Randy Edsall wrap-up

Here are some thoughts Randy Edsall had wrapping up the season:

Most importantly, the thing the team has to develop is the vertical passing game. No question about that. The team has to improve upfront and they have to get Tyler Lorenzen to make some quicker decisions according to Edsall. It's about productivity in the passing game. Let's be clear -- Randy said all jobs are open for next year. And the WRs are more open than others.

"We need to develop a vertical game." Edsall said. "The big things on offense are upfront and at wide receiver. There are some older guys who are playing that could lose out to other guys."

Edsall was adamant that the team needed more athletes and speed at wide receiver. Huskies can run the ball. They Need to stretch the field.

And for all the gripers out there, I asked about the conservative play calling (in a convoluted way because I was distracted halfway through the question, but Edsall got the point and was nice enough to answer).

"We did things and played close to the vest and used defense and special teams to win games. We do have to be more productive offensively. We will do game plan that give us the best chance to win."

"Play calling comes down to execution. 4th and 1, if we execute it we don’t have a problem. What you have to do as a coach you take a look at personnel and put a game plan together that gives you an opportunity to win.

But, there are things we have to do to help ourselves. Next year I am not sure we will be able to play the same way (and win). We got to be able to be more prolific and more productive in the passing game. Being aggressive isn’t just down the field. Yeah, we got to throw it deep to get people out of you, but you want to be able to catch things and makes yards after the catch."

There are recruits coming in that could see time right away at wide receiver and the only guy that Edsall mentioned without being prodded was Kashif Moore.

The challenge is out to holdover Terence Jeffers (inconsistent), Kanuch (not productive enough)and D.J. Hernandez.

As far as QB, Tyler Lorenzen is the starter, but I don't think for one moment that Edsall would hesitate to make a change if say another quarterback on the roster is better. Zach Frazer is the big unknown, but he has a reputation as a big armed quarterback and he is so highly sought after coming out of high school. Lorenzen has to make quicker decisions. He doesn't make bad decisions, they just weren't coming quick enough. The competition will be good for Lorenzen.

On offense, look for the O-Line to be pushed by the three freshmen in Gary Bardzdak, MO Petrus and Mike Ryan. Edsall likes all three a lot. Line wasn't physical and didn't explode off the ball.

As far as holes on defense, Edsall is excited about what is coming back. There is talent all over the field. Danny Lansanah is a big blow, but they are loaded at linebacker and Jarrell Miller and others are ready to step in. Dan Davis is a loss at tackle, but not irreplaceable. Tyvon Branch turned into a great player, but they have some major talent here also. Robert McClain,Jasper Howard and other redshirts are in the mix.They have some more defensive talent coming in.

Edsall hinted at some changes on the defense, not sure if it is going to be scheme or positional changes (Lutrus inside again?) but if your 4 best players are linebackers why not have them all on the field? I am sure they are going to use that defensive talent somewhere.

As far as NFL:

Scouts have talked to Edsall about Branch and Donald Thomas -- no surprises. Branch is someone Edsall would be shocked that isn't drafted. Branch has speed, size and can tackle, and plays special teams and is a very good kick returner. Is he a corner or safety? Depends on the system Edsall said that the pro team is playing. He is fast.

Edsall said Thomas is at the least a priority free agent, and depending on workouts could nudge into the draft. He is so raw, but has such athletic ability. Scary thing is Edsall thinks his best football is in front of him.

Branch and Thomas along with Danny Lansanah were invited to the NFL combine, though Edsall wasn't absolutely positive about all three. Definitely Branch. Players tend not to talk to coaches about the NFL until after the season. You got to start making plans now however.

Other seniors like Larry Taylor and Dan Davis are long shots for the NFL. Larry Taylor could be a threat in the CFL however with his return ability. Arena League could call for LT. Davis has a injury history so he may be red flagged. They will get a shot.

Edsall didn't say how many scholarships they will give out. You don't have to get down to 85 until the summer. Inevitably, there will be some player attrition. That's just the way it works. No January enrollment as of now, but there still may be, though Edsall said nothing is imminent.

Back home and Happy New Year

Home and rested, loved Charlotte, but there is no place like home. Tough to blog out in Charlotte, so much else I was doing.

No more pizza. If I see another Fuel Pizza, Michelob Ultra or some seizure inducing Bud Light can (looks like a cartoon, its the orange special aluminum ones) I am going to get violent.

