Greg lloyd is out for the year with a torn MCL-ACL in his left knee. He will have surgery this week. August at the earliest for Lloyd.
In his place, Scott Lutrus will move over full-time to middle linebacker, and Jory Johnson will start at Husky backer with Jonathan Jean-Louis backing him up. Lloyd may be able to come back this summer, they hope August. Worth noting that Lloyd has a redshirt year available. I don't know if the staff would use it unless he was unable to play next year. We won't know until then.
Game balls: Defense was Lawrence Wilson, offense is Marcus Easley, special teams was Mike Lang and Anthony Sherman.
Huskies will be going bowling this season with Notre Dame's loss yesterday. Edsall said it's extremely satisfying considering this season.
More later, got to pay the bills.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Post game Syracuse -- Bowling edition
You know how good the UConn offense is this year?
Even when they run the wrong play it turns out right.
UConn quarterback Zach Frazer made a wrong read of the signals early in the fourth quarter and called for a handoff to Andre Dixon. It was the wrong play, it was supposed to be a pass, but it made no difference. Dixon scampered 45 yards for a touchdown on third and 7 and the rest is history.
This Huskies offense is different than the ones of the pass. They rushed for 204 yards against the No. 9 ranked run defense in the nation. One running back, Jordan Todman, went over 1000 yards and has 14 rushing touchdowns. Another, Andre Dixon is nearing 1,000 yards and had three in the 56-31 win over Syracuse.
Add to that Marcus Easley's 6 catches for 102 yards and two touchdowns and the Huskies offense is carrying a defense that gave up nearly 500 yards again.
The special teams scored another touchdown, Mike Lang for 80 yards, and now it's those units carrying a defense that is young, and seems to be exhausted.
The Huskies aren't a complete team yet, their defense is too soft, but they have turned into a really good offense. Randy Edsall has strived for balance, and it looks like they have it now. It took awhile under Joe Moorhead, but the offense looks like it is going to be difficult to stop. Todman has proven to be durable, Dixon is back, and the emergence of Easley at WR has made this team a handful to defend. Of course, it starts with the offensive line.
Edsall was escatic after the game about qualifying for a bowl. He was energetic, but not emotional. This was a forward-looking win, and it is an important step for the program. Bowl games, bowl games, bowl games.
"Especially with the way this season’s been, it’s been real and real hard,” Edsall said. “Not just on the field, but because of all the other things that have transpired with this team.”
As far as the game, Doug Marrone didn't seem to be too pleased by the two touchdowns the final 53 seconds. It was a congenial post game handshake for a pair of people who know eachother. For what its worth, Edsall felt that the game was still in jeopardy and that they wanted to get a first down. Instead, Zach Frazer found Marcus Easley for 28 yards and a touchdown. To add insult to injury, Dwayne Gratz picked up a fumble and ran in for a 56-31 final. It was a much tougher game than that.
Talked with some people about bowls, and there is a lot of info I took away. I would say a 6-6 UConn team even with an at large spot is a good shot. But, from what i gather, the winner of West Virginia and Rutgers game still has a strong chance at the Gator bowl. Each would be nine win teams and the Big East is confident it has a strong No. 2.
More on that later. Got to pay the bills.
Even when they run the wrong play it turns out right.
UConn quarterback Zach Frazer made a wrong read of the signals early in the fourth quarter and called for a handoff to Andre Dixon. It was the wrong play, it was supposed to be a pass, but it made no difference. Dixon scampered 45 yards for a touchdown on third and 7 and the rest is history.
"We called a different play from the sideline and Zach missed it and called a different play so we called one play in from the sideline and he called a totally different play than what we had sent in because he thought he saw a different signal, so, when it happened I said. 'We really don't know what we're doing, and maybe we should let Zach call the plays'."
This Huskies offense is different than the ones of the pass. They rushed for 204 yards against the No. 9 ranked run defense in the nation. One running back, Jordan Todman, went over 1000 yards and has 14 rushing touchdowns. Another, Andre Dixon is nearing 1,000 yards and had three in the 56-31 win over Syracuse.
Add to that Marcus Easley's 6 catches for 102 yards and two touchdowns and the Huskies offense is carrying a defense that gave up nearly 500 yards again.
