, the first ever game a 32-0 rout by the Akron Zips started out the series on a positive note for the program. Despite their close distance, the difficulty of scheduling when the teams played in different conferences proved to be quite difficult. The game was played off and on from the 20's through the 90's, with the Wagon Wheel trophy first being introduced for the game in 1946. The Zips claimed the first 11 historic matchups before allowing Kent State to take the next 11, over the span of about thirty years. Following up with a tie between the schools, this series has been a tale of one sided affairs as one school has gone on to dominate the series historically for extended periods of time.

Last year, the loss to Kent State played a direct role in the Zips being held out of the MAC Championship. The victory had Kent State faithful up in celebration, just a year after the Zips victory eliminated the Golden Flashes from bowl eligibility and ultimately led to 2 consecutive 5-7 seasons. The Zips hope to get back on the right track with a victory this year.

Ohio State Buckeyes
All Time Record: 1-9-0 Ohio State
Last Result: OSU 47-10

This unofficial rivalry saw tensions start to simmer down after last season's contest, communications between the two schools is still minimal and it's yet to be known if the schools will agree to another series, but it might be in the Zips interest, as the Zips have lost the previous two matchups by incredible margins, and while an upset would bring about trmendous dividends for the Zips, it's just not very likely that it happens.

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Re: The Legacy of Tyler Kozlov

Akron Zips 2016-2017 Media Guide

Part 1: Depth Chart
Part 2: Schedules
Part 3: Rivalries
Part 4: Coaching Staff and Closing Words

Tyler Kozlov
Third Year as Head Coach (12-13)
Tyler Kozlov has been the very vocal head man in Akron the past few years and he hasn't shyed from the spotlight, from helping the school reach out to LeBron James in his first year, through his increased presence, he has led to recruiting classes leading the way through the MAC and has caused a massive turn around in record from year to year. The future is certainly bright for the Zips and it's in no small part to this man.


AJ Milwee
Third Year (under Tyler Kozlov) as Offensive Coordinator
AJ Milwee has been a part of this Akron Zips program from the start of the new regime and he has played a major part in this teams offensive successes. He had worked closely with Chandler Kincade and Kyle Pohl to develop systems to allow them to shine, and brought organizational change that allowed for players such as Tra Ingram to shine despite expectations being in the completely opposite direction. He has been a commodity in head coaching searches but Tyler Kozlov has done everything he could to retain the coach.


Lance Anderson
Second Year as Defensive Coordinator
Lance Anderson joined the Akron Zips last year after Stanford's horrible season that saw his defense fall to the bottom of the Pacific 12. Naturally, Anderson helped turn around a porous Akron defense that ended up ranking inside the top 25 of the NCAA. Both coordinators have been loosely been mentioned for potential promotions.

Closing Word from Tyler Kozlov
Akron fans, it's time for football again and your team is ready to put their hearts on the line for the program. I am proud to say this team is even better than the one last year and we have a much tougher slate to accomodate that. We are promising exciting futures from the college and it's players. A MAC Championship is our goal and the road is long but at the end I'm confident that we can start loading up the trophy case. Akron it's our time, enjoy it!"

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Re: The Legacy of Tyler Kozlov

MAC 2016 Preview

Last year, the conference belonged to the Bowling Green State Falcons. In a year where new comer Indiana was poised to claim the conference throne with a nearly perfect run through it's inaugural conference bid, it was the hapless Bowling Green State Falcons whom many had written off heading into the game coming out victorious and in grand fashion. They finished business in the bowl game with another victory as the MAC boasted four bowl participants a year after only having two.

The conference is significantly more competitive now as talent has worked it's way to this mid major and in this new age of college football, that gives the MAC Conference an excellent opportunity to move forward into the future as they aim to raise their conference's prestige.

While realignment took a backseat despite rumors that the Illini could be on their way (the Illini have also been connected with the American conference), along with a few other mid major teams that could potentially eke their way into the conference (UConn), the conference is growing more and more exciting.

