Akron (2-1) vs. Appalachian State (1-2)
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Where: InfoCision Stadium
Television/Radio/Internet: American Sports Network/ ESPN3: Jeff McCarragher (play-by-play), Michael Young (analyst); Akron-IMG Sports Network: Steve French (play-by-plays), Brad Detwiler (analyst), Joe Dunn (sideline) WARF 1350 AM (flagship), WHK 1420 AM, WHKZ 1440 AM; iHeart Radio, TuneIn.com/Akron Zips
Three keys: The Zips offense must judiciously take advantage of any big play opportunities presented to them. The Mountaineers gave up a couple of big plays against the Miami Hurricanes last week in their loss and in the passing game give up and average of 248 yards per game…The offensive line, which Terry Bowden has referred to as athletic on more than one occasion, must keep up with the Mountaineers defensive line…The Zips defense has given up 164.7 yards per game on the ground. Appalachian averages 180 and there’s a good chance they will be without No. 1 back Marcus Cox, who was injured versus Miami. If the Zips can stop the running game and force Appalachian into passing situations, they give themselves an advantage.