The special teams scored another touchdown, Mike Lang for 80 yards, and now it's those units carrying a defense that is young, and seems to be exhausted.
"It's like a change of roles," Dixon said.
The Huskies aren't a complete team yet, their defense is too soft, but they have turned into a really good offense. Randy Edsall has strived for balance, and it looks like they have it now. It took awhile under Joe Moorhead, but the offense looks like it is going to be difficult to stop. Todman has proven to be durable, Dixon is back, and the emergence of Easley at WR has made this team a handful to defend. Of course, it starts with the offensive line.
Edsall was escatic after the game about qualifying for a bowl. He was energetic, but not emotional. This was a forward-looking win, and it is an important step for the program. Bowl games, bowl games, bowl games.
"Especially with the way this season’s been, it’s been real and real hard,” Edsall said. “Not just on the field, but because of all the other things that have transpired with this team.”
As far as the game, Doug Marrone didn't seem to be too pleased by the two touchdowns the final 53 seconds. It was a congenial post game handshake for a pair of people who know eachother. For what its worth, Edsall felt that the game was still in jeopardy and that they wanted to get a first down. Instead, Zach Frazer found Marcus Easley for 28 yards and a touchdown. To add insult to injury, Dwayne Gratz picked up a fumble and ran in for a 56-31 final. It was a much tougher game than that.
Talked with some people about bowls, and there is a lot of info I took away. I would say a 6-6 UConn team even with an at large spot is a good shot. But, from what i gather, the winner of West Virginia and Rutgers game still has a strong chance at the Gator bowl. Each would be nine win teams and the Big East is confident it has a strong No. 2.
More on that later. Got to pay the bills.
Live game blog Syracuse
Coin toss: Syracuse gets ball first.
First play: Carter runs left for a yard.
Update 12:11 p.m.: Cuse goes backwards first drive. great pass rush by Trevardo Williams. He bull rushes, then sheds block and sacks Paulus. Wow. 13 yard punt by Syracuse. Wind is playing some tricks.
Update 12:15 p.m.: Kasnif Moore on a reverse goes about 8 yards for a first down and fumbles at the 1. It was fumbled by Moore while he tried to extend it was hit out of his hands out bounds. First and goal from the 2.
Update 12:19 p.m.: Wind is really blowing. The goal posts are hard. Huskies' Andre Dixon for a 4 yard TD on third down. Huskies are going to keep this on the ground. 7-0 UConn. 8 play, 25 yard drive.
Update 12:30 p.m.: OUCH. 15 YARD personal foul (hands to face) on Kendall Reyes keeps cuse drive laive. At the UConn 30 now.
Update 12:39 p.m.: Lichtenstein 26 yard field goal. Cuse goes 12 plays and uses 6 minutes. Not going to see many passess today unless the wind dies down. It's shaking the goal posts violently.
Update 12:41 p.m.: Mike Lang 80-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. The kicks are short because of wind, and the Cuse are caught flat footed. The wind is really affecting Syracuse's special teams. UConn has had a kickoff return for a TD in three of last 4 games. Each by a different guy. Lang showed some burst and speed not allowing the special teams to get an angle and push him out.
First wrap
The wind wins the first quarter. The Huskies had a 13 yard punt from Cuse, caused by the wind, and went and scored a TD. Then, the Huskies had an 80 yard kickoff return for a touchdown. The kickoff was so short, the special teams never got down there and Lang burst through a gaping hole.
So much for Time of possession: Syracuswe 11:04, UConn 2:56. Score UConn 14, Syracuse 3.Huskies haven't really had a chance to play offense.
Update 12:53 p.m.: UConn defense allows cuse to run down the field and score. D might be a little tired, but the Huskies are getting beat on a little misdirection. 8 play 80 yard drive for Cuase. #UConn 14, Syracuse 10.
Update 1:01 p.m.: Huskies can't convert on a second and 1. All the time off for the offense has taken them out of their rhythm. Frazer has thrown only two passes, and they have only run a handful of plays. UConn's defense needs to get off the field and let the offense gain some rhythm. Wind is a major factor.