Starting with the conference champions the Bowling Green State Falcons:

(7-5)
The Falcons are expected to fall off this year, projected to finish at 7-5 with a best case scenario being 9-3. They have two of three games against Power 4 conference teams in Maryland and Purdue in which they are underdogs by 10.5 points, along with another matchup against Memphis which they are a 5 point under dog. They are presently projected to finish with a 7-2 record in conference play, losses against Indiana and Akron being their expected trip ups in MAC play. The main knock against the Falcons is their inconsistent play, without their workhorse in Travis Greene whom graduated, it'll put a lot of pressure on their passing game and with graduations, it's not likely that this team can hold up, especially under recently promoted Sterlin Gilbert.
Top Offensive Player: Gehrig Dieter (WR) RS-SR 87 OVR
Top Defensive Player: Perry Howard (OLB) JR 84 OVR

(13-0)
The MAC runner's up won't miss a beat in the MAC a year after steam rolling their way through the conference. This year the team lost some but is still expected to be the class of the MAC in fact, they are presently favored in all 13 of their games and projected for a 13-0 record this season. Their three out of conference matchups against the Kansas Jayhawks, Wake Forest Demon Deacons and Western Kentucky Hilltoppers are all swinging in the Hoosiers favor. Kevin Wilson returns after his first winning season with a team that many experts simply just don't know what to believe. They are favored across the board but even so, they are a team that could admittedly end up 9-4 as well as they could end up 13-0. The big question mark is if Myles Graham can step into the big shadow that his predecessor left and be successful as a halfback.
Top Offensive Player: Dan Feeney (OG) RS-SR 88 OVR
Top Defensive Player: Nate Hoff (DT) RS-JR 85 OVR

(0-12)
Buffalo was last year's "Little Engine that Could" beating teams that shouldn't have on their way to a decent record a year ago. Pundits aren't nearly as high as they were last year on this team and are projecting the team to lose every single game a year after going 6-6. The Bulls would definitely hope to avert such a disasterious season but with a tough out of conference schedule featuring Cincinnati, Penn State and Boston College it's unlikely that they will be sheltered at all in a competitive MAC. Week 9 against Miami Ohio is the lone game that they are projected to lose by a field goal or less (2 point underdogs).
Top Offensive Player: Troy Flutie (RS-SO) 80 OVR
Top Defensive Player: Andrews Dadeboe (RS-JR) 80 OVR

(3-9)
Ball State is coming off it's second consecutive 7-6 season but unlike 2014, the Cardinals didn't win their bowl game. Ball State has a lot of turnover and at an absolute best case scenario that could potentially finish 8-4, despite it being likely unless they can pull a magic card out and remain competitive in the MAC for yet another year. Their out of conference slate features Boise State (+15), Middle Tennessee State (+1) and #15 Northwestern (+20.5). Pete Lembo has his hands full this year in Muncie if he wants to make another bowl appearance, and it'll fall on Shane Morris elevating his teammates to the best they can be.
Top Offensive Player: Shane Morris (RS-JR) 90 OVR
Top Defensive Player: Zack Ryan (RS-SR) 86 OVR

(5-7)
Central Michigan barely slipped in at 6-6 to be bowl eligible but didn't get a bowl invite a year ago. Things wont get much easier this season as they take on Oklahoma State (+19) and #5 Michigan State (+22.5) in the first three weeks. They also added an Ole Miss squad (+22.5) in Week 9 to break up their conference slate which interestingly opens up a rough three game slate featuring Ole Miss, Western Michigan than Indiana. Of their final three games following, they are favored to win by a total of 4 points combined. This is a team that might eke out another bowl appearance but don't be surprised if they fall to the wayside.
Top Offensive Player: Cooper Rush (RS-SR) 81 OVR
Top Defensive Player: Kavon Frazier (RS-SR) 85 OVR

(3-9)
The Rockets have been a futile squad in recent years finishing 2-10 both of the pass two seasons and it's unlikely this will change much this season, favored to win just one more game than last year. The Rockets did accept a difficult out of conference schedule featuring Miami (+22), Iowa State (+16.5) and East Carolina (+11.5) that will prove to be three tough losses. Dave Clawson has to feel his seat heating up and will need a lot out of his players, if a Logan Woodside to Mykale Rogers connection can be made, this team could trend closer to .500. It's unlikely however as there are too many holes on the roster as it stands.
Top Offensive Player: Davi'on Riley (TE) JR 82 OVR
Top Defensive Player: Jordan Martin (CB) SR 82 OVR

