Unfortunately, going to a Division III school means that even though the football team is actually pretty good there aren’t that many people who enjoy following the team. If you want to experience college football teams with a more vocal fanbase, here’s an update from some notable NCAA Division I teams in Ohio.

University of Akron:

The University of Akron Zips have had a rough season so far. The team is currently 0-5 in total and 0-3 in the conference, having lost against their Mid-American Conference (MAC) opponents Central Michigan University, Kent State University and the University of Buffalo.

The Zips have struggled on all aspects of their season. Their offense averages only 12.3 points and 292 yards per game (and only 48.4 rushing yards). Their defense doesn’t fare much better, managing only four sacks, missing 31 tackles and having only 30 tackles for loss on the season.

The University of Buffalo Bulls beat the Zips 21-0 last weekend, giving the Bulls their first MAC win this season. Buffalo’s defense limited the Zips to 196 yards total and an abysmal three yards rushing. The Bulls’ defense recorded five sacks and three turnovers, with two of the turnovers returned for a touchdown.

The Zips’ weak offense can be partially accredited to the absence of their quarterback Kato Nelson, who “was suspended for violation of team rules.” Nelson has passed for 1265 yards, eight touchdowns and only three interceptions this season.

On the upside, however, the game against Buffalo was Zips’ defense best performance this season. The team only allowed 254 yards this season, much less than their 185 yards average game per season. Fourth-year linebacker John Lako leads the defense with 14 tackles.

The Zips will face the Northern Illinois Huskies on Saturday, Oct. 26.

Kent State University:

The Kent State University Golden Flashes currently sit atop the MAC East division standings.

One highlight of Golden Flashes’ season so far has been the game against in-state rival University of Akron, known as the Wagon Wheel game. Legend has it that a wheel from the wagon of Akron industrialist John R. Buchtel, the main benefactor and namesake of Buchtel College (which would later become the University of Akron), became embedded in Akron’s mud and was pulled out by his horses. This caused Buchtel to choose Akron as the site of the new college.

Akron had won the last four Wagon Wheel games. However, as previously mentioned, the Zips have not had a successful season, and lost to the Golden Flashes this year.

Overall, Golden Flashes have demonstrated a pretty strong offense so far this season, including record 750 yard game against the Bowling Green State University (BGSU) Falcons. This game also marks the first time the team has scored over 60 points since 2004 against Eastern Michigan.

Kent State recently played the Ohio University Bobcats, and were defeated 45-38. The game showcased the Golden Flashes strong offense, with Kent State quarterback Dustin Crum throwing for 262 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. However, the defense was lackluster, as evidenced by Kent State allowing Bobcats wide receiver Jerome Buckner to run a 51-yard touchdown one minute into the second quarter.

Kent State University will play Miami University Saturday, Oct. 26.

University of Cincinnati:

The University of Cincinnati (UC) Bearcats have had a pretty good season so far. UC has won four of its five games, losing only to The Ohio State University (OSU) Buckeyes, who destroyed the Bearcats 42-0. This is to nobody’s surprise, considering it’s OSU.

The Bearcats have proved that they’re ready to run with the big boys. The Associated Press currently ranks the team No. 18 nationally on its week nine poll, beating out traditional football powerhouses like Michigan State University and the University of Southern California.

The Bearcats’ season highlight is their massive upset of No. 18 University of Central Florida (UCF), when they narrowly defeated the Knights 27-24. The Bearcats had three interceptions during the game and rushed for nearly 200 yards. Quarterback Desmond Ridder threw two touchdowns, as well as running back Michael Warren II rushed for 133 yards on 23 carries. The Bearcats’ defense also shined in the game, limiting the Knights to three field goals and one touchdown.

The team recently played the University of Houston Cougars, beating them 38-23. Ridder threw three touchdowns and an interception, including a 13-yard touchdown that put the Bearcats on the board. Wide receiver Rashad made a 75-yard touchdown play and finished with three catches for 121 yards.

The Bearcats will play the East Carolina University Pirates on Saturday, Nov. 2.