Akron views Iowa as a chance to build program

Akron coach Lee Owens says the Iowa game this weekend presents an opportunity for his program. He says they need to win against a major program as a signature game to build on.Akron has a history of producing top offensive linemen, and Owens says this year’s line should uphold the tradition.Two Akron tackles who graduated last year are playing in the N-F-L. One’s with Chicago. The other’s with Cleveland. Owens — who was an assistant coach at Ohio State — is familiar with what he calls the “intimidating atmosphere” of Kinnick Stadium, including the pink walls in the visiting team’s locker room.Owens says the locker room’s not really that big a deal, it’s the crowd, which he says is loud and seems right on top of you — forcing signal changes.