(8-4)
The Broncos come in projected to be one of the top teams in the MAC this season a year after finishing 7-5 in regular season play and ultimately getting stomped in the Heart of Dallas Bowl by the Iowa Hawkeyes. The Broncos took the easy route this season scheduling Youngstown State and Indiana State to games in the first two weeks before bringing Michigan State to Kalamazoo to take on the Broncos. The Broncos are favored in 3 of their first four and five of their last six. The Broncos are the sole major competitor to the Hoosiers in the MAC West, and the season finale matchup against the Hoosiers could very well determine who plays in the MAC Championship if this team doesn't stumble. Zach Terrell returns for his senior campaign and him and Corey Davis (WR) will look to leave their stamp on the MAC.
Top Offensive Player: Zach Terrell (QB) RS-SR 84 OVR
Top Defensive Player: Jason Sylva (MLB) RS-SR 83 OVR

(1-11)
Eastern Michigan saw a hopeful 2014 campaign turn into a dismal 2015 campaign where the Eagles just struggled out of the gates and were genuinely ineffective in every part of the game. Chris Creighton can surely feel his seat warming up and with his Eagles poised to a 1-11 record, with their sole victory being against Charleston Southern (FCS) the expectations for this team are minimal and the writing is on the wall. The Eagles could slip closer to a .500 record if they manage to win the tight games int he MAC but there isn't much on the roster or recent history in their favor to suggest that to be possible. Dates with LSU and USF loom on their schedule and neither look to be remotely favorable for the Eagles.
Top Offensive Player: Reginald Bell (QB) RS-JR 81 OVR
Top Defensive Player: Brandon Bossard (SS) RS-JR 82 OVR

(8-4)
Ohio is coming off a .500 season that was ultimately a one game improvement over the previous season. Frank Solich has been a long time fixture for the Ohio program but in recent years has struggled somewhat. Projections state that those struggles are about to be a thing of the past as averages have the team at 8-4, while potentially topping out at 11-1 in some projections. (Which would require them to run the MAC undefeated). A fairly friendly out of conference schedule sending them to Idaho (-12.5), #8 Minnesota (+15) before a late season conferece break that sends them down to UAB (-10.5). Two of the bottom six teams in college football are on their roster in their out of conference slate, and two more are on their in conference slate. The Bobcats benefit from a weak schedule but it could catapault this team up the MAC for a season which under Frank Solich means a lot for this team.
Top Offensive Player: Joey Duckworth (QB) RS-SO 83 OVR
Top Defensive Player: Marshon Lattimore (CB) RS-SO 89 OVR

(5-7)
Two consecutive 5-7 seasons and a projected third on the horizon. This team is stuck in a rut of mediocrity and it's yet to be seen what can salvage this program. An out of conference schedule showcasing Illinois (+10.5), Minnesota (+15) and Marshall (+7) will definitely start the season off slow but a projected 5-4 MAC record will keep them right around the middle of the pack. This a team that lacks consistency under head coach Paul Haynes and that has what has spelt doom for them over the years. Don't expect much deviation from recent history unless they can shock a few schools and become bowl eligible, but than again, with a team as wildly unpredictable as these Flashes, anything is possible.
Top Offensive Player: Colin Reardon (QB) RS-SR 82 OVR
Top Defensive Player: Elcee Refuge (SS) SR 83 OVR

(2-10)
The Miami Redhawks are under new management as the program poached San Jose State head coach Ron Caragher in hopes that he can amount a substantial turnaround as he did in San Jose State, where he swung a +5 differential last year. Problem is he is taking control of a team lacking much talent and there isn't much upside to this squad besides having a bevy if wide receivers and cornerbacks. Even than they tend to max out at simply mediocre. The new ball coach is predicted to have a rough start to his new job with a 2-10 record, it'd be a shock to see anything different. Their out of conference schedule is rough with #5 Michigan State (+24.5), Cincinnati (+16.5) and LSU (+27) all looming.
Top Offensive Player: Rokeem Williams (WR) (RS-SR) 82 OVR
Top Defensive Player: Andrew Johnson (CB) (SR) 83 OVR

[thesportsguru11]

Re: The Legacy of Tyler Kozlov

Glad to see Retney get a head coaching job off the bat!

Love the media guide idea. I tried something similar but different to this a long time ago, but it didn't have nearly the amount of detail you have... excellent work.

Good luck in the upcoming season!

[K0ZZ]

Re: The Legacy of Tyler Kozlov

Glad to see Retney get a head coaching job off the bat!

Love the media guide idea. I tried something similar but different to this a long time ago, but it didn't have nearly the amount of detail you have... excellent work.

Good luck in the upcoming season!

Only bad thing is that the UMass program is a mess at the moment, hopefully Retney can turn things around there!

