After a 2-4 start to their season, Akron was putting together a solid second half before losses to Ohio and Western Michigan left the team saddled with its first losing season under Brookhart.

"We were missing some leadership pieces," Brookhart said. "We couldn't get over the hump, whether it was in game situations or practice. We had a lot of penalties and had some major problems in our kicking game. All of these will need to be addressed."

The Zips led the MAC in penalties and yardage, being flagged 9.3 times per game for 74 yards. Often times, these penalties were drive killers.

Akron's second offensive possession against Western Michigan was typical of the season. With no score, the Zips were given a turnover on the Western 22. After getting to the Broncos' 11-yard line, two sacks and a holding penalty necessitated a 48-yard field goal try, which was blocked. Western Michigan won the game, 17-0.

Akron was 5-of-11 on red-zone field-goal attempts and ranked near the bottom of the MAC in red-zone offense at 66.7% (26-of-39), including four interceptions. The Zips gave up 31 sacks in 12 games compared to 21 in 13 games in 2005.

The defensive unit ranked in the top half of the conference in most statistical categories and finished with an average yield of 322.4 yards per game.

GAME OF THE YEAR: Akron 20, North Carolina State 17. The Zips conjured up 96- and 67-yard touchdown drives late in the fourth quarter to steal the victory in Raleigh, N.C. Sophomore RB Dennis Kennedy scored his third touchdown of the game on a 1-yard dive on the game's final play.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: WR David Harvey -- The Pittsburgh Penn Hills High School product led the MAC in kick returns with an average of 30.0 yards and ranked among conference leaders in receiving yards per game at 76.1 and in all-purpose yards per game at 119.9. He averaged 21.3 yards per reception (914 yards, 43 receptions) and ranked among national leaders in that department. A true freshman, Harvey should be selected to the All-MAC team.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "It was a frustrating end to a frustrating season. You got to give credit to Western Michigan. They played a tough game and wanted it more." -- Akron coach J.D. Brookhart.

PLAYERS TO WATCH IN 2007: WR David Harvey -- A threat from anywhere on the field, Harvey gives Akron a dynamic pass receiver and kick returner. His 10 touchdown receptions were huge.

LB Kevin Grant -- The sophomore from Herndon, Va., ranked second on the club in tackles (7.3 per game) and had a consistent season. He lists at 6-2, 245 pounds.

RB Dennis Kennedy -- After recovering from a shoulder injury, the Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., sophomore averaged 83.1 rushing yards per game and did most of his damage in the second half of the season. He is a better runner than 4.0 yards per carry would indicate. He also catches the ball out of the backfield.

LB Brion Stokes -- A second-team All-MAC selection in 2005, Stokes ranked third on the squad in tackles (6.6 per game) and registered 13 tackles for loss, including 4.5 sacks.

PRO PROSPECTS: QB Luke Getsy -- The senior came with coach J.D. Brookhart from Pittsburgh and enjoyed two fine seasons with the Zips. He led Akron to a MAC title in 2005 and had to adjust to a new corps of skill players. In two seasons at Akron, Getsy passed for 6,117 yards and 41 touchdowns.

DE Jermaine Reid -- A native of Pickering, Ontario, Reid already has been selected by the Hamilton Tiger-cats in the second round of the 2006 Canadian Football League draft. Reid had 7.5 sacks in 2005.

NT Kiki Gonzalez -- A genuine run stopper, the 6-2, 300-pounder was selected second team All-MAC in 2005.

ROSTER REPORT: No new injuries reported.