Not a surprise at all.
He has been connected with the job for some time, and I think it would be a good place for him though I am not sure he is exactly what Tech is looking for. Makes sense.
We'll see how it shakes out.
What was interesting was Tuesday, Randy said he wouldn't be at Saturday's open practice. And, that his assistants would be available to speak. His assistants are never made available. Could be coincidence, but not hard to put two and two together.
Stay tuned.
Update: Edsall is expected back on Friday on campus, it's a big recruiting weekend (though these kind of coaching rumors tend to stop recruits commitments cold). Nothing out of Atlanta's papers this morning except referring to the Courant report. If that's the case, this thing was supposed to be a quick anonymous in and out.
But, ESPN reported that Edsall was seen at the airport heading to Atlanta Thursday morning (though Huskies have some recruits from down there, it isn't Central Pa., and it's unusual for him to be out recruiting like that). Canceled team meeting, flight down to Atlanta, not hard to see the writing on the wall. Then the story broke at 9:30 p.m. Georgia Tech assistant (and also a job candidate) Jon Tenuta will coach the bowl game.
Edsall is the first to formally talk with Ga Tech according to ESPN. Either way, he has to be definitive in the coming days. He either has to take the job, or say he isn't in the running for recruiting purposes. If this lingers, it is impossible to recruit. Maybe Edsall can thread a needle.
Hey, welcome to major college football. If you ever wanted to know if UConn was in the bigtime, this is it. Someone wants your coach, that's the surest sign you made it. Unless you are Notre Dame, Michigan or Ohio State, if you are good, everyone wants your coach. Heck LSU is a national title contender every year and has lost its coach to the NFL and now, with the best team around, probably lose another to Michigan.
You have to strike while the iron is hot. Edsall was/is always thought of as a hot coach, now he finally has the record to make hiring him feasible (you don't hire anyone after a 4-8 campaign).
Hey, football coaches are a different breed. In one sense they preach loyalty, honor and family values and team. Then, in the next breath they run out of town for greener pastures at the first better opportunity.
And, I don't think it is being hypocritical. The coaches believe every word of it, they aren't fake about it or are selling snake oil to their kids.
There is a cognitive dissonance with college football coaches. Truly, a unique breed.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Travel thoughts
If you don't want to wait for UConn's travel package, or are just plain scared of the cost of being a part of a chartered flight, here are some essential websites:
For plane fare. Don't struggle with a hundred different websites, and don't fret about going to orbiz, travelocity etc. It will take you all day. Use this for all your travel and hotel searching. It's the best place to start at least.
Go here: http://www.kayak.com.
It finds fares almost everywhere. Southwest doesn't fly into Charlotte, so don't bother. Bradley is a bit of a nightmare. Cheap flights are a little under $400 but it isn't convenient. US Air was something like $700 up. Jet Blue out of JFK is the cheapest.
Other bowl websites to remember are UConnbowl.com and meinekecarcarebowl.com.
Here is why airlines make little sense. I have to leave from Bradley early Dec. 26 to get to practice etc. There is a 6:35 a.m. flight out of Bradley to Charlotte. The roundtrip comes back at over $700 dollars. But, I have to get that flight.
When you go to book, it breaks down the fare by flight, it's $442 to take that flight. I check a one-way flight from Bradley, same flight, and the cost of the ticket is $442. So then I book a multiple destination trip. I am going from Bradley (same flight) and then on the 30th back to JFK. Well, low and behold the cost of the one way if I take a return to JFK is $225. What?
So, anyhow, I preliminary booked that flight to come back to JFK, though I will probably switch the return flight sometime and never make the return trip on that flight. It would cost the same if I took a one way on USair (had to be on that particular flight) and had no return trip. What's the difference? I don't know. No wonder airlines need a bailout every 10 years or so.
Good luck everyone.
For plane fare. Don't struggle with a hundred different websites, and don't fret about going to orbiz, travelocity etc. It will take you all day. Use this for all your travel and hotel searching. It's the best place to start at least.
Go here: http://www.kayak.com.
It finds fares almost everywhere. Southwest doesn't fly into Charlotte, so don't bother. Bradley is a bit of a nightmare. Cheap flights are a little under $400 but it isn't convenient. US Air was something like $700 up. Jet Blue out of JFK is the cheapest.
Other bowl websites to remember are UConnbowl.com and meinekecarcarebowl.com.
Here is why airlines make little sense. I have to leave from Bradley early Dec. 26 to get to practice etc. There is a 6:35 a.m. flight out of Bradley to Charlotte. The roundtrip comes back at over $700 dollars. But, I have to get that flight.
When you go to book, it breaks down the fare by flight, it's $442 to take that flight. I check a one-way flight from Bradley, same flight, and the cost of the ticket is $442. So then I book a multiple destination trip. I am going from Bradley (same flight) and then on the 30th back to JFK. Well, low and behold the cost of the one way if I take a return to JFK is $225. What?
So, anyhow, I preliminary booked that flight to come back to JFK, though I will probably switch the return flight sometime and never make the return trip on that flight. It would cost the same if I took a one way on USair (had to be on that particular flight) and had no return trip. What's the difference? I don't know. No wonder airlines need a bailout every 10 years or so.
Good luck everyone.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Setting the scene
Festive atmosphere at the Burton. It sure was better than the tension the last couple of days when the Huskies were fighting tooth and nail for a bowl bid.
When Randy Edsall accepted the bowl bid from Meineke Car Care Bowl executive director Will Webb the place erupted in applause and shouts.
Edsall and AD Jeff Hathaway exhaled some long breaths. It was a party-like atmosphere, and almost universally, this was the bowl UConn targeted for a long time with so many alumni on the eastern seaboard.
It was never easy, the tension was getting to Edsall so much the only time he had to relax was when he went for a 45 minute run on Monday.
The players were left in the dark, but many of them knew the destination possibilities. Dan Davis said "there were places we didn't want to go." before a nervous and laughing Edsall cut his senior captain off while everyone laughed.
Yes, it was that close to being not in Charlotte. I haven't talked to Webb tonight for his official take, but I'll see if I can get him later.
Lots of hard work.
I'll be back very late once I got this mountain of work done. Cincinnati can't be feeling to well, they deserve better (not sure they do at the expense of UConn though and vice-versa).
Some other nuggets:
When Randy Edsall accepted the bowl bid from Meineke Car Care Bowl executive director Will Webb the place erupted in applause and shouts.
Edsall and AD Jeff Hathaway exhaled some long breaths. It was a party-like atmosphere, and almost universally, this was the bowl UConn targeted for a long time with so many alumni on the eastern seaboard.
It was never easy, the tension was getting to Edsall so much the only time he had to relax was when he went for a 45 minute run on Monday.
The players were left in the dark, but many of them knew the destination possibilities. Dan Davis said "there were places we didn't want to go." before a nervous and laughing Edsall cut his senior captain off while everyone laughed.
Yes, it was that close to being not in Charlotte. I haven't talked to Webb tonight for his official take, but I'll see if I can get him later.
Lots of hard work.
I'll be back very late once I got this mountain of work done. Cincinnati can't be feeling to well, they deserve better (not sure they do at the expense of UConn though and vice-versa).
Some other nuggets:
- If you are going to go to the game, buy your tickets through UConn at uconnbowl.com. That way UConn gets credit for the 12,500 they have to sell. Travel arrangements will also be made if you choose to.
- Edsall was ecstatic that the bowl didn't make its decision off of the second half at West Virginia and the final score. He stressed the 5-2 conference record to the Webb and others involved in the Charlotte bowl.
- Huskies never contacted the Sun, or tried to. They had no shot at it.
- Edsall did address somewhat his being linked to Ga Tech. He said that's the way the coaching business is and (paraphrasing here) people do what is the best for their family. No idea if he has been contacted.
Car care it is!
UConn hold press conference at 4:30 p.m. in the Burton.
It's the Car Care Bowl...
Can't chat, go to get ready and go.
It's the Car Care Bowl...
Can't chat, go to get ready and go.
Meineke near, but no one is talking
It looks as though the Meineke has made a decision, but no one is letting it out. Will Webb, executive director of the Car Care Bowl, said that they are going to wait for the Sun Bowl's official announcement. UConn doesn't know, at least not yet what it is either way.
Could be as early as tonight, but no promises.
Here is Webb:
"We hope to make an announcement in the next day or two. The Sun Bowl will make its announcement at 4 p.m. We are going to get everything set."
The Meineke hasn't started contacting schools with their decision as of yet. Only a handful of people know, and I am not sure if any of them are in Storrs and Cincinnati.
On the chance that UConn is not selected for Charlotte, it looks like the International Bowl over the papajohns.com bowl at this moment for the Huskies. It's still in flux at this time however. The next domino to fall is Charlotte. If UConn is selected, Cincinnati is headed to Birmingham.
Also, there is a major problem with UConn for the Dec. 22 date. Practice would run right in the middle of finals. Finals begin Dec. 10 and end Dec. 15. I am sure most other school would have the same issues, though many schools do end the first week of December.
Edit: My gut? I think no Charlotte. But, I am very insecure and conservative about these things. Unless someone tells me "yes," I think no. I don't like the vibe. But, I am probably paranoid. It's 50-50.
Could be as early as tonight, but no promises.
Here is Webb:
"We hope to make an announcement in the next day or two. The Sun Bowl will make its announcement at 4 p.m. We are going to get everything set."
The Meineke hasn't started contacting schools with their decision as of yet. Only a handful of people know, and I am not sure if any of them are in Storrs and Cincinnati.
On the chance that UConn is not selected for Charlotte, it looks like the International Bowl over the papajohns.com bowl at this moment for the Huskies. It's still in flux at this time however. The next domino to fall is Charlotte. If UConn is selected, Cincinnati is headed to Birmingham.
Also, there is a major problem with UConn for the Dec. 22 date. Practice would run right in the middle of finals. Finals begin Dec. 10 and end Dec. 15. I am sure most other school would have the same issues, though many schools do end the first week of December.
Edit: My gut? I think no Charlotte. But, I am very insecure and conservative about these things. Unless someone tells me "yes," I think no. I don't like the vibe. But, I am probably paranoid. It's 50-50.
Monday, November 26, 2007
First domino falls
According to the Cincinnati Post's Josh Katzowitz's blog, USF is headed to the Sun Bowl.
Sun Bowl chairman John Folmer in the Post:
"It was a pretty heated meeting," Folmer said. "We had a lot of people that were Cincinnati people. A lot of people were for USF."
What does that mean?
Well I talked to Will Webb of the Meineke Car Care Bowl in Charlotte (see, spelled right) and he said the committee can make a decision as soon as tomorrow. The committee meets at 6 p.m. and will go for a couple of hours. He said they would be all set to sort this out Tuesday. He called the Big East around 8 p.m., and heard no word about the Sun so he figured this might drag on for a couple of days.
He was very surprised the Sun Bowl took USF this early (I broke the news to him per Katzowitz' blog). He has talked to reporters who told him that the Sun was going to take Cincinnati or Rutgers.
The committee met today and this is what Webb had to say Monday night.
"We are not in a position to make a decision. But we will be tomorrow. I will get with the Big East (and talk) and UConn is high on our radar.
"We talked a lot about UConn's record and who they played and who beat who and final rankings. We have another meeting on the calender tomorrow.
"Randy Edsall and Jeff Hathaway are a class program all the way around. They are high on our radar."
It looks as if this will probably come down tomorrow. Sun Bowl will get an official invitation tomorrow afternoon to USF, and next to fall in line is the Meineke.
Charlotte or Birmingham, likely to know tomorrow.
Sun Bowl chairman John Folmer in the Post:
"It was a pretty heated meeting," Folmer said. "We had a lot of people that were Cincinnati people. A lot of people were for USF."
What does that mean?
Well I talked to Will Webb of the Meineke Car Care Bowl in Charlotte (see, spelled right) and he said the committee can make a decision as soon as tomorrow. The committee meets at 6 p.m. and will go for a couple of hours. He said they would be all set to sort this out Tuesday. He called the Big East around 8 p.m., and heard no word about the Sun so he figured this might drag on for a couple of days.
He was very surprised the Sun Bowl took USF this early (I broke the news to him per Katzowitz' blog). He has talked to reporters who told him that the Sun was going to take Cincinnati or Rutgers.
The committee met today and this is what Webb had to say Monday night.
"We are not in a position to make a decision. But we will be tomorrow. I will get with the Big East (and talk) and UConn is high on our radar.
"We talked a lot about UConn's record and who they played and who beat who and final rankings. We have another meeting on the calender tomorrow.
"Randy Edsall and Jeff Hathaway are a class program all the way around. They are high on our radar."
It looks as if this will probably come down tomorrow. Sun Bowl will get an official invitation tomorrow afternoon to USF, and next to fall in line is the Meineke.
Charlotte or Birmingham, likely to know tomorrow.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Talking Car Care bowl
Talked to Meineke Bowl executive director Will Webb and both UConn and Cincinnati are in play for the Car Care Bowl and if the Sun goes a different way (no USF), then USF is in the mix. He never brought up Rutgers. I don't think Rutgers is in play, though he didn't say it outright. It could be all done Tuesday before Rutgers even plays.
Here is what Webb said about the Huskies 66-21 loss to West Virginia:
"The team No. 6 in the BCS (Virginia Tech) got clobbered (by LSU earlier in the season). It happens, it was an emotional day for West Virginia, they were playing to get for a spot in the national championship. They (UConn) were a little nervous and it was the biggest game they played in. They are high on our radar. This would be a good bowl if it works out."
On Cincinnati being a higher ranked team than Connecticut and the polls and BCS, though it is very slight.
"We have different opinions on committee and staff. How they finished is important. Cincinnati is ranked higher, but UConn finished higher in conference. They were outright second in conference. How does that balance or counter balance each other?"
Webb said a decision could come early this week but Monday wouldn't be practical. They have to wait until the Sun Bowl goes to make anything official. It could come as early as Tuesday (there is a BCS conference call) and will be no later than Sunday.
On the ACC side it's unclear. Ga Tech, Maryland, Florida State or Wake Forest.
Edit: Promise to get Meineke spelled correctly.
Update Monday PM: I do have a story in today's paper, but it's not up on our website, as is anything the past couple of days.
Here is what Webb said about the Huskies 66-21 loss to West Virginia:
"The team No. 6 in the BCS (Virginia Tech) got clobbered (by LSU earlier in the season). It happens, it was an emotional day for West Virginia, they were playing to get for a spot in the national championship. They (UConn) were a little nervous and it was the biggest game they played in. They are high on our radar. This would be a good bowl if it works out."
On Cincinnati being a higher ranked team than Connecticut and the polls and BCS, though it is very slight.
"We have different opinions on committee and staff. How they finished is important. Cincinnati is ranked higher, but UConn finished higher in conference. They were outright second in conference. How does that balance or counter balance each other?"
Webb said a decision could come early this week but Monday wouldn't be practical. They have to wait until the Sun Bowl goes to make anything official. It could come as early as Tuesday (there is a BCS conference call) and will be no later than Sunday.
On the ACC side it's unclear. Ga Tech, Maryland, Florida State or Wake Forest.
Edit: Promise to get Meineke spelled correctly.
Update Monday PM: I do have a story in today's paper, but it's not up on our website, as is anything the past couple of days.
Sunday wrap
Huskies are awaiting their bowl fate.
Randy Edsall would be happy to go to any bowl, but he did say that if Jeff Hathaway wanted him to pick up the phone and do some convincing he would be happy to help out. You see, now it's game time for the University athletic department. There is a need to politic here for a bowl bid. The Huskies can end up from El Paso to Birmingham. And the prestige goes from a lot to a very little.
Now, it's like the schools are playing each other again. USF is already aiming for that Sun Bowl berth. Cincinnati probably has the inside shot. UConn? Edsall wouldn't say if he would be disappointed if the Sun passes, but he does know all the officials.
Hint: He played golf with the Meineke guy in Newport this summer. Has a good relationship. It's a good fit for the Huskies and I would be stunned if the Car Care didn't take UConn regardless of who else is available. The BCS and rankings won't be that far off between UConn, Cincy and USF. All between 23-30 in the polls. Not much separates them.
Edit: I don't like the word stunned I used, I think Cincinnati has an excellent case. Just reading over the post now while I answered a comment. UConn or Cincinnati, whichever one doesn't get into the Meineke gets screwed. How does a top 30 BCS team get into the papajohns.com bowl?
That is a major embarrassment for the conference.
What bothers me is this: UConn went 5-2 and had a stellar and magical campaign and on the last game of the season with a win would probably be staring at a top 12 ranking and the Sugar Bowl. Now, with a loss, they are headed to one of the worst bowls out there? Do you have to go 10-2 in the Big East to get a decent bowl game? That is unreasonable.
How is UConn supposed to ever get in the Sun Bowl or Gator Bowl if in their best season they can't even get into the Car Care bowl? What do they have to do? If they win one more game they are headed to the Sugar Bowl.
And Cincinnati should have a better bowl too. How would you feel if you beat USF and UConn in the last month and because of a loss to the national champion got stuck in Birmingham.
Still, I can't imagine UConn getting passed over three times.
What's the use of the regular season?
If there were adequate bowls, then you can make a case for UConn dropping because they were blown out in two of last three games. But, a three bowl drop when the last bowl is absolutely a terrible game and name is embarrassing.
