Streaks are a funny thing. While providing great story lines and drama, there's a problem. Streaks are made to be broken. Something for the No. 17 Badgers to keep in mind this weekend when the University of Akron comes into town for the home opener of the Wisconsin football season.
Having been outscored by Big Ten opponents the last four years 188-73, it's been more than 100 years since the Zips were able to defeat a team from the Big Ten, when they triumphed over Ohio State back in 1894. Putting it into perspective, John Theisman was coaching at Akron at the time. Of course, at the time Akron wasn't even Akron; instead going by the name of Buchtel College.
The greatest threat that the Zips pose is with junior quarterback Charlie Frye. Ranked third on the career pass completion percentage list behind such Mid-American Conference greats as Marshall's Byron Leftwich and Chad Pennington, both currently in the NFL, Frye has a 63.77 percent rate, capped off by last week's game against Kent State when he went 36-of-46 for 407 yards passing. Frye has also thrown 97 consecutive passes without an interception.
There is some depth behind Frye that gives Akron some offensive power. Two of the team's receivers went for over 100 yards last week: senior Matt Cherry with 150 and a touchdown and senior Miquel Irvin with 101 and a touchdown. In his fourth game posting over 100-yards, Cherry accumulated 109 of those in the first quarter.
While the offensive line returns the majority of its strength, the defensive line is another story and the team is looking for more of the spark that it showed against highly-regarded Marshall when the Zips upset the then No. 25 team after forcing nine turnovers.
While the Zips have gone 10 straight games without a turnover, the streak came on the heels of 25 turnovers in the previous 10 games. Akron also has some experience on its side, returning 17, including its whole offense, starters from last year's team that went 4-8, with wins in four of its last six games.
The team had struggled earlier in the year, allowing over 250 yards on the ground the first four games but moved up to eighth in total defense and second in red zone defense. However, five starters had to be replaced from last year's group, and after the defense gave up 17 points late in the fourth in its last game, uncertainty lies in the ability of the line to backup Frye's offensive efforts.
Last Thursday's game against Kent State was the team's opener. The Zips led into the fourth quarter before losing 41-38. While the teams were statistically well matched in the game, Akron allowed Kent State to go 11-of-16 on third down conversions.
This will be the first ever meeting between the Wisconsin Badgers and the Akron Zips.
