Three and out for Zips
Third-quarter problems leave Zips helpless, Connecticut Huskies win 44-10
Vincent Dorsey
Issue date: 10/2/07 Section: Sports
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The University of Akron has been outscored 51-3 in the third quarter by its five opponents so far in 2007.
The Zips (2-3, 1-0 MAC) led UConn (5-0, 1-0 Big East) 10-9 with 4:04 remaining in the first half, after Jabari Arthur caught a 6-yard touchdown pass from redshirt sophomore quarterback Chris Jacquemain.
UConn's Tyvon Branch returned the ensuing kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown. The kickoff return was the first given up by the Zips since the 2003 season against Eastern Michigan.
The Zips looked to be on the verge of regaining some momentum on their next drive as they drove the ball to the Huskies' 3-yard line with 24 seconds remaining in the first half.
On second and goal, Jacquemain was tackled near the sideline. While Jacquemain was pushed out of bounds by two Connecticut defenders, the play was ruled complete while Jacquemain was still in the field of play. With no timeouts left, the Zips were unable to stop the clock from expiring and attempt a field goal.
Akron head coach J.D. Brookhart acknowledged in his post-game press conference that the play shifted the game's momentum further in UConn's favor.
"I think it affected the momentum of the game," the Zips' fourth-year head coach said. "I think these games are like that;there are swings in momentum that make a difference. It certainly will affect you mentally. They shouldn't, but they do."
Jacquemain said that, looking back on the play, he should have thrown the ball away to stop the clock and give the Zips another chance to score, but he will learn from the mistake and continue to improve.
"I thought I'd made a mistake by not throwing the ball away on that play," Jacquemain said. "I thought I got out of bounds to stop the clock. But apparently I didn't. It's one of those things I'm going to learn from and get better."
After holding UConn scoreless until its first drive in the second quarter, the Zips' defense had difficulty stopping the Huskies in the second half.
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