Getting to Know Akron (Q&A)

The Owls' Nest had the opportunity to speak with Mike Rasor, of "Razor on the Zips".

We asked Mike to answer a few of our questions to give Temple fans more of an idea as to what the team will be up against this Friday at Akron:

The Owl's Nest: Regardless of record, freshman quarterback Patrick Nicely has done a very nice job for the Zips thus far. Who are some of the weapons that surround the 6'4" 220 quarterback, and what would you say are their strengths and weaknesses?

Razor on the Zips: Andre Jones is dangerous receiver. He started the year at safety because of the Zips' depth at receiver. With our No. 1 receiver, Deryn Bowser, going down with a leg injury, they moved him back. Jeremy LaFrance has also emerged as a nice target. The Zips don't really have a running back they can rely on. There are a lot of young, talented players, but no featured back among them at this point.

TON: At (2-7)(1-4), Akron's record is more deceiving that it looks. With a win over MAC East T-2nd place Kent State, this team proved they can compete with the most talented teams in the conference. How would you assess the way that the Zips have performed thus far? What have been some of this team's woes?

RIZ: The offense has been the team's biggest problem. At times, it was the offensive line. At others, it was not having a dependable running back. Most of the season, the Zips have dealt with a problem at quarterback. It looks like the quarterback issue is getting better every week, thankfully. Overall, you can't be happy about a 2-7 team -- not when you open a new stadium. Not when you enter the season with so many returners.

TON: Temple's Bernard Pierce is merely 700 yards shy of breaking Adrian Peterson's freshman season rushing record. This Zips give up roughly 30 yards more than he averages per game. How do you think the Akron Zips defense plans on slowing down Pierce? What would you say the team's general defensive schemes are?

RIZ: The statistics tell a different story than what I've seen with my eyes. I don't think Akron has done very badly in run defense -- at least compared to prior years under a 3-3-5 defense. To slow Pierce, Akron must force Temple to pass. I don't care if we give up 250 yards passing, either. Make the Owls succeed by passing into single coverage.

TON: Previously playing at what was known as the Rubber Bowl, Akron has moved into their newer stadium (InfoCision Stadium) known as Summa Field. Tell us about the new home turf. What's it like?

RIZ: Very, very nice. You Owls fans will be impressed. It has a soaring press tower. The sight lines are terrific. The acoustics are good, so as to maximize the sound from fans. More bathrooms and concession stands than you could ever want. Right in the middle of campus, too. That's the best part for me as an Akron law student.

TON: With three games remaining in Akron's season, how do you feel the team will finish out this year record-wise? Any predictions for Friday's game against the Owls?

RIZ: I haven't really been able to put together a prediction, but I've covered enough MAC East football to know that only one thing matters this time of the year: momentum. Both teams have a little bit. It will be a close game, for sure.

Please check out "Razor on the Zips" for more information regarding the Akron Zips!

Click here to see my answers to Mike's questions: Interview with a Temple blogger!