Update 1:14 p.m.: Huskies offense can't get in rhythm. Passing game is going to struggle today, Frazer doesn't throw a tight enough ball. BTW, HUskies should run a fake punt today. On Cullen's punt if he started running he would have gained 15 yards before anyone even turned around.
Update 1:19 p.m.: Twyon Martin recovers a fumble on the pitch.Nassib hits Carter in hands, but he drops it. Huskies have ball at the Cuse 44.
Update 1:20 p.m.: Todman 42 yard TD run. Hole was wide open. Huskies have 7:48 time of possession here and are leading 21-10. Go figure. 14 rushing TD of season for Todman. Todman is over 1,000 yards this season on that play.
Update 1:25 p.m.: Wow, Huskies bring pressure. Junior comes on a blitz, but that disguises a delayed blitz from Lawrence Wilson who gets the sack.
Update 1:31 p.m.: Huskies defense just hasn't been that good today. Cuse isn't blowing up UConn, but they are moving the ball. Huskies blow this game open if the defense tightens up in the second half.
Update 1:33 p.m.: Syraucse pass play to 3 yard line. Defense just giving up too many yards. Pressure is startiung to get there, but secondary is playing soft.
Update 1:35: Paulus TD pass to Lemon. Huskies linebackers struggling on pass coverage. I take issue with the HUskies going conservative at end of half. It's difficult to throw it against the wind, but the defense isn't good and can't be relied upon.
The Huskies are playing offense like they expect the defense to stop Syracuse. Paulus is 10-12 117 yards and a TD. You can't play a field position game when your defense can't get off the field. 21-17 UConn. The defense has given up too many yards and points today.
Update 1:41 p.m.: Marcus Easley with a gorgeous one handed catch. Great throw from Frazer, even better catch by Easley. Easley is a pro wide receiver. I don't know how he hasn't played in recent years. A terrific player.
Update 1:45 p.m.: Dixon 1 yard TD run here. thank Frazer and Easley for the TD. #UConn 28, Syracuse 17. I'll tell you what, sometimes Frazer drives you crazy, but he made a great throw into the wind to Easley. It was a one handed catch out there. Easley has 3 passes for 57 yards.
Halftime update: Huskies doing what they haven't do, but haven't played well. But, 28-17 at the half I can't complain. Great throw and great catch from Easley at the end of the half. Frazer 5-for-9 68 yards and not much asked from him. Todman has 57 yards and one big run, a 37 yard touchdown run. Dixon has six carries for 16. Yes, the Cuse defense is good. Wind is a big factor today.
Cuse's Carter has 60 yards rushing. Big thing is the passing game. Most of it is off a little misdirection and over the middle against the linebackers with Syracuse's Greg Paulus 10-1 for 117 and Ryan Nassib 3-5 33 yards. If the Huskies tighten up the defense this one is going to be in the bag. It's up to UConn's defense.
Wind is a major factor here.
Third quarter
Udpate 2:10 p.m.: Huskies get ball to start third, will be against the wind.
Update 2:19 p.m.: Chop block on third down. Syracuse declines it and allows the Huskies to go for it on fourth down and 6 from the 26 (can't kick into the win). Frazer hits Kanuch for a first down, and then Easley for a TD.
You know what? I don't want to hear any football coach say how superior they are to knowledge than the fan. What's Marrone doing? Push the Huskies back to 3rd and 26 in the wind. The last three weeks have seen some weird coaching calls. Belichick, the Yale coach, Charlie Weis kicking in inside the 5 yard line twice, Edsall not calling timeouts, the LSU game and now this?
I don't get it. No one is infallible.
Update 2:30 p.m. : Lloyd walks off hurt, Lutrus to middle Jory Johnson to the outside.
Update 2:40 p.m.: Frazer throws an INT on third down. Ryan Griffin looks lost out there today. Not a good throw, but Griffin didn't have his hands up and turned the wrong way. QBs fault, but him and Frazer don't look like they are on the same page.
Third wrap
UConn 35, Syracuse 17. But, the Cuse are at the UConn 11. The UConn defense needs to finish this game out and they are not out of the woods yet. In truth, I am a little disappointed in the defense. Wilson is having ahuge game, but Syracuse has moved the ball and I expected a little better play out of the defense. The offense? Frazer threw his ???? pass of the game at the end of the third quarter. a UConn scores puts this game away, and it was a nad interception. Still, the defense should be able to get Cuse off the field. Not a crisp performance.
