The Zips and the ‘Cats are two teams heading into their first game on the MAC schedule from different starting points.
For the Bobcats, the change to conference play is a chance to hit the reset button on a season that has started with some tough opponents and adversity in many forms, including a rash of injuries to the o-line where All-MAC level talent in left guard Kurt Danneker and center and captain Nick Sink were lost for what figures to be significant periods.
Meanwhile, Akron heads into conference play looking to build on some positive moments in non-conference play, showing clear signs of improvement under head coach Tom Arth in year three.