Lots of people are totally dismissing Akron, and I am not sure why. Of course same people dismissed EMU as well.
I went to the Zips vs Bronco game today.
Western looked like they did against OHIO last season for the first four possessions. Akron's defense finally started making stops (unlike OHIO's last season--I think it was seven straight scores in 2015 at Peden)
The second half was boring with WMU grinding it out.
Akron wasn't a turnover machine giving shortfield advantage and Akron got two turnovers, something none of the first 6 WMU opponents can say. The Zips simply were outclassed by WMU. Clearly with Michigan State getting thumped by Northwestern, WMU would be the 5th or 6th best team in the Big--who knows, maybe even better than Nebraska, Minnesota and Maryland. WMU is like a precision machine, hurry up, several neat plays, pound the bubble screen then pop the RB up the gut. High percentage throws and razzle dazzle--pitched back to the QB for a bomb. Only deficiency is that today the WMU QB was not very good at the homerun ball, Akron should have given up a few more scores if not for the inaccuracy.
Akron has not had it's top QB or top running back now for several games. Gotta think Akron is at least as good as Eastern.