UConn did finish 5-2 and beat the Sun Bowl team, which it also had a better conference record than and beat head-to-head. Does that mean anything at all? Alone in second place should count for something. Cincinnati beat every other bowl team in conference except the champion.
They have a bigger complaint if they are in the Pizza.
There is no good scenario. Why even bother? Cincy or UConn in Birmingham is a no-win for either team. It does nothing for them. No one is watching, no prestige, no money, and if you win no one cares. You lose? Your terrible.
UConn may not get any reward for winning the games. Gosh, the International and Papajohns.com bowl are even worse than I thought. They are fine as 5th and 6th games in the Big East, not 4th and 5th.
That this is an issue is a travesty. What are Cincinnati and UConn supposed to do? They earned the right for good bowls. One isn't going to get it.
Other notes:
BIG recruiting week, everyone is already on the road and some coaches will be in homes today. Edsall got his wish in this regard. Huskies don't play in December, which Edsall hated the last two years because it hurt recruiting.
Official visits this week. Edsall said he is happy with the verbals so far, but per NCAA cant go into specifics. UConn doesn't have the max scholarships available this year if every scholarship player comes back (unlikely). Edsall wouldn't say how many he is giving out, all he would say "is it is as many as I have too." Some guys won't be back on scholarship.
Randy Edsall would be happy to go to any bowl, but he did say that if Jeff Hathaway wanted him to pick up the phone and do some convincing he would be happy to help out. You see, now it's game time for the University athletic department. There is a need to politic here for a bowl bid. The Huskies can end up from El Paso to Birmingham. And the prestige goes from a lot to a very little.
Now, it's like the schools are playing each other again. USF is already aiming for that Sun Bowl berth. Cincinnati probably has the inside shot. UConn? Edsall wouldn't say if he would be disappointed if the Sun passes, but he does know all the officials.
Hint: He played golf with the Meineke guy in Newport this summer. Has a good relationship. It's a good fit for the Huskies and I would be stunned if the Car Care didn't take UConn regardless of who else is available. The BCS and rankings won't be that far off between UConn, Cincy and USF. All between 23-30 in the polls. Not much separates them.
Edit: I don't like the word stunned I used, I think Cincinnati has an excellent case. Just reading over the post now while I answered a comment. UConn or Cincinnati, whichever one doesn't get into the Meineke gets screwed. How does a top 30 BCS team get into the papajohns.com bowl?
That is a major embarrassment for the conference.
What bothers me is this: UConn went 5-2 and had a stellar and magical campaign and on the last game of the season with a win would probably be staring at a top 12 ranking and the Sugar Bowl. Now, with a loss, they are headed to one of the worst bowls out there? Do you have to go 10-2 in the Big East to get a decent bowl game? That is unreasonable.
How is UConn supposed to ever get in the Sun Bowl or Gator Bowl if in their best season they can't even get into the Car Care bowl? What do they have to do? If they win one more game they are headed to the Sugar Bowl.
And Cincinnati should have a better bowl too. How would you feel if you beat USF and UConn in the last month and because of a loss to the national champion got stuck in Birmingham.
Still, I can't imagine UConn getting passed over three times.
What's the use of the regular season?
If there were adequate bowls, then you can make a case for UConn dropping because they were blown out in two of last three games. But, a three bowl drop when the last bowl is absolutely a terrible game and name is embarrassing.
UConn did finish 5-2 and beat the Sun Bowl team, which it also had a better conference record than and beat head-to-head. Does that mean anything at all? Alone in second place should count for something. Cincinnati beat every other bowl team in conference except the champion.
They have a bigger complaint if they are in the Pizza.
There is no good scenario. Why even bother? Cincy or UConn in Birmingham is a no-win for either team. It does nothing for them. No one is watching, no prestige, no money, and if you win no one cares. You lose? Your terrible.
UConn may not get any reward for winning the games. Gosh, the International and Papajohns.com bowl are even worse than I thought. They are fine as 5th and 6th games in the Big East, not 4th and 5th.
That this is an issue is a travesty. What are Cincinnati and UConn supposed to do? They earned the right for good bowls. One isn't going to get it.
Other notes:
BIG recruiting week, everyone is already on the road and some coaches will be in homes today. Edsall got his wish in this regard. Huskies don't play in December, which Edsall hated the last two years because it hurt recruiting.
Official visits this week. Edsall said he is happy with the verbals so far, but per NCAA cant go into specifics. UConn doesn't have the max scholarships available this year if every scholarship player comes back (unlikely). Edsall wouldn't say how many he is giving out, all he would say "is it is as many as I have too." Some guys won't be back on scholarship.
Late night thougths
An 1:30 drive and a half hour stop at a Waffle House got me thinking about the 66-21 debacle and it gets uglier and uglier the longer you get away from it.
It was as bad a beating as I have seen. I didn't expect UConn to win, but the Huskies got thrashed. there are factors for this, and I am not going to nitpick on coaching (third and 1 play action? Jasper Howard? Not going for it at near midfield and punting at 31-17?), as Edsall was quick to point out in his postgame, it had nothing to do with the final result. That's true, I think the gameplan and execution were pretty good and what UConn has done all season. They outgained WVU in the first half if you can believe it.
UConn has a young team, but I am not sure they can win this type of game by just getting older. UConn can be a top 35 team, but, to get to top 15 (and be a legit top 15) they need more talent. I am not sure you can coach and develop the Huskies up. It was just a physical talent problem today.
I don't see how you get to the next level without recruiting superior athletes. They have good athletes, and great developmental players, but there isn't anyone on the roster close to Pat White, Noel Devine, Steve Slaton or Darius Reynard.
UConn has some good power backs and I think Brown should be the feature guy with Dixon there in the future to spell him. But, look at what Pat White can do.
How do you get that kind of player?
It makes for an interesting discussion. This comes down to coaching philosophy and there is really no right or wrong way, just a preference, but the Huskies are never going to play anything like West Virginia anyway. With the pro style offense, the Huskies need a pocket passer. they got a pair in Zach Frazer (who from those who have seen have said he looks really good) and Cody Endres, but those guys are stationary passers. There won't be any gamebreaking runs by those quarterbacks.
So, if the QB isnt going to be the game breaker, where does it come from? The running back is a start, and they have some big time productive backs right now, but it's the wide receiver position that needs a lot of work. They have been adequate this year, but the only player who showed any type of gamebreaking ability consistently is Terrence Jeffers. And Jeffers still drops too many passes.
I will be interested to see if Kashif Moore's speed translates next year. That's asking an awful lot though.
The WR corps is the one that needs an upgrade.
The offensive line looks like it is going to be very good next year and in future years. The Huskies top prospects are on the offensive line. Mike Ryan, Barzdak and Petrs along with guys like Jimmy Bennett and Erik Kukucza coming in. That's very important with a guy like Frazer the heir apparent when Lorenzen has moved on.
But, he needs someone to throw too. Brown and Dixon are still around for a couple of years (hopefully), so there is time to find a replacement running back. QB should be set as is the offensive line. I like Sherman a lot at fullback. They need receivers, that's the last upgrade for this team.
Defensively?
Huskies arnen't equipped yet to do it. You can't match quickness with a West Virginia. You have to overpower them on the line and blow up their blocking. Once they get downhill, it's over. UConn doesn't have 300 pound tackles however. Those are even harder to find than a Pat White.
More girth on the line should help.
I love the linebacking corps with Jarrell Miller and CJ Marck getting time. Miller has been two years out of high school, he should be able to step right in physically next year in the middle if you can believe the hype. It's going to be a major job whomever replaces Lansanah. Remember, with Miller he will be the same age as Lindsey Witten, Robert Vauhgn etc. He will have 4 years to play.
Lutrus and Wilson are players, and there will be guys there to take their jobs if they slip up. Corner they will be ok, though safety is a concern. They need much more depth here.
The D-Line? It wasn't bad, but it needs to get more penetration on run plays and a more consistent pass rush would help.
It was bend but don't break this year. Next year, it has to be Don't bend, Don't break.
The way UConn plays on offense (ball control, power running, short passes), they need a defense that can shut other teams down.
It was as bad a beating as I have seen. I didn't expect UConn to win, but the Huskies got thrashed. there are factors for this, and I am not going to nitpick on coaching (third and 1 play action? Jasper Howard? Not going for it at near midfield and punting at 31-17?), as Edsall was quick to point out in his postgame, it had nothing to do with the final result. That's true, I think the gameplan and execution were pretty good and what UConn has done all season. They outgained WVU in the first half if you can believe it.
UConn has a young team, but I am not sure they can win this type of game by just getting older. UConn can be a top 35 team, but, to get to top 15 (and be a legit top 15) they need more talent. I am not sure you can coach and develop the Huskies up. It was just a physical talent problem today.
I don't see how you get to the next level without recruiting superior athletes. They have good athletes, and great developmental players, but there isn't anyone on the roster close to Pat White, Noel Devine, Steve Slaton or Darius Reynard.
UConn has some good power backs and I think Brown should be the feature guy with Dixon there in the future to spell him. But, look at what Pat White can do.
How do you get that kind of player?
It makes for an interesting discussion. This comes down to coaching philosophy and there is really no right or wrong way, just a preference, but the Huskies are never going to play anything like West Virginia anyway. With the pro style offense, the Huskies need a pocket passer. they got a pair in Zach Frazer (who from those who have seen have said he looks really good) and Cody Endres, but those guys are stationary passers. There won't be any gamebreaking runs by those quarterbacks.
So, if the QB isnt going to be the game breaker, where does it come from? The running back is a start, and they have some big time productive backs right now, but it's the wide receiver position that needs a lot of work. They have been adequate this year, but the only player who showed any type of gamebreaking ability consistently is Terrence Jeffers. And Jeffers still drops too many passes.
I will be interested to see if Kashif Moore's speed translates next year. That's asking an awful lot though.
The WR corps is the one that needs an upgrade.
The offensive line looks like it is going to be very good next year and in future years. The Huskies top prospects are on the offensive line. Mike Ryan, Barzdak and Petrs along with guys like Jimmy Bennett and Erik Kukucza coming in. That's very important with a guy like Frazer the heir apparent when Lorenzen has moved on.
But, he needs someone to throw too. Brown and Dixon are still around for a couple of years (hopefully), so there is time to find a replacement running back. QB should be set as is the offensive line. I like Sherman a lot at fullback. They need receivers, that's the last upgrade for this team.
Defensively?
Huskies arnen't equipped yet to do it. You can't match quickness with a West Virginia. You have to overpower them on the line and blow up their blocking. Once they get downhill, it's over. UConn doesn't have 300 pound tackles however. Those are even harder to find than a Pat White.
More girth on the line should help.
I love the linebacking corps with Jarrell Miller and CJ Marck getting time. Miller has been two years out of high school, he should be able to step right in physically next year in the middle if you can believe the hype. It's going to be a major job whomever replaces Lansanah. Remember, with Miller he will be the same age as Lindsey Witten, Robert Vauhgn etc. He will have 4 years to play.
Lutrus and Wilson are players, and there will be guys there to take their jobs if they slip up. Corner they will be ok, though safety is a concern. They need much more depth here.
The D-Line? It wasn't bad, but it needs to get more penetration on run plays and a more consistent pass rush would help.
It was bend but don't break this year. Next year, it has to be Don't bend, Don't break.
The way UConn plays on offense (ball control, power running, short passes), they need a defense that can shut other teams down.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Postgame West Virginia
I stood on the field in the final moments and I had goose bumps all over. The gold throng at West Virginia was chanting BCS and they all started to sing Country Home.
Tough to take if your a UConn fan, but it was spectacular display of college football.
It wasn't as good as what went on on the field.
Pat White should be the Heisman Trophy winner, I don't have a vote, but I know 4 guys in-state that do (including a pair at my paper) and I am going to campaign. Absolutely a devastating player.
UConn just isn't ready for this type of team on all cylinders. I thought UConn and the coaching staff had a brilliant game plan that worked, they just aren't talented enough. In the second half, it was just overwhelming. It was one of the most dominating performances I have seen.
“We have to have a perfect game, and then I don’t know if that is good enough. Even if we played perfectly, I didn’t know if we could beat this team. If we were going to have a chance you better play perfectly.”
Just about sums it up.
Dan Davis thoughts on a third quarter that featured 266 yards rushing.
“I can’t even tell you man. I got to look at the tape and figure it out tomorrow. We didn’t win, tackle, or score. That's what happened.”
“It sucks. We got beat pretty bad and they are a great team. We didn’t play our best game, and they did and took us to us and it shows on the scoreboard.”
Tough to take if your a UConn fan, but it was spectacular display of college football.
It wasn't as good as what went on on the field.
Pat White should be the Heisman Trophy winner, I don't have a vote, but I know 4 guys in-state that do (including a pair at my paper) and I am going to campaign. Absolutely a devastating player.
UConn just isn't ready for this type of team on all cylinders. I thought UConn and the coaching staff had a brilliant game plan that worked, they just aren't talented enough. In the second half, it was just overwhelming. It was one of the most dominating performances I have seen.
“We have to have a perfect game, and then I don’t know if that is good enough. Even if we played perfectly, I didn’t know if we could beat this team. If we were going to have a chance you better play perfectly.”
Just about sums it up.
Dan Davis thoughts on a third quarter that featured 266 yards rushing.
“I can’t even tell you man. I got to look at the tape and figure it out tomorrow. We didn’t win, tackle, or score. That's what happened.”
“Yes. They came in ready to play, we did too, but I really don’t know what happened. They beat us, end of story.”
Tyler Lorenzen“It sucks. We got beat pretty bad and they are a great team. We didn’t play our best game, and they did and took us to us and it shows on the scoreboard.”
Live game thread
Pregame: Easy trip down to Morgantown. Only one dead deer at the side of the highway.
Listening to the Pittsburgh Panthers pregame and they weren't giving UConn any credit in Around the Big East. If UConn has no chance today, how does Pittsburgh next week beay WVU considering UConn whipped the Panthers in Pittsburgh (of course that game doesn't count)?
But, I am skeptical of this game for the Huskies. How does UConn win unless it gets multiple turnovers? How can you plan on turnovers?
WVU is already partying for the BCS title game. I don't care what anyone says, maybe the team isn't, but every one else within a 3,000 mile radius is overlooking this game (yes, I know that is the entire USA and parts of the mid-Atlantic Ocean.).
More chatter: UConn Scout team Player of the Week? Emmanuel Omokaro, safety from Danbury.
Who? Exactly.
I thought you had to be on the team to win scout team player of the week. Guess not...LOL. (He was a mideseason pickup). That's the Huskies' secret weapon.
First Quarter
Wow. 92 yard play drive to open for the Huskies. They have brought it. 7-0 on a Kanuch 6-yard TD pass. Lorenzen looked very sharp.
WVU comes right back in two minutes. 49-yard pass play from White to Renard sets up 3 yard run. Got to do better than that. 7-7, less than five minutes in.
Update: Not a good decision by Jasper Howard. Gets putn and fumbles it. True frosh makes a bad play. Ball security is most important. Quick TD for WVU. 14-7 Mountaineers. Huskies in trouble.
Second quarter
3 and out. 3rd and 1 get sacked on lay action. UConn not fooling anyone. Can't outsmart yourself. WVU starts drive on the 50. Big possession here.
Update (4:30): Held WVU to 46 yard field goal. No bad. 17-7, could be worse, should be better. Huskies need a long drive and a score. Keep this manageable. Defense has been pretty good thus far.
Update (4:33 p.m.): Second illegal blocks on kickoffs. Killing field position.
Huskies. Third three and out. Leaving plays all over this field. Lorenzen a little inaccurate on passes. You have to play well in these kinds of games. Huskies are physically capable, but are beating themselves.
Update 4:49 p.m.: It's a shame. Huskies have outplayed the Mountaineers in first half, but are their own worst enemy, two turnovers not making plays that are there. Slaton 30 yard TD run -- 24-7 WVU, and now the Huskies are scrambling. One more negative play, and it is over for the Huskies. Very disappointing.
Update 5:p.m.: Huskies showing a lot of guts. 10 lays 77 yards, Brown a 2 yard TD run. 19.2 second left. 24-14 WVU, and if the Huskies can get this to the half, they should) will feel very good about it considering two turnovers.
Halftime left: OK. Breathe. 24-14 WVU, and UConn has two turnovers and have missed plays that would have kept drives going. Huskies lead total offense 261-200.
Third quarter
Pat White is the best player in college football, period. 24-yard run with nothing there in third and 14. 31-14 WVU. WOW.
Update 5:45: I would have went for it at midfield. BTW, if that wasn't time for a fake punt it is not in the playbook.
Update 5:48 p.m.: Devine long TD run. That should do it, 38-14, very disappointing for the Huskies. Have played well, but it has just collapsed here in the third quarter. Should have went for it on fourth down at midfield.
Update 5:49: This is about to get real ugly. Defense is done. Very ugly very soon.
Upfate 5:59: Ugly. Turning into a nightmare. Fumble at the goal line recovered by WVU. Still a quarter plus left. WVU is going to put the throttle on too.
Listening to the Pittsburgh Panthers pregame and they weren't giving UConn any credit in Around the Big East. If UConn has no chance today, how does Pittsburgh next week beay WVU considering UConn whipped the Panthers in Pittsburgh (of course that game doesn't count)?
But, I am skeptical of this game for the Huskies. How does UConn win unless it gets multiple turnovers? How can you plan on turnovers?
