What to know about Akron at Minnesota college football game

The University of Akron football team visits the University of Minnesota for a game at noon Saturday, Sept. 19.

Akron (1-1) opened the season with a 38-16 loss at Wake Forest on Thursday, Sept. 3., and then won its home opener 45-10 over Robert Morris on Saturday, Sept. 12.

Minnesota (1-1) is playing its third home game in a row. The Gophers beat Eastern Illinois 59-7 on Sept. 3 and lost 38-13 to Mississippi State on Sept. 12.

Here is a breakdown of what to know ahead of kickoff.

Akron football coach Joe Moorhead pleased with win over Robert Morris

Akron coach Joe Moorhead said he was pleased how his players competed in the win over Robert Morris.

“We did a nice job of taking care of business," Moorhead said Sept. 14. "I thought for the second week in a row we came off the field a better football team. Offensively, were able to move the football, create explosive plays, put points on the board and limit negatives and turnovers. Still certainly a ton to clean up.

“Defensively, really suffocated the run. Did a good job pressuring the passer [Carson Haggard], particularly in the second half. Kept points to a minimum. Created two turnovers and field position for the offense. Had a couple times we let the ball get over our head and that one receiver [Galen Combs] we discussed last week really had a nice game. He's an excellent player.

"And then special teams and return game chipped in. We had [117] yards of returns between [Brandon Hills] and [Sean Patrick]. Made all of our kicks [with Matthew Schramm and Joseph Castle].”

Cibastian Broughton continues to shine as Akron quarterback

Akron redshirt freshman quarterback Cibastian Broughton has completed 44 of 53 passes for 338 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions in two games. He also has 27 carries for 153 yards.

“I continue to be impressed, not with his just performance … but his mental approach, his preparation and, more than anything, his cool, calm demeanor out there," Moorhead said. "He isn't getting rattled and has the ability to bounce back from a bad play and continue to press forward through the game.”

Backup QB Brayden Roggow is 12-of-13 passing for 100 yards, two TDs and no interceptions in two games. He also has two carries for 11 yards and a TD.

Akron's leading receivers are Sean Patrick (six catches, 76 yards, TD), Marcel Williams (eight catches, 69 yards), Elijah Alexander (seven catches, 61 yards, 3 TDs) and Jean Louis III (three catches, 45 yards).

Akron expects big production from running backs Jordan Gant, Sean Patrick

Moorhead said the Zips “essentially have two starters at the tailback position” in Jordan Gant and Sean Patrick.

“That is a luxury that a lot of teams don’t have,” Moorhead said. “Some are looking for a primary starter. We have two that are, to me, I think all-league caliber. … Their performance and production, to me, is a byproduct of their preparation and their character. Not only are they excellent players on the field, but they are guys that do things right off the field and guys who prepare the right way. [Coach] Terry [Richardson] does a good job with those kids.”

Moorhead said he is also pleased with the play of offensive linemen Colin Lyons, Allen Jones Jr., Carlos Slayden, Brandon Smith and Nate Hampton after Akron lost “four starters [up front] who all portaled out to Power Four programs.”

Akron hoping to get defensive lineman Cyrus Durham back from an injury

Moorhead said he is optimistic defensive lineman Cyrus Durham will return Saturday after missing Akron's first two games because of an injury.

Donelius Johnson is Akron's leading tackler in two games with 15 (four solos, 11 assists) and Rodrick Hunter has 10 tackles (four solos, six assists). Omari Abor and Daunte Curtis each have eight tackles (four solos, four assists).

Abor, who previously played at Ohio State and Southern Methodist, has forced two fumbles and has Akron's only sack. Abor and Vann Kavals each have two tackles for loss. Dwight Nunoo has forced one fumble, and Kurtis Waye and Dahvon Frazier have each recovered a fumble.

Akron coach Joe Moorhead gives insight on Minnesota

Moorhead knows Minnesota will be tough under coach P.J. Fleck.

"[Offensive Coordinator Greg] Harbaugh [Jr.] does a nice job," Moorhead said. "They have an NFL-caliber quarterback in the [Drake] Lindsey kid. He can really throw the football. He’s a little more athletic than he gets credit for, a 6-foot-5, 230 pound kid, but a traditional pro-style kid.

“They have a massive offensive line that are big and physical. They run the zone and they try to displace you horizontally and vertically. They do a good job opening up holes and protecting the QB. The [Javon] Tracy kid and the [Noah] Jennings kid are transfers from Miami (Ohio) and Cincinnati, and they are his primary targets. We are going to have our hands full there offensively.

“Danny Collins is the defensive coordinator in his second season there. … Giving up 22 [points] a game this year. The [Anthony] Smith kid, the defensive end, is the preseason Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year. He is a game wrecker. You can see that guy is a future pro. He is going to be playing on Sundays.

"[Maverick] Baranowski is a traditional inside linebacker. A tackle-to-tackle guy, but he can make plays on the perimeter. He's also a very good pass rusher, so we gotta be aware of him. And then the one corner, the transfer from Iowa, [John] Nestor is a big, long kid at 6-1, 210. He is comfortable off and in press coverage. A very strong tackler with excellent fundamentals and technique.”

Akron Beacon Journal sports writer Michael Beaven can be reached by email at mbeaven@thebeaconjournal and is on Twitter at @MBeavenABJ.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: What to know about Akron at Minnesota college football game