2023 Akron Zips Football Preview
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Head Coach: Joe Moorhead, 2nd year: 2-10
Akron Zips Preview: 2023 Season
The Akron Zips are coming off a 2-9 season in 2022, but there is reason for optimism heading into 2023. The Zips return a number of key players, including quarterback Zach Gibson, running back Tre'Shaun Owens, and wide receiver Konata Mumpfield. Gibson threw for 2,028 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2022, while Owens rushed for 684 yards and three touchdowns. Mumpfield led the Zips with 54 receptions for 702 yards and four touchdowns.
The Zips also have a new head coach in Joe Moorhead, who was hired in December 2021. Moorhead has a wealth of experience, having previously served as head coach at Mississippi State and Penn State. He is known for his offensive prowess, and he will look to put his stamp on the Zips offense in 2023.
The Zips' schedule is challenging, but they have a chance to make some noise in the Mid-American Conference. They open the season with a home game against Temple, and they also have road games against Kentucky and Indiana. The Zips will also face off against MAC East rivals Buffalo, Bowling Green, and Kent State.
If the Zips can stay healthy and play up to their potential, they could be a dark horse in the MAC East. They have the talent to compete with the top teams in the conference, and they will be looking to make a statement in Moorhead's first season.
Key Players
- Zach Gibson, QB: 2,028 yards, 10 TD, 6 INT (2022)
- Tre'Shaun Owens, RB: 684 yards, 3 TD (2022)
- Konata Mumpfield, WR: 54 receptions, 702 yards, 4 TD (2022)
- Ja'Corey Hammons, LB: 104 tackles, 3.5 sacks (2022)
- Zach Spicer, DB: 74 tackles, 2 INT (2022)
Team Statistics
- Overall record: 2-9
- MAC record: 1-7
- Scoring offense: 22.7 points per game
- Scoring defense: 40.2 points per game
- Total offense: 361.3 yards per game
- Total defense: 448.8 yards per game
Predictions
The Zips have a chance to be a surprise team in the MAC East in 2023. They have the talent to compete with the top teams in the conference, and they will be looking to make a statement in Moorhead's first season. If the Zips can stay healthy and play up to their potential, they could finish in the top half of the MAC East.Sept 2 at Temple
Sept 9 Morgan State
Sept 16 at Kentucky
Sept 23 at Indiana
Sept 30 Buffalo
Oct 7 Northern Illinois
Oct 14 at Central Michigan
Oct 21 at Bowling Green
Oct 28 OPEN DATE
Nov 1 Kent State
Nov 8 at Miami University
Nov 14 at Eastern Michigan
Nov 24 Ohio