Akron Football: Can Zips show progress in critical 2021 season?

Teon Dillard leads an Akron offense lacking playmakers

One thing that the Akron Zips will have this season is a reliable running game. Teon Dillard is one of the best running backs in the entire conference and should be able to help carry the load for the offense. Dillard is a tough, physical back who is tough to bring down and I expect him to have a big season in 2021. The reason that this offense may struggle is a poor offensive line and a passing game that was one of the worst in the country last season.

Quarterback Kato Nelson is back for his fifth season with the Akron football program and after not playing in 2020, he will look to reclaim his starting job from last seasons starter, Zach Gibson. The Zips passing offense ranked 119th in the country last season and the hope is that either Gibson improves enough to keep the job or either Nelson or junior college transfer D.J Irons can spark a stagnant passing offense.

While the quarterback play struggled, some of it must fall on a lack of playmakers on the outside. Between George Qualls Jr, Michael Mathison and Timothy Scippio, the Zips need to find a reliable threat to help spark the passing offense.

The offensive line returns most of its starters, but this was a below average line in both 2019 and 2020. This unit must get better if the offense is to get better in 2021.

Dillard should be able to carry this offense for some of the season and he is going to have to if the pass offense can’t catch up. The offensive improvement hinges on a better passing attack and offensive line.