WVU is already partying for the BCS title game. I don't care what anyone says, maybe the team isn't, but every one else within a 3,000 mile radius is overlooking this game (yes, I know that is the entire USA and parts of the mid-Atlantic Ocean.).
More chatter: UConn Scout team Player of the Week? Emmanuel Omokaro, safety from Danbury.
Who? Exactly.
I thought you had to be on the team to win scout team player of the week. Guess not...LOL. (He was a mideseason pickup). That's the Huskies' secret weapon.
First Quarter
Wow. 92 yard play drive to open for the Huskies. They have brought it. 7-0 on a Kanuch 6-yard TD pass. Lorenzen looked very sharp.
WVU comes right back in two minutes. 49-yard pass play from White to Renard sets up 3 yard run. Got to do better than that. 7-7, less than five minutes in.
Update: Not a good decision by Jasper Howard. Gets putn and fumbles it. True frosh makes a bad play. Ball security is most important. Quick TD for WVU. 14-7 Mountaineers. Huskies in trouble.
Second quarter
3 and out. 3rd and 1 get sacked on lay action. UConn not fooling anyone. Can't outsmart yourself. WVU starts drive on the 50. Big possession here.
Update (4:30): Held WVU to 46 yard field goal. No bad. 17-7, could be worse, should be better. Huskies need a long drive and a score. Keep this manageable. Defense has been pretty good thus far.
Update (4:33 p.m.): Second illegal blocks on kickoffs. Killing field position.
Huskies. Third three and out. Leaving plays all over this field. Lorenzen a little inaccurate on passes. You have to play well in these kinds of games. Huskies are physically capable, but are beating themselves.
Update 4:49 p.m.: It's a shame. Huskies have outplayed the Mountaineers in first half, but are their own worst enemy, two turnovers not making plays that are there. Slaton 30 yard TD run -- 24-7 WVU, and now the Huskies are scrambling. One more negative play, and it is over for the Huskies. Very disappointing.
Update 5:p.m.: Huskies showing a lot of guts. 10 lays 77 yards, Brown a 2 yard TD run. 19.2 second left. 24-14 WVU, and if the Huskies can get this to the half, they should) will feel very good about it considering two turnovers.
Halftime left: OK. Breathe. 24-14 WVU, and UConn has two turnovers and have missed plays that would have kept drives going. Huskies lead total offense 261-200.
Third quarter
Pat White is the best player in college football, period. 24-yard run with nothing there in third and 14. 31-14 WVU. WOW.
Update 5:45: I would have went for it at midfield. BTW, if that wasn't time for a fake punt it is not in the playbook.
Update 5:48 p.m.: Devine long TD run. That should do it, 38-14, very disappointing for the Huskies. Have played well, but it has just collapsed here in the third quarter. Should have went for it on fourth down at midfield.
Update 5:49: This is about to get real ugly. Defense is done. Very ugly very soon.
Upfate 5:59: Ugly. Turning into a nightmare. Fumble at the goal line recovered by WVU. Still a quarter plus left. WVU is going to put the throttle on too.
Keys to the West Virginia game
Keys to the game
Friday, November 23, 2007
Down goes LSU...
Maybe they shouldn't play the national title game this year. What's the difference? I am actually a fan of the bowl system, but this year it's a disaster .
I am only half-kidding, but why even bother with a BCS title game. Just award the SEC team the national title. All their fans think that's the only place college football is played anyhow. I can't wait to hear Urban Meyer lobby for the Gators to get there.
West Virginia has a big opportunity here. They are going to jump up to No. 2 , and have a slight chance at No. 1 (does anyone really think the Missouri-Kansas winner won't be No. 1?)
Missouri and Kansas aren't the best teams in the country. There isn't a best team in the country. This year, of all others, begs for a playoff.
Of course the two loss SEC champ is going to complain if WVU gets in. I can't wait for that.
I am only half-kidding, but why even bother with a BCS title game. Just award the SEC team the national title. All their fans think that's the only place college football is played anyhow. I can't wait to hear Urban Meyer lobby for the Gators to get there.
West Virginia has a big opportunity here. They are going to jump up to No. 2 , and have a slight chance at No. 1 (does anyone really think the Missouri-Kansas winner won't be No. 1?)
Missouri and Kansas aren't the best teams in the country. There isn't a best team in the country. This year, of all others, begs for a playoff.
Of course the two loss SEC champ is going to complain if WVU gets in. I can't wait for that.
White lightning
Boy, the more I look at Pat White's numbers the more I am scared. He just seems superhuman in the college game. Vince Young was the most unstoppable player I have seen, but White can be as dangerous as anyone who has played the game the last 10 years. If you look at his career numbers he is one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks to play.
White is probably a wide receiver in the NFL, but he is a falt out great college player. Why isn't he getting more Hesiman hype?
Per the Courant today, and reiterating what Runway Ramblings stated a couple of days ago, it looks like the Sun Bowl is out. Not surprised, UConn just hasn't been ranked high enough. You have to figure USF and Cincy both win, and if the Huskies lose, they will fall behind those two in the rankings.
Not incredibly fair because it is more when you lose than who, but that Cincinnati game really hurt UConn's credibility with poll voters. That will kick them down to the Car Care or even worse (doubt Charlotte passes them up).
For as brilliant as UConn has played this year, there hasn't been enough hype. Hype means little in actual results on the field, but not allowing media interview requests just takes the Huskies off the national radar (how are national media supposed to do stories if they can't talk to people? How are local media supposed to d0 stories with the same 5 guys every week?). Nationally, all people know about UConn is the Temple and Louisville games. That's gotten the most play. There isn't any buzz outside CT, there is no Huskies profile outside of the Nutmeg State (I didn't hear a mention of the Huskies on WFAN this week). And that is what generates poll votes. And, as we are seeing, polls matter.
They can make all this moot by winning, and I am certain there is a method to the madness and you do have to trust what got you here. But, when you are in a popularity contest, and not an athletic contest, you got to learn to "play the judges."
Chalk it up to a lesson learned.
White is probably a wide receiver in the NFL, but he is a falt out great college player. Why isn't he getting more Hesiman hype?
Per the Courant today, and reiterating what Runway Ramblings stated a couple of days ago, it looks like the Sun Bowl is out. Not surprised, UConn just hasn't been ranked high enough. You have to figure USF and Cincy both win, and if the Huskies lose, they will fall behind those two in the rankings.
Not incredibly fair because it is more when you lose than who, but that Cincinnati game really hurt UConn's credibility with poll voters. That will kick them down to the Car Care or even worse (doubt Charlotte passes them up).
For as brilliant as UConn has played this year, there hasn't been enough hype. Hype means little in actual results on the field, but not allowing media interview requests just takes the Huskies off the national radar (how are national media supposed to do stories if they can't talk to people? How are local media supposed to d0 stories with the same 5 guys every week?). Nationally, all people know about UConn is the Temple and Louisville games. That's gotten the most play. There isn't any buzz outside CT, there is no Huskies profile outside of the Nutmeg State (I didn't hear a mention of the Huskies on WFAN this week). And that is what generates poll votes. And, as we are seeing, polls matter.
They can make all this moot by winning, and I am certain there is a method to the madness and you do have to trust what got you here. But, when you are in a popularity contest, and not an athletic contest, you got to learn to "play the judges."
Chalk it up to a lesson learned.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Fermi facilities greater than the Rent?
If I had to play on a field either it was Rentshler Field or Enrico Fermi High School, I choose Fermi.
They got a new field turf field at a cost of $2.36 million and the thing is beautiful. Now, the football team hasn't had a winning year in maybe 20 years, but they got a better playing surface than the NO. 20 ranked Division I team in America. In case you didn't notice Saturday, the field at the Rent was in awful shape. Brown spots all over, faded, and looked like a high school field.
Rentschler Field's primary facility is the field. They got to get that thing fixed for next year. That was embarrassing this year.
I got several emails telling me the reason people weren't into the game on Saturday was because the gates were shut down and they patted everyone down looking for alcohol. I know it's a new management group, but they got a lot of the same people. They have to be better. And please, just let people come in and out of the game.
Why is there no re-entry? this is college not pros. Kill the beer sales, and let people come and go. It's a family atmosphere.
Enough of that.
I spent the last two days going back to my roots with high school football and went to Windsor-Bloomfield Wednesday and Fermi-enfield on Thursday.
This is what I saw in two days:
Other notes from our area, looks like Tolland hosts Bullard Havens in the Class SS state playoffs. Wow. The Pequot Uncas has been criticized for sending weak teams to the playoffs in the past couple of years (Tolland, Coventry last year) , but Bullard Havens out of the new CSC? It's a tech school and them qualifying by playing a tech league schedule takes suspect to a whole new level. They can shut everyone up by playing well, but there is a flaw in a lot of the high school rankings. I am not sure the answer, but for many schools it is like playing Division III football then going to a BCS game. Sometimes, the talent and physical level is that wide a difference.
They got a new field turf field at a cost of $2.36 million and the thing is beautiful. Now, the football team hasn't had a winning year in maybe 20 years, but they got a better playing surface than the NO. 20 ranked Division I team in America. In case you didn't notice Saturday, the field at the Rent was in awful shape. Brown spots all over, faded, and looked like a high school field.
Rentschler Field's primary facility is the field. They got to get that thing fixed for next year. That was embarrassing this year.
I got several emails telling me the reason people weren't into the game on Saturday was because the gates were shut down and they patted everyone down looking for alcohol. I know it's a new management group, but they got a lot of the same people. They have to be better. And please, just let people come in and out of the game.
Why is there no re-entry? this is college not pros. Kill the beer sales, and let people come and go. It's a family atmosphere.
Enough of that.
I spent the last two days going back to my roots with high school football and went to Windsor-Bloomfield Wednesday and Fermi-enfield on Thursday.
This is what I saw in two days:
- Temple bound Marcus Cooper putting on a show against Windsor with 196 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns. Should have been 3, but he fell down at the 1 with no one around for a 79 yard gain. He didn't get in from 3 tries at the 2 (he was at halfback) and the Warhawks missed a field goal. Windsor wins 14-13. Cooper crushed after the game. If only everyone cared that much. Bloomfield was 4-6. That is competitiveness.
- Now the good stuff: A Windsor player runs over to the Bloomfield side and says something that wasn't appreciated. A near riot breaks out. Bloomfield and Windsor are ready to go at it at midfield, and I am in the middle of it. I try and show my press pass, but I am not sure if I get protection from this. The bouncers, err coaches, do a great job holding both teams back (maybe the Rent should hire them). I got coach's yelling at each other calling others classless and much worse. Other things said that I just won't relay. Thank God no punches were thrown so I can laugh about it now. A little worried for a couple of minutes that someone might break free. They never did shake hands.
- Saw Penn St.'s Chris Baker on the Windsor sideline. Didn't get a chance to chat, but I asked him if everything is going to be ok, and he said "he'll be fine" legally. Baker has two assault charges pending against him and was one of the Penn St guys who got in a violent fight at a party earlier this year. He was arrested a couple of weeks ago for another fight and was suspended a game. Anyhow, he was celebrating with Windsor when the near-brawl happened. He look terrified. That's the last thing he needs. "PSU's Baker involved with high school brawl." Boy, talking about trouble finding you. Of all places.
- At Enfield-Fermi. Enfield has been decent in recent years, while Fermi just doesn't belong in the CCC in football. It should be a one high school town but with two schools, which is the town's right, some of these big sports struggle. Fermi struggles in football and hoops (it would do ok in the NCCC, which is where Enfield plays). Still this game means something. take Enfield QB Peter Kelley after the 28-14 Enfield win. "It's the best feeling in the world (to beat Fermi)," he said. "I am just sad that I can't beat them again next year."
Other notes from our area, looks like Tolland hosts Bullard Havens in the Class SS state playoffs. Wow. The Pequot Uncas has been criticized for sending weak teams to the playoffs in the past couple of years (Tolland, Coventry last year) , but Bullard Havens out of the new CSC? It's a tech school and them qualifying by playing a tech league schedule takes suspect to a whole new level. They can shut everyone up by playing well, but there is a flaw in a lot of the high school rankings. I am not sure the answer, but for many schools it is like playing Division III football then going to a BCS game. Sometimes, the talent and physical level is that wide a difference.
Coverage maps for ABC
Just in case you people like this thing (I love it), the UConn-WVU will be seen by 56 percent of the country on ABC. That includes the entire Northeast most of the Midwest as well as Texas, Oklahoma.
That is double the viewership of any other game.
The South starting at Virginia on south through all of Florida is Georgia-Georgia Tech.
The Huskies' coverage area stops at the eastern Utah border and everything west is the West Coast game. New Mexico gets UConn, Arizona gets Oregon-UCLA. Pretty much the entire Northeast and Midwest are getting this game and the Southwest. I will try and link the map, but it is a secure site.
Anyhow, if you aren't in the coverage area and aren't on the West Coast, the GAME WILL BE MOVED to ESPN2. The reverse mirror is on the deuce. So if you are stuck down South traveling it will be on ESPN2.
The only area of the country where the game is unavailable on TV is the west coast.
Alaska gets the UConn-WVU game on the deuce. How about that?
That is double the viewership of any other game.
The South starting at Virginia on south through all of Florida is Georgia-Georgia Tech.
The Huskies' coverage area stops at the eastern Utah border and everything west is the West Coast game. New Mexico gets UConn, Arizona gets Oregon-UCLA. Pretty much the entire Northeast and Midwest are getting this game and the Southwest. I will try and link the map, but it is a secure site.
Anyhow, if you aren't in the coverage area and aren't on the West Coast, the GAME WILL BE MOVED to ESPN2. The reverse mirror is on the deuce. So if you are stuck down South traveling it will be on ESPN2.
The only area of the country where the game is unavailable on TV is the west coast.
Alaska gets the UConn-WVU game on the deuce. How about that?
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Tuesday Pressr
Sorry for the late post, I am swamped with High School football previews (Will be at Windsor-Bloomfield and then Enfield-Fermi). Home now, so now I actually get to start writing UConn Football at 7:10 p.m. Brilliant.
The best part of Saturday's game is that the result is clean. A win, and it's a Big east title and in the Sugar Bowl (most likely). A loss? As Chip's Runway Ramblings indicated, it could be Sun or probably more so Charlotte. A bad loss, and it could be the Pizza Bowl -- Ouch. I would say the Sun is out of the question, and I have felt so since the Cincinnati loss. A UConn loss coupled with a USF and Cincinnati win would put those teams ahead of UConn in all rankings. It's a bit unfair, but that is what happens when people don't like your wins (Temple, Louisville). The Cincinnati game is now the excuse not to pick UConn. That is the out everyone who votes was waiting for. UConn really has no way to answer that performance. A win against a bad cuse team is dismissed. A win over WVU and everyone's thoughts are moot. A close loss? It's still a reason to drop UConn.
That is why I am so enamored with this game however. UConn doesn't have to put its fate in the hands of bowl scouts and people with different agendas. They don't have to impress, they just have to win. A win, and whether people want to accept it or not, UConn is in the BCS.
Doing some quick math, and if UConn wins I think WVU, assuming they beat Pitt in the backyard brawl the following week, would probably get an at-large. The BCS committee voted to expand the pool to 18 just in case there are not enough qualifiers. If UConn takes the automatic qualifier, WVU is probably certain to get an at large unless the voters punish them by really dropping them back (No. 3 drops to No. 15?). If that happens to WVU with a loss at UConn there should be an investigation. Every other team that loses drops 6-7 or even eight spots. No one drops 12 spots that quickly, certainly not after losing to anther ranked team this late in the season.
I also think with a UConn win, they would overtake Boise or Hawaii in the BCS standings. A 10-2 team and 6-1 in conference, with one of those loses being a one point loss at another top 20 program, should be a top 12 team. Teams can shoot up quickly with a marquee win, and UConn over WVU in Morgantown would shock the world (me included).
If UConn wins and can break the top 14 in the BCS and knock out Hawaii or Boise State, then WVU will probably get the nod. If UConn can't move up 5 spots with the win, then the WAC will get a spot.
Anyhow, enough speculation here are some things from Tuesday's presser
What is that called? Talent, and WVU has a lot of it.
Is UConn's time now? Don't know. But when you got your shot you better not take it for granted.
John
The best part of Saturday's game is that the result is clean. A win, and it's a Big east title and in the Sugar Bowl (most likely). A loss? As Chip's Runway Ramblings indicated, it could be Sun or probably more so Charlotte. A bad loss, and it could be the Pizza Bowl -- Ouch. I would say the Sun is out of the question, and I have felt so since the Cincinnati loss. A UConn loss coupled with a USF and Cincinnati win would put those teams ahead of UConn in all rankings. It's a bit unfair, but that is what happens when people don't like your wins (Temple, Louisville). The Cincinnati game is now the excuse not to pick UConn. That is the out everyone who votes was waiting for. UConn really has no way to answer that performance. A win against a bad cuse team is dismissed. A win over WVU and everyone's thoughts are moot. A close loss? It's still a reason to drop UConn.
That is why I am so enamored with this game however. UConn doesn't have to put its fate in the hands of bowl scouts and people with different agendas. They don't have to impress, they just have to win. A win, and whether people want to accept it or not, UConn is in the BCS.
