The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/169935
SEPT. 11, 2013 Zip-A-Dee-Doo-DahOver James Madison Akron Has A Bounce In Its Step Following Its Victory T By Michael Spath wo days after Akron vanquished James Madison, earning the program's first victory since week three of the 2012 season, second-year head coach Terry Bowden couldn't keep the joy out of his voice. Once a successful head coach at Auburn, going 47-17-1 from 1993-98 before being forced out, Bowden returned to coaching in 2009 after a successful stint as a television commentator. He spent three seasons with the North Alabama Lions in Division II before rejoining the Football Bowl Subdivision ranks with Akron a year ago. After a 1-11 first season, and a 38-7 loss to Central Florida in week one, the Zips and their coach are reveling in the 35-33 triumph over James Madison Sept. 7. "It went down to the last play of the game when they were trying to kick a field goal, and they threw a pass over the middle and couldn't stop the clock so we win a tight one that we lost a lot of games last year in similar circumstances," Bowden said. "Make no mistake, when you play a top-15 team in I-AA, you're thankful to get out with a victory. "We play Michigan next and they're one of the top teams in the country, and we know what this is — a great challenge and a great opportunity. We're excited coming off a victory. It gives you more bounce in your step as you prepare for a great Michigan team." Akron head coach Terry Bowden, who went 47-17-1 while coaching Auburn from 1993-98, has posted a record of 2-12 in his two seasons guiding the Zips. photo courtesy akron The Mid-American Conference has demanded more respect nationally over the past few seasons, even earning a BCS bowl bid in 2012. Yet while parity has created more opportunity — four different programs have won MAC titles over the last five years — Akron has toiled through a miserable seven-year stretch; the Zips last posted a winning record in 2005 (when they won the league championship) and are 21-65 since 2006, including 1-11 marks in 2010, 2011 and 2012. "There are absolutely no expectations here," said George Thomas, beat writer for the Akron Beacon Journal. "I've asked around, wondering what would qualify as a successful season, and no one really has had a good answer for me. "Terry hasn't seen more than one win at the University of Akron. Win No. 2 is the biggest psychological hurdle they have because it hasn't happened in three years. There are guys on this team that have had three coaches in four years. They don't know what it's like to win more than one game, so if say they beat Louisiana and get at least one conference victory, I don't want to say they'll be happy, but that's something to build on. It's a stepping stone for them." If the last three seasons are any indication, the energy and enthusiasm Akron is practicing with this week will die quickly Saturday; in nine games against BCS conference foes since 2010, the Zips are 0-9, being outscored 394-97 (43.8 to 10.8 on average). "Terry doesn't strike me as being that guy that only looks at it from a financial standpoint, but he knows the chances are they're going to get their butts kicked," Game Facts What: Michigan vs. Akron. When: Sept. 14 • 12 p.m. Radio-TV: Big Ten Network will televise the game nationally. The game can be heard on the Michigan Sports Network (950 AM in the Detroit area and on SiriusXM channels 92 and 192) with longtime partners Frank Beckmann and Jim Brandstatter, and sideline reporter Doug Karsch. Coaches: Michigan: Brady Hoke (21-7, third season). Akron: Terry Bowden (2-12, second season). History: Michigan and Akron are meeting for the first time. Akron Notes: Since joining the Football Bowl Subdivision in 1987, Akron is 1-22 all time against ranked opponents, beating No. 25 Marshall in 2002 … The Zips are also 1-23 against current teams in the Big Ten, besting Ohio State 12-6 in 1894 … Akron last won a road game in 2008, topping Eastern Michigan … Head coach Terry Bowden never coached against Michigan during his career previously, but called the U-M versus Miami (Ohio) 2004 season opener as a commentator for ABC.