Anyone here are some pieces of info:
- The SNAP. Huskies weren't on a silent count as far as I can gather (some confusion in this area). The snap count was vocalized and Gray and a couple of other linemen thought they heard the cadence. Gray said he couldn't hear a thing out there. Lorenzen said the same. They worked on this by piping in the fight song of UVA this week. But, you can never simulate pressure. The second fumble was on Tyler.
He didn't handle the snap. Stunning.
- The crowd was really a factor. Tremendous atmosphere. Lots of false starts and penalties. Crowd made a difference. It's a learning experience for the Huskies.
- Also, a key play was after the snap mess. Huskies lost a timeout with Lansanah's show came off. Someone on the sideline was supposed t be ready to go in just in case, and that person wasn't (Greg Lloyd, Aaron Bryant? Someone else?)
- Andre Dixon started and rushed for 63 yards. No sign of Donald Brown, no idea when he can come back. Brown was obviously not fine when Edsall said he was fine on Tuesday.
- As far as going for two down 14-12 in the third quarter. No one asked about it (there was so much other stuff) but I don't think that's a good spot. Just too much time left in the game to be chasing the point the entire second half. If the Huskies don't tie it up and trail 14-12 it becomes a 2 score game with a UVA touchdown (9 points). Example, if UVA punches it in on their drive instead of getting a field goal late UConn can't win. Unless it is desperation, I don't like going for 2 in that situation. Right call by Randy with so much time in the third.
5 comments:
John,
HOW did no one ask about the 2-point conversion?
It was one of the top five plays/decisions of the game and it deserves, right or wrong, an explanation from the coach.
Frank
Frank, I don't know. Statistically, I think the chances are better that UVA goes on to score another TD or even kick two FGs as opposed to being held to only one FG or scoreless.
You got to see where you are with another touchdown. If you miss out on the 2-point conversion, and UV scores a TD. you are down 9. That's a two score game. By kicking the FG, you make sure it's always a one score game.
I think it was a good play. As far as non one asking about it, it was so early in the second half, there were so many other things that happened in the 4th quarter it was lost in the shuffle.
John,
Love your stuff but have to disagree with you here. That -point question HAS to be asked. No if, and or butt's about it...this is Journalism 101 and the beat guys from Bridgeport to New Haven to Hartford to Manchester to New London had a bad day Saturday.
I'm sure it's easy to get wrapped up in the moment but reporters, especially beat writers, must step back, take a deep breath and find their objectivity.
At 5 p.m. Sunday I am still wondering if Edsall considered the 2. If they don't make it the score is 14-12 and then 15-14 after the TonyC field goal. No difference in 16-14 or 15-14, the still lose with a Virginia field goal.
Right or wrong this question was begging to be asked.
Anonymous (LOL),
I understand where your coming from because I got a call from a colleague who said the exact same thing that night but I just don't see it that way. He said "Did anyone ask Edsall why he didn't go for two?"
That's our fault for not asking, but you only get so much time. That play was just a foot note.
What happens if they miss a 2-point conversion, and UVA scores a TD and it is 21-12? That's a 2 score game. Kicking the Xtra keeps it a one play game the entire second half.
I just don't think the two was a meaningful play right there. The game had so many twists and turns, it's not material to the outcome in my opinion.
There were 13 changes of possession after that. That is way too many variables to think that had an impact on the outcome. Those 13 possessions are played much different if it is tied, or if UConn is down 2.
I can't remember any coach going for two in that situation so early. Too early in the game. 10 minutes left in the third quarter. Too early to chase a point. You can't expect, at the beginning of the third quatrer that you are going to hold UVA to only a field goal for the rest of the game.
The rule of thumb is you want to see how many points yo need after a touchdown. Late in the third quarter, I go for 2. But not with over 10 minutes left. You wouldn't go for 2 in the second quarter would you?
Questions was lost in the shuffle. There was so much game after that, and so many critical plays, I didn't think it was a major play.
If UConn punches in the TD late, or holds UVA, it's a non-issue.
John,
Fair enough. Thanks for responding.
Frank
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