In a move that has college football fans buzzing, the Akron Zips are offering season ticket holders a chance to call the plays for the first drive of their home opener against Robert Morris. The promotion, which requires a season ticket purchase starting at just $75, is a creative attempt to boost attendance at Infocision Stadium, which averaged only 7,729 fans last season.
This comes as the college football world grapples with major off-field issues, including the ongoing eligibility chaos from a Colorado court ruling and the stalled Protect College Sports Act in the U.S. Senate. For Iowa fans, the implications are real: the Hawkeyes could face roster shakeups as players gain an extra year of eligibility, and the Big Ten's scheduling landscape continues to shift.
Akron's Fan Play-Calling Gimmick Draws Attention
The Zips, who have struggled to draw crowds, are offering a unique incentive. Season ticket buyers enter a random drawing to script the first drive of the Sept. 12 game against Robert Morris. The winner will meet with head coach Joe Moorhead, who will present a menu of plays. While Moorhead retains veto power, the idea has sparked excitement among fans who love to second-guess play calls.
“I think this is a fantastic idea,” said Pat Forde, a Sports Illustrated columnist. “Everybody who has ever played a video game thinks they are smarter than the coaches. This gives them a chance to prove it.”
Akron’s attendance woes are well-documented. The Zips ranked second-to-last in FBS attendance last year, ahead of only Sam Houston. The promotion is a low-cost way to generate buzz and potentially sell a few hundred extra tickets.
Eligibility Ruling Threatens Roster Stability
A Colorado district court ruling has thrown college football into disarray. The decision effectively grants an extra year of eligibility to athletes who were denied a fifth year under the NCAA's age-based eligibility rules. This could allow hundreds of players to return to their schools, disrupting rosters just as fall camps begin.
“This is no way to run a sports league,” said Kevin Sweeney, a college football analyst. “Coaches have spent all summer setting their rosters. Now, they might have to integrate key players back in a matter of weeks.”
For Iowa, this ruling could be a double-edged sword. The Hawkeyes could benefit if veteran players choose to return, but they could also lose players to other programs. The NCAA is seeking a stay, but the legal landscape remains uncertain.
Protect College Sports Act Stalls in Senate
The Protect College Sports Act, which aims to create federal standards for college athletics, has hit a snag in the Senate. The bill, which would establish a 19-team cap on leagues and provide antitrust protection, faces an uncertain path forward.
“If this thing waits a month into September, I find it hard to be optimistic,” Sweeney said. “The longer it goes, the more opportunities for amendments and second-guessing.”
Iowa fans should watch this closely. The bill could reshape the Big Ten, potentially forcing the conference to mandate tougher non-conference schedules. That would be a win for fans who want to see the Hawkeyes play marquee opponents like Notre Dame.
Indiana's Soft Schedule Draws Criticism
Indiana’s decision to drop a two-game series with Notre Dame has reignited debate about scheduling in college football. The Hoosiers, under coach Curt Cignetti, have scheduled 20 straight non-conference games against non-power conference opponents. Critics argue this hurts the sport.
“It’s bad for college football,” Sweeney said. “Indiana is a big boy program now. They need to challenge themselves.”
For Iowa, which has traditionally played a balanced schedule, this trend is concerning. If top programs avoid tough non-conference games, it could devalue the regular season and hurt the Big Ten's TV product.
Notre Dame-USC Rivalry Returns in 2030
In brighter news, Notre Dame and USC have agreed to resume their rivalry in 2030 with a four-game series. The games will be played in Week 1 or early in the season, a shift from their traditional late-October or November dates.
“I’m glad they’re playing,” Forde said. “But it’s a victory for USC. They got what they wanted by moving the game earlier.”
The series will begin with a Labor Day weekend game in Los Angeles in 2030, followed by a game in South Bend in 2031. The agreement underscores the challenges Notre Dame faces in scheduling quality opponents as an independent.
Preseason Top 25: Big Ten, SEC Dominate
The AFCA preseason top 25 is out, and it is heavy on Big Ten and SEC teams. Ohio State is No. 1, followed by Oregon, Georgia, Texas, and Notre Dame. Indiana checks in at No. 6, while Iowa is unranked.
Analysts question some rankings. Clemson at No. 23 is a surprise after a 7-6 season. Texas A&M at No. 8 may be too high given questions at quarterback. Underrated teams include Washington, which has a young star quarterback in Demon Williams, and Notre Dame, which boasts a dominant defense.
For Iowa, the path to a playoff spot is clear: win the Big Ten West and hope for a favorable draw. The Hawkeyes’ defense should be strong, but the offense must improve to compete with the conference's elite.
Best and Worst College Towns
A viral list ranking the best college towns in FBS has sparked debate. The top seven include Vanderbilt, Texas, San Diego State, Colorado, Wisconsin, Florida International, and Miami. Critics argue that many of these are cities, not college towns.
“If the city has pro sports or is a state capital, it’s probably not a college town,” Forde said. “Madison is an outlier, but Miami? Come on.”
For Iowa fans, Iowa City is a classic college town. It may not have the glitz of Austin or Nashville, but it offers a authentic game-day experience that true fans appreciate.
FAQ: What Iowa Fans Need to Know
How does the eligibility ruling affect Iowa?
The ruling could allow veteran Iowa players to return for an extra season. This would add depth but also create roster logjams. The NCAA is fighting the ruling, so the situation remains fluid.
Will the Protect College Sports Act pass?
The bill faces an uncertain future in the Senate. If it passes, it could mandate tougher non-conference schedules, which would benefit Iowa fans who want to see marquee matchups.
Why is Indiana avoiding tough non-conference games?
Indiana coach Curt Cignetti argues that playing weak non-conference opponents protects his team's playoff chances. Critics say it hurts the sport and devalues the regular season.
When will Notre Dame and USC play again?
The rivalry resumes in 2030 with a Labor Day weekend game in Los Angeles. The series includes four games, with two in South Bend and two in Los Angeles.