Army-Akron notebook

Akron may be 1-2, but the Zips to have some dangerous running backs, who could provide Army with problems. Dennis Kennedy and Alex Allen lead the way. Kennedy, a senior, signed with Ohio State out of Stranahan High (Fla.), but was not admitted because of academic issues. He rushed for 914 yards and seven touchdowns for Akron as a sophomore.

However, last season, Kennedy lost his starting job after three games.

It doesn't appear like Kennedy will lose his job this year. He's rushed for 154 yards on 26 carries (5.9 average) and a touchdown. When he's not carrying the load, Allen, a junior, steps in. Allen has rushed for 152 yards on 32 carries (4.8) average with three touchdowns. Akron likes to pass, quarterback Chris Jacquemain has 106 pass attempts this year, but Kennedy and Allen help open things up, too.

Kennedy and Allen's best game came in a 42-28 win over Syracuse two weeks ago. Allen had 103 yards and two touchdowns and Kennedy added 89 yards and a score. Don't forget, that Akron has yet another option in the backfield, Andrew Johnson, who has 101 yards and a touchdown this year.

Allen sustained a hip injury last week in a loss to Ball State and may be replaced by Johnson.

Army's option offense has looked vanilla and predictable this year, but Akron coach J.D. Brookhart said the scheme still worries him. The Black Knights (0-2) might have finally met their match as far as running it up on the ground with the option. Army is averaging 189.5 rushing yards per game and Akron gives up 271.0 rushing yards per game.

What also could help Army is that Akron's defensive line is banged up. The Zips have lost starter Ryan Bain (foot) and Eric Lively (elbow). Also, two reserves are on the shelf, Cowles Stewart and James Harvey. "We continue our struggle up front defensively. That has been a source of frustration," Brookhart said.

Extra points: Southwest DeKalb High (Ga.) linebacker Brandon Brant is considering playing at Army.

Appalachian State is the only other school to offer Brant, who is 6-foot-2, 210 pounds. Other Schools interested in Brant include Akron, Jacksonville State, Georgia Southern, Middle Tennessee State, Western Kentucky and Miami (OH). Brant has 12 tackles and three sacks in two games this year. In other recruiting news, slotback Jon Pozonsky and fullback Brad Strimel of Canon-McMillan (Pa.) High will both play for Army next year.