Doing some quick math, and if UConn wins I think WVU, assuming they beat Pitt in the backyard brawl the following week, would probably get an at-large. The BCS committee voted to expand the pool to 18 just in case there are not enough qualifiers. If UConn takes the automatic qualifier, WVU is probably certain to get an at large unless the voters punish them by really dropping them back (No. 3 drops to No. 15?). If that happens to WVU with a loss at UConn there should be an investigation. Every other team that loses drops 6-7 or even eight spots. No one drops 12 spots that quickly, certainly not after losing to anther ranked team this late in the season.
I also think with a UConn win, they would overtake Boise or Hawaii in the BCS standings. A 10-2 team and 6-1 in conference, with one of those loses being a one point loss at another top 20 program, should be a top 12 team. Teams can shoot up quickly with a marquee win, and UConn over WVU in Morgantown would shock the world (me included).
If UConn wins and can break the top 14 in the BCS and knock out Hawaii or Boise State, then WVU will probably get the nod. If UConn can't move up 5 spots with the win, then the WAC will get a spot.
Anyhow, enough speculation here are some things from Tuesday's presser
- Zach Frazer gets the week off. Jon Jean Louis, the cornerback, is running scout team trying to be Patrick white. Frazer is the future QB of the Huskies, he throws a great ball, but he is a pocket passer. He is as different to White as you can be. Cody Andres is even more stationary.
- Here is a coach's nightmare. Play perfect defense and still get beat.
What is that called? Talent, and WVU has a lot of it.
- Like what Edsall said about playing this game?
“We got a lot to lose. You won’t hear me say that. We are in a position to win a Big East championship.
“You never know when you are get back in this position. But, history doesn’t lend itself to that. When you do things to put yourself in this situation.
Is UConn's time now? Don't know. But when you got your shot you better not take it for granted.
- Not much on the depth or injury front. UConn is healthy. Dixon will start, Brown will play a lot.
- Edsall doesn't have a sense of humor, at least with the media. The players say he is a funny guy. When asked who he wants to play in the Sugar Bowl he said he is just focused on the WVU game. It was a joke. I think Edsall thought it was a serious question --which in some ways I guess is comforting. Edsall doesn't think UConn in the Sugar is outlandish.
- I asked Edsall does he play the same type of game, or throw the kitchen sink at WVU. He turned red and smiled "You think I am going to answer that? Next question?" Big smile on his face.
John
Monday, November 19, 2007
Monday's JI
Here is a wrap-up of the weekend.
Got a column off the game. What struck me was how different this game was than everyone else. It's different now than it was before the UConn football team. To use a construction metaphor, the building is done. Now it's just improving.
It's all about winning now. No creating identity, no trying to compete, no showing you can play with the big boys. They are the big boys now.
I think it's important to note that just because you are in a BCS conference doesn't make you a BCS contender (see Duke, Baylor). Yo have to show yo have the ability to give it a serious run once in a while. UConn is already there --win or lose on Saturday. That's something to shed a tear about.
Also a small wrap-up notebook on Saturday's game. The lead is Edsall's buddy from Harrisburg.
Anyhow, there is internet chatter that there could be some bowl switching going on. A couple of New Jersey outlets have mentioned it and I read some in Florida.
The Big East is going to have likely four teams with nine plus wins. They got to get those teams into better bowls. And, Rutgers at 8 wins is owed one from last year. Not sure of the bowls, but it looks like the Las Vegas (against MWC champ) and the Holiday Bowl won't get their Pac-10 opponent. Root for UCLA to lose.
It's hard not to make fun of the Papajohn's.com or International Bowl, but that the Pizza and Ice Bowl could probably get an 8 win or 9 win team is a bit much. Those bowls were created for the 7 win teams. I don't think anyone expected Rutgers, USF and even UConn
It is going to take some doing, but this week will say a lot.
Got a column off the game. What struck me was how different this game was than everyone else. It's different now than it was before the UConn football team. To use a construction metaphor, the building is done. Now it's just improving.
It's all about winning now. No creating identity, no trying to compete, no showing you can play with the big boys. They are the big boys now.
I think it's important to note that just because you are in a BCS conference doesn't make you a BCS contender (see Duke, Baylor). Yo have to show yo have the ability to give it a serious run once in a while. UConn is already there --win or lose on Saturday. That's something to shed a tear about.
Also a small wrap-up notebook on Saturday's game. The lead is Edsall's buddy from Harrisburg.
Anyhow, there is internet chatter that there could be some bowl switching going on. A couple of New Jersey outlets have mentioned it and I read some in Florida.
The Big East is going to have likely four teams with nine plus wins. They got to get those teams into better bowls. And, Rutgers at 8 wins is owed one from last year. Not sure of the bowls, but it looks like the Las Vegas (against MWC champ) and the Holiday Bowl won't get their Pac-10 opponent. Root for UCLA to lose.
It's hard not to make fun of the Papajohn's.com or International Bowl, but that the Pizza and Ice Bowl could probably get an 8 win or 9 win team is a bit much. Those bowls were created for the 7 win teams. I don't think anyone expected Rutgers, USF and even UConn
It is going to take some doing, but this week will say a lot.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Bowl thoughts
I have been thinking about it. Not sure how this ends up, but if UConn doesn't win this week at WVU, it could be a big drop for the Huskies.
I have read what the Sun Bowl chairman John Folmer has said about UConn, Rutgers and Cincinnati, but I am not sure if they go either of those ways. It seems depending on what media outlet he is talking too, he is talking up that media outlets' team. No one mentions USF, and after the thrashing that they put on Louisville the Sun may go that route
Here is a Sunday blog post about the Sun Bowl and talking up USF. If the Huskies don't put on a good showing Saturday, I think they get bumped. If you don't need to sell tickets, and you want the surest thing, go with the team that was ranked No. 2 in the country at one time. No matter they lost three straight games before beating up on Syracuse and Louisville team that lost to Syracuse at home. I think that 27-3 loss to Cincinnati worried them. Never competitive. Now, if they are soundly beaten by West Virginia (which could happen, WVU is that good), how are you supposed to evaluate the Huskies?
http://elpasotimes.typepad.com/sunbowltimes/2007/11/how-bout-them-p.html#comments
Anyhow, it is going to be a travesty for one of the 9-3 teams. Someone is getting bumped to either Toronto or Birmingham.
If Rutgers sneaks in and takes the Sun (unlikely) or Meinike (a chance), what is the use of even having a regular season?
The Big East is going to have 4 9 wins or better teams, that is a lot, and only three decent bowls.
That's the problem with the current bowl lineup. The dropoff in prestige, opponent and location from the Meinike to Toronto is immense. It's not even like the Car Care bowl is a great game. It's against a middling ACC team, but at least it is during bowl week and sells out.
It is such a terrible bowl lineup that I think a Toronto or Birmingham trip would generate little excitement here. Birmingham Dec. 22 is a non-starter. Then, in perhaps the worst bowl date, the International on Jan. 5?
Who cares about that game? The New Year's games, Orange Bowl, and then the BCS title game swallow up the International and GMAC bowl (Jan. 6).
How can you go from a BCS game with a win, to Birmingham? I don't know if that's going to happen, but it is a chance. That is certainly disheartening.
That Rutgers had to play in the Texas Bowl last year was a joke. That one of, or even 2 of, UConn/USF/Cincinnati is going to play a middling MAC or CUSA team in its bowl game also isn't good.
The Big East has to get better bowl affiliations than this. A 6-6 Louisville team should be going to Birmingham, not a 9-3 UConn or Cincinnati team.
Why even play the season? If you can't get to a good game with nine wins, what's the point?
I have read what the Sun Bowl chairman John Folmer has said about UConn, Rutgers and Cincinnati, but I am not sure if they go either of those ways. It seems depending on what media outlet he is talking too, he is talking up that media outlets' team. No one mentions USF, and after the thrashing that they put on Louisville the Sun may go that route
Here is a Sunday blog post about the Sun Bowl and talking up USF. If the Huskies don't put on a good showing Saturday, I think they get bumped. If you don't need to sell tickets, and you want the surest thing, go with the team that was ranked No. 2 in the country at one time. No matter they lost three straight games before beating up on Syracuse and Louisville team that lost to Syracuse at home. I think that 27-3 loss to Cincinnati worried them. Never competitive. Now, if they are soundly beaten by West Virginia (which could happen, WVU is that good), how are you supposed to evaluate the Huskies?
http://elpasotimes.typepad.com/sunbowltimes/2007/11/how-bout-them-p.html#comments
Anyhow, it is going to be a travesty for one of the 9-3 teams. Someone is getting bumped to either Toronto or Birmingham.
If Rutgers sneaks in and takes the Sun (unlikely) or Meinike (a chance), what is the use of even having a regular season?
The Big East is going to have 4 9 wins or better teams, that is a lot, and only three decent bowls.
That's the problem with the current bowl lineup. The dropoff in prestige, opponent and location from the Meinike to Toronto is immense. It's not even like the Car Care bowl is a great game. It's against a middling ACC team, but at least it is during bowl week and sells out.
It is such a terrible bowl lineup that I think a Toronto or Birmingham trip would generate little excitement here. Birmingham Dec. 22 is a non-starter. Then, in perhaps the worst bowl date, the International on Jan. 5?
Who cares about that game? The New Year's games, Orange Bowl, and then the BCS title game swallow up the International and GMAC bowl (Jan. 6).
How can you go from a BCS game with a win, to Birmingham? I don't know if that's going to happen, but it is a chance. That is certainly disheartening.
That Rutgers had to play in the Texas Bowl last year was a joke. That one of, or even 2 of, UConn/USF/Cincinnati is going to play a middling MAC or CUSA team in its bowl game also isn't good.
The Big East has to get better bowl affiliations than this. A 6-6 Louisville team should be going to Birmingham, not a 9-3 UConn or Cincinnati team.
Why even play the season? If you can't get to a good game with nine wins, what's the point?
Sunday thoughts
I know a lot of people have been talking about the crowds at Rentschler and I must say I am a little disappointed by the lack of enthusiasm. They were great at some points this year, but even in the big games the crowd got in late. I don't really get that.
Tailgating was invented to prevent people from getting stuck in traffic and into the game late. There are too many fans who want to parachute in like it is a high school game.
Get there an hour early and get into the stadium. Your not going to the movies.
Saturday was actually embarrassing I thought. If you buy a ticket, get into the game. The crowd arrives in the second quarter and leaves at the end of the third.
This is an issue with all UConn sports I guess. To UConn fans, the worst possible thing that can ever happen is getting stuck in post game traffic. It's worse than taxes I can't imagine where anyone has to be on Saturday afternoon. Is getting stuck in traffic that bad?
If the games matter to you, then stay there and watch. You can't be a fan of a team always worried about getting stuck in traffic. There always seems to be one foot out the door.
Here is a tip. Buy the tickets, and clear out the day's schedule. No house work gets done, no soccer games, and no dinner parties. You go to the games, eat drink, be merry and go home and sleep.
And another thing -- how hard is it to wear blue?
On to other matters:
Steve Brouse will play next week. Hopefully his head is all right.
Randy Edsall also talked about the offensive line shift. Lawrence Green isn't 100 percent, and instead of starting him for the injured LaMagdelaine, Edsall moved Mike Hicks from right tackle to guard and inserted Dan Ryan. The just want their healthiest linemen to play.
I got some thoughts on bowls that I will share Monday. I actually like this projecting, it's better than the NCAA tournament.
Tailgating was invented to prevent people from getting stuck in traffic and into the game late. There are too many fans who want to parachute in like it is a high school game.
Get there an hour early and get into the stadium. Your not going to the movies.
Saturday was actually embarrassing I thought. If you buy a ticket, get into the game. The crowd arrives in the second quarter and leaves at the end of the third.
This is an issue with all UConn sports I guess. To UConn fans, the worst possible thing that can ever happen is getting stuck in post game traffic. It's worse than taxes I can't imagine where anyone has to be on Saturday afternoon. Is getting stuck in traffic that bad?
If the games matter to you, then stay there and watch. You can't be a fan of a team always worried about getting stuck in traffic. There always seems to be one foot out the door.
Here is a tip. Buy the tickets, and clear out the day's schedule. No house work gets done, no soccer games, and no dinner parties. You go to the games, eat drink, be merry and go home and sleep.
And another thing -- how hard is it to wear blue?
On to other matters:
Steve Brouse will play next week. Hopefully his head is all right.
Randy Edsall also talked about the offensive line shift. Lawrence Green isn't 100 percent, and instead of starting him for the injured LaMagdelaine, Edsall moved Mike Hicks from right tackle to guard and inserted Dan Ryan. The just want their healthiest linemen to play.
I got some thoughts on bowls that I will share Monday. I actually like this projecting, it's better than the NCAA tournament.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Post game thoughts
Wow.
Randy Edsall was pretty emotional in the postgame. We forget how hard these guys work at it and what effort they put in. Especially to get UConn here, it has been a long road.
Dan Davis certainly respects the coach's effort. He said Edsall was sleeping at the Burton Complex during summer camp. Other coach's would have their families visit in the cafeteria to have dinner.
You don't go 9-2 by accident. The Huskies have earned every bit of it. If Cincinnati wins tonight UCONN CLINCHES a share of the Big East title.
If WVU wins (what I would prefer), then it is for all the marbles next week. That is drama. THE BCS bid is what you want.
Anyhow, got a lot of work to do an was going to check in with a couple of things, First off, it is going to be an ABC game next week at either 3:30 or late (7 or 8). Not yet known what the coverage is going to be. Could be national.
The team is excited. Not satisfied, but excited. Getting a one game shot is the most an athlete can ask for. UConn has that chance, and that is all they have ever wanted.
Randy Edsall was pretty emotional in the postgame. We forget how hard these guys work at it and what effort they put in. Especially to get UConn here, it has been a long road.
Dan Davis certainly respects the coach's effort. He said Edsall was sleeping at the Burton Complex during summer camp. Other coach's would have their families visit in the cafeteria to have dinner.
You don't go 9-2 by accident. The Huskies have earned every bit of it. If Cincinnati wins tonight UCONN CLINCHES a share of the Big East title.
If WVU wins (what I would prefer), then it is for all the marbles next week. That is drama. THE BCS bid is what you want.
Anyhow, got a lot of work to do an was going to check in with a couple of things, First off, it is going to be an ABC game next week at either 3:30 or late (7 or 8). Not yet known what the coverage is going to be. Could be national.
The team is excited. Not satisfied, but excited. Getting a one game shot is the most an athlete can ask for. UConn has that chance, and that is all they have ever wanted.
Live game thread
Keys to the game
Establish the run
When a 2-8 team comes to visit, a couple of early touchdowns can put the losing team away. It’s just natural. The
Edit (12:14): Finally, went over the top. Jeffers 63 yard touchdown. First exciting offensive play in weeks.
Edit (12:36): Now Huskies are rolling. Andrew Robinson fumbles on a draw why is the QB running with a cracked rib?). Dixon 2 yard touchdown run caps 35 yard drive. 14-0 Huskeis, 1:10 in the first.
Second quarter
Update(1:07 p.m.): Donald Brown (who I think should be the feature back with Dixon as the change of pace) 21 yard TD run. 21-0 Huskies. Hope you didn't take the points.Update: Not sure what that final possession of the first half way. Just bad ply by Lorenzen running out of bounds and stopping the clock. Desi Cullen dropped the punt snap, but picked it up and did a run punt. It was one of the better plays you will ever see from a punter.
First half: Huskies beating up the the Cuse, which is their own worst enemy. Brown has 43 yards on 6 carries and a TD. Lorenzen 10-for-15 for 142 yards, though it should be even bette.r He has missed two open receivers.
Huskies in control. That's a good thing. I think the Birmingham Bowl is here.
Third quarter
Update 2:02 p.m: Third and seven on the 26 yard line. You take out Larry Taylor and Brad Kanuch and get in two tight ends and a fullback in? Then you run it up the gut. Of course the field goal was missed. What? Show some confidence in your QB please.
Update 2:29 p.m.: Nice INT by Vaughn in the endzone of Robinson (bad pass). Of course he comes out and tries to return it 109 yards for a score. He was 103 short. Randy Edsall was irate on the sideline. You got to be smarter than that.
Fourth Quarter
Update 2:47 p.m.: Lansanah 49 yard INT return for a touchdown. Good night, see ya'll in Morgantown for the Big East title.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Thursday update
Nothing new on the injury front. Steve brouse is game time while others such as Ryan Henegan are day-to-day.
Alex LaMagdelaine could return for a bowl game. That's the best scenario for him. Greg Lloyd is the backup at the WILL for Lawrence Wilson, but that is only on the "media" 2-deep. Edsall's two-deep could have someone else (funny stuff that Edsall admitted it).
That's about it.
Alex LaMagdelaine could return for a bowl game. That's the best scenario for him. Greg Lloyd is the backup at the WILL for Lawrence Wilson, but that is only on the "media" 2-deep. Edsall's two-deep could have someone else (funny stuff that Edsall admitted it).
That's about it.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Tuesday presser
You can tell Randy Edsall doesn't like talking about Syracuse. It just makes him feel very uncomfortable for obvious reasons (former player and coach). He spent about 30 seconds talking about the Cuse and then that was it. He didn't want to get into what Syracuse means to football in the Northeast etc. Just said he is worried about his own team.
It's still an uncomfortable game for him. I imagine at one time he probably coveted that job (not sure if that is so anymore, but no one knows), and Randy knows anything he says about the Cuse will be heavily scrutinized.