Fourth quarter
Update 2:48 p.m.: Paulus 12 yard TD pass to O'dell. 4 plays 64 yards. That's not good defense. Huskies are going to have to play this fourth quarter 35-23 UConn with 14:55 left.
Update 2:53 p.m.: Dixon 45 yard touchdown run. Huskies made a great third and 6 call to run it. Dixon went left and showed his speed for a TD. Huskies have been all about the big play today. 42-24 UConn with 12:37 left.
Update 3:02 p.m.: Cuse comes right down and scores. It's too easy. UConn defense is lacking passion here. I don't see the urgency. It's a disappointing performance. Carter TD. UConn 41, Syracuse 31. 9 plays 84 yard drive in 3:10? That's way to easy and soft. I expected UConn to play better on defense today. Of note, Paulus set the completion record for Syracuse today. He eclipsed RJ Anderson, of Plainville, for the Cuse single season completion record.
Syracuse passing 25-32, 301 yards. Just not very good by the defense today.
Update 3:09 p.m.: Huskies go 3 and out. Kanuch had a chance on a second down pass play, but he didn't make the play degree of difficult 6. Huskies punt. Cuse has ball at its own 4 down 42-31 with 7:59 left. Plenty of time to go. Defense is going to have to win this one. Huskies have more than enough points.
Update 3:14 p.m.: UConn defense is awful. Paulus is taking the Cuse from the 4 and has them at midfield in 5 plays.
Update 3:19 p.m.: Huskies hold on 4th down. They brough pressure the last two plays, finally...Greg Lloyd is hurt and favoring one of his knees. Not sure how bad.
Update 3:20 p.m.: Huskies have 4:30 left and the ball at their own 39. Need to close this out with a nice pounding running game.
First play: Carter runs left for a yard.
Update 12:11 p.m.: Cuse goes backwards first drive. great pass rush by Trevardo Williams. He bull rushes, then sheds block and sacks Paulus. Wow. 13 yard punt by Syracuse. Wind is playing some tricks.
Update 12:15 p.m.: Kasnif Moore on a reverse goes about 8 yards for a first down and fumbles at the 1. It was fumbled by Moore while he tried to extend it was hit out of his hands out bounds. First and goal from the 2.
Update 12:19 p.m.: Wind is really blowing. The goal posts are hard. Huskies' Andre Dixon for a 4 yard TD on third down. Huskies are going to keep this on the ground. 7-0 UConn. 8 play, 25 yard drive.
Update 12:30 p.m.: OUCH. 15 YARD personal foul (hands to face) on Kendall Reyes keeps cuse drive laive. At the UConn 30 now.
Update 12:39 p.m.: Lichtenstein 26 yard field goal. Cuse goes 12 plays and uses 6 minutes. Not going to see many passess today unless the wind dies down. It's shaking the goal posts violently.
Update 12:41 p.m.: Mike Lang 80-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. The kicks are short because of wind, and the Cuse are caught flat footed. The wind is really affecting Syracuse's special teams. UConn has had a kickoff return for a TD in three of last 4 games. Each by a different guy. Lang showed some burst and speed not allowing the special teams to get an angle and push him out.
First wrap
The wind wins the first quarter. The Huskies had a 13 yard punt from Cuse, caused by the wind, and went and scored a TD. Then, the Huskies had an 80 yard kickoff return for a touchdown. The kickoff was so short, the special teams never got down there and Lang burst through a gaping hole.
So much for Time of possession: Syracuswe 11:04, UConn 2:56. Score UConn 14, Syracuse 3.Huskies haven't really had a chance to play offense.
Update 12:53 p.m.: UConn defense allows cuse to run down the field and score. D might be a little tired, but the Huskies are getting beat on a little misdirection. 8 play 80 yard drive for Cuase. #UConn 14, Syracuse 10.
Update 1:01 p.m.: Huskies can't convert on a second and 1. All the time off for the offense has taken them out of their rhythm. Frazer has thrown only two passes, and they have only run a handful of plays. UConn's defense needs to get off the field and let the offense gain some rhythm. Wind is a major factor.
