The 292 yards is the most a UConn quarterback has thrown for since Tyler Lorenzen threw for 298 against Duke in 2007.
That surprised you, didn't it? Why am I being a Debbie Downer? Because the most important thing in college football to me is week-to-week consistency. I remember that game from Tyler Lorenzen and he looked terrific, as did the UConn receiving corps. Terrance Jeffers had 8 catches that day (as did Mike Smith today). I am telling you this because I think it's important not to jump the gun and to use a Randy Edsall term "anoint" anyone. URI was averaging giving up 315 yards per game passing against UMass and Fordham. If UConn couldn't throw it today, they weren't going to be able to on anyone.
Lorenzen had a terrific junior year, and a mediocre to poor senior season. But, looking at his career that first game was the best he ever played. Hopefully, this will be a jumping off point for Endres and not a pinnacle.
Where do the Huskies go from here? TBD. Endres has managed the offense nicely in his two starts and avoided turnovers. I don't think we have see enough of Frazer to make a determination on his abilities or effectiveness. I have seen enough of Endres in these two games that I think he has what it takes to win. That's for sure.
What I liked about Endres today was his ability to get the ball down field. This wasn't dinking and dunking for 289. Endres stretches the field and can really throw the ball when given time. His accuracy on short passes is dreadful, but that can be worked on. He makes the hard throws, he has to learn to make the touch ones.
Endres gained confidence. I have been harping on Endres to get rid of the ball quicker and Edsall alluded to that in the postgame. Confidence seems to be the issue here. Endres isn't slow reading his plays, he is waiting too long for the guy to get open. Edsall would like him to throw it and let the receiver make a play. Perhaps Endres is trying to be too fine. That said, he can throw the football and he is so relaxed it borders on comatose.
There were players free all day on the field. It was a good performance by the offense and the wide receiver corps should gain confidence. I wouldn't anoint Endres yet however. I also don't see how you immediately make a change. If Frazer can't practice this week because of injury I would be inclined to go with Endres for Oct. 10. How long will Frazer be down for? It's week-to-week right now and the assumption is he will return for Oct. 10. We are assuming and that's dangerous. Until he steps out on that practice field however Cody Endres has to be the starter for this team.
This business about you should never lose your starting job because of an injury is a pro football thought. I don't think it applies in college football. That said, the offseason, spring practice and summer camp should mean something.
Three years ago the Huskies didn't have anyone who could play quarterback. Now they have at least two. That's a comforting thought.
Some other notes.
Mike Smith bounced back nicely and showed no ill effects of a bum knee. Smith is a terrific route runner and is good underneath and over the middle. Smith is going to have to be a major player for this team. The Huskies are probably going to whittle it down at wide receiver. They can't keep playing 9. I know Mike Smith will be there, and I think Isiah Moore makes enough plays. After that no one has done much. Dwayne Difton is two games without a catch (or a ball thrown at him) and Kashif Moore has had few snaps and even less action in the passing game. Brad Kanuch gets 1 long one a game, but just doesn't get enough looks. Perhaps they should give Smith and I. Moore more snaps and then work the other guys in situationally. I don't like shuffling that many receivers in and out. Hard for one guy to get in a rhythm.
Frosh receivers show promise. Mike Lang is a deep threat and I like Nick Williams in space. Would like to see Difton get more balls thrown his way. All in all, a good crops of young ins.
If you didn't notice, Jerome Junior may have lost his job a strong safety. Junior has tremendous potential, but he is still learning the position and Aaron Bagsby has returned from a suspension. Bagsby is a playmaker and a ballhawk, and he was flying around there making plays. He isn't the size of Junior, and probably will return to free safety when Robert Vaughn graduates, but now Edsall has options at safety. Harris Agbor has returned and Bagsby is back along with Kijuan Dabney. It isn't Macus Aiken backing up at safety.
In the secondary, playing Reggie McClain at the nickel has worked well. McClain had two more INTs today. Having him play there and with Blidi Wreh-Wilson at corner has worked well.
On to the Big East:
Incredible win for USF over Florida State. That's a program builder though the quite "It changes history" is kind of silly. What does that mean? You can't change history, you make it. It sounds profound, but I don't get it.
Rutgers won over at Maryland in a crucial game for the Scarlet Knights. I don't know how Maryland got so bad. Considering the light schedule Rutgers plays they couldn't lose this game. A lot of pressure and that they came away on the road is a positive. Lastly, there is Pittsburgh.
The Panthers had a chance late and scored 31 points, but surrendered over 500 yards of offense to NC State. The Panthers are on the cusp of the top 25 and they lose another head scratcher. First and goal for the 8 and they can't get it in with the game on the line? Pittsburgh is a tease, and they always have been.
When you get excited, they always disappoint (Sun Bowl last season). I am done with Pittsburgh.
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