The thing is, Randy Edsall is the best and most qualified to ask about the role of Syracuse, UConn and Boston College. He coached at all three places and is the dean of all the coaches in the Northeast. He is the best source, but I can't blame him for not talking about it. It's a tough spot for him.
Anyhow, on to the Tuesday press conference:
I love the Donald Thomas quote. I hate those players. I played at the field house one time in college and some guy took a charge on me. We almost got in a fight right there.
It's still an uncomfortable game for him. I imagine at one time he probably coveted that job (not sure if that is so anymore, but no one knows), and Randy knows anything he says about the Cuse will be heavily scrutinized.
The thing is, Randy Edsall is the best and most qualified to ask about the role of Syracuse, UConn and Boston College. He coached at all three places and is the dean of all the coaches in the Northeast. He is the best source, but I can't blame him for not talking about it. It's a tough spot for him.
Anyhow, on to the Tuesday press conference:
- Running back Lou Allen is not going to play next year for the Huskies. Allen made a decision a month ago to graduate and not use his final year of eligibility. His reasoning was the injuries and stingers he has gotten, though the decline in playing time probably had something to do with it too. It's probably best for both him and the program. Also, he won't get a chance to walk on the field again as he continues to be suspended indefinitely. he won't participate in senior day activities.
- On the injury front: Lawrence Green is going to start at left guard while some guy named Mathieu Olivier is listed at the backup at guard. I don't know a thing about him except he is a redshirt frosh from Woburn, Mass. Mike Hicks has worked out some at guard, and if he is replaced by Dan Ryan at tackle, Hicksy could move back inside. Hicks and Ryan is a week-to-week thing.
- Tight end Steve Brouse and linebacker Ryan Henegan are still day-to-day.
- When asked what he would miss about UConn, Dan Davis said it would be the crowd on third down at Rentschler. Davis likes it here. He can still remember how excited he was when he came out of the tunnel for the Murray St game his freshmen year.
- Guard Donald Thomas also can't believe he is here. If it wasn't for Danny Lansanah telling him to walk-on after a hoops game he would probably be in grad school somewhere. How the 6-4 270 pound Thomas didn't play football in high school is still a mystery. He is from West haven, but went to Career, which didn't have football. His big sport was baseball and hoops. Lansanah is probably the best hoops player on the team according to Thomas and Darius Butler is a high-riser. Of course, D.J. Hernandez also got a mention. Check out what Thomas said.
I love the Donald Thomas quote. I hate those players. I played at the field house one time in college and some guy took a charge on me. We almost got in a fight right there.
- Some more thoughts on bowls. The Sun Bowl doesn't put a premium on teams traveling to the game, not as much as other bowls that is for sure. They sell their tickets locally, a lot of them. The school allotment is a meager 8,000 (which for many schools is very small.) They are looking for the game and the best teams. I think UConn down there would generate a ton of interest.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Who goes to the Sun Bowl go?
This is the question of the hour. As we found out Saturday, things can change awfully quick. But here are some thoughts.
To even project, we have to make assumptions that could be incorrect.
So, we are going to assume that the highest ranked team in the conference wins out. So, I'll have West Virginia winning the Big East at 11-1 (is that fair everyone?).
Certainly Cincinnati is good enough to beat them at home. And I think UConn has and outside shot at winning too.
So, we'll go chalk and say UConn and Cincinnati finish up at 9-3 overall. To muck it up even more, USF will also win their final three and finishing up at 9-3.
So, who does the Sun Bowl take?
Good question.
UConn is second place at 5-2, and Cincinnati is 4-3 as is USF. We could also have Rutgers crash the party at 8-4, 4-3.
Let's look at merits of each if the scenario plays out:
UConn -- Second place in Big East. That 5-2 record is very important. A lot will depend on how well they play the final two games. But, I am of the opinion that unless there is extraordinary circumstances, the bowl should follow suit. the Big East probably wants this too. A strong deference should be made if the No. 2 place team is attractive. temple and Louisville controversy's could hurt the thinking.
Drawing power: Sent about 8,000 fans to Detroit the day after xmas I believe (what i ahve read). I am of the opinion that that is extraordinary. Can they get that in El Paso? No idea. Team also has a national name recognition, though it is in basketball. But, that helps. This will help it over Cincinnati somewhat and USF -- which no on knows where it is (Tampa, Fla.).
Cincinnati -- Probably the best team of the bunch assuming a close loss to WVU. Cincinnati beat USF in Tampa and destroyed the Huskies at home. Bothersome however is the Louisville loss and especially Pitt.
Drawing power: Not very good. This is going to hurt them, and if they end up in Toronto or the Papajohns.com bowl it will be a travesty. Still, they had 30,000 fans at the game against UConn. UConn averages around 37-38 and Cincinnati is a major metro area that has an NFL and MLB team. That's not great drawing. The city of Cincinnati doesn't know what they have there.
USF -- Most high profile of the 9-3 teams thanks to its second ranking. Least deserving of the 3 though with that awful 3 game losing streak against the better teams in the conference. A loss to Rutgers, UConn and Cincinnati makes you wonder how good they really are. The WVU win is pretty good and Auburn was electric. But, if the conference season means anything they should head probably to Toronto.
Drawing power: ? don't know. Never met a USF fan. It's a new team. At least when UConn went I-A it had a long tradition of football an athletics and the hoops team had a rabid fan base. USF fans? I don't know who are where they are.
Rutgers -- Beat USF, but lost to UConn, Cincinnati and got hammered by West Virginia. Has beaten up on Army, Navy and Norfolk State. Only one quality win and that was at home to a team that fell apart. Unlikely to get to the Sun Bowl for that reason. Why would the Sun create that much animosity by taking the 5th team in the conference. They got a shot at the meinike, but that would be a travesty too.
Drawing power: Drew a small city to Texas last year. The hype machine is also in overdrive. Team didn't win for 100 years, but, they feel they can buy a good bowl berth. Maybe they can. That's disconcerting. I don't think the Sun, as prestigious as it is as one of the oldest bowl games, would stoop that low and go straight for the cash.
Louisville is out for the Sun. The one win between rule is in effect from what I am told.
What do I think?
As long as Huskies take care of business on Saturday with a crisp game, and then play well against West Virginia, then I am inclined the sun goes after the Huskies. Cincy makes a great case, but when you factor in travel power (not that UConn is proven) and that UConn finished ahead in conference I think the Sun goes for a safe bet. It all depends on ow both team play, even in losses, the last two weeks. I think one more win, and the Huskies will definitely be in the Meinike. Rutgers wouldn't overtake them for Charlotte. Charlotte has eyed the Huskies in recent years pretty hard.
As far as the rest of the conference:
Meinike -- Cincinnati
International -South Florida
Papajohns.com -- Rutgers
I know a lot of people feel because of Rutgers' fans they will be heading to the Meinike, but I don't feel that this will happen. I can't imagine a team the quality of USF and Cincinnati both slipping from Sun Bowl contention to the minor bowl outcasts.
In any event, the Big East needs to do better on the next go around of bowl alliances. It isn't the gator that's the problem. The Gator/Sun relationship is one I like.
The Car Care bowl is a good game too. But, the International Bowl is a who cares (you can't play in after New Year's, that destroys the games credibility). And the Papajohn's bowl excites no one.
If Louisville goes 6-6, I think the Big East will try and get USF or Cincinnati to a bowl that had its tie-ins not qualify. Then send Louisville to Birmingham or Toronto.
It's unfortunate for the Big East, one 9-3 team of the likes of USF, UConn or Cincinnati will sent to a minor bowl game. That should be unacceptable.
Big East has to do a better job the next time around. They get a pass because of the raid.. But, if I a get kicked to Toronto at 9-3 I would be an angry AD if I was UConn, USF or Cincinnati.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Sunday update
Ok, real quick. Got to watch the Giants-Cowpokes.
Alex LaMagdelaine is probably out for the next two weeks (left knee I imagine, though UConn doesn't release injury info anymore). Lawrence Green is going to start. Steve Brouse is day-to-day.
Everyone else is fine.
As far as Saturday's game. Randy wasn't happy with the emotional and energy level of the team. The team wasn't falt, but they didn't play with the enthusiasm they had earlier this year. It was energy mroe than anything.
Lorenzen had a bad game, but he got hit a ton of times and was rushed. Hard to pass under those circumstances.
Alex LaMagdelaine is probably out for the next two weeks (left knee I imagine, though UConn doesn't release injury info anymore). Lawrence Green is going to start. Steve Brouse is day-to-day.
Everyone else is fine.
As far as Saturday's game. Randy wasn't happy with the emotional and energy level of the team. The team wasn't falt, but they didn't play with the enthusiasm they had earlier this year. It was energy mroe than anything.
Lorenzen had a bad game, but he got hit a ton of times and was rushed. Hard to pass under those circumstances.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Cincinnati postgame
What can you say? Huskies were thoroughly thrashed in every way imaginable.
We could spend an hour dissecting that game. But, Andre Dixon put it succinctly after the game.
"We got our ass busted."
Yes.
What does this mean? Well, Huskies have to win next week against Syracuse and then take their best shot at WVU for the Big East title. That's what their focus should be.
As far as ramifications? I don't know how the Sun Bowl will take it. they were there watching both teams. Luckily for the Huskies they saw the USF game.
It's plausible that the Huskies and Bearcats finish 9-3. Who does the Sun take? I still think UConn, but Cincinnati is probably a little better at this time.
It's out of the Huskies hands, but they have to be impressive in their final two games. If USF runs the table, they would be 9-3 also. What happens when there are three 9-3 teams in the Big East? It's anyone's guess. UConn would have the better record (assuming a split the last 2) in conference at 5-2. But a case could be made for Cincinnati and USF.
The best way out of this is for the Huskies to win their final two and make the bowl impressing moot.
Some injury notes
* Steve Brouse left with an apparent concussion. Looks like Alex LaMagdelaine will be on the shelf for awhile. He had a big brace on his left knee.
We could spend an hour dissecting that game. But, Andre Dixon put it succinctly after the game.
"We got our ass busted."
Yes.
What does this mean? Well, Huskies have to win next week against Syracuse and then take their best shot at WVU for the Big East title. That's what their focus should be.
As far as ramifications? I don't know how the Sun Bowl will take it. they were there watching both teams. Luckily for the Huskies they saw the USF game.
It's plausible that the Huskies and Bearcats finish 9-3. Who does the Sun take? I still think UConn, but Cincinnati is probably a little better at this time.
It's out of the Huskies hands, but they have to be impressive in their final two games. If USF runs the table, they would be 9-3 also. What happens when there are three 9-3 teams in the Big East? It's anyone's guess. UConn would have the better record (assuming a split the last 2) in conference at 5-2. But a case could be made for Cincinnati and USF.
The best way out of this is for the Huskies to win their final two and make the bowl impressing moot.
Some injury notes
* Steve Brouse left with an apparent concussion. Looks like Alex LaMagdelaine will be on the shelf for awhile. He had a big brace on his left knee.
Live Game Cincinnati thread
Pregame: Nice stadium, right at the heart of campus. Small press box. This is a college feel, love it.
Anyhow, the Brut Sun Bowl is here again and the representative is here passing around pamphlets on the Sun Bowl. UConn will probably lock up that bowl berth with a win today. But, UConn has to think BCS right about now.
First quarter
Desi Cullen fan club is here. One sign -- "I want to nail the hammer."
Update: Mauck 1 yard TD pass. Bad kick by Cullen to open game and return to Cincy 46. 54 yards in 8 plays. 7-0 Cincy.
Update (4:04 p.m.): Lamagdelaine out with left knee or ankle. Lawrence Green in.
Update 4:12 p.m: Disaster of a first quarter offensively. Getting beat on the line and Lorenzen can't get anything going passing. INT was an accident. Tipped ball, but the O-line didn't get the defenders down. Not looking good. Donald Brown 1 carry? Andre Dixon 0 carries?
Mauck 6-yard TD pass. 13-0 Cincinnati thanks to the INT turnover inside the 10. UConn is major trouble.
1st wrap: Worst quarter of football of the year. Only two carries from the RBs. 37 yards of total offense. Mike Hicks can't handle handle Anthony Hoke's speed. The turnover off a tipped pass is a killer. 13-0. Not looking good. No push on the 0-line.
Second quarter
Update (4:41 p.m.): 4th and 11 and throw a 5 yard pass? It's just not smart football. Penalties, no consistency on offense, and just plain bad play. Defense has done its job, but offense was left in Storrs.
Update (4:56 p.m): UConn on the board. Of course it is the patented 22 yard field goal. Little outsmarting of yourself on first down with no running backs and D.J. in the backfield. It was a bad play. Second down run gets 2. Then third down pass under pressure sails incomplete. 13-3. Another missed opportunity.
Uggh. Bonehead late hit by Lindsey Witten keeps drive alive. Mistakes, mistakes, mistakes....
Halftime wrap. 13-3. UConn offense showed a little bit of life late in the half. But, it's one drive inside the 10 forced another field goal. UConn has flirted with disaster a couple of times. Hail Mary at end of half was dropped by Cincy.
Huskies have to feel fortunate they are only down 13-3.
For all the total yardage people: Cincy 151, UConn 147. Meaningless. Cincy has outplayed UConn clearly.
Third quarter
Update 5:31: First huskies drive -- 3 and out. Illegal formation penalty negates a 12 yard pass on first down.
Update 5:41: Second 3 and out. once again another 5-yard penalty helped caused the demise. Jeffers dropped a 20 yard plus catch on third down. The UConn receivers got to start making plays here.
Update 5:47: 3rd and 14. Had pressure couldn't stop Mauck. 20 yard pass. Could be ballgame there. UConn showing no signs of life on offense.
Mauck 11-yard TD run a draw. 20-3. That should do it.
Third roundup: UConn is getting physically manhandeled on offense. Only one first down and the offense can't move the ball. Defense is exhausted. This is going to get ugly real soon.
Fourth quarter
That's all she wrote. Mauck 38-yard TD pass. 27-3. See you in the post game.
Wrap: 27-3 final. Complete and total victory by the Bearcts. Uconn 22 yards rushing.
Anyhow, the Brut Sun Bowl is here again and the representative is here passing around pamphlets on the Sun Bowl. UConn will probably lock up that bowl berth with a win today. But, UConn has to think BCS right about now.
First quarter
Desi Cullen fan club is here. One sign -- "I want to nail the hammer."
Update: Mauck 1 yard TD pass. Bad kick by Cullen to open game and return to Cincy 46. 54 yards in 8 plays. 7-0 Cincy.
Update (4:04 p.m.): Lamagdelaine out with left knee or ankle. Lawrence Green in.
Update 4:12 p.m: Disaster of a first quarter offensively. Getting beat on the line and Lorenzen can't get anything going passing. INT was an accident. Tipped ball, but the O-line didn't get the defenders down. Not looking good. Donald Brown 1 carry? Andre Dixon 0 carries?
Mauck 6-yard TD pass. 13-0 Cincinnati thanks to the INT turnover inside the 10. UConn is major trouble.
1st wrap: Worst quarter of football of the year. Only two carries from the RBs. 37 yards of total offense. Mike Hicks can't handle handle Anthony Hoke's speed. The turnover off a tipped pass is a killer. 13-0. Not looking good. No push on the 0-line.
Second quarter
Update (4:41 p.m.): 4th and 11 and throw a 5 yard pass? It's just not smart football. Penalties, no consistency on offense, and just plain bad play. Defense has done its job, but offense was left in Storrs.
Update (4:56 p.m): UConn on the board. Of course it is the patented 22 yard field goal. Little outsmarting of yourself on first down with no running backs and D.J. in the backfield. It was a bad play. Second down run gets 2. Then third down pass under pressure sails incomplete. 13-3. Another missed opportunity.
Uggh. Bonehead late hit by Lindsey Witten keeps drive alive. Mistakes, mistakes, mistakes....
Halftime wrap. 13-3. UConn offense showed a little bit of life late in the half. But, it's one drive inside the 10 forced another field goal. UConn has flirted with disaster a couple of times. Hail Mary at end of half was dropped by Cincy.
Huskies have to feel fortunate they are only down 13-3.
For all the total yardage people: Cincy 151, UConn 147. Meaningless. Cincy has outplayed UConn clearly.
Third quarter
Update 5:31: First huskies drive -- 3 and out. Illegal formation penalty negates a 12 yard pass on first down.
Update 5:41: Second 3 and out. once again another 5-yard penalty helped caused the demise. Jeffers dropped a 20 yard plus catch on third down. The UConn receivers got to start making plays here.
Update 5:47: 3rd and 14. Had pressure couldn't stop Mauck. 20 yard pass. Could be ballgame there. UConn showing no signs of life on offense.
Mauck 11-yard TD run a draw. 20-3. That should do it.
Third roundup: UConn is getting physically manhandeled on offense. Only one first down and the offense can't move the ball. Defense is exhausted. This is going to get ugly real soon.
Fourth quarter
That's all she wrote. Mauck 38-yard TD pass. 27-3. See you in the post game.
Wrap: 27-3 final. Complete and total victory by the Bearcts. Uconn 22 yards rushing.
Keys to the Cincinnati game
Keys to the game
Limit turnovers
The Bearcats have a +`15turnover margin that is even better than the Huskies’ + 11. Tyler Lorenzen has only four interceptions this year while the Cincinnati team has picked off opposing quarterbacks 21 times. Lorenzen can’t force things.
