NCAA Football Preview - Akron Zips

Aug 19, 2014 - 3:26 PM Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) -

2013 SEASON IN REVIEW: Considering the Akron Zips endured three straight seasons with a 1-11 overall record prior to 2013, the 5-7 campaign in 2013 was a breath of fresh air.

Akron won four games against Mid-American Conference opponents in 2014, and took down FCS program James Madison, 35-33, in Week 2 of the college season. The Zips played a particularly tough non-conference schedule, with contests against UCF, Michigan and Louisiana (all losses). Akron did hold on tight against No. 23-ranked Northern Illinois in a 27-20 loss at NIU.

Statistically, the Zips were much improved in 2013. Quarterback Kyle Pohl nearly passed for 2,500 yards, and connected for 14 touchdown passes, but threw 10 interceptions as well. Leading tailback Jawon Chisholm was just shy of gaining 1,000 rushing yards, but he did scamper for eight scores.

Akron hasn't been to a bowl game since the 2005 season, and after a huge swing from the 2012 to 2013 seasons, the Zips may be looking at a perfect shot to get back to the postseason under third-year head coach Terry Bowden.

2014 ANALYSIS:

OFFENSE: The junior Pohl has been with Akron his entire collegiate career, and he got to sit behind several very capable quarterbacks in the 2012 season in Clayton Moore and Dalton Williams. When he took over in 2013, he showed he was an excellent student by completing 56 percent of his pass attempts.

He'll come back as the incumbent in 2014 looking to increase his touchdown production and decrease the number of turnovers. He'll also have Chisholm returning in the backfield as part of a group that includes seven total returning offensive starters for the Zips. In fact, Akron doesn't lose a single leading rusher from last season, which includes Pohl himself who scored three times on the ground.

Akron retains its top three wide receivers from 2013, but only two starting offensive linemen. Zach O'Orazio caught four scoring passes to lead the team last season, and he'll look to better that number in 2014. The offense in 2013 averaged 20.2 ppg and 342.0 ypg, which should increase with the playmakers returning to the field for another season.

DEFENSE: Akron's defense returns a healthy amount of starters from the 2013 campaign, including its top two tacklers in linebackers Jatavis Brown and Justin March. Brown led the team with 108 tackles and also recorded 4.5 tackles for loss and two sacks.

With March, Brown and C.J. Mizell, the Zips are strong in the middle of their defense. They'll have to replace two starting defensive linemen and two in the defensive backfield, but senior Bre' Ford and junior Bryce Cheek are expected to slide right into starting roles without much of an issue.

Akron recovered 14 fumbles and recorded 13 defensive interceptions last season, most occuring in conference play. The Zips need to improve on a defensive squad that surrendered 28.6 ppg and 397.0 ypg to opponents, but with so many returning veterans the transition should be relatively smooth.

There's a lot of enthusiasm," Bowden said. "We've had great enthusiasm which you would expect. ... We're focusing on big plays. For us to go from a losing team - a team without a winning record to a winning team, we have got to win turnover margin."

SPECIAL TEAMS: Certainly one aspect of the team coach Bowden won't have to fret too much over is on special teams. Akron returns place kicker Robert Stein, who made 9-of-16 field goal attempts last season with a long of 51 yards, and punter Zach Paul, who averaged 42.9 yards per punt on 65 boots. He landed 17 inside an opponents' 20-yard line with a long of 65 yards.

OUTLOOK: After three consecutive one-win seasons and a 5-7 record last year, it looks as though Akron may be in for a winning season for a change with the amount of returning talent and veteran players.

"We're excited about being back, players are enthused and they've done their offseason work," Bowden said. "Now it's just to take practice one day at a time. We have got to do the most we can do every single day. That's why our slogan is 'Today, not tomorrow.'"

The team's non-conference schedule is a bit tough with matchups against Penn State, Marshall and Pittsburgh, but the Zips should pick up a win against Howard in the season opener. Akron also gets Eastern Michigan, Miami (Ohio), Bowling Green and Massachusetts at home this season.

As long as Pohl can continue to develop under center and cut down on the turnovers, the offense should be a much improved unit in 2014. Chisholm will be a huge contributing factor to take some pressure off Pohl, while backup Conor Hundley will likely see his fair share of carries (he recorded over 100 in 2013).

The biggest challenge for the defense will be cutting down on points surrendered, but with plenty of experience coming back at various positions, Akron could be a well-oiled machine looking to make a play for the league championship.