And thanks, I appreciate it!

I've stuck with it since maybe five or six dynasties ago, it's just a simple way for me to keep things organized while kind of blending reality into it. I like the idea and I think it helps the dynasty transition into the next season better without me having to have a crazy amount of depth in the offseason segments. Not to mention it allows the coach's personality to kind of shine through since I only tend to show it through game recaps.

[K0ZZ]

Re: The Legacy of Tyler Kozlov

NCAA 2016-2017 Preview





Projected Conference Champions


1st Team All Americans


1st Team All MAC


Coaches on the Hot Seat for the upcoming season

[K0ZZ]

Re: The Legacy of Tyler Kozlov

Bruins easily dispatch Zips in front of home crowd

The Pacific 12 favorites had a bit of difficulty in the early going taking care of a pesky Akron Zip squad that didn't seem to want to give up, but the Zips couldn't overcome their one dimensional offense as the ground game failed to bring about anything of note and the defense just couldn't keep up with the faster and more skilled UCLA Bruins side.

The Zips first half was predicated on time of possession and burning the clock, after all UCLA's deadly offense couldn't put up points on the board without having the ball and it seemed to work as their first drive burnt nearly five minutes off the clock despite ending in a punt after stalling just inside of Bruin territory, all three running backs getting touches and Chandler Kincade looking fairly confident despite a few miscues.

The first play for the Bruins was a halfoff that went off the left tackle and just as easily as he the handoff was completed, Paul Perkins hit the hole and never looked back, weaving through the Zip defense and somehow going untouched into the end zone for a huge 80 yard carry that put the Bruins on the board quickly and once more the ball shifted hands back to the Zips.

The Zips utilizing a shorter passing attack than in recent years moved the ball slowly down field thanks in large to a poor rush offense that couldn't pick up more than two or three yards maximum. The Zips did manage to get the ball downfield, and it would be Mykel Traylor punching the ball in off tackle for the Zips first 2016 score. The score was tied into the first intermission.

The second quarter was a mostly back and forth affair as the Zips defense seemingly found it's fangs and made two big stops that had the Bruins churning in place, and the Zips managed to score when they got downfield thanks to a big interception and on third and goal, the read option would turn into a quarterback keeper with Chandler Kincade punching the ball in untouched for a two yard score and a lead.

That would be the last time the Zips came anywhere close to the Bruins who than rattled off an insane 38 point streak entirely unanswered as the Zips offense which without a running game was worn down and the quick three and outs spelt a fast return to the high octane Bruin offense that plagued the Zips on the football field.

The scoring started early, shortly after the kickoff, three plays was all it took, a 22 yard rush, and two pass completions the final on a 31 yard pass with the wideout hauling the ball in over his shoulder and cleanly fielding it as Austin Roberts easily crossed the plane with the ball in tow and the lead once more was knotted. A quick three and out and the Bruins were back on the field where they drove downfield quickly once more and Paul Perkins would get his second touchdown of the afternoon on a four yard scamper up the middle where he went untouched to make it a 14-21 game.

A Chandler Kincade interception on the first play after the kickoff set the Bruins up in excellent field position but thanks to a pair of huge plays by Ahmad Watts, than a break up in the backfield by Deon Eckridge, the Zips forced a short field goal to make it just 14-24 and the Zips were still hanging on by a thread. One that would be severed not too long after, a quick three and out once again and the Zips would be forced to punt, with a forty-six yard return from the Bruins they were set up in excellent field position once again.

This time it was Jerry Neuheisel hooking up with Thomas Duarte in an open corner of the end zone to make it 14-31 and blow this game wide open at the half and with the kick off heading to the home team to open the second half, it was obvious that the scoring could pour on rather quickly and it did with fourteen more points from the Bruins following the intermission.

On the first drive from the half, it was once again a big play from the Bruin offense which saw it's quarterback Jerry Neuheisel hooking up with Jordan Lasley, Lasley would weave through the defensive secondary and somehow end up unscathed as he crossed into the endzone with a flourish and the rout was on. 14-38 and the Zips were aiming to stop the bleeding.

It wouldn't stop, another quick three and out and the Bruins were back on offense and once more with Paul Perkins whittling away at the yardage, the Bruins were rather quickly back in the attacking end with Jerry Neuheisel punching it in for his first rushing touchdown, after a passing play broke down inside the ten and he scrambled for the easy score.

