NOTEBOOK

NOTEBOOK

From Ohio Stadium

Area connections: Akron redshirt sophomore Alex Allen, an Ursuline High graduate, saw limited time at running back against the Buckeyes, gaining three yards on two carries. Allen is one of three area players on the Zips’ roster, joining senior cornerback Davanzo Tate (Fitch) and true freshman defensive lineman Marquinn Davis (Rayen). Junior cornerback Shaun Lane (Hubbard) recorded a tackle for the Buckeyes.

Punting prowess: Akron punter John Stec set a dubious school record with 14 punts, surpassing Bill Rudison’s previous mark of 13, which he set against Virginia Tech on Sept. 2, 1989. Stec finished with 575 total punting yards, 38 short of Rudison’s school record (613).

Safety first: Akron recorded its first safety since Oct. 20, 2001 when the Zips lost to Bowling Green 16-11. Akron also had two interceptions and three fumble recoveries.

Series history: Ohio State improved to 6-1 all-time against the Zips. Akron’s only win came on Sept. 5, 1894, which happened to be the school’s only football game that season. The score was 12-6 and the coach for Akron, then known as Buchtel College, was college football icon John W. Heisman, who played quarterback for the team in the game.

Joe Scalzo