Akron 2018 Roster | Akron 2018 Media Guide | Akron 2018 Schedule
In many ways the 2017 season was a special season for the Akron Zips as the program won the MAC East Division for the first time under head coach Terry Bowden, and the program’s first since 2005, while also gathering the program’s third bowl invitation (Cheribundi Tart Cherry Boca Raton Bowl) since moving to the FBS level. Akron finished with a 7-7 overall record, along with the 6-2 MAC record for the East Division title.
Bowden will look to build upon the success from last season with 58 letterwinners returning, including 15 starters (6 offense, 9 defense and 3 specialists). The Zips have a challenging non-conference schedule with two road games against Big Ten opponents and one Big 12 road contest. Akron opens the season with a visit to Nebraska on Sept. 1, before hosting Morgan State on Sept. 8. Akron concludes the non-conference portion of the schedule with road games at Northwestern on Sept. 15 and Iowa State on Sept. 22.
Offensively, sophomore quarterback Kato Nelson brings speed and an elusive playmaking ability to the Zips after passing for 989 yards and eight touchdowns last season. The offensive line features three returning starters as left tackle Trevor Brown (14 games), left guard Brandon Council (10 games) and right guard Kyle Ritz (14 games) will anchor the protection for Nelson and the Zips offense. Senior running back Van Edwards (343 yards, 2 touchdowns) and senior wide receiver Kwadarrius Smith (726 yards, 7 touchdowns) will be key targets.
Returning All-MAC First Team senior linebacker Ulysees Gilbert is the Zips leader on defense. Gilbert posted 140 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and six sacks last season. Senior defensive end Jamal Davis (69 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss) will anchor the defensive line after being named All-MAC Second Team in 2017. Junior defensive back Alvin Davis (83 tackles), senior defensive back Kyron Brown (49 tackles, 13 passes defensed) and senior safety Jordan George (71 tackles, 5 interceptions) will lead the secondary.
September
1 at Nebraska, 8:00 pm ET (FOX)
8 Morgan State, 3:30 pm ET (ESPN+)
15 at Northwestern, 7:30 pm ET (Big Ten Network)
22 at Iowa State
October
6 *Miami, 3:30 pm ET (ESPN+)
13 *at Buffalo
20 *at Kent State, 3:30 pm ET (ESPN+)
27 *Central Michigan
November
1 *NIU, 7:00 pm ET (ESPNU/CBS Sports Network)
10 *at Eastern Michigan, Noon ET (ESPN3)
17 *Bowling Green, 3:30 pm ET (ESPN3)
23 *at Ohio, TBA
