The University of Akron football team fell to the Western Michigan Broncos on Saturday, 41-0, at InfoCision Stadium in Akron.

The Zips record falls to 4-3 overall, and they picked up their first conference loss of the season. The Broncos remain undefeated (7-0, 3-0) as they continue their ascent up the top-25 rankings.

The Zips starting quarterback Thomas Woodson was unable to play for the third straight game, and the offense was unable to do anything on Saturday in his absence. His replacement Tra’von Chapman has been up-and-down so far this season, and he was definitely down against Western Michigan. Chapman completed just 13 of 31 passes for 153 yards with two interceptions for his worst start of the year.

Also without their starting running back Warren Ball for the fifth straight game, the Zips couldn’t move the ball on the ground very well until late in the game. Manny Morgan led the way with 53 yards on eight carries, while Chapman ran for 49 yards on 14 attempts. Van Edwards added six carries for 28 yards.

Leading receiver Jojo Natson was questionable to play, but he did suit up and played well. The senior captain caught five passes for 46 yards on the day. Also, Jerome Lane had four receptions for 42 yards and Austin Wolf caught two passes for 50 yards.

Once again linebacker Ulysees Gilbert led the defense, recording 13 tackles while forcing one fumble. Daumantas Venckus recovered the fumble while Brock Boxen had the Zips’ only sack.

As has been the case all season long, the Broncos offense could not be stopped. Running back Jarvion Franklin was untouchable, running over the Zips defense for 281 yards on 33 rushes with one touchdown.

Quarterback Zach Terrell still has yet to throw an interception this year in seven games, as he threw for 207 yards with two touchdowns. Terrell also rushed 10 times for 34 yards with two additional scores.

Future NFL wide receiver Corey Davis tore up the Akron secondary, catching eight passes for 63 yards with two touchdowns. Davis showed a lot to potential NFL scouts, especially a phenomenal catch in the back of the endzone to put the Broncos up 21-0.

The Broncos got interceptions from Caleb Bailey and Kasey Carson. Also, Keion Adams, Andre Turner, and Nathan Braster were able to sack Chapman on Saturday.

The Zips will get back to the gridiron on Saturday, Oct. 22 in a road game versus Ball State. It will be important for Thomas Woodson to get back on the field if the Zips want to get back to their winning ways on Saturday in Muncie, Indiana.