Control time of possession
Keep Ben Mauck and the potent Cincinnati offense off the field by pounding the ball with Andre Dixon and Donald Brown. Best defense for a high scoring opponent is a ball control offense. Uconn hasn’t allowed more than 19 points. Something is going to give today. Hopefully, it isn’t the Uconn defense
Get an early lead
The Huskies’ success the past two weeks against Rutgers and South Florida is largely due to the fact the Huskies got up early. Uconn has shown its adept at playing with a lead and doing just enough to win.
Limit turnovers
The Bearcats have a +`15turnover margin that is even better than the Huskies’ + 11. Tyler Lorenzen has only four interceptions this year while the Cincinnati team has picked off opposing quarterbacks 21 times. Lorenzen can’t force things.
Control time of possession
Keep Ben Mauck and the potent Cincinnati offense off the field by pounding the ball with Andre Dixon and Donald Brown. Best defense for a high scoring opponent is a ball control offense. Uconn hasn’t allowed more than 19 points. Something is going to give today. Hopefully, it isn’t the Uconn defense
Get an early lead
The Huskies’ success the past two weeks against Rutgers and South Florida is largely due to the fact the Huskies got up early. Uconn has shown its adept at playing with a lead and doing just enough to win.
Friday, November 9, 2007
That yardage question
The latest mantra we are all hearing is that the Huskies are frauds now and that they have been outgained in every Big East game.
Now, I am not going to totally dismiss the total offense stat, but we will look at it critically. Is there a reason why they are winning but getting outgained?
There are reasons to doubt UConn this year and they have been incredibly fortunate and opportunistic and more importantly they have won three games at home. That to me is why the Huskies are nearly a touchdown underdog tomorrow, and they probably should be. Good teams have to win on the road. The onus is still on them to prove they are their record. I am a firm believer that this game will determine how the rest of the nation takes the Huskies. A win here could vault UConn up a couple of notches (if you care about such things).
But, I don't feel the outgained yardage is a reason to knock UConn.
Now, the main reason for being outgained is UConn has had a lot of short fields set up by turnovers, have run back 3 interceptions for touchdowns, and have "lost" three drives because of special teams touchdowns. They have also led by double digits in three of four Big East games. So, the defense hasn't been taking many risks and playing tight.
Now to the individual games.
First off, Pittsburgh.
Difference in total offense:
Pittsburgh 349, UConn 289
The Huskies destroyed the Panthers for three quarters before taking the peddle off. If you remember, all of Bostick's passing yards etc. were done in the fourth quarter when the game was over. Bostick had 200 plus yards passing in the fourth quarter. And, remember, it was 27-7 at the half and 37-7 after Butler's INT. 4th quarter yards for Pitt? 226.
So now Louisville:
Difference in total offense: Louisville 321, UConn 305.
Final drive from Louisville was 36 yards, which put them over on UConn. Also, UConn had the Taylor unfair catch punt return for a TD that negated a drive.
The UConn defense did an excellent job: Brohm's yard per play was 5.6 per pass. Lorenzen's was 7.3. Louisville average gain per play is 4.3 yards.
South Florida
USF 440, UConn 353
Halftime stats, UConn 16-0 -- UConn 249, USF 120.
Third quarter, USF came out to play and had drives of 62, 63, 52, 37 and 50. USF was in desperation mode. UConn was protecting deep not wanting to give up the big play.
UConn outplayed USF this game. It would have been a travesty if they lost.
Rutgers
Rutgers 511, UConn 396
That 511 yards looks awful -- it just does. First off, UConn forced Teel into a short passing game. That was the game plan, make them go the entire field and see if they could finish off drives (they couldn't).
The key stat is the second quarter. 40 plays by Rutgers, UConn 3. They outgained UConn 194-4 in the quarter. Now, what was the score? Uconn took an 18-3 lead after the first quarter and in the second quarter and took a 25-6 lead. They made Teel go the long way.
UConn put the game away in the third with drives of 75, 67 and 75 yards holding Rutgers to THREE points in the second half.
Now, because of the second quarter lead, the Huskies once again played soft and wanted Teel to go short with the ball. Also, let's not look at total yardage, but productivity. Average per play?
Rutgers 5.9, UConn 6.6
Also, last two drives Rutgers had 117 yards of offense which was absolutely meaningless.
The verdict?
Don't look at the total yards. Look at the lack of big plays against the Huskies (that's what bend but don't break is) and look at the average gain per play. Rutgers needed 87 plays for those 511 yards.
Teams aren't taking chunks of yards on the Huskies. They are slowly going down the field, if at all. UConn doesn't allow big plays, and is stingy in the red zone.
Still, UConn can do better. It hasn't been able to get off the field on third down, but I wouldn't worry about the yardage. No one has kicked the defenses tails up and down the field.
Yardage is a funny thing. In one sense it is important, but situation dictates how you play, and UConn defense plays to the scoreboard.
UConn isn't the blackshirt defense. They don't blow up teams and dominate defensively. They play the scoreboard, and they don't give up big plays. I don't have it with me, but I imagine plays of 20 plus yards for the Huskies is unbelievable low for a college football team.
Looking at total offense is just a lazy way to analyze UConn. If you didn't watch the games, you have to go deeper than that.
Fortunate officiating -- absolutely. Some home cooking -- yes. Winning despite being outplayed? ---absolutely not.
The only glaring game they were outplayed in was probably second half against Temple when they went on cruise control.
Now, I am not going to totally dismiss the total offense stat, but we will look at it critically. Is there a reason why they are winning but getting outgained?
There are reasons to doubt UConn this year and they have been incredibly fortunate and opportunistic and more importantly they have won three games at home. That to me is why the Huskies are nearly a touchdown underdog tomorrow, and they probably should be. Good teams have to win on the road. The onus is still on them to prove they are their record. I am a firm believer that this game will determine how the rest of the nation takes the Huskies. A win here could vault UConn up a couple of notches (if you care about such things).
But, I don't feel the outgained yardage is a reason to knock UConn.
Now, the main reason for being outgained is UConn has had a lot of short fields set up by turnovers, have run back 3 interceptions for touchdowns, and have "lost" three drives because of special teams touchdowns. They have also led by double digits in three of four Big East games. So, the defense hasn't been taking many risks and playing tight.
Now to the individual games.
First off, Pittsburgh.
Difference in total offense:
Pittsburgh 349, UConn 289
The Huskies destroyed the Panthers for three quarters before taking the peddle off. If you remember, all of Bostick's passing yards etc. were done in the fourth quarter when the game was over. Bostick had 200 plus yards passing in the fourth quarter. And, remember, it was 27-7 at the half and 37-7 after Butler's INT. 4th quarter yards for Pitt? 226.
So now Louisville:
Difference in total offense: Louisville 321, UConn 305.
Final drive from Louisville was 36 yards, which put them over on UConn. Also, UConn had the Taylor unfair catch punt return for a TD that negated a drive.
The UConn defense did an excellent job: Brohm's yard per play was 5.6 per pass. Lorenzen's was 7.3. Louisville average gain per play is 4.3 yards.
South Florida
USF 440, UConn 353
Halftime stats, UConn 16-0 -- UConn 249, USF 120.
Third quarter, USF came out to play and had drives of 62, 63, 52, 37 and 50. USF was in desperation mode. UConn was protecting deep not wanting to give up the big play.
UConn outplayed USF this game. It would have been a travesty if they lost.
Rutgers
Rutgers 511, UConn 396
That 511 yards looks awful -- it just does. First off, UConn forced Teel into a short passing game. That was the game plan, make them go the entire field and see if they could finish off drives (they couldn't).
The key stat is the second quarter. 40 plays by Rutgers, UConn 3. They outgained UConn 194-4 in the quarter. Now, what was the score? Uconn took an 18-3 lead after the first quarter and in the second quarter and took a 25-6 lead. They made Teel go the long way.
UConn put the game away in the third with drives of 75, 67 and 75 yards holding Rutgers to THREE points in the second half.
Now, because of the second quarter lead, the Huskies once again played soft and wanted Teel to go short with the ball. Also, let's not look at total yardage, but productivity. Average per play?
Rutgers 5.9, UConn 6.6
Also, last two drives Rutgers had 117 yards of offense which was absolutely meaningless.
The verdict?
Don't look at the total yards. Look at the lack of big plays against the Huskies (that's what bend but don't break is) and look at the average gain per play. Rutgers needed 87 plays for those 511 yards.
Teams aren't taking chunks of yards on the Huskies. They are slowly going down the field, if at all. UConn doesn't allow big plays, and is stingy in the red zone.
Still, UConn can do better. It hasn't been able to get off the field on third down, but I wouldn't worry about the yardage. No one has kicked the defenses tails up and down the field.
Yardage is a funny thing. In one sense it is important, but situation dictates how you play, and UConn defense plays to the scoreboard.
UConn isn't the blackshirt defense. They don't blow up teams and dominate defensively. They play the scoreboard, and they don't give up big plays. I don't have it with me, but I imagine plays of 20 plus yards for the Huskies is unbelievable low for a college football team.
Looking at total offense is just a lazy way to analyze UConn. If you didn't watch the games, you have to go deeper than that.
Fortunate officiating -- absolutely. Some home cooking -- yes. Winning despite being outplayed? ---absolutely not.
The only glaring game they were outplayed in was probably second half against Temple when they went on cruise control.
Greetings from Kentucky
Yes, that is where am now. "But your supposed to go to Cincinnati, aren't you.?" No, I didn't book the wrong flight (I know that's what your thinking).
Yes, the Cincy airport is located across the river in Northern Kentucky.
The confusion is ok. A couple of years ago the JI's Sherm Cain went to the Kentucky Derby for the first time and wrote a great column --great column-- on the Kentucky Derby and the never-ending party.
He also took a shot at Cincinnati about how the bars close at the Cincinnati Airport and that is why no one goes to Ohio. A day later Mr. Cain got an email from a reader who alerted him to the fact that the airport was in fact Kentucky, but the reader loved the column anyway. Cain knew that. He flew into Cincinnati Airport to get to the Derby. It actually ruined the column. Oh well, still a great read.
Anyhow, here in Erlander, Kentucky. Sat next to a nice guy from Bristol on the plane ride down who was headed to the Tennessee-Arkansas game on Saturday then over to Nashville for the Titans- Jacksonville game. I am jealous.
I got keys to the game and stuff a little later. Right now, having a minor meltdown because no sports bar in the area has NBA League pass. Dying to watch the Celtics tonight. I called a couple of places and they laughed me off the phone.
Too bad the Pacers are in Charlotte. I would have made the trip to Indianapolis to watch them play tonight if they were home. I need an NBA fix, and Nuggets-Wizards isn't it for me.
Yes, the Cincy airport is located across the river in Northern Kentucky.
The confusion is ok. A couple of years ago the JI's Sherm Cain went to the Kentucky Derby for the first time and wrote a great column --great column-- on the Kentucky Derby and the never-ending party.
He also took a shot at Cincinnati about how the bars close at the Cincinnati Airport and that is why no one goes to Ohio. A day later Mr. Cain got an email from a reader who alerted him to the fact that the airport was in fact Kentucky, but the reader loved the column anyway. Cain knew that. He flew into Cincinnati Airport to get to the Derby. It actually ruined the column. Oh well, still a great read.
Anyhow, here in Erlander, Kentucky. Sat next to a nice guy from Bristol on the plane ride down who was headed to the Tennessee-Arkansas game on Saturday then over to Nashville for the Titans- Jacksonville game. I am jealous.
I got keys to the game and stuff a little later. Right now, having a minor meltdown because no sports bar in the area has NBA League pass. Dying to watch the Celtics tonight. I called a couple of places and they laughed me off the phone.
Too bad the Pacers are in Charlotte. I would have made the trip to Indianapolis to watch them play tonight if they were home. I need an NBA fix, and Nuggets-Wizards isn't it for me.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
WVU escapes
Everyone exhale. Thought for a moment it was going to be easy didn't you?
WVU nearly gagged the game away. Poor Louisville, you can say for every game except Syracuse that they should have won. Cards could easily be 9-1 (Syracuse beat up a demoralized Cardinals team). Goes to show you how much turnovers mean. That team's season ended on the devastating Kentucky loss.
Anyhow, WVU was about as low key as I can remember it in the fourth quarter. They were waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Patrick White saved the day. I don't think he is an NFL QB (arm strength), but he is a great college player. Flat out one of the scariest players in college football.
You got to want UConn 10-1 vs. 9-1 at West Virginia Nov. 24.
That's the way it should be.
WVU nearly gagged the game away. Poor Louisville, you can say for every game except Syracuse that they should have won. Cards could easily be 9-1 (Syracuse beat up a demoralized Cardinals team). Goes to show you how much turnovers mean. That team's season ended on the devastating Kentucky loss.
Anyhow, WVU was about as low key as I can remember it in the fourth quarter. They were waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Patrick White saved the day. I don't think he is an NFL QB (arm strength), but he is a great college player. Flat out one of the scariest players in college football.
You got to want UConn 10-1 vs. 9-1 at West Virginia Nov. 24.
That's the way it should be.
Thursday update
A couple of minor injuries with Ryan Henegan day-to-day and Matt Ashmead both banged up. There are other players to fill in and they won't have to take some redshirts for depth.
Robbie Frey is the third string running back. He is going with the team and will dress etc., but Randy Edsall is not going to play him unless disaster strikes.
"Robbie Frey will be the third team guy, Robbie knows if something happens we are going to use him," Edsall said. "He has been sititng in on the meetings all year long. I am hoping that we don't have to use him."
Edsall also said that he doesn't care if the players watch the WVU-Louisville game tonight -- not like they would listen to him anyway. He wants them to have fun with this and enjoy it. Really trying to keep it low key.
Robbie Frey is the third string running back. He is going with the team and will dress etc., but Randy Edsall is not going to play him unless disaster strikes.
"Robbie Frey will be the third team guy, Robbie knows if something happens we are going to use him," Edsall said. "He has been sititng in on the meetings all year long. I am hoping that we don't have to use him."
Edsall also said that he doesn't care if the players watch the WVU-Louisville game tonight -- not like they would listen to him anyway. He wants them to have fun with this and enjoy it. Really trying to keep it low key.
Random thoughts
Just got some things off the top of my head...
Tennis is the new boxing
I may have to pay attention more. Rivalry and hate amongst the women, and cheating, taking dives and drugs with the men. What's not to like?
Following up on Nikolay Davydenko getting investigated for throwing a match in July, Davydenko was then fined for not playing well, and now drugs have crept in. Matina Hingis allegedly using cocaine? Now, ponytail man Tommy Haas was drugged in his match. Are you kidding me? I can't wait until the Pilot Pen next year.
Instead of another lame James Blake J-Block billboard it can be ---
Rivalry, Drugs, Gambling in New Haven...Aug. 22--29 at the Pilot Pen. Get your tickets now...
Sure beats --Blake is Back!
The TV commercial could have the announcer guy from the movies that also does the Geico commercials.
Gardner-Webb?
I am a big college hoops guy. I follow nearly ever conference and I would say I know more about hoops and history over anything college football related. That said, who and where is Gardner Webb from? You thought Steve Kragthorpe had a short leash. Gillespie is now on the hot seat two games in. Tubby gotta be laughing.
I thought UConn's preseason schedule was supposed to be tougher? Morgan, Buffalo and then Gardner-Webb? You just never know. BTW, after the Morgan State game I gotta say bagging Holy Cross was probably a good idea. Of course didn't watch the Morgan game because I left the office at 8, and I don't get ESPNU (had to fight off a Comcast rant).
Do you have to beat Southern by 60?
Didn't watch the game, didn't read a story on UConn women against Southern. So, of course this is uninformed, but ,118-59? I asked our women's writer Carl Adamec about it and he said there was nothing they could have done and said I have no idea what I am talking about. They had the best 11 players in the game.
Still, that's an in-state Division II team. It's an exhibition. If this game counted I would somewhat understand. Do you have to blow them out like that? It's a rhetorical question. They scored 70 in the first half, and 48 in the second, of an exhibition game. You have to want to score 118 points. I know they were fired up from the Team USA loss and they always play with intensity, but geez, can you throw SCSU a bone there?
And, I know how it feels to get blown out. I was playing for UConn-West Hartford (community college level hoops) hoops team about a decade ago and we got beat 123-50 (or maybe it was 133-50) at UConn-Avery Point. We had one practice back from school break and we all got fat. It was awful. I would say what goes around comes around, but last time I was on the winning side of a score like that I was playing JV hoops in high school.
Greenwich-Naples High School FB game
I can't wait to see this score. I have no idea if it will be close, or a Naples blowout. I can't believe it, a part of me is rooting for Greenwich to do well. Who ever roots for Greenwich in anything? It's like rooting for Microsoft normally, but I do get sick of hearing how great football is down south. They have 6,000 kids in these schools!
The tape gate scenario is hilarious. Naples came up to CT to tape Greenwich and the tapers were escorted out by state police. Naples initially refused film exchange, then got worried. Why can't you tape a game? I think Bill Belichick would fit in as a high school coach perfectly.
Imagine him facing off against Jack Cochran? I would bag the Sugar Bowl to see that midfield handshake.
Huskies in the Rose Bowl?
