University of Akron football team still looking to make progress in key areas – Akron Beacon Journal

WATCH: University of Akron QB Zach Gibson on being ready to lead

University of Akron QB Zach Gibson led four second-half touchdown drives to help the Zips to a 35-20 win over the Bowling Green Falcons.

George M. Thomas, Akron Beacon Journal

The University of Akron football team will attempt to win its third game of the season facing a team that has dominated the win column against them in recent years, winning 8-of-11.

The Zips (2-5, 1-2 in Mid-American Conference) are still in the midst of building theirprogram under coach Tom Arth and area decided underdog here.The Bulls (3-4, 2-1 in MAC) are transitioning from coach Lance Leipold to first-year coach Maurice Linguist, who appears to have a firm grasp on his teams strengths.

Here are salient observations ahead of the Zips-Buffalo 3:30 p.m. game at InfoCision Stadium Saturday:

The UA defense has given up fewer than 170 rushing yards twice this season (29 yards against Bryant and 107 against Bowling Green). They continue to struggle for obvious reasons (the loss of Bubba Arslanian). But theyve also been pushed around at the line of scrimmage.In theBulls, they face the second best run offense in the Mid-American Conference. The Bulls have three running backs Dylan McDuffie (496 yards), Kevin Marks Jr. (381 yards) and Ron Cook Jr. (358 yards) with more than 300 yards rushing.That allows them to keep the backsfresh and pound defenses.It also helps explain why the Bulls have the most rushing TDs in the conference with 19.

Blake Hester leads the team with 255 yards rushing and despite the fact hes shown some growth, it cannot come soon enough. Hes also the only rusher who averages above four yards per carry. Quarterback DJ Irons remains the teams second-leading rusher even after missing the past two games with an undisclosed injury.For the record, he practiced Wednesday.There is no home run hitter in that UA backfield right now. There may not be one on the roster. Against the Bulls, its conceivable that Anthony Williams Jr. could getmore playing time.

Part of the problem with the Zips is theiryoung offensive line doesnt appear to be showing much growth. UAs average per carry is 2.9, which ranks second to last in the conference and they have allowed 34 sacks in their seven games.That type of play has made running the ball exceedingly difficult and passing it even more treacherous for UA quarterbacks.

At various points, all three of UAs quarterbacks have shown they can play.Thats the problem, and its a byproduct of the offensive lines play. Arth has offered praise for the UA quarterbacks, but having to play all three at differing points of the season is not ideal.Some of that play came during mop-up time, but much of it has come after quarterbacks have been injured. Those 34 sacks tell a story a horror story for the Zips offense. Until they can start protecting the quarterbacks and opening holes, the UA offense will continue to struggle.

Consider former Stow High School standout Kyle Vantreaseyet another one who got away from the Akron area. Some might consider him a game manager.Well, game managers can be dangerous, too. While he doesnt produce huge numbers, hes efficient and knows how to run that Bulls offense.With three running backs whove combined for 1,000 yards so far on the season, Vantreaseneeds to be able to do that and complete passes when necessary.His completion percentage is a respectable 61.3 percent in an offense that runs the ball 58.7 percent of the time. He also has a favorite weapon in wide receiver Quian Williams, who is tied for second in receptions in the MAC with 41.Williams averages 14.1 yards per catch.In short:dont sleep on Vantrease.

Reach George M. Thomas at gthomas@thebeaconjournal.com or on Twitter @ByGeorgeThomas

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University of Akron football team still looking to make progress in key areas - Akron Beacon Journal