Still, Wells said his team's reaction to Sunday's announcement that Utah State would play the Zips was "… great. Our guys are excited to come and play a very good Akron team. They're hot. They've played well down the stretch."
Akron finished 7-5 during the regular season but have won four straight games. The Zips haven't beaten an opponent with a winning record, but all five of their losses came against bowl teams.
"Our players are excited and our fans are excited," coach Terry Bowden said. "… This is the culmination of a special season for Akron.