The Akron Zips will have to figure out what life after Thomas Woodson will be like. They got a glimpse last season, with Kato Nelson getting a few starts, including a monster game in the big upset against Ohio, which helped propel the Zips to the conference championship game. Regardless of the quarterback situation, the Zips need to figure out how to run the ball to give the new signal caller help. Receiver Kwadarrius Smith could help loosen some defenses up with his big play ability.
On defense, Akron needs to figure out how to stop the run, and the pass.