Update 1:14 p.m.: Huskies offense can't get in rhythm. Passing game is going to struggle today, Frazer doesn't throw a tight enough ball. BTW, HUskies should run a fake punt today. On Cullen's punt if he started running he would have gained 15 yards before anyone even turned around.
Update 1:19 p.m.: Twyon Martin recovers a fumble on the pitch.Nassib hits Carter in hands, but he drops it. Huskies have ball at the Cuse 44.
Update 1:20 p.m.: Todman 42 yard TD run. Hole was wide open. Huskies have 7:48 time of possession here and are leading 21-10. Go figure. 14 rushing TD of season for Todman. Todman is over 1,000 yards this season on that play.
Update 1:25 p.m.: Wow, Huskies bring pressure. Junior comes on a blitz, but that disguises a delayed blitz from Lawrence Wilson who gets the sack.
Update 1:31 p.m.: Huskies defense just hasn't been that good today. Cuse isn't blowing up UConn, but they are moving the ball. Huskies blow this game open if the defense tightens up in the second half.
Update 1:33 p.m.: Syraucse pass play to 3 yard line. Defense just giving up too many yards. Pressure is startiung to get there, but secondary is playing soft.
Update 1:35: Paulus TD pass to Lemon. Huskies linebackers struggling on pass coverage. I take issue with the HUskies going conservative at end of half. It's difficult to throw it against the wind, but the defense isn't good and can't be relied upon.
The Huskies are playing offense like they expect the defense to stop Syracuse. Paulus is 10-12 117 yards and a TD. You can't play a field position game when your defense can't get off the field. 21-17 UConn. The defense has given up too many yards and points today.
Update 1:41 p.m.: Marcus Easley with a gorgeous one handed catch. Great throw from Frazer, even better catch by Easley. Easley is a pro wide receiver. I don't know how he hasn't played in recent years. A terrific player.
Update 1:45 p.m.: Dixon 1 yard TD run here. thank Frazer and Easley for the TD. #UConn 28, Syracuse 17. I'll tell you what, sometimes Frazer drives you crazy, but he made a great throw into the wind to Easley. It was a one handed catch out there. Easley has 3 passes for 57 yards.
Halftime update: Huskies doing what they haven't do, but haven't played well. But, 28-17 at the half I can't complain. Great throw and great catch from Easley at the end of the half. Frazer 5-for-9 68 yards and not much asked from him. Todman has 57 yards and one big run, a 37 yard touchdown run. Dixon has six carries for 16. Yes, the Cuse defense is good. Wind is a big factor today.
Cuse's Carter has 60 yards rushing. Big thing is the passing game. Most of it is off a little misdirection and over the middle against the linebackers with Syracuse's Greg Paulus 10-1 for 117 and Ryan Nassib 3-5 33 yards. If the Huskies tighten up the defense this one is going to be in the bag. It's up to UConn's defense.
Wind is a major factor here.
Third quarter
Udpate 2:10 p.m.: Huskies get ball to start third, will be against the wind.
Update 2:19 p.m.: Chop block on third down. Syracuse declines it and allows the Huskies to go for it on fourth down and 6 from the 26 (can't kick into the win). Frazer hits Kanuch for a first down, and then Easley for a TD.
You know what? I don't want to hear any football coach say how superior they are to knowledge than the fan. What's Marrone doing? Push the Huskies back to 3rd and 26 in the wind. The last three weeks have seen some weird coaching calls. Belichick, the Yale coach, Charlie Weis kicking in inside the 5 yard line twice, Edsall not calling timeouts, the LSU game and now this?
I don't get it. No one is infallible.
Update 2:30 p.m. : Lloyd walks off hurt, Lutrus to middle Jory Johnson to the outside.
Update 2:40 p.m.: Frazer throws an INT on third down. Ryan Griffin looks lost out there today. Not a good throw, but Griffin didn't have his hands up and turned the wrong way. QBs fault, but him and Frazer don't look like they are on the same page.
Third wrap
UConn 35, Syracuse 17. But, the Cuse are at the UConn 11. The UConn defense needs to finish this game out