Akron Drops 4OT Game At Indiana

The Zips fought to the end, but it wasn't enough

© Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

Amongst the other dramatic results of Saturday's Week Four slate, Akron was tantalizingly close to what would have been their second win ever against a Big Ten program. It also would have been their first over a P5 team since 2015.

The Zips tied the game at 17-17 with 3:34 remaining thanks to a 71-yard touchdown run by running back Lorenzo Lingard. Akron had the opportunity to seal a victory at the end of regulation, but redshirt junior kicker Dante Jackson missed a 32-yard attempt as time expired. 

💨Lorenzo Lingard 💨 71 yds pic.twitter.com/DjGci5Rejg

— Akron Football (@ZipsFB) September 24, 2023

It then took four overtimes for a winner to emerge when Indiana's Tayven Jackson connected with DeQuece Carter on a two-point conversion and the Zips were unable to answer. 

Akron quarterbacks DJ Irons and Jeff Undercuffler combined to throw three interceptions throughout the game. Irons' were both in the first half, while Undercuffler's was in the second half and returned for a touchdown.

Irons did play well down the stretch, rushing for a touchdown on the opening drive of the second half and for another touchdown in the first overtime period. He finished with 141 rushing yards on 18 carries with the two aforementioned touchdowns. He also threw for 194 yards completing 22 of 35 attempts. Lingard also rushed for 113 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown. 

DJ Irons TD run in OT pic.twitter.com/mzruvw1wyD

— Akron Football (@ZipsFB) September 24, 2023

Akron had more total yards, first downs, and time of possession than their P5 hosts, but also had a whopping 10 penalties for 98 yards and turned the ball over three times.

Akron fall to 1-3 and begin their MAC schedule next Saturday when they host Buffalo.