Postgame Cincinnati thoughts

Sorry so late, had a family issue. Everything is fine, good news. So I am home writing this.

What struck me today was the tone of Randy Edsall's postgame press conference. He was so happy, he almost seemed down. It's an odd emotional state. Perhaps satisfaction is the best way to describe it. Very very low key.

He didn't know how today was going to end up, and he was worried about that. That the Huskies came through with a 40-16 win (though it was piled on late) left a certain amount of satisfaction. It's been a month. Good win for the Huskies, one they could have very easily lost.

Here are some of my impressions as I am sure others have touched on the notes. I am going to do some work, and get back late.

Cody Brown was an absolute monster. Two sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, twp pass deflections, a tackle for a loss and two holding penalties called on the people trying to block him. That's as dominating as you can get. NFL caliber today.

I talked to him earlier in the year and he told me the one team he wanted to beat was Cincinnati. Why? Because they talk trash at Nippert, they are physical, and UConn came out of that game with injuries all over because of the physical play (not dirty).

When reminded, Brown started to smile. He then said he "felt like dominating today." Brown laughed when he said it. Then he mentioned something about how Endres was good because his name is Cody too. Get the TV cameras off him and he is hilarious. TV cameras on? He buttons it down.

The other Brown?

When Donald Brown was told he set the single season rushing mark he said, I didn't know that, cracked a smile and laughed and then quickly thanked his offensive line. When he was asked about it 5 minutes later he brushed it off like he already knew. It was actually funny how it sounded. His initial reaction was a smile and excitement, then he went back into a "aww, it doesn't mean much." routine. Funny stuff. Brown rushed for 150 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Big time game. He now has 1,324 yards rushing this season, a UConn record in only eight games.

Key to the game was 0-for-14 on third down conversions. That is as good as you can get defensively. 0-for-16 on third down and fourth down conversions.

Edsall did make a mistake in the press conference. When asked about Dave Teggart he said Teggart made him look good. You know what? Teggart was so good he made the coaching staff look bad. How the heck has this kid not kicked since he has been on campus?

With the wind, Teggart said he could have kicked it from 60. It was stunning how easy and confident he was today. Teggart from 47 into the wind was a stretch, but he made it look easy.


As far as Cody Endres. Shaky at times, and not as accurate as he needs to be, but he managed a winning game. First time out against a defense like Cincinnati is as tough as it comes. UConn was stubborn throwing the ball. Patience is very important and he made enough throws. The kid has a good arm, and he has great poise. He has a little more mobility than Zach Frazer, though I think Frazer has the better arm and is a flat out better thrower. Endres has to work on his touch. Good arm, tight spiral, but he has a little too much mustard on the short throws.


Tidbits

Edsall made a decision on Endres over Frazer Tuesday. Thanks coach. Also, Zach Frazer is day-to-day. I will try and figure it out next week.

*Rob Lunn was injured with a shoulder injury in the first half and didn't return. Edsall termed it an upper extremities injury.

*Edsall went after weathermen Saturday. He kept waiting for it to rain like forecaster. "If only I could be wrong so much and still have a job." Nice of his to beat up on some other media for a change.


The best quote of the day comes from Donald Brown and sums up this game:

"I feel if we didn't win it could have turned into a long season. We got it done, now we have to focus up, have a great week of practice, and get ready for West Virginia

More great quotes from the Bearcats. I get these courtesy of JI basketball guru Phil Chardis, who was kind enough to be my gopher.

For you aspiring writers. A bit of advice. You want to know what really happened in a sporting event go to the losers' locker room. Losing is truth serum.


From Cincinnati defensive end Connor Baldwin:

"Donald Brown is better than I thought and a real good player. He is really hard to take down. I don't think the holes were that big. He is just really hard to take down."

Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly:

"UConn whipped us in the second half. It was a tale of two halves. The real thing is Donald Brown ran it when he needed too. He was the story. He was more physical and proved why he is the leading rusher in the nation."