Return of J Silver!

Good evening.

If you are wondering where I have been it's been good news. JSilver Jr. was born on Monday at the robust weight of 7 pounds 9.3 OZ.

To me the last two weeks have been an incredible run of emotions. It's nothing like the team and family, I knew Jazz, but I didn't know him like others. Covering the Jasper Howard murder and the effects on the team doesn't really affect a journalist until after. During the week, I didn't have time to think and I pushed my feelings out. But starting last Saturday and then Monday, when my son was born, and then reading the funeral transcripts I can't tell you how awful and empty it felt. I thought a lot about Jazz on Monday. I was so happy, but others were in such a state of grief. I just hope the Howard family eventually has some peace.

As far as the Huskies. UConn needs this Rutgers win more than anyone I can remember. There is emotion, a need to finish a game -- should be 8-0 -- and most importantly, with games at Cincinnati and Notre Dame coming they need a win for bowl purposes.

UConn is going to have to get to 7 wins in my opinion. With 6, they might go to St. Pete or Alabama, but Notre Dame looks like it is going to take the Gator Bowl. I think the Huskies are in a position for an at-large berth and they have to get to 7 to insure it.

BCS, Meineke, Papajohns, Toronto and St. Pete. There is 5 bowls for 6 teams.

Because Rutgers' schedule is so awful, will be bowl eligible.

One of West Virginia, Pitt, Cincinnati is going to have to end up in either Papajohns, St. Pete or Toronto, which to me is a travesty. Those three teams are top 25 caliber and I think Pittsburgh has a chance to run the table (got a hunch here) and break into the top 10.

To allow a Big East team to move to an at large spot, UConn has to get to 7 wins. If UConn is 6-6, and there are 5 bowls for 6 teams, they are in danger of being left out if no at larges open up for 6-6 teams. So ,7 is the magic number and getting No. 5 against Rutgers today is the best bet to get there. (I will check with Big East if that is true).


I will be hitting the blog Saturday morning and from here on in will be back to normal.

Are ya'll ready for the Rutgers game?