1988? That could be true, but then, we haven't played in the Rubber Bowl that many times since then. Akron didn't join the MAC until..I think...1992? We've won the last two against the Zips, although both were in Mt. Pleasant.
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif"> Now I now [sic] it isn't as long as our current streak or CMU's streak in Kalamazoo (which is longer than our current streak), </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">CMU's streak in Kalamazoo? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="confused.gif" /> Did I misunderstand you? We won there in 1993, with CMU QB Joe Youngblood at the controls, and I was present in the end zone bleachers. We've lost in Kalamazoo since then (1995, 97, 99, and 2001), but that's only a four-game streak. Western's losing streak in Mt. Pleasant is from 1973 to present. I don't have a definitive list of game locations from 1974-1992, but that must be about 14 straight losses in Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
At any rate, I see WMU-Purdue as a relatively low-scoring affair, and scoring by one defense or the other -- or both -- would not shock me. I think it's close at the half, but Purdue wears you down late. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="frown.gif" /> For the Broncos to win, some semblance of a running game must be present. One of your backs had a good game against Michigan, but I think you need to hit 100 yards -- as a team -- on the ground. If the Boilers can just tee-off on your QB(s), it'll be rough. A big play early -- in any phase of the game -- could inspire vital confidence. In your favor, Michigan has a better offense than Purdue, so your "D" won't be intimidated.
Akron-CMU: we had our best aerial production in -- well, forever! -- on Saturday, despite our O-line surrendering three sacks. Akron's "D" hasn't stopped anyone yet, and the Zips' coaches now know that stacking against our running game guarantees nothing. Moving the ball should not be a problem, and our special teams were solid in every phase last game. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="biggrin.gif" />
The question is: how good is our defense, really? We've shut down our opponent's running games, but SHS and Wyoming have inexperienced backs and pass-first mentalities. Akron has a solid backfield, but the key is the Zips' O-line. It's young and has played like it -- so far. I expect CMU to test the blocking early and often with pressure, pressure, and still more pressure. If it works, we win. If not -- hold on tight, it could be a barn-burner! <img border="0" alt="[Drinky]" title="" src="graemlins/drinky.gif" />