Louisiana vs Akron Nov 2nd
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I know this does not excite many of you guys, but this was the #33 RPI team in the country last year coming to the CajunDome. They finished the season with a record of 27-6 and lost in the 1st round of the NCAA to Texas Tech. Just saying, if you are going to face a MAC school this is one coming off an historic season.👍 1Comment
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They lost alot from last years team, but Either way a solid opponent coming to the Cajun Dome. Here is what AI Says:
It will be incredibly difficult for Akron to match last year's historic 29–6 run, primarily due to an offseason of massive structural turnover.
While the team remains a top contender in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), matching a school-record 29 wins and a third consecutive MAC Tournament title will face two critical hurdles:
1. A Brand New Head Coach
Longtime head coach John Groce departed for the College of Charleston in late March. While the Zips maintained continuity by promoting associate head coach Dustin Ford to the helm, this will be Ford's very first season as a collegiate head coach. Sustaining "all gas, no brakes" efficiency while adjusting to a new leadership voice naturally brings early-season uncertainty.
2. Severe Roster Depletion
The Zips lost nearly the entire core of the team that drove last year's March Madness run to graduation and the transfer portal:- Tavari Johnson (Out of eligibility) — The star point guard who led the team with 20.5 points and 5.2 assists per game.
- Amani Lyles & Evan Mahaffey (Out of eligibility) — Both crucial veteran frontcourt anchors.
- Shammah Scott (Out of eligibility) — The clutch guard who hit the MAC championship-winning shot.
- Sharron Young (Transferred) — A key young guard who departed for Western Kentucky.
The Silver Lining
Despite losing their heaviest hitters, the Zips are far from a rebuilding year. Coach Ford brought in elite talent via the transfer portal, highlighted by former Ohio State forward Colin White and Illinois transfer guard Ty Pence.
Expect Akron to still fight for a top spot in the MAC, but a step backward in total wins should be expected as this highly talented, entirely remodeled roster learns to play together.
👍 1Comment
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It’s a good opponent, but won’t move the needle in terms of excitement just because it’s Akron. To be fair, no one from the Sunbelt really moves the needle for any MAC team either.Comment
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