Saw a host of players at the airport on their way home. Keith Gray, Greg Lloyd and D.J. Hernandez were going other places. Hernandez headed to watch his brother play. Mike Hicks was on my flight, I don't how Hicksy sits in coach. He is going to miss that charter when his career is done.

Some thoughts 24 plus hours after the bowl game:

• Huskies need to find that playmaker. Randy Edsall says repeatedly that the the winning team made more plays. He doesn't say they executed better. The Huskies' margin for error is so slim on offense. there is no bail out player. Tyler Lorenzen is asked to manage the game, move the chains and don't make mistakes. He does that. But asking him to create plays is difficult. He can do it with his feet, but it isn't explosive enough. The receiving corps sorely needs a game breaker. I thought D.J, Hernandez could be it, but he was strangely absent from the field a lot. The "we have 4 starters at wide out" didn't work. After Jeffers no one got much work. Steve Brouse was Lorenzen's favorite target all season. I don't remember a lot of receivers open. I specifically remember one scramble when Terrence Jeffers just stopped moving while Lorenzen was out of the pocket. It's a work of progress in the passing game, but there is blame to go aorund everywhere. Lorenzen didn't look confident, the line didn't block well consistently, and the receivers just don't seem to get any separation.
  

• Play calling: 30 runs against a stout line like Wake Forest does seems a bit stubborn. I know fans are going to hem and haw, but they aren't going to suddenly turn into the Patriots. The only time the ball was thrown deep was the last play Lorenzen through to Kanuch, a 70 yard bomb that was desperation. It's hard to play football when you can't throw it 20 yards down the field. Those screen passes were predictable, as is the offense. I think they should have went back to a limited short passing game they used with some success early in the season. The no huddle showed some rhythm. It's a very limited playbook, but maybe catching the other defense off guard and getting Lorenzen rolling with 3 or 4 quick hits could have opened things up. I absolutely hate giving the ball to Brown on the fourth and less than 1. Go with the sneak there, it takes the linebacker out of play. You have a 6-5 QB, use him to push the pile. I know he was stuffed in the Temple game, but a quick snap sneak could have done the trick. Still, should have made the first with Brown anyway. Major problems on short yardage all year.
  
• 
  
• No trick plays or something exotic whatsoever. There were a couple of new formations and a lot of movement, but I dont' know how different the patterns are. I know fans hate this, but individual play calling is the most overrated aspect of coaching. It's more about a theme and scheme and a series of play calls. Maybe the play calling is a reflection of the talent at the skill positions. Can sorely use speed, quickness and game breaking ability. at WR. Jeffers has some ability, Kanuch is still a project. I like D.J., but he has a long way to go. Ellis Gaulden actually caught two passes. This is by far the thing UConn is dying to get on the recruiting trail. Very little depth at wide out, and not much production. Very difficult to play.

• Didn't hear Lansanah's name a lot on defense. He looked exhausted in the second half. They are set at th outside backers, but this is a gaping hole. Maybe Jarrell Miller, C.J. Marck or Greg Lloyd can fit the bill. LBs are talented, but very raw. They are going to be ok at the defensive line. Love the ends, Alex Polito looked good Saturday and there is depth. Rob Lunn anchors the unit and has a career as a comedy writer (check out his blog) in his future. He is a funny cat. Branch will be missed, but Butler is an excellent corner and I like McClain. And, there are a lot of corners in the pipeline. O-Line has a big hole in Donald Thomas. Stunning how good he became. How many athletes like him are at guard? He is going to get drafted along with Branch (special teams an can play corner and tackle). The line is big, Edsall likes that, but they have to be more athletic. the big guys, Hicks and Ryan, really struggled with speed and quickness.
  

• More to come as I wrap up the season, but Happy New Year to all.
  

Feelings of sadness

Dahna Deleston walked out of the UConn locker room with tears still in his eyes. He wasn't angry, wasn't upset, wasn't even crushed about the game and how it played out. Sure, he wanted to win the game, but Deleston's tears came because many of the classmates he enrolled at UConn with ended their careers in defeat. Dan Davis, Tyvon Branch and Larry Taylor meant so much to this program, Deleston doesn't even know what it is going to be like without them. He has never played safety with Branch by his side.

That's the thing about bowl games, emotions are magnified. A win, and it is jubilation for months, a loss, especially when you didn't play well, it gnaws on you for years. The incredible disappearance of offense (stunning by its lack of productivity) is going to have people scratching their head for months to come. But, for now it is not losing, but the feeling of loss that has overcome the team.

