25 questions that Zip It!

Sometimes they write
themselves.

What is their body of work?

Look, it has been a rough patch over there.   They are 6-35 in their last 41 games.  So, the body of work isn't great.  Their only win is over Morgan State.  They did lose in OT to FIU and put a lot of pressure of Tennessee and Miami.

How many seniors and juniors on the two-deep?

25 which is a decent number.

Who are their statistical leaders?

Marquelo Suel is #11 in the nation in receptions.  Dalton Williams is #14 in total offense and #1 in the MAC.  Their punter and punt returner are both #2 in the MAC.

What is their turnover ratio?

This is not a strong point.  They are -5 for the year.

Offense:

How is their QB Play?

This is a their huge surprise.  They got this guy named Dalton Williams who played at Stephen F. Austin and did one of those graduate and go to grad school deals.  He has been a big difference maker for the Zips.  As mentioned, he is very highly ranked in total offense.  They are throwing a lot, so his yards per game stuff might be a little misleading.  He's 6th in passing efficiency in the MAC.

What is their scoring and yards per play?

They are moving the ball.  They are 1st in scoring in the MAC and have 6.1 yards per play, which is in the MAC's top 4.

Can they run the ball?

They are 9th in the MAC in yards per game and 8th in yards per carry.

Do they pass the ball?

Note passing efficiency above.  They are completing 62% of their passes, have 17 freaking touchdown passes and 11 yards a completion.  The only thing hurting their efficiency rating is 8 INTs.

How is their run/pass balance?

Very pass heavy play calling.  They run on less than 37% of their plays.

Do they convert on 3rd Down?

At 38% they are 10th in the MAC.

Do they score in the red zone?

They are getting 5 trips a game, which is very good, and getting 5 points per trip, also good.

Do they protect the quarterback?

They are sacked on 2.2% of their pass plays, which is very good.  Of course, they play a quick release passing attack, so it is very tough to pressure the passer.

Defense:

Topline: Scoring and yards per play.

They are 12th in the MAC in scoring defense and 8th in yards per play allowed, which is 6.1, the same as they gain.

That's "Mr. Zip."  Mrs. Zip is living with
the Fed Ex guy.

Do they defend the run effectively?

They are 6th in the MAC in rushing/attempt allowed (4.3)

Can they be passed on?

They are last in the MAC in pass defense efficiency.

Do they get off the field on 3rd down?

This is a strength.  They lead the MAC at 35% on third down.  Combined with the other stats, you have to figure how much of that might be randomness.  Or think about where they would be without it.

Do they defend in the red zone?

They've allowed 27 red zone trips in 5 games, which is more than 5 and 2 more than they have had, and that was a lot.  They allow 5.1 points per trip.

Do they pressure the QB?

8 sacks, which is 4.5% and pretty typical.

Special Teams:

Punting?

Dude is 8th in net punting.  No blocks and 1 TD allowed.

This guy, name of Heisman,
used to Coach here.

Punt Return?

They are averaging 10 yards a return, 4th in the MAC.

Placekicking?

His name is Stein, too.  He's 6 of 9 and 2 of 3 beyond 40 with a 45 long.

Kickoff?

They are 9th.  Teams start on the 25 against them.  They have 12 touchbacks but they have kicked off 36 times (BG--19).

Kickoff Return?

They are starting on the 24.

Miscellaneous: Overall atmospherics and intangibles.

Here's the deal.  The atmospherics are just terrible for BG here.  In their last 3 losses the Zips have almost won...they have to be so hungry they can taste it.  It is homecoming, could be a big crowd. They just have to be thinking this is where they get over the top.  Just seems to me that all the intangibles are in their camp.

I was surprised to look at the MAC rankings and see that BG has one of the top ranked defenses, even with the schedule we played.  This is  huge test for our offense.  Teams have scored on Akron, and we will need to as well.  I keep thinking it is going to come together for them, starting at WR and QB.  Perhaps this will be the week.