CNNSI.com - 2000 College Football Preview - CNNSI.com's Akron preview

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Akron Zips

Division title a real possibility

College Football: The New Century

'99: 7-4, 5-3 MAC

Coach

Lee Owens (sixth season, 19-36)

Key offensive players

James "Butchie" Washington, QB, Sr.
UA's all-time passing leader with 4,380 yards and 21 touchdown passes.

Brandon Payne, RB, So.
He was the MAC Freshman of the Year in 1999.

Lavell Bailey, WR, So.
Sixth in the MAC with 35.5 receiving yards per game last year.

Key defensive players

Dwight Smith, DB, Sr.
Second team All-MAC in 1999 with 15 passes broken up, two interceptions and 59 tackles.

Ivan Maisel's Player of the Century: Jason Taylor, DE, 1993-96
"The Zips' first bona fide star since they joined I-A in 1987."

Brightest Moment: When Gerry Faust was appointed as coach on Dec. 18, 1985. The former Notre Dame boss had a .500 record through his first eight seasons, but finished with a 1-10 record his final season in 1984. His career mark at Akron was 43-53-3.

Lowest Moment: When in 1952 the continuation of football as an intercollegiate sport at Akron hung in the balance. Athletic director Ken "Red" Cochrane stepped in as head coach and is credited with saving the program.

Derek Wilborn, DL, Sr.
Tied for the MAC lead in 1999 with four fumble recoveries.

Key newcomer

Jonathan Gill, QB, RFr.
Young talent is listed as the backup to starter Ryan Uhlenhake.

Throwback player

Offensive guard Paul Ondrusek is burly, tough, versatile, intelligent and talented.

21st century player

Quarterback Butchie Washington has a game similar to Michael Vick. He has quick feet, is elusive and can throw the ball deep.

Fast fact

Akron was 67-of-174 for 39 percent on third-down conversions in 1999.

Outlook

Before winning seven games last year, Akron had won 12 games and lost 32 under Owens. It seems that now the Zips are ready to stop being the league laughingstock to being competitive. Expect Akron to be in a fight with Ohio for first or second in the East. For that to happen, the defense must improve and the Zips must take advantage of playing four of their last five games at home.

--Stan Crawley