Davis, who is the unofficial team spokesman and perhaps the most concerned about his legacy was somber after the game. He talked about leaving a legacy and satisfied with how things went in his career.

The team is going to miss Davis. He is going to miss the team. Davis knows this isn't the end of the road for him "I am a Husky for life." But now it's going to be done on the sidelines, in the stands, and

And that's why Deleston shed a tear. These are more than teammates, they are close friends and brothers. But now they are gone.

I don't think I have ever seen a more sad group. It's letdown from the excitement of the bowl game to lose. This wasn't a devastating loss however, lots of teams lose in the bowl game.

It's the finality the has everyone upset.

For better or worse the most exhilarating season in UConn football history is over.

Now, that is something to cry about.

Hope ya'll enjoyed the ride. It's the journey that grabs us.

I'll leave you with a tidbit from Edsall:

"People forget the days, they remember the moment."

Live Game Thread

Pregame

Huskies fans chanting lets go Huskies. Atmosphere is loud and getting louder. Figure it is going to get into the mid 50,000s for fans. Place seats 70,000, but that isn't realistic unless Clemson was in this game. Good crowd, good time, let's hope for a good game.

First quarter

Update: Little LT does it again! Great downfield block by Larry Taylor who brings is 68 yards for a touchdown. Had a feeling he was going to break it. Special team always seems to play a role in bowl games. Huskies doing nothing on offense, but up 7-0.

1st Wrap: Huskies are up 7-0 but have only one first down. That's what special teams can do for you.

Second quarter

Update 2:09 p.m.: Momentum has changed. Robie Vaughn INT and then Donald Brown breaks one for 58 yards. Tony C field goal and 10-0 UConn.

Halftime: Not much offense in this game. As expected, a defensive battle. Robert Vaughn is having a heck of a game. Good job by the Huskies D-Line getting penetration. Alex Polito with a sack. In games like this a 68-yard punt return for a TD may very well be the defining factor.

Third quarter

Josh Adams 38 yard TD run. 6 pays 66 yards. That's too quick. 10-7 UConn.

Update: Great play by Butler knocking for a fumble. Disaster on offense. Two runs up the gut and then a sack?Tackles have trouble with speed. Nothing going in the passing game. UConn has to pass to win.

Update: Skinner is hit, Wake's rolling. Completed a 3-14 for a 20 yard TD, beat Luturs. Great pass. Huskies are in some trouble. Offense is struggling, and defense hasn't gotten off the field in the half. 4-4 on third downs for Wake. 14-10 Wake Forest.

Fourth quarter

Update: Brown stopped on fourth and 1. Fourth and less than a yard. Please sneak it. Terrible. Brown gets blown up in the hole. Why no sneak? 6-5 QB gets it. I don't like handing off on 4th and a little less than 1. Wake scores here UConn has a problem.

Update 3:33 p.m.: 43-yard field goal by Swank. 17-10 Wake. UConn needs more imagination on offense. If they don't get 5 yards on first down running the offense can't function. There is no confidence in the playmakers. Wake has dominated this second half.

Update, 3:45 p.m: Missed out on a fourth and 5. Had to go for it, Lorenzen threw into double coverage. Haven't seen a receiver open all day.

Update 3:50 p.m.: Inside shotgun handoff on first down from the 11 that is minus 5. Maybe wake has the playbook.

Update 3:57 p.m.: Punt with 4:15 left. Took the first shot of the game over the top. Kanuch wasn't open, but it was as good a throw and play as any. Nothing has worked for the Huskies on offense today. One or two big runs, that's it. Passing game isn't there.

Update 4 p.m.: Another third and long converted. Skinner 19 yard scramble run on third and 9. That should do it. 2:41 left it's going to take something crazy now. No timeouts for the Huskies. They will get the ball back with a minute left.

Update: Second and 15 and a 30 yard running play. That's all she wrote. Very disappointing second half performance.

That's all she wrote. 24 unanswered in the second half for Wake. UConn's offense did nothing, the defense couldn't get off the field. Disappointing performance.

Gameday! Keys to the Meineke Car Care Bowl

I have enjoyed my time in the Queen City but its about time I go home. There is a sea of Wake Forest fans around the stadium but UConn is well-represented. By the look at how packed Fox and Hounds was yesterday for the men's game the restaurants and bars are in for a nice bump. Can't tell you how safe and clean the city is. Real nice place.

Anyhow, here are the keys to the UConn-Wake Forest game.

