FACTS & STATS: Site: Michie Stadium (40,000) -- West Point, New York. Television: ESPN Classic. Home Record: Akron 0-1, Army 0-2. Away Record: Akron 1-1, Army 0-0. Neutral Record: Akron 0-0, Army 0-0. Conference Record: Akron 0-1, Army 0-0. Series Record: Army leads, 3-1.

GAME NOTES: The Army Black Knights will try to find the win column for the first time this season when they host the Akron Zips this Saturday afternoon at Michie Stadium. The Zips' 2008 season began with a 38-17 setback to Wisconsin, but the team was able to rebound with its first win of the year, a 42-28 victory over Syracuse. Unfortunately the success did not last long, as the Zips dropped a 41-24 decision to Ball State this past weekend. As for the Black Knights, they are coming off a much needed bye week. The Black Knights opened the year with a tough 35-7 setback to Temple, and followed that with a 28-10 loss to New Hampshire. Army has not played well at home of late, and dating back to last season the team has dropped four straight decisions at Michie Stadium. The Black Knights have won three of the four meetings against Akron, but the lone win for the Zips came this past season, as they slipped past Army, 22-14.

The Zips pounded out 418 total yards of offense this past weekend against Ball State, but it was not nearly enough, as Akron fell by a 17-point margin. Akron was unable to overcome five turnovers in the contest, and also could not make the big plays when it counted, converting just 4-of-12 third down chances. Chris Jacquemain completed just 21-of-44 passes, but did throw for 269 yards and one score. The signal caller also tossed four interceptions and was sacked twice. Jacquemain has been inconsistent this season, as the QB has thrown for 756 yards, but has six touchdowns against five interceptions. Fortunately the ground game has been a bit more consistent, as the Dennis Kennedy and Alex Allen have formed into a solid two-headed monster. Kennedy is currently pacing the team with 154 rushing yards in 5.9 ypc, while Allen has rumbled for 152 yards and a team-best three touchdowns.

The Zips' biggest problem this season has been their inability to stop the run, as teams are pounded Akron for a whopping 271.0 ypg on the ground. Overall the unit is surrendering 441.0 total ypg, and that has led to a whopping 35.7 ppg. The defensive problems for Akron continued this past weekend, as the squad was torched by Ball State for 491 total yards, including 191 yards on the ground. Akron surrendered 30 first downs in the loss and allowed the Cardinals to convert on 9-of-16 third down attempts and all four red zone chances. Miguel Graham led the way for the defense, as the cornerback grabbed 12 tackles to go along with an interception.

The Black Knights have been unable to get anything going offensively, as the team has scored 17 points in its first two games. This past weekend against New Hampshire the Black Knights were terrible, racking up just 264 yards in the contest. The majority of the team's production came from the ground game that churned out 169 yards on 55 carries. Twelve different players had at least one carry in the setback, but the most impressive running back was Collin Mooney, who rushed for 57 yards. Army is currently averaging 189.5 rushing ypg, but the only player with over 100 yards is Mooney (138 yards on 3.3 ypc). Unfortunately the passing attack also did very little in the loss. Carson Williams did complete all seven of his passes for 95 yards and a score, but it was not enough to help the Black Knights to a win.

The team's success offensively, has been Army's weakness on the other side of the football, as the Black Knights are surrendering 134.0 ypg on the ground. Despite the struggles against the run, Army is holding the opposition to a strong 286.0 total ypg. The defense has forced four turnovers on the year, but at the same time, the Black Knights have allowed the opposition to convert 45 percent of their third down attempts and 80 percent of their red zone chances. In the setback to New Hampshire, the defense struggled once again against the run, surrendering 184 yards on 4.8 ypc. Overall the Black Knights allowed just 322 total yards, and limited UNH to just 17 first downs. Josh McNary led the way for Army with eight tackles in the loss, while Lowell Garthwaite tallied seven stops.

The Black Knights have been abysmal on offense, and until the team can figure out a way to consistently put points on the board, do not expect Army to collect many victories.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Akron 27, Army 15

Saturday, September 20th, 1:05 p.m. (et)