INSIDE SLANT

The Zips followed a familiar pattern against Bowling Green. Akron jumped out to a 10-9 halftime lead before Bowling Green stormed back with 27 second-half points to post a 36-20 victory.

The Zips, 2-9 and 1-6 in the MAC East Division, followed their game plan in the first half. Akron used a two tight-end set to run the ball and control the clock, keeping the ball away from Bowling Green quarterback Tyler Sheehan and wide receiver Freddie Barnes. Akron had 151 yards rushing in the first half and led 10-7 midway through the second quarter after Patrick Nicely found Jeremy Bruce for a 10-yard touchdown.

In the first half, Sheehan failed to throw a touchdown and Barnes, the nation’s leading receiver, was held to four catches for 69 yards.

Everything changed in the second half.

With the Zips unable to run as effectively, Bowling Green and its potent offense blitzed the Zips with a flurry of big plays. Barnes, who finished with 12 receptions for 197 yards, caught two touchdown passes in the third quarter. Sheehan finished 23-of-32 passing for 338 yards and two touchdowns.

“We felt we could play a physical run game with them, to control the clock and keep their offense off the field,” said UA coach J.D. Brookhart. “That’s what we did in the first half. In the second half, the situation got away from us. They got a quick touchdown. We had a three-and-out and then they scored another touchdown. You are still mixing it in, but we put ourselves in a tough situation.”

Nicely, a freshman, had a solid game in the loss. The Akron quarterback completed 22-of-32 passes for 259 yards and two touchdowns and didn’t throw an interception. Andre Jones finished with eight receptions for 114 yards, including a 34-yard touchdown from Nicely in the third quarter.

NOTES, QUOTES

• WR Andre Jones, a jack-of-all-trades in the Akron offense, is settling into the role of lead receiver. The senior led the Zips with eight catches for 114 yards. Jones hauled in a 34-yard touchdown reception from Patrick Nicely in the third quarter.

• LB Brian Wagner posted a game-leading 15 tackles against Bowling Green. The freshman was also credited with half a tackle for a loss.

• QB Patrick Nicely had one of his best days since taking over the starting position. The freshman completed 22 passes for 259 yards and two touchdowns.

Game Ball Goes To:   WR Andre Jones—The senior is concluding his career with a flourish. Despite Akron’s poor record and his numerous responsibilities, Jones is still producing at a high rate. He caught eight passes for 114 yards against Bowling Green. Jones added a 34-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter.

Keep An Eye On:   WR Jeremy Bruce—The senior caught his first touchdown pass of the season, a 10-yard from Patrick Nicely in the second quarter. It was Bruce’s second career touchdown. Bruce tallied five catches for 47 yards.

Quote To Note:   “They move the ball on everybody. Sheehan and Barnes are really good football players. Barnes is special. We tried a lot of different things. He still managed to make plays.”—Akron coach J.D. Brookhart on Bowling Green’s offense, which is led by quarterback Tyler Sheehan and wide receiver Freddie Barnes.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

Looking Good:   Despite entering the game with two wins and little to play for, the Zips made Bowling Green earn a victory. Akron led 3-0 and extended its lead to 10-7 in the first half. The Zips did a good job controlling the clock and holding BGSU quarterback Tyler Sheehan and wide receiver Freddie Barnes in check for the first two quarters.

LB Brian Wagner led all tacklers with a whopping 15 stops, including five solo.

CB Jalil Carter racked up nine tackles and added a pass breakup and was credited with half a sack.

QB Patrick Nicely stepped up with a big game, completing 22 passes for 259 yards and two touchdowns.

Still Needs Work:   The Zips played strong in the first half, but collapsed after halftime. They allowed Bowling Green to score 27 points in the second half. The Zips couldn’t run the ball in the final two quarters, giving BGSU offense more chances to score.

Roster Report:  

• CB Miguel Graham suffered an injury in the BGSU contest and had to leave the game.

• RB Alex Allen had a season-long 21-yard run against Bowling Green.

• WR Andre Jones hauled in a team-high eight catches for 114 yards. His 34-yard touchdown reception marked the 11th TD grab of his career and 14th overall, placing him sixth on Akron’s all-time touchdown list.