Get an offensive rhythm

It has been a month since the team played. A short quick passing game should do the trick getting the Huskies back on track. A quick start will go a long way towards establishing themselves. Have to get the ball to Larry Taylor and and Terrence Jeffers early. That should open things up for Donald Brown and Andre Dixon.

Wrap-up Kenny Moore

Wake's Kenny Moore has 87 receptions and has another 350 yards rushing. That is a lot of touches for one player and he is the focal point of the offense. Add in ACC rookie of the Year Josh Adams and that is two players have great quickness. You have to wrap these guys up.

Pressure Skinner

Riley Skinner has a 71.9 percent completion percentage. It's a short quick passing game and the Huskies have to create pressure and make him rush. They probably won't get to Skinner, but just making him a little uncomfortable should do the trick.

Bowl special

These games always come down to something funny. Special teams score or defensive touchdown (which both teams have a penchant for doing) is going to decide this game.

My prediction:

Wake 21, UConn 17

Bowl allottment sold

Huskies have sold out 12,500.

Not sure how many are coming down, but I imagine there will be a loud enough presence. This is a very important. You get a good bowl reputation you don't get passed over. People think good bowl reps get you into games you shouldn't be in, but that only really applies to Notre Dame.

More importantly, it keeps you in the game you should be in. 12,500 was/is and ambitious number. Wake has sold over 35,000, but the game is only 80 miles from campus, not 800.

Good job by Huskies fans and benefactors.

UConn athletic directors are asking fans to participate in a blue out.

At Charlotte Latin

Got my first taste of Charlotte and it is a nice and clean city, easy to get around in. A little cooler than I expected. It was in the mid 40s and low 50s for most of the day.

After watching practice for most of the season inside the Shenkman Center it was a it of a shock to the system. Charlotte Latin looks like a great high school, but it isn't indoors.

Randy Edsall looked miserable (ok, he was just cold) and had a hooded sweatshirt on. The players have adjusted nicely. they are loving this.

No school, just football and and fun right about now.

Players are enjoying the city. A couple of the older guys went out to Coyote Ugly among other places a couple of nights ago and the team will be at the Bobcats game tonight. Hopefully none of them got on the bar and started singing. I was in Tampa at the Ugly in Ybor City once...

Don't worry, the curfew was 1 a.m. and goes down an hour each night leading up to the game. I think it is a 10 p.m. curfew on Wednesday night. Anyhow, they are going to be ready to play.

This is more of a pro feel to it. No classes and the players are on there own. You have to have fun down at these places and enjoy the city. It comes down to trust, and if you can't trust your players to be mature then there is no use even playing in one of these games.

It only took a part of practice to get back in the groove. Like riding a bike. Everyone is healthy and the players are anxious. A couple of guys came in late because of flight delays, but everyone made it down to Charlotte fine.

Some other notes:

Team visited Levine Children's Hospitals today. Dan Davis, Danny Lansanah, Donnell Ford, Larry Taylor and Tyler Lorenzen went to the hospital to visit sick children.

Huskies will head to Lowe's Motor Speedway tomorrow for a tour and participation in the Richard Petty driving experience. Edsall and Wake coach Jim Grobe will compete in a tire changing contest tomorrow. The UConn players' money is on Grobe.

"Coach looks more like he brings in his car for service," Lorenzen critiqued. "I am a country boy... but coach looks like he calls AAA."

Most of the players are looking forward to driving 170 MPH in a race car. I don't know if I am going to get in a car. I was going to, but now I am leaning against. Not sure if the media is even going to be invited to do so. A part of me hopes they don't ask so I don't have to make a decision.
I am the guy who got scared and walked out of the test track at Disney.

The only roller coasters I've been on is the Wildcat at Quasy Amusement Park and the Thunderbird at Riverside. Of course I went on Space Mountain, but I didn't like that either. When I was a kid my mother left me on a kiddie coaster at some back alley carnival. As I cried they all waved and laughed at me. I have never recovered.

If your coming down Friday don't forget to head to the street festival on Friday on Trade and Tyon streets. A pep really will commence at 5 p.m.

Edit: Went down to the hospitality suite to get my credentials. Walked back up with credentials, media guides and two beers.

I love Charlotte.

Greetings from Gate 30

Wow. 6:05 a.m. and sitting in the airport. Maybe I should have went out last night like some others.

