Bio Blast: Akron Zips

Kentucky is 2-0, but the Wildcats have gotten to Week 3 without a loss by playing some ugly football. We have yet to see Mark Stoops‘ team put all three phases together for an extended period. Saturday’s home contest ends a three-game homestand where the Wildcats were working on figuring out their identity. The upcoming contest is the final chance to get the kinks ironed out before eight consecutive SEC games begin in Week 4.

There are numerous things that Kentucky must get fixed. Joe Moorhead is bringing his 1-1 Akron team to Kroger Field on Saturday as the Zips look to make a big jump in year two under the former Mississippi State head coach.

We know what Kentucky must work on this week. Let’s figure out what they’ll be going against.

QB controversy

Former junior college transfer DJ Irons returned for year three at Akron. The super senior quarterback has started 15 games during his time on campus and entered this season as one of the best returning signal-callers in the MAC. However, the Zips have a legit QB competition brewing.

After throwing for 205 yards on 7.1 yards per attempt in a three-point road loss to Temple, Irons was pulled for former Albany transfer Jeff Undercuffler, Jr. mid-game. The super senior started three games for the Zips last season and threw three interceptions in Akron’s Week 2 win over Morgan State. The Zips need a blocked punt scoop-and-score with under a minute left in the fourth quarter to walk away with a win in Week 2.

Who starts at quarterback at Kroger Field is very much in the air.

“It looks inconsistent to me. What we gotta do is find the guy that’s going to be able to get out there, get behind center, operate the system with efficiency and explosiveness,” Joe Moorhead said in a press conference this week. “Move the chains, get first downs, and put the ball in the endzone.”

Irons brings a dual-threat element to the offense. However, Virginia Tech transfer Tahj Bullock is helping fill that role. Akron has used the 230-pound redshirt sophomore in a wildcat package (7 carries, 14 yards, 1 touchdown) each week. Akron’s QB picture is clear as mud right now.

Kentucky should expect a multi-QB system similar to what Ball State utilized in Week 1.

Active pass rush

Akron’s defense had a long way to go from 2022 after ranking No. 105 in points per drive (1.65) and yards per play (6.0). Defensive coordinator Tim Tibesar‘s team ranked No. 106 in tackles for loss per game (4.8). Creating havoc was an issue. However, the Zips have made big strides in the front seven.

Through two games, Akron has recorded 12 tackles for loss and a 39.5 percent pressure rate on 86 dropbacks. EDGE CJ Nunnally IV the team with 3.5 tackles for loss and 2 sacks. The junior college transfer has also chipped in seven pressures. EDGE Ryan Johnson (eight pressures) and Tennessee State defensive tackle transfer Terray Jones (five pressures) have also been active. The Zips are also getting excellent play from off-ball linebacker Bryan McCoy.

The havoc has ramped up for this 4-2-5 defense.

Akron has numerous Power Five skill talent transfers

Joe Moorhead’s staff at Akron has not shied away from finding players in the transfer portal and junior college ranks. The former really shows up when you look at the skill talent positions.

Drake Anderson (Northwestern/Arizona) and Lorenzo Lingard (Miami/Florida) are the top two options at tailback for Moorhead’s offense. The super seniors have produced a combined 105 rushing yards on 27 attempts with five total receptions through eight quarters.

Out wide, both Daniel George (Penn State) and Alex Adams (LSU) returned to Akron after strong seasons last fall. The duo combined to record 130 receptions, 1,643 yards, and 11 touchdowns this season. The duo is again a focal point of the offense this year with 15 combined receptions for 186 yards through two games. An argument can be made that this is the top pass-catching duo in the MAC. If Akron can find some consistent play at quarterback, the passing game has a very high ceiling due to the weapons the Zips have on the outside.

Kentucky’s defense will see some legitimate power conference skill talent on Saturday night at Kroger Field.