Zips Roll Over RedHawks on Homecoming Weekend, 35-13

Saturday, October 8

3 pm

University of Akron

Miami (Ohio)

Zips Roll Over RedHawks on Homecoming Weekend, 35-13

October 08 | Football

Box Score

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AKRON, Ohio – On Homecoming weekend, the Akron alumni witnessed the Zips' dominating performance against Miami for a 35-13 win to remain undefeated in Mid-American Conference play on Saturday afternoon at InfoCision Stadium – Summa Field. It was the Zips' sixth consecutive conference win, and Akron's longest league winning streak since joining the MAC in 1992.

The Zips moved to 4-2 overall and 2-0 in MAC play, while Miami fell to 0-6 on the season and 0-2 in league contests.

Akron's starting QB junior Tra'Von Chapman (Cincinnati, Ohio) had a career day in passing completions (15), attempts (29), and touchdowns (3) while passing for 174 yards. He also found the endzone on a 70-yard run for the Zips' first touchdown. He led the team with a career-high 80 yards on the ground on 10 carries.

Senior WR JoJo Natson, Jr. (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) led the Zips in receiving, scoring two touchdowns on seven catches for 81 yards, while junior WR Austin Wolf (Lebanon, Ohio) followed with one reception for 24 yards and a touchdown.

The Zips' defense managed two sacks, five tackles for loss, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery. Sophomore LB Ulysees Gilbert III (Ocala, Fla.) led the squad with nine takedowns and one for loss. Senior DE Daumantas Venckus (Weston, Fla.) and sophomore DL Brock Boxen (New Galilee) recorded sacks for nine and seven yards for loss, respectively.

The Zips controlled time of possession 31:25 to 28:35 while outgaining the RedHawks in total yards 299-260.

Miami started the scoring, opening with a 12 play drive for 68 yards that lasted 6:32. The RedHawks marched down the field to the Akron 11 before being halted by the Akron defense on three consecutive possessions. Miami was forced to kick a field goal as Nick Dowd split the uprights for a 3-0 advantage.

The lead didn't last long as Akron retaliated with a two-play drive resulting in seven points. On the Zips first play, Chapman dropped back and delivered a strike to Natson, who was stopped near the line of scrimmage. Next, Chapman began to drop back, but saw some daylight and used his legs to carry the ball 70 yards for Akron's first touchdown.

With the Akron defense back on the field, the Zips only allowed the RedHawks to gain 12 yards on five plays before giving up the ball.

Akron found the endzone again on the second possession of the game. The drive began with two incomplete passes, however Chapman picked up Akron's first official first down with an 11-yard run to the near sideline. After a two yard gain on the ground by Edwards, Chapman found Edwards for a 15-yard pass completion. Akron continued the aerial attack as Chapman fired the ball downfield to Wolf for 24 yards and a touchdown. Zips' sophomore K Tom O'Leary (Tucker, Ga.) converted the PAT for a 14-3 Akron lead with 3:26 left in the quarter.

After another Miami three-and-out, Akron received the ball and scored again on their third straight possession for an 18-point lead with 7:04 remaining in the half. The drive lasted 4:46 as the Zips used 13 plays to gain 84 yards, ending with a 22-yard touchdown pass to Natson.

Miami returned the kickoff 22 yards, taking the ball to the Miami 37-yard line and quickly entered Zips' territory after a 26-yard passing play to Akron's 37-yard line. The RedHawks moved the ball to the Akron 6-yard line, but had to settle for another as the Zips' defense held their ground. The 24-yard field goal left the Zips with a 21-6 halftime advantage.

After the break, Miami started with the ball and drive was interrupted by an interception by UA's senior DB Larry Hope (Miami, Fla.). Unfortunately, the Zips didn't capitalize on the Miami mishap.

On Miami's second possession, The RedHawks made it an eight point deficit after QB Noah Wezensky led nine-play, 63-yard drive, ending with a touchdown pass to Ryan Smith, 21-13.

The Zips increased the lead after a RedHawk fumble that was picked up in Miami territory by UA's sophomore DB Nathan Bischof (Akron, Ohio) because heavy presser on the Miami QB by UA's DeAndre Scott. The Zips took full advantage of the turnover, as Mykel Trayor-Bennent finished a five-play, 16-yard drive by barreling through the line for a one-yard rushing attack for six points. The Zips converted the point after for a 28-13 lead.

Akron added a touchdown in the final stanza as Chapman aired out a 32-yard pass to Natson for the Zips final score, 35-13.

Akron will be back in action at InfoCision Stadium – Summa Field on Saturday, Oct. 15, against No. 25 Western Michigan. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. and will be aired on CBS Sports Network.