As I skim every other media outlet, I think we will call August 12 Ellis Gaulden day.
I was impressed with Gaulden's practice Tuesday. He isn't going to turn into an all-conference guy, but he showed ability and at his height and athleticism, is perhaps the team's only option. I think the kid can play and he is going to get time on the field. Now, if only Brad Kanuch would get healthy.
Other semi-big news is potentially pro football coming to Hartford. By the reaction I have gotten from Northland (very tight-lipped), I imagine they aren't too happy with the UFL commissioner right now. The entire league has flown under the radar since failing in its attempt at starting up for the 2008 season. The league has a long way to go.
Several problems. Of the six teams, only the potential New York franchise is close to Hartford. And, how do you run a league with six teams? 10 games and then a 4-team playoff? The league has to be at least 10 in my opinion, preferably 12 with a 4 team playoff of division winners.
I just don't see it working in Hartford for a number of reasons. The only way for it to succeed is to siphon off UConn football fans.
The cat came out of the bag early on this, way too early and clumsily. It puts Northland in a bad spot because they aren't ready to talk logistics and expectations.
I am skeptical of the league anyway. I don't think there is a market for another major pro football league. In most areas that lack an NFL team there is a strong college presence. LA is major USC country.Orlando has UCF and two teams within a days drive in Tampa and Jacksonville of the NFL. LA has USC.
San Francisco and New York have NFL franchises. Las Vegas doesn't need any more entertainment.
It seems every decade or so very smart people throw a lot of money thinking that there is a market for something that isn't there. I don't know what marketing data they look at, but I am not sure I believe it.
For most of the country the ways are set: Friday is high school, Saturday college and Sunday NFL.
Any deviation from that is doomed to failure.
4 comments:
John:
From virtually all media reports there seems to be a lot of positive things going on with this team. (Including RE saying this team seems better prepared to handle more)
Do you get the impression that, if the injury bug stays away, these guys are going to have a very good season?
Yes, I do. I will talk about it a little more when I get a chance, but I get a good vibe from this club. It's confidence, not cockiness. I think they know they belong and are comfortable with their talent.
The team seems a lot more relaxed this year. It's a veteran group, if the wide receivers are productive and the injury bug stays away, I can see another top 25 ranking and challenge for the big east title.
They have a tougher schedule and will need some breaks, but I think this defense can be better and the offense should be better. It just seems like things are going their way. The team is stable.
That can all change with an injury or a bad loss.
Wouldn't that be "August 12," not "April 12"? Regardless, I hope you're right. We've been waiting on Ellis to contribute for years.
LOL. will switch..
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