The defense finally seemed able to control the opposing offense, or rather they let their foot off the gas. Whichever happened, the Bruins went nearly a whole quarter without a score while the Akron Zips started to mount a faint sign of a offense on their own end.

With Jeff Parker coming up big in the fourth quarter on back to back drives, the Zips were suddenly in a bit of business. It was still a long shot, but when J.T. Blyden took a pitch for a touchdown with nearly the entire fourth quarter remaining, a few Akron faithful started to get somewhat hopeful, as the score ambled towards a three touchdown game.

That hope would fade as the Bruins would churn the clock and ultimately when the Zips got the ball back, their ineffective offense took far too long to get downfield, leading to nearly the entire quarter being played before another Zip square, as a second J.T. Blyden sweep would result in another touchdown despite the back having next to no yardage, he came up with two big touchdowns as the Zips who failed the final two point conversion and killed any faint hopes that existed of a comeback. A 17 point deficit with just two minutes remaining, they would need a miracle.

One they wouldn't get. The Onside kick would bounce harmlessly out of bounds after the line drive bent through the receiving side and went untouched as flags went skyward, and the Bruins once more brought out their offense. Their ground game managed to keep the down markers moving and with seconds remaining in the game, the Bruins Paul Perkins punched in a final touchdown to cap off the rout.

The Zips would kneel out the clock to conclude the game, conceding defeat on a Saturday where positives were far. The Zips already suffered a major fear, as both one of their top halfbacks and top quarterback went out with injuries, but both will be okay. Chandler Kincade had a mild concussion but passed protocol late in the fourth but with the game out of reach, the team opted to end his game rather than risk anything.

The Akron Zips start the new season with a loss, a third straight year that they have lost on opening day and the second time it has come at the hands of a ranked squad on opening day. Tyler Kozlov didn't offer much in the post game interview, simply stating, "The better team won today, they beat our *** and they deserved the victory. They are a favorite in their conference for a reason and we wish them the best of luck as they look to get back to the title game. They definitely have a lot of talent here. Our boys learned a lot and that's why we scheduled these games, you learn more in loss than in victory and this moves us forward for the rest of our season. We have to be mindful that on any given Saturday, we can be beat, and we were beat this Saturday. Next Saturday is an entirely different story."

[K0ZZ]

Re: The Legacy of Tyler Kozlov

Week 1 Wrap Up

Not many surprises to kick off the new week of football action, with Notre Dame staving off Texas to cap off a week of near upsets and new measures of futility being reached by certain members of the FBS ranks. Including Western Michigan falling to a FCS school, this week of action doesn't have much of note. With eight of the top twenty-five teams still without any game action, there is still potential for some alterations to come in the early weeks.

Alabama continues their free fall as the Crimson Tide once again find themselves outside of any polls and will likely keep themselves from said polls with a recent 24-3 loss to the South Carolina Gamebirds on the past evening, the Crimson Tide haven't been a serious threat since their title run in the 2014 season. Since than they have been middling and it appears that their dynastic run atop the FBS ranks may have come to an end.

Georgia which has lived by a tradition of fading in key moments started its season on a high note by surviving against the Texas A&M Aggies in what could've been an opening week trap game for the Bulldogs had they struggled out of the gates in the slightest, they didn't however and knocked off the Aggies in terrific form, will this be the year the Bulldogs soar to be the class of the SEC? Or is this another fluke?

Cincinnati, whom is(was) the favorite to win the American Conference saw their hopes heavily tempered as ex-Notre Dame quarterback Gunner Kiel may miss the rest of the season after fracturing his foot, he will miss a minimum of one to two months and the rest of the season is a possibility, a huge knock for a team with aspirations to win their conference.

Abruptly, Kelvin Taylor shot himself into the national debate when he absolutely decimated the New Mexico State Aggies, while the Aggies are far from a power house, his 233 rushing yards and four touchdowns stand as a massive testament to the amount of talent this runner has and it'd be crazy to suggest that with such a talented back, this Gator team couldn't be competitive in a wide open SEC race.

Finally in an effort of futility, the Western Michigan Broncos took a nose dive this week, as they battled Youngstown State on their own turf and fell victim to a late field goal that shot the Ohio based program back to their home stadium with an unexpected victory. The Broncos were expected to be in the mix in the Mid-American conference, pre season pundits are probably planning on deleting any positive sentiments this team may have garnered in the offseason after such a performance.