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The Akron Zips (0-2, 0-0 MAC) come into this contest with two losses to Power Five conference opponents. One was a 41-3 loss at Oklahoma to open up the season, and the other came at home last week 24-7 to Pitt. The offense has struggled to move the ball thus far, with only ten total points scored in the first two games. The stress on being better at running the ball hasn't done much so far. Akron has racked up just 336 yards of total offense through three games. The hyped up defense has done its part so far, but it has not been rewarded by the poor play of the offense.
The Tigers of Savannah State (0-1, 0-0 MEAC) haven't won a game since September 14, 2013. That win came against a division II school. The Tigers are coming off of a bye week, so they didn't play last week. The only game that Savannah State has play was Colorado State, a 65-13 loss. Also, the last time that the Tigers gave up fewer than 60 points to an FBS level opponent was way back in 2012 in a 55-0 loss to Florida State.
A full preview of the game can be found here.
Players to watch
Akron QB Tommy Woodson: The redshirt sophomore could see some significant playing time with fellow quarterback Kyle Pohl out. Woodson, who has a great chance to prove himself, will likely split time with Tra'Von Chapman.
Akron offensive line: The group of five seniors has yet to show anything close to its full potential in the season so far. Without a decent line, no offense will be able to move the ball, so this unit must perform to its best ability if the offense wants any chance to move the ball.
Savannah State QB David Handler: The freshman will make his first career start against the Zips due to an injury to Tino Smith III, who threw for 50 yards to lead SSU quarterbacks in week one.
Savannah State RB Richard Williams II: Williams had a 63-yard touchdown run in the week one season opener at Colorado State, and he seems to be the leader of the Tiger rushing attack.
Quick Game Info
Game time, date: Kick-off scheduled for NOON on September 19.
Location: InfoCision Stadium--Summa Field, Akron, Ohio.
Streaming: The game will be streamed on ESPN3.
Radio: Fox Sports 1350 WARF in Akron, which is available on IHeartRadio.