Unlikely, but it has a better shot than I thought. Assuming the current projections are accurate and substituting UConn for WVU, the Huskies got a shot.
Ohio State and LSU in the BCS --
Rose Bowl has to replace the No. 1 team first, and who do they pick? They could go to the Big 12, but would they pick Texas (didn't make Big 12 title game), perhaps the 4th team in the Big 12 for the game? Probably. After that the options aren't great. Doubt they would go after the Big 12 loser. Kansas as the Big 12 runner-up to the Rose?
That would stink for Kansas, because if Texas gets picked, and Oklahoma gets the auto BCS slot, Kansas could be a 1 loss team that is prevented from going to the BCS (can only take two teams from a conference in one year).
The Rose could go SEC and take Georgia (3 loss Georgia in the Rose, GREAT), they won't take a second Pac-10 team, and the other options are Hawaii and UConn.
I bet Rose takes Texas, Sugar takes Georgia (to replace LSU) and the Orange Bowl takes the Huskies in this scenario.
Let's break it down
BCS title game:
Ohio State vs. LSU
Rose Bowl
Texas (replacing Ohio State) vs. Oregon
Orange
ACC Champ vs. Connecticut
Fiesta
Oklahoma vs. Arizona St.
Sugar
Georgia (taken in place of LSU) vs. Hawaii.
In my scenario, the Orange Bowl picks between Hawaii, UConn and another at-large team. The Orange can't go into the Big 12 or SEC for an at large team and obviously two ACC schools in the bowl is kind of silly. So it's left with either a Pac-10 at large team (in the Orange?) or a Big 10 at-large (will a 3 loss Michigan be in the top 12 of the BCS?). Hawaii (undefeated and breaking through for a berth) and UConn are auto qualifiers.
If the Orange is forced into UConn, Hawaii and probably Arizona State at this juncture, I think UConn ends up in the Orange. the Fiesta will go Arizona St. if they have the chance and the Sugar will take the last team picked-- Hawaii.
Hey, a lot to to think about and it's moot if the Huskies don't keep on winning, but its fun to look. UConn could go to the Orange or Sugar Bowl, to the Sun Bowl to Meinike and even down to the dreaded International and Papajohns.com bowl if they lose their last 3.
Hey, big game this week.
Other thoughts
Tennis is the new boxing
I may have to pay attention more. Rivalry and hate amongst the women, and cheating, taking dives and drugs with the men. What's not to like?
Following up on Nikolay Davydenko getting investigated for throwing a match in July, Davydenko was then fined for not playing well, and now drugs have crept in. Matina Hingis allegedly using cocaine? Now, ponytail man Tommy Haas was drugged in his match. Are you kidding me? I can't wait until the Pilot Pen next year.
Instead of another lame James Blake J-Block billboard it can be ---
Rivalry, Drugs, Gambling in New Haven...Aug. 22--29 at the Pilot Pen. Get your tickets now...
Sure beats --Blake is Back!
The TV commercial could have the announcer guy from the movies that also does the Geico commercials.
Gardner-Webb?
I am a big college hoops guy. I follow nearly ever conference and I would say I know more about hoops and history over anything college football related. That said, who and where is Gardner Webb from? You thought Steve Kragthorpe had a short leash. Gillespie is now on the hot seat two games in. Tubby gotta be laughing.
I thought UConn's preseason schedule was supposed to be tougher? Morgan, Buffalo and then Gardner-Webb? You just never know. BTW, after the Morgan State game I gotta say bagging Holy Cross was probably a good idea. Of course didn't watch the Morgan game because I left the office at 8, and I don't get ESPNU (had to fight off a Comcast rant).
Do you have to beat Southern by 60?
Didn't watch the game, didn't read a story on UConn women against Southern. So, of course this is uninformed, but ,118-59? I asked our women's writer Carl Adamec about it and he said there was nothing they could have done and said I have no idea what I am talking about. They had the best 11 players in the game.
Still, that's an in-state Division II team. It's an exhibition. If this game counted I would somewhat understand. Do you have to blow them out like that? It's a rhetorical question. They scored 70 in the first half, and 48 in the second, of an exhibition game. You have to want to score 118 points. I know they were fired up from the Team USA loss and they always play with intensity, but geez, can you throw SCSU a bone there?
And, I know how it feels to get blown out. I was playing for UConn-West Hartford (community college level hoops) hoops team about a decade ago and we got beat 123-50 (or maybe it was 133-50) at UConn-Avery Point. We had one practice back from school break and we all got fat. It was awful. I would say what goes around comes around, but last time I was on the winning side of a score like that I was playing JV hoops in high school.
Greenwich-Naples High School FB game
I can't wait to see this score. I have no idea if it will be close, or a Naples blowout. I can't believe it, a part of me is rooting for Greenwich to do well. Who ever roots for Greenwich in anything? It's like rooting for Microsoft normally, but I do get sick of hearing how great football is down south. They have 6,000 kids in these schools!
The tape gate scenario is hilarious. Naples came up to CT to tape Greenwich and the tapers were escorted out by state police. Naples initially refused film exchange, then got worried. Why can't you tape a game? I think Bill Belichick would fit in as a high school coach perfectly.
Imagine him facing off against Jack Cochran? I would bag the Sugar Bowl to see that midfield handshake.
Huskies in the Rose Bowl?
Unlikely, but it has a better shot than I thought. Assuming the current projections are accurate and substituting UConn for WVU, the Huskies got a shot.
Ohio State and LSU in the BCS --
Rose Bowl has to replace the No. 1 team first, and who do they pick? They could go to the Big 12, but would they pick Texas (didn't make Big 12 title game), perhaps the 4th team in the Big 12 for the game? Probably. After that the options aren't great. Doubt they would go after the Big 12 loser. Kansas as the Big 12 runner-up to the Rose?
That would stink for Kansas, because if Texas gets picked, and Oklahoma gets the auto BCS slot, Kansas could be a 1 loss team that is prevented from going to the BCS (can only take two teams from a conference in one year).
The Rose could go SEC and take Georgia (3 loss Georgia in the Rose, GREAT), they won't take a second Pac-10 team, and the other options are Hawaii and UConn.
I bet Rose takes Texas, Sugar takes Georgia (to replace LSU) and the Orange Bowl takes the Huskies in this scenario.
Let's break it down
BCS title game:
Ohio State vs. LSU
Rose Bowl
Texas (replacing Ohio State) vs. Oregon
Orange
ACC Champ vs. Connecticut
Fiesta
Oklahoma vs. Arizona St.
Sugar
Georgia (taken in place of LSU) vs. Hawaii.
In my scenario, the Orange Bowl picks between Hawaii, UConn and another at-large team. The Orange can't go into the Big 12 or SEC for an at large team and obviously two ACC schools in the bowl is kind of silly. So it's left with either a Pac-10 at large team (in the Orange?) or a Big 10 at-large (will a 3 loss Michigan be in the top 12 of the BCS?). Hawaii (undefeated and breaking through for a berth) and UConn are auto qualifiers.
If the Orange is forced into UConn, Hawaii and probably Arizona State at this juncture, I think UConn ends up in the Orange. the Fiesta will go Arizona St. if they have the chance and the Sugar will take the last team picked-- Hawaii.
Hey, a lot to to think about and it's moot if the Huskies don't keep on winning, but its fun to look. UConn could go to the Orange or Sugar Bowl, to the Sun Bowl to Meinike and even down to the dreaded International and Papajohns.com bowl if they lose their last 3.
Hey, big game this week.
Other thoughts
- This will be the best year ever on Nip/Tuck
- A-Rod should accept arbitration. $40 million is his number, and I think the Yanks would be okay with that for one year.
- Watching 3 games into the season, no one in the NBA has any idea how good Kevin Garnett really is. Celts are going to win 60 games, this guy is the best player in the NBA. I didn't know that until watching him closely. That makes what happened in Minnesota is a travesty. If they had any kind of competent management, there would be no Spurs dynasty. Garnett is going to be remembered like Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem --- as a player winning a title on his second team. Wilt did his heroics on the Philly Warriors while Kareem made his name out of college in Milwaukee. No one thinks of Wilt and Kareem as anything less than Laker greats. KG is a modern day Oscar Robertson stuck on the Cincinnati Royals before breaking out.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Tuesday roundup
Whoops!
Must be hoops season. Football buried inside. Simple notebook on the special teams today. anyhow, got to buy the dead tree today. Nothing of today's sports made the web (don't ask).
If you can get east of the CT River, check out today's JI for our college basketball preview. Nice stuff.
Edit: Best joke I heard today...
"St. John's qualified for the 2009 Big East men's tournament today...
Must be hoops season. Football buried inside. Simple notebook on the special teams today. anyhow, got to buy the dead tree today. Nothing of today's sports made the web (don't ask).
If you can get east of the CT River, check out today's JI for our college basketball preview. Nice stuff.
Edit: Best joke I heard today...
"St. John's qualified for the 2009 Big East men's tournament today...
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Tuesday presser
We had good Randy Edsall this week. When it gets a big game Edsall seems to tighten up and get ultra intense. He was sour last Tuesday -- still professional-- but moody. Maybe it was the national media crush last week, ESPNU, or the fact it was the biggest game in his coaching career. I don't know.
Anyhow, this isn't US Weeky (which I love to read) so I'll move on...
He was in a good mood on Tuesday and answered everything with some thought. We even found out he doesn't like football (not his favorite sport as a kid). Obviosuly, he likes it now, but it wasn't his first love, or second love for that matter (hoops). He wanted to play baseball as a kid, and was a good hitter (according to him) and outfielder. He also pitched and had a good fastball, but couldn't get it near the plate. Almost quit football to play golf his sophomore year of high school.
But, football came calling and he went to Cuse and the rest is history.
As far as this week? Not much news. Edsall declined on talking about Lou Allen, but did say that he "Loves Lou to death." What he did and whether he will ever be back in unknown.
Cincinnati is +15 on turnovers and has forced 34! UConn has forced 23. This will decide the game.
No changes on the depth chart, but I would expect Donald Brown and Andre Dixon to split carries. Whoever gets hot gets the bulk of the load. That is the best way to do it.
Tyvon Branch asked to do kickoff this year. He was a disaster his freshmen year and had many fumbles. He asked Edsall to do it this summer. Edsall gave him a sho and he is only leading the country in kickoff return average. He also has a pair of touchdowns run back and nearly had a third.
Branch said he ran 10.4 100 meters in intramurals last spring. 10.4 at 195 pounds! Get this....no starting blocks! If that's accurate that is phenomenal speed. He ran 10.6 in high school. Just flat out fast.
Who do you kick to on kickoffs? Branch or LT?
That would keep me up at night.
Anyhow, this isn't US Weeky (which I love to read) so I'll move on...
He was in a good mood on Tuesday and answered everything with some thought. We even found out he doesn't like football (not his favorite sport as a kid). Obviosuly, he likes it now, but it wasn't his first love, or second love for that matter (hoops). He wanted to play baseball as a kid, and was a good hitter (according to him) and outfielder. He also pitched and had a good fastball, but couldn't get it near the plate. Almost quit football to play golf his sophomore year of high school.
But, football came calling and he went to Cuse and the rest is history.
As far as this week? Not much news. Edsall declined on talking about Lou Allen, but did say that he "Loves Lou to death." What he did and whether he will ever be back in unknown.
Cincinnati is +15 on turnovers and has forced 34! UConn has forced 23. This will decide the game.
No changes on the depth chart, but I would expect Donald Brown and Andre Dixon to split carries. Whoever gets hot gets the bulk of the load. That is the best way to do it.
Tyvon Branch asked to do kickoff this year. He was a disaster his freshmen year and had many fumbles. He asked Edsall to do it this summer. Edsall gave him a sho and he is only leading the country in kickoff return average. He also has a pair of touchdowns run back and nearly had a third.
Branch said he ran 10.4 100 meters in intramurals last spring. 10.4 at 195 pounds! Get this....no starting blocks! If that's accurate that is phenomenal speed. He ran 10.6 in high school. Just flat out fast.
Who do you kick to on kickoffs? Branch or LT?
That would keep me up at night.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Monday notes --- Cuse-Huskies on the Deuce
More updates: Lou allen has been suspended indefinitely for a team rules violation.
Also, per the Washington Post and the Hartford Courant, West Potomac offensive linemen Jimmy Bennett, a 3-star recruit, committed to the Huskies this weekend.
It pays to speak up sometime. This game has a good start time and national coverage. It's a fair appearance. I imagine WVU-UConn will be on ESPN if they can fit it in the schedule.
Other stuff:
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Tyvon Branch, Sr., CB/KR,Connecticut
Cicero, N.Y.
Branch, who also was named BIG EAST Special Teams Player of the Week Oct. 1, set a Connecticut record with 184 yards on four kickoff returns, including a 97-yard return for a touchdown, in the Huskies’ 38-19 win against Rutgers. Branch becomes the first Connecticut player to score on two kickoff returns in a season and leads the Bowl Subdivision by averaging 36.1 yards on returns.
BTW, I think this is Branch's ticket to the NFL. he can be a kick returner, backup defensive back (probably a safety) and be on special teams. In the NFL, if you are't a star, you have to be versatile. branch can back up on defense, kick return, and also go out there and make tackles on STs. Whether he is a late round pick or an UDFA, that's his ticket to playing in the NFL.
Also, Donald Brown made the honor roll for 154 yards performance.
Also, per the Washington Post and the Hartford Courant, West Potomac offensive linemen Jimmy Bennett, a 3-star recruit, committed to the Huskies this weekend.
It pays to speak up sometime. This game has a good start time and national coverage. It's a fair appearance. I imagine WVU-UConn will be on ESPN if they can fit it in the schedule.
CONNECTICUT-SYRACUSE FOOTBALL TO AIR ON ESPN2 AT NOON
STORRS, Conn. - The BIG EAST Conference announced on Monday that UConn’s Nov. 17 football game against Syracuse at Rentschler Field will kickoff at 12:00 p.m. The game will be broadcast nationally by ESPN2.
Other stuff:
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Tyvon Branch, Sr., CB/KR,Connecticut
Cicero, N.Y.
Branch, who also was named BIG EAST Special Teams Player of the Week Oct. 1, set a Connecticut record with 184 yards on four kickoff returns, including a 97-yard return for a touchdown, in the Huskies’ 38-19 win against Rutgers. Branch becomes the first Connecticut player to score on two kickoff returns in a season and leads the Bowl Subdivision by averaging 36.1 yards on returns.
BTW, I think this is Branch's ticket to the NFL. he can be a kick returner, backup defensive back (probably a safety) and be on special teams. In the NFL, if you are't a star, you have to be versatile. branch can back up on defense, kick return, and also go out there and make tackles on STs. Whether he is a late round pick or an UDFA, that's his ticket to playing in the NFL.
Also, Donald Brown made the honor roll for 154 yards performance.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Comcast griping
Ok, so no ESPNU on Comcast. I understand it perfectly, they don't really care about their customers and aren't a service oriented company. Fine, I get it. They just want my money, to hell with quality.
I can understand that business strategy. But, do they have to be incompetent too? Who runs this company? Who is in charge? When they actually choose to televise something, can they at least deliver?
Now they have fouled up Celtics coverage. Celts in overtime against the Raptors and with 7. 4 seconds left the feed goes off. TJ Ford his a 3 to tie it at 95-95. Ray Allen then hits a 3 to win it. Guess got ot see the highlight on ESPN.
Comcast Sports New England off to a bad start. They fouled up a preseason game earlier in the year and blacked it out in Connecticut. Then, they ruined the Celtics pregame with some stupid hokey red behind the desk look. Where was Gary Tanguay today?
Oh, and get this, Comcast Cable in Hartford doesn't get Comcast Sports New England in High Def. But, Cox in Manchester gets Comcast Sports in High Definition. So, if I want to watch Comcast High Definition I have to get Direct TV.
I wonder if Comcast realizes they are admitting thier product is inferior to satellite. Oh, I am also paying $200 a month for cable, internet and phone.
Want an awful company.
Bad product, bad service, bad delivery, incompetent from tech's to the CEO and expensive. Anything else?
I can understand that business strategy. But, do they have to be incompetent too? Who runs this company? Who is in charge? When they actually choose to televise something, can they at least deliver?
Now they have fouled up Celtics coverage. Celts in overtime against the Raptors and with 7. 4 seconds left the feed goes off. TJ Ford his a 3 to tie it at 95-95. Ray Allen then hits a 3 to win it. Guess got ot see the highlight on ESPN.
Comcast Sports New England off to a bad start. They fouled up a preseason game earlier in the year and blacked it out in Connecticut. Then, they ruined the Celtics pregame with some stupid hokey red behind the desk look. Where was Gary Tanguay today?
Oh, and get this, Comcast Cable in Hartford doesn't get Comcast Sports New England in High Def. But, Cox in Manchester gets Comcast Sports in High Definition. So, if I want to watch Comcast High Definition I have to get Direct TV.
I wonder if Comcast realizes they are admitting thier product is inferior to satellite. Oh, I am also paying $200 a month for cable, internet and phone.
Want an awful company.
Bad product, bad service, bad delivery, incompetent from tech's to the CEO and expensive. Anything else?
Bowl clarifications
Just in case I wasn't clear, the Sun Bowl has the second pick of Big East teams, and the second place team doesn't automatically get that Sun slot. Also, the Gator Bowl could take the Big East N0. 2 if it doesn't like the Big XII options.