Anyhow, the airport is a mess. I wanted to check my bag, but it was an hour delay. I just took with me an oversized bag and the US Air attendant said I have to check in plain side and apologized. Apologized? They should have told me to wait in line like everyone else. Would have never mad never made the flight. You see people running to their gate trying to make the flight.

Why do people only check one bag anyway?

Anyhow, if you didn't see it on Christmas Day, here is a small story on Jerry Lorenzen, tyler's father's, fall travel schedule.

Dillon and Campbell out for Meineke

STORRS, Conn. – The University of Connecticut announced on Friday that freshman defensive end Marcus Campbell (Bloomfield, Conn.) and sophomore defensive tackle Brandon Dillon (Rochester, N.Y.) will not travel with the football team to the Meineke Car Care Bowl due to personal reasons. The University will have no further comments on this matter.

That's a tough break for the depth of the line. No word on if it is academic or something else.

Friday thoughts

Sorry for no posts this week. Been busy with high school's the last couple of weeks, not much going on at the Shenk anyhow. What left is there to write? Plenty of course, got some nice stuff in the pipeline, we'll see how it turns out. Got to get creative anyhow.

All you UConn fans better hope the team has adjusted to the bowl timing that is better than me. I am off my game and thrown for a loss. The season is nice and structured -- Tuesday lunch, Thursday teleconference, Saturday game, Sunday teleconference, Monday Big East and away you go.

Now, it's a free for all. I am out of my element and comfort zone.

Structure is perhaps the key for everything during bowl season. We have all seen team's fall apart during December. Every coach is different and UConn coach Randy Edsall has seen what works and what doesn't work in his career.

The bowl season is so different, and if you are going to look at it honestly, pretty silly. I still love it (how else does anyone get excited about something called a Car Care Bowl?) but why is there a game played 4 weeks after your last game?

It's so unique, and the only way this works is to trust players. The players are going home today, a lot of them, and they got to find their own way to Charlotte. I remember packing on 15 pounds between semesters (still haven't lost it). Two days of bad eating, nutrition and taking care of your body can kill months of work.

During the Motor City Bowl Edsall didn't let his players go home, the game was too early. But, you can't have the players away from their family this time of year. They have to have some semblance of outside life. We'll see how it works out.

Anyhow, not up on our website, but had a notebook today on Larry Taylor. Hard to believe that this guy is playing his last game. So many memories of his play though the most important was the Motor City Bowl touchdown return. It's a shame he will be forever known for the Unfair Catch. That will go down in UConn-Louisville lore.

I maintain to this day, I don't think the national narrative about the play fit. But, I am just a small blog. It's a classic case where first impressions are hard to break. People hated Larry's smile after that play. If you saw LT with any regularity he is always smiling. He was smiling when he was taken off the field for a concussion last year at Syracuse.

leaving for Charlotte early on Wednesday morning and will update constantly.

If you are in the Hartford area on Saturday, you should check out the Doc Hurley Classic at Weaver. It's one of the best lineups of games I have seen. This was the postponed Thursday Civic Center games.

East Catholic vs. New London 3 p.m.

Two time Class LL (or D-I) runner up East faces one of the states top teams. New London's Alan Cheney is headed to Florida while East has a 6-8 center in Nick Greenbacker headed to Sacred Heart (which is turning into the place for CT mid-major players to go).

New Britain vs. Bulkeley 4:45

Don't know much about either team this year, but New Britain is always pretty good and they beat a young East Hartford team that I know is going to be a major force in coming years.

Windsor vs. E.O. Smith 6:30

I love this game. Clash of styles with the frenetic pressing Windsor team and the deliberate style of a very very good E.O. Smith squad. Windsor is loaded led by Justin Wilson and a host of others. They have size and athleticism. Wilson is a very good player. Such a great athlete, not sure he knows what he is doing yet for college thought I haven't talked him since late spring.

Wilson's best path for a scholarship is probably football (UConn, BC among those watching) while his best sport is without a doubt track and field. He can be an elite jumper if he works at it. Not to be outdone, this kid is a hoops player at heart. He absolutely loves playing basketball. He is a D-I athlete in every sport. Depending on his choice, that will determine the level he ends up at.

E.O. Smith has 6-10 center Ryan Olander on the roster. Olander is a smooth low post scorer and headed to Fairfield. Get there early/

The crown jewel of the affair is Saturday night 8 p.m.:

CT's version of 1 vs. 2 -- Weaver vs. Hillhouse, 8 p.m.

Hillhouse has dominated the state the last two years breezing to state titles. Weaver is probably the second best team out there and are on their home turf now. Take a look at Weaver's Tyrone Gardner. Great scorer.

