First, be sure to check out Rasor on the Zips for an Akron perspective.
Who are the key contributors for the Akron Zips?
Chris Jacquemain and Matt Rodgers, quarterbacks. While Jacquemain seems to be getting the bulk of the playing time, Rodgers, apparently more mobile, has played in both games. Jacquemain has thrown 44 of Akron's 52 pass attempts, but Rodgers has rushed for 65 yards on 6 carries this season. Believe it or not, that makes Rodgers the Zips' leading rusher. Rodgers is a sophomore who never saw meaningful game action before this season. As for Jacquemain, his career numbers are decent but not overwhelming: he's a 57 percent passer with 35 touchdowns and 25 interceptions. He does have a solid record against schools from major conferences: the finest performance of his career came last year against Syracuse, when he completed 20 of 26 passes for 260 yards and three touchdowns in a 42-28 win over the Orange.
Running backs: who knows? The Zips, because of injury and whatever other reasons, have not settled on a starting RB. As I mentioned above, second string quarterback Matt Rodgers leads the Zips with a whopping 65 yards on the season. Still, Dale Martin ran for 64 yards on 6 carries against Morgan State. Alex Allen and Norman Shuford have 34 carries between them, but only 64 yards combined. In two games, only Allen has shown much promise to date.
Deryn Bowser, wide receiver. Bowser, a junior college transfer who gained 785 yards last year and 4 touchdowns, already has matched his 2008 touchdown total this season. He caught one touchdown against Penn State and three against Morgan State and is averaging 13.5 yards per catch.
I'll talk defense tomorrow.