That being said, the one win difference rule is in effect for the Big East. If UConn is 9-3, a 7-5 Louisville team can't take the Sun Bowl bid. I don't see Cincinnati and USF as much more attractive bowl teams than UConn at this point however. Math is strongly in UConn's favor here.
I think barring some crazy developments in the final couple of weeks of the season, the Big East is probably headed to the Sugar Bowl. The Orange is an other option but I am betting they go Big XII runner up if the Big East champ isn't a one loss WVU team.
Rose Bowl may be forced to take Hawaii (non BCS at-large) or the Big East champ. Big East has no shot at the Fiesta this year. Oklahoma against the Pac-10 runner up here.
It's very early though. If Ohio State slips up, or LSU doesn't make the BCS championship game this gets turned on its head.
Bet right now is Big East champ in the Sugar.
That being said, the one win difference rule is in effect for the Big East. If UConn is 9-3, a 7-5 Louisville team can't take the Sun Bowl bid. I don't see Cincinnati and USF as much more attractive bowl teams than UConn at this point however. Math is strongly in UConn's favor here.
I think barring some crazy developments in the final couple of weeks of the season, the Big East is probably headed to the Sugar Bowl. The Orange is an other option but I am betting they go Big XII runner up if the Big East champ isn't a one loss WVU team.
Rose Bowl may be forced to take Hawaii (non BCS at-large) or the Big East champ. Big East has no shot at the Fiesta this year. Oklahoma against the Pac-10 runner up here.
It's very early though. If Ohio State slips up, or LSU doesn't make the BCS championship game this gets turned on its head.
Bet right now is Big East champ in the Sugar.
Late Late night thoughts
2:30 a.m. here and just finished with the scout stuff and I can't sleep because I know I got 4 things to write tomorrow (stupid college hoops previews, doesn't anyone know it's football season?).
Seriously though, got some thoughts.
The 500 yards of total offense I wouldn't worry much about. First off, 307 of that was in the first half when the Knights ran 51 plays in the half to UConn's 19 and got 14 first downs in the second quarter. With Branch's TD return for a touchdowns and a pair of long drives, UConn didn't have the ball.
A lot will be written about the Huskies being out-gained by naysayers, but they weren't outplayed. Not even close. Most of the yardage was accumulated after it was 25-6. UConn didn't allow the big play, which when you are leading 25-6 you shouldn't do.
The offense was geared to stop Ray Rice and when you take away a 45 yard run, they held him to 20 rushes for 71 yards. The 45 yarder counts, but they did a decent job controlling Rice. Bad job stopping the QB on those QB keepers, but they had the fake run jump pass covered.
Teel did a nice job dinking and dunking all over the field. I never felt the Huskies were in trouble.
By quarter, UConn outgained Rutgers 143-111 in the first quarter. They were outgained 194-4 in the second, but UConn ran only 3 offensive plays but returned a kick for a TD.
When it counted, Rutgers 63 yards on 12 plays in the third quarter. The 150 yards in the 4th quarter was garbage time.
Here are some more stats. The average gain per play for Rutgers was 5.9 (they just ran a ton of plays --- 87!). Average pass attempt was 6.4 yards and the average completion went for 10.7 -- pedestrian numbers. That is just dinking and dunking between the 20s. Only four pass plays over 20 yards, and they were broken tackle underneath plays. Nothing over the top or to the outside. When you throw 52 times you would expect more big plays.
You know what galls me about stats? I have read people saying UConn won despite being outgained at Pittsburgh. That game was total UConn domination until garbage time in the 4th. It's just people being lazy. I would worry about the running quarterback, but not much else. All of the passing was underneath. UConn tightened down when it had to.
Defense wasn't great, and there was only a handful of negative plays, but UConn was hardly taken up and down the field.
Here's some more thoughts:
Big East standings, UConn is 4-0 and holds a two game lead over Cincinnati and Louisville and three over USF, and 2 1/2 over Rutgers.
If UConn loses its final three, I would still expect the Meinike Bowl in Charlotte (would love to have UConn), though International is still possible. One more win will probably insure the Sun Bowl unless Louisville or Cincy runs the table. The Sun Bowl could still pick the third place team in the Big East, but Louisville would be the only threat to do that. I don't think Cincinnati is more attractive than the Huskies for the Bowl to go over standings, taking third place team over second.
Silly me, should be talking the Sugar since the Huskies got a 1 1/2 game lead over WVU with three to play. If Louisville knocks off WVU and UConn beats Cincinnati, then all UConn has to do to clinch the Big East is beat Syracuse at home. Imagine that? UConn could put away the Big East on Nov. 17 if things fall right.
At the least, UConn got a shot to take a share of the Big East title at Wet Virginia on Nov. 24. Even with two losses in its next two games, the Huskies could win a piece of the conference with a win that day. It's worth noting WVU plays Pitt Dec. 1 in the Backyard Brawl. UConn ends its season a week earlier.
If I had to bet where the Huskies end up it would be the Sun Bowl. I think WVU wins out and UConn goes 1-2 in its next three (I don't like this upcoming Cincinnati game). 9-3 UConn heads to El Paso for New Year's! But, what do I know. I had a hard time getting them to six wins this year.
You know what? The Huskies and fans should think Sugar Bowl. Don't sell the team short. The Big East title is in their hands and if they could knock off Cincy next week, it would put tremendous pressure on WVU to run the table. If all that's standing between UConn and the Sugar is Syracuse at home I got to like the Pups' chances.
Seriously though, got some thoughts.
The 500 yards of total offense I wouldn't worry much about. First off, 307 of that was in the first half when the Knights ran 51 plays in the half to UConn's 19 and got 14 first downs in the second quarter. With Branch's TD return for a touchdowns and a pair of long drives, UConn didn't have the ball.
A lot will be written about the Huskies being out-gained by naysayers, but they weren't outplayed. Not even close. Most of the yardage was accumulated after it was 25-6. UConn didn't allow the big play, which when you are leading 25-6 you shouldn't do.
The offense was geared to stop Ray Rice and when you take away a 45 yard run, they held him to 20 rushes for 71 yards. The 45 yarder counts, but they did a decent job controlling Rice. Bad job stopping the QB on those QB keepers, but they had the fake run jump pass covered.
Teel did a nice job dinking and dunking all over the field. I never felt the Huskies were in trouble.
By quarter, UConn outgained Rutgers 143-111 in the first quarter. They were outgained 194-4 in the second, but UConn ran only 3 offensive plays but returned a kick for a TD.
When it counted, Rutgers 63 yards on 12 plays in the third quarter. The 150 yards in the 4th quarter was garbage time.
Here are some more stats. The average gain per play for Rutgers was 5.9 (they just ran a ton of plays --- 87!). Average pass attempt was 6.4 yards and the average completion went for 10.7 -- pedestrian numbers. That is just dinking and dunking between the 20s. Only four pass plays over 20 yards, and they were broken tackle underneath plays. Nothing over the top or to the outside. When you throw 52 times you would expect more big plays.
You know what galls me about stats? I have read people saying UConn won despite being outgained at Pittsburgh. That game was total UConn domination until garbage time in the 4th. It's just people being lazy. I would worry about the running quarterback, but not much else. All of the passing was underneath. UConn tightened down when it had to.
Defense wasn't great, and there was only a handful of negative plays, but UConn was hardly taken up and down the field.
Here's some more thoughts:
- Donald Brown has a little Barry Sanders in him. He gained 154 yards, but LOST 22 rushing. That's the old Barry Sanders +2, -1, -3, +70. Dixon was said to be dinged up, but I think Edsall just went with the hot hand. Brown is just so much more powerful.
- Sugar Bowl reps in attendance. That's the likely spot for the Big East champ, thought WVU is probably BCA game, though it is probably 5th.
- Is UConn anymore lucky than LSU? That team could be 5-4 right about now. That's college football.
Big East standings, UConn is 4-0 and holds a two game lead over Cincinnati and Louisville and three over USF, and 2 1/2 over Rutgers.
If UConn loses its final three, I would still expect the Meinike Bowl in Charlotte (would love to have UConn), though International is still possible. One more win will probably insure the Sun Bowl unless Louisville or Cincy runs the table. The Sun Bowl could still pick the third place team in the Big East, but Louisville would be the only threat to do that. I don't think Cincinnati is more attractive than the Huskies for the Bowl to go over standings, taking third place team over second.
Silly me, should be talking the Sugar since the Huskies got a 1 1/2 game lead over WVU with three to play. If Louisville knocks off WVU and UConn beats Cincinnati, then all UConn has to do to clinch the Big East is beat Syracuse at home. Imagine that? UConn could put away the Big East on Nov. 17 if things fall right.
At the least, UConn got a shot to take a share of the Big East title at Wet Virginia on Nov. 24. Even with two losses in its next two games, the Huskies could win a piece of the conference with a win that day. It's worth noting WVU plays Pitt Dec. 1 in the Backyard Brawl. UConn ends its season a week earlier.
If I had to bet where the Huskies end up it would be the Sun Bowl. I think WVU wins out and UConn goes 1-2 in its next three (I don't like this upcoming Cincinnati game). 9-3 UConn heads to El Paso for New Year's! But, what do I know. I had a hard time getting them to six wins this year.
You know what? The Huskies and fans should think Sugar Bowl. Don't sell the team short. The Big East title is in their hands and if they could knock off Cincy next week, it would put tremendous pressure on WVU to run the table. If all that's standing between UConn and the Sugar is Syracuse at home I got to like the Pups' chances.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Post game wrap
Will be back late, but Brown was back to his old self. He cracked a couple of smiles and it was nice to see. Donald brown is back, not Hollywood Brown, Donald Brown.
Edsall just rode the hot hand, Dixon a little banged up, but Browntookhis opportunity and went with it.
Boy, just tell him he is playing Rutgers next week. Got to carries to both...ok, gotta work.
Edsall just rode the hot hand, Dixon a little banged up, but Browntookhis opportunity and went with it.
Boy, just tell him he is playing Rutgers next week. Got to carries to both...ok, gotta work.
Live game thread
Weather: Cold and windy. We had to do the radio show in the booth. Miserable day, does that help the mudders? It is football weather though and it isn't raining. Weather will be factor, but I don't think either team will have an advantage.
Wind is blowing opposite it has been last two weeks. From the scoreboard to the student section. It's a steady blow that way.
Pregame chatter: Dan Davis is on the field in a tank top and gym shorts. He is crazy. I wish I could cover the game by a fireplace. Who else in shorts? Lansanah, and some crazy o-line men. The Kentucky Hammer thinks he is at the beach.
Update (6:41 p.m.): Pass interference in endzone by Navy? Big boo went up in press box. Someone said no cheering in press box -- place booed again.
Random happening: You know my blue tooth headset I lost in Pittsburgh? Well, it isn't lost anymore. It is in my bag. How did I find it? My phone had a blue tooth signal and I couldn't use my phone. So, I had to search. Go figure. Maybe my luck is changing.
Navy stops Notre Dame on 2-point conversion! Irish go down to the Naval Academy!!!!
I am scared. This is a brave new world indeed. How would you like to be Regis Philbin now? I would take Yale and the points over the Irish. Wait! I would take the Yalies to cover...
First quarter
Place starting to fill up. Late arriving crowd for sure (that's UConn).
Update (7:35): D.J. Hernadez came free on a jailbreak for the punt block. Never had a shot at corraling it for a TD, UConn safety. Then, Lorenzen leads the team down for a TD.
Of course, Tony C misses the extra. 8-0 UConn. Wastes the safety. That's a big missed extra.
Update 7:54:) UConn doing a nice job making key plays. Stopped Rutgers inside the 20 to a field goal. And Tony C redeems himself from 43 yards. 11-3 UConn.
Update, 8:04 p.m.: What has just happened? Rutgers doesn't know what hit them Lorenzen finds Jeffers, 34 for a touchdown. Pretty pass, 19-3, still first quarter. Wow.
1st wrap up: Rutgers special teams has collapsed. 4 kickoffs have starting position at the 15, 15, 3 and 6. Also allowed a 48 yard run back from Tyvon Branch and had a punt blocked for a safety.
18-3 UConn
Second quarter
Update (8:27 p.m.): Rutgers goes 15 plays kicks a field goal. BRANCH 97 yards return for a touchdown. The Rutgers special teams has collapsed. UConn 25-5.
Second quarter wrap: Poor job by the Huskies defense. Can't get off the field. Rutgers has 51 plays for 301 yards in the first half. UConn has run 19 plays for 150.
25-16 at the half. Got to do a better job of getting off the field by the defense. Cody Brown had a sack called off because of a face mask, it was the second time this year. Offense, had three plays in the third quarter. The time of possession is lopsided. UConn offense really didn't have a chance to play in the second quarter, three plays and three penalties.
Huskies took their foot off the Scarlet Knights throat.
Halftime stats: Britt 101 yards receiving. Teel, 18-of-26 179 yards. Rice 97 yards rushing.
UConn has only run 19 plays. Dixon 36 yards on seven carries.
Long drives by Rutgers. Huskies can't get off the field on third and long. Still, hold to 3 field goals and one touchdown.
Huskies ran 3 plays in the second period.
Third quarter
UConn 2 3-and outs to open half. Holy conservative batman. 3rd and 8 and they run a handoff.
9 UConn plays since the first quarter.
And, UConn may want to stop the QB run at anytime. Wind making it tough to throw. Ito FG, 25-19. UConn needs to get a first down.
Update 9:43): Donald Brown goes untouched for a 32-yard touched runs on 3rd and 13. Just looking for a 5, 6 yard gain and got the home run. Good speed by Brown.
Update 10:15 p.m : Hollywood Brown makes an appearance. 70 yard run leads to another FG. 38-19, 10:16 left. Could have been more.
Brown 14 carries 135 yards.
Wind is blowing opposite it has been last two weeks. From the scoreboard to the student section. It's a steady blow that way.
Pregame chatter: Dan Davis is on the field in a tank top and gym shorts. He is crazy. I wish I could cover the game by a fireplace. Who else in shorts? Lansanah, and some crazy o-line men. The Kentucky Hammer thinks he is at the beach.
Update (6:41 p.m.): Pass interference in endzone by Navy? Big boo went up in press box. Someone said no cheering in press box -- place booed again.
Random happening: You know my blue tooth headset I lost in Pittsburgh? Well, it isn't lost anymore. It is in my bag. How did I find it? My phone had a blue tooth signal and I couldn't use my phone. So, I had to search. Go figure. Maybe my luck is changing.
Navy stops Notre Dame on 2-point conversion! Irish go down to the Naval Academy!!!!
I am scared. This is a brave new world indeed. How would you like to be Regis Philbin now? I would take Yale and the points over the Irish. Wait! I would take the Yalies to cover...
First quarter
Place starting to fill up. Late arriving crowd for sure (that's UConn).
Update (7:35): D.J. Hernadez came free on a jailbreak for the punt block. Never had a shot at corraling it for a TD, UConn safety. Then, Lorenzen leads the team down for a TD.
Of course, Tony C misses the extra. 8-0 UConn. Wastes the safety. That's a big missed extra.
Update 7:54:) UConn doing a nice job making key plays. Stopped Rutgers inside the 20 to a field goal. And Tony C redeems himself from 43 yards. 11-3 UConn.
Update, 8:04 p.m.: What has just happened? Rutgers doesn't know what hit them Lorenzen finds Jeffers, 34 for a touchdown. Pretty pass, 19-3, still first quarter. Wow.
1st wrap up: Rutgers special teams has collapsed. 4 kickoffs have starting position at the 15, 15, 3 and 6. Also allowed a 48 yard run back from Tyvon Branch and had a punt blocked for a safety.
18-3 UConn
Second quarter
Update (8:27 p.m.): Rutgers goes 15 plays kicks a field goal. BRANCH 97 yards return for a touchdown. The Rutgers special teams has collapsed. UConn 25-5.
Second quarter wrap: Poor job by the Huskies defense. Can't get off the field. Rutgers has 51 plays for 301 yards in the first half. UConn has run 19 plays for 150.
25-16 at the half. Got to do a better job of getting off the field by the defense. Cody Brown had a sack called off because of a face mask, it was the second time this year. Offense, had three plays in the third quarter. The time of possession is lopsided. UConn offense really didn't have a chance to play in the second quarter, three plays and three penalties.
Huskies took their foot off the Scarlet Knights throat.
Halftime stats: Britt 101 yards receiving. Teel, 18-of-26 179 yards. Rice 97 yards rushing.
UConn has only run 19 plays. Dixon 36 yards on seven carries.
Long drives by Rutgers. Huskies can't get off the field on third and long. Still, hold to 3 field goals and one touchdown.
Huskies ran 3 plays in the second period.
Third quarter
UConn 2 3-and outs to open half. Holy conservative batman. 3rd and 8 and they run a handoff.
9 UConn plays since the first quarter.
And, UConn may want to stop the QB run at anytime. Wind making it tough to throw. Ito FG, 25-19. UConn needs to get a first down.
Update 9:43): Donald Brown goes untouched for a 32-yard touched runs on 3rd and 13. Just looking for a 5, 6 yard gain and got the home run. Good speed by Brown.
Update 10:15 p.m : Hollywood Brown makes an appearance. 70 yard run leads to another FG. 38-19, 10:16 left. Could have been more.
Brown 14 carries 135 yards.
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