It's $10 and you get a day pass. It goes to the Doc Hurley Scholarship fund. If you like high school basketball, you will be there.

Rodriguez to Michigan

I am surprised by this and I am not sure how good a choice it is. That spread option offense needs a special kind of triggerman and I am not sure Michigan has it. And, I thought Rich Rodriguez had found his niche in Morgantown.

It's hard to turn down Michigan though, especially when you turned down Alabama a year before.

This is a big blow for the Big East. Lost Petrino and Rodriguez in consecutive years. How long Greg Schiano and Randy Edsall going to stick around? If the Penn State job opens you can bet both would jump at that in a heartbeat. Brian Kelly has one year in and is already out the door. Jim Leavitt is sure to be a candidate for a SEC job in the coming years.

What would happen if someone went after Greg Robinson? (ok, I know, piling on).

But, the worst thing for a program and a league is coaching instability. Players are only around 5 years, it is the coach that drives the program building and becomes how people relate to a team. The coach is the center of a college football team because they are the only holdovers year to year. You build around our coach.

It's funny, this summer in Newport the question that was all the rage was because guys like Schiano and Rodriguez stayed in the Big East that the conference is a "destination league" not a jumping off point.

What do you think now?

The league's best team, which would be a top 5 team and a national title contender next year, lost it's coach. Schiano, Edsall and Brian Kelly all flirted with other institutions.

If the coaches don't want to stay, what does that tell you?

Mitchell Report thoughts

Color me unimpressed by Mitchell's Report. It had to be better and more thorough. The only big "get" was Roger Clemens. He did steroids in 1998 and again in 2000 at the very least. All single sourced and no other evidence.

Now, just skimming the report and putting together other media accounts it would seem the only major active players that are cited are Pettitte and Tejada, who last had alleged usage in 2002. It is 2007, there has been 5 seasons of baseball since and that is the best we got?

What was the rule in baseball about HGH in 2002? How about a steroids program in the late 1990s. How about drug use in Oakland amongst the bash brothers in 1989?

This thing was a dog and pony show, designed just to take heat off MLB from Congress. Embarrassing performance.

It was all Radomski and little bit about the Yankee trainer.

How many stars outside of Clemens and Bonds?

Dog and pony show.

This is nothing. Bad job and a waste of money by baseball. It shed no light on the situation and the list is light. Single sourced.

Edit: So more things. Pettitte used HGH, according to his trainer, in 2002. No other usage reported. HGH wasn't banned by MLB until 2005. What does that mean? How can you suspend or call a player a cheater ex post facto?

Also, on the Pettitte and Clemens stuff, I do believe the report. But, there is no secondary independent corroboration of these events. No paper trail etc. Forget a court of law, where this is an easy win for the defense, but even as a journalist. If I wrote a one source story on this it gets spiked. That is troublesome to me. There needed to be supporting evidence no matter how compelling the single sourced evidence is.

Pettitte and Clemens' silence though is a part of this to though. What happens if they talk and say, "it's not true?

Where are we then?

And, why is everyone so hung up about asterisk's?

10,500 and counting

Here is an update on tickets. Going pretty well I think. Should hit that allottment no problem.

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Connecticut Meineke Car Care Bowl Ticket Sales at 10,500 and Counting
STORRS, Conn. — The University of Connecticut Division of Athletics has sold and allocated 10,500 tickets out of its allotment for the 2007 Meineke Car Care Bowl. UConn has a total allotment of 12,500 tickets for the game.
The Huskies will take on Wake Forest of the Atlantic Coast Conference in the game that will be played at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, December 29, 2007 at 1:00 p.m.
“We are very pleased and thankful to all Husky fans who have bought tickets to the Meineke Car Care Bowl and are planning to their visit to Charlotte,” says UConn Director of Athletics Jeffrey Hathaway. “Our first priority is to get more Husky fans to buy tickets and attend the Meineke Car Care Bowl to cheer on our Huskies. The entire bowl experience in Charlotte promises to be one that every member of the UConn family will enjoy.”
Tickets are still available for the game and can be purchased by logging on to UConnBowl.com. It is important for Husky fans to purchase tickets from the school’s allotment as it will ensure that they will be seated in the UConn sections and will help send a strong message that UConn fans travel in large numbers to support their team at bowl games.

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Also, there are a couple of new commits that I have never heard of. If I can track them down and get something interesting I'll let ya'll know. Athletes first it looks like, football players second.

