Akron recorded back-to-back winning years in 1999 and 2000 under then head coach Lee Owens, breaking a streak of six straight losing seasons. They lost some close games in both 2001 and 2002 and in Owens' final season (2003), finished a solid 7-5 but he was let go. That 2003 squad also outgained MAC foes by 55.3 ypg. Brookhart inherited QB Charlie Frye and 12 starters in 2004. Akron won 5 of their last 6 and was the only bowl eligible team in the NCAA that was not on suspension that did not go to a bowl. Brookhart's first Zip team went 6-2 in MAC play but was actually outgained by 48.9 ypg. Last year the Zips had 9 true frosh on the 2 deep to open the year. They went 5-3 in the MAC but this time won the tie-breakers and the MAC East Title. As a 13 point dog vs N|, they got a TD pass with :10 left to pull off the upset and amazingly were MAC Champs, their first EVER conference title. They improved to +47.7 ypg in MAC play (only 6th best). Last year's squad had to replace outstanding QB Frye but also had the best schedule of the MAC East teams with the most winnable home games. They suffered a disappointing loss vs CM, a game they led 17-7 and also led Miami 17-7 before allowing 3 TD's in one minute, an NCAA record. Surprisingly they were shutout by Army in the Rubber Bowl, 20-0 but did get the benefit of playing BG without QB Jacobs. When they lost to Ball St, it appeared their chances for the MAC Title were finished but everything fell into place. They did lose the bowl to Memphis but sold almost 15,000 tickets which impressed numerous bowl officials. Surprisingly Akron was -7 in turnovers. Last year the Zips became just the 31 st team in NCAA history to have a 1,000 yard rusher, 1,000 yard receiver and 3,000 yard passer on the same team but two of those players must be replaced. Despite the losses, with the entire 0-line and QB Getsy back, they should improve upon the 23.6 ppg they produced in 2005. The Zips' D finished #32 in the NCAA rankings, their highest finish since the 1996 unit led by Jason Taylor (#26). The defense allowed just 110 yards to OU and 116 to Kent St (in a blizzard), the top two defensive efforts in school history. With nine starters back, this year's D should be one of the MAC'S best. All 7 sets of my power ratings call Akron the most talented team in the MAC East but they also draw one of the toughest schedules.
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