Joe Moorhead aiming to lead Akron football back to relevance

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September 17, 2022; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Akron Zips wide receiver Shocky Jacques-Louis (18) and quarterback DJ Irons (0) and linebacker Bubba Arslanian (27) and defensive lineman Curtis Harper (1) and placekicker Cory Smigel (12) stand ready to take the field with the rest of the team before the game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Akron Zips at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports /

How many games will Akron football win this fall?

Sept. 2 at Temple (L): Akron would have a much better chance in this game if it were at home. Still, this one could go either way. Temple gets the edge because it’s at home.

Sept. 9 vs. Morgan State (W): The Zips should win its home opener easily before playing two Power Five opponents in a row.

Sept. 16 at Kentucky (L): Hopefully, the Zips can keep this one more respectable than it did against Tennessee last year.

Sept. 23 at Indiana (L): The Hoosiers aren’t very good, so the Zips might be able to reach double-digits in points.

Sept. 30 vs. Buffalo (W): The Bulls won this game by a point at home last season. The Zips get the win back at home.

Oct. 7 vs. Northern Illinois (W): Akron dominated the Huskies in DeKalb last year. The Zips do the same at home.

Oct. 14 at Central Michigan (L): is another 50-50 game. What will the Chippewas offense be without Lew Nichols? It was a one-score game last year; expect a close one again.

Oct. 21 at Bowling Green (W): This was another close game for the Zips. Akron has to win one of these close ones, don’t they?

Nov. 1 vs. Kent State (W): The Golden Flashes were raided in the transfer portal and lost its head coach. The Zips win the Wagon Wheel for the first time since 2018.

Nov. 8 at Miami(OH) (L): The RedHawks might have an issue scoring, but they’ll have the best defense in the league, and the game is in Oxford.

Nov. 14 at Eastern Michigan (L): This was a close game last year. The Eagles look to contend in the MAC in 2023. This game won’t be as close as it was last year.

Nov. 24 vs. Ohio (L): Unfortunately for the Zips, its season ends with two MAC contenders. Bobcats spoil senior day at Akron.

Prediction: 5-7, 4-4 MAC

There is a lot of variance in this schedule. The ceiling for the Zips is six wins and a bowl game. The floor is another 2-10 year. The three-headed monster of Irons, Lingard, and Anderson running the football is intriguing. If the defensive line can find its way in opposing backfields more often, they could take advantage of what could be a solid secondary.

Their opening game against Temple could set the tone for the season. Going 2-2 in the non-conference could help them immensely.

Next. One of these 8 teams will win the national title in 2023. dark

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