Saturday at the Shenk

A little late blogging but got a good feel of things at the Shenkman Center today. Donald Thomas and Tyvon branch are headed to the Hula Bowl. Now, thats a pretty good way to end your career.

For a guy like Thomas, it is an incredible ride. He didn't play high school football and now he is an NFL prospect? Thomas is going to graduate with a Political science degree Sunday, but he is going to have to postpone his law school plans at least for a couple of month. He is going to be a serious candidate for a late round draft pick at guard and at worst will probably end up on some squadf as a free agent this summer. So big, strong and athletic, he is a good prospect especially when you consider he only played football for a couple of years. Certainly deserving of first team all-big east. His side of the line this year was gangbusters.

Branch is going to get a strong look too. Kickoff returner, special teams and if he can be physical enough I can see him at safety. Good prospects, and those are probably the best pro ones the Huskies have.

Scott Lutrus and Bama Wilson were surprised at their honors. Both have been pretty good this year. Did UConn really go 9-3 with a pair of freshmen linebackers?

Random Thursday thoughts

Back again, I know, not much news though not surprised with the All-Big East awards. Lansanah and Thomas were deserving.

I don't get how having so few guys on the all-big east team, but, going 9-3 and wining the conference doesn't win coach of the year. Looks like Randy Edsall didn't exactly endear himself to his peers after the Louisville game.

I added the NFL Network today. I just have to have it, and I convinced my wife that I bargained down to $4.99 a month because it's a good deal. Little does she know that is the promo rate, not bargaining allowed. But, means to an ends. You know what that means? NBATV. I am pumped. If I haven't been watching enough Celtics already, now I can watch games almost every day. Too much NBA for me, that's sad.

So, what am I doing right now for my sports fix? CSTV has a Hesiman Nation broadcast. I am watching Navy right now. Don't know what year, but Duke beat them for their only loss. Wallace Stadium looked the same.

Right now it's a Army-Navy highlight package on. Georga Blanda is the star. I am addicted, and I have had this for less than 15 minutes.

Jim Grobe is staying at Wake Forest. College coaches know no shame. Doesn't anyone honor their contracts anymore?

That is rhetorical, but if Grobe, or Edsall for that matter, go 5-7 next year, can the ADs renegotiate again and cut his pay?

Contracts are meaningless in college athletics.

BCS mess

Ohio State vs. LSU for the national title?

Yawn. Worst title game I have ever seen.

Let's just vote at the end of the year. A fan poll. That way, Notre Dame can win the National Title every year even though they go 7-5.

Illinois at 9-3 in the BCS game? while Missouri and Florida have to sit home because of the 2 team in one conference BCS limit rule?

The BCS is predicated on someone being pretty good. No one is any good this year. If Oklahoma defeats WVU, and LSU beats Ohio State, I think the AP writers should vote for Oklahoma.

That's who I think is the best team in the country.

There are some disasters and bad games in the bowl, some of them a direct result of the BCS mess. Here are some games I will be sure to watch, and others I going to make it a point to miss.

Of course, I will be in Charlotte on Dec. 29., whether I like the matchup or not, I am there (think it should be an interesting low scoring game).

Unfortuantely, I am obligated by my job to watch a 2 loss LSU team win the national championship. (YAWN).

Great games

Hawaii Bowl (Dec. 23): Love Boise State vs. East Carolina. This is a game is going to be so much fun to watch. Perfect matchup and it will be high scoring. I still am in love with Boise State.

Holiday Bowl (Dec. 27): Arizona State vs. Texas. This could have been the Fiesta Bowl 3 weeks ago.

Cotton Bowl (Jan. 1): Missouri vs. Arkansas. As long as the Razorbacks don't throw in the towel because Houston Nutt is leaving, it is going to be McFadden against Chase Daniels. McFadden is the best player in college football (with apologies to Pat White, the most dangerous) and Chase Daniels is as fun to watch as anyone. Missouri is a high powered offense and Arkansas, when they put McFadden at QB, is a lot of fun. I love this game.

Fiesta Bowl (Jan. 2): Could have been the national championship game under different circumstances. Two powers of college football. I want to see a healthy Pat White against a great and athletic Oklahoma defense. If WVU is mentally into it, this is going to be a great game (as long as Rich Rod can get the troops up for it after one of the worst losses I have ever seen on Saturday).

Take a pass

Papajohns.com (Dec. 22): Cincy vs. Southern Miss. Let's see, Cincinnati against a middling CUSA team. This has 30 point game in the empty seats of Birmingham written all over it. Poor Cincinnati, they deserve a better. It's a no win situation for them.

Emerald Bowl (Dec. 28): Maryland vs. Oregon State. Uggh. Maryland excites no one, a decent team that has had a decent year, and Oregon State and the debacle at Cincinnati earlier this year is still on my mind. Maybe there will be reruns of Seinfeld on. tell me why I should watch?

Champs Sports (Dec. 28): BC vs. Michigan State. My brother in-law is a BC alumnus and every year around Thanksgiving he makes plans to go to some great bowl game...but it never materializes. Poor Eagles. Michigan State? This is BC's best team in years, and I love the QB Ryan.

They should have a better opponent than this. Michigan State went 7-5 and 3-5 in conference. And, the Big Ten is the most boring college football played in the United States. I can't stand watching anything Big 10 in football or hoops.

Michigan State finished in a 4-way tie for 7th place in the Big 10. And they expect the Eagles to travel? Something has to break, either BC fans have to cough up cash and go to a bad bowl with a bad team in a cold place, or someone has to give BC a chance. This is not a good game.

International Bowl (Jan. 5): Rutgers vs. Ball State. Why? I will probably watch because I love Ray Rice, but the date, time and opponent is absolutely abominable. This game is so bad, that in the original post I had Bowling Green and not Ball State. And you know what? That makes the game even worse.

Any non-BCS game that isn't done by Jan. 1 should be automatically blocked by parental control on your TIVO.

Yes, I am unenthused by most of the games.

Here is Yahoo's take

Edsall coaching wrapup

They say in life that timing is everything.

Randy Edsall put his toe into the shark infested waters of the college coaching carousel and he got bit pretty good the last couple of days.

It wasn't anything that Coach Edsall did, in fact, I think he has to be very fair to himself and explore this kind of opportunity. I always put myself in the other guys' shoes. I would have definitely went down to interview. He has been here nine years, I don't think people should expect him to stay forever. That's not being reasonable. You only have so many shots, you have to make sure your fair to yourself and explore it to its conclusion.

But what went down the last couple of days just seemed to get away from him from a PR standpoint. Timing is everything, and the timing that this went down just didn't turn out very well (Les Miles and Michigan is another example. The timing is going to make it impossible for Miles to take his dream job).

Edsall interviews for the Ga Tech position on the day bowl tickets for UConn go on sale? It is a stomach punch to the fans of the program.

This is the biggest recruiting weekend of the year, and nothing is worse than coaching uncertainty.

Strike 2.

Then, the coaching position hangs over the programs head like the Grim Reaper while improbably, Pittsburgh beats WVU. Suddenly he is the coach of the Big East championship football team and no one cares. Everyone wants to know his job status.

How do you win a share of the Big East title and that not be the story?

Strike 3.

And, it's not a media thing. The story is what was written --Is the coach out the door or not? -- it's such and unusual series of events and the timing got away from him.

Edsall would have done very well at Georgia Tech, though from reports I read out of Atlanta they were looking for an offensive coach with enthusiasm and a magnetic personality to excite the fan base and alumni. Good and boring was what Chan Gailey was, and that wasn't good enough (doesn't help if you lose to Georgia either).

It's a good job, and Edsall had to give himself the opportunity to make sure this was a place he wanted to be. But, no question, he got burned. The team's bowl game and the fact they won a share of the Big East Championship was drowned out by Edsall interviewing for another job.

Now, it paid off literally for Edsall, he is going to have a new contract, but the PR side took a hit.
You can't get back those 4 days. And, will anyone even remember that the Huskies won the Big East title this weekend?

It was bad timing, and sometimes no matter how hard you try, there is nothing you can do to control it.

Edsall staying

Edsall announced to the team at Sunday's awards banquet that he is going to remain as coach of the University of Connecticut.

A UConn official confirmed it on Sunday afternoon.

Edsall staying, Big East champs, all in 24 hours. And you guys were worried.

Edsall won't have an official statement, but a lot of it was for family reasons and wanting to develop his football family and football program even more.

Update: 6 p.m. teleconference, Huskies could know their bowl opponent by then.

At the banquet, Edsall said: "I am going to put the rumors to rest. I am staying as long as you will have me."

Standing ovation from the team. Have more later.

Update: Edsall wouldn't take questions on he staying at UConn (had a statement at the beginning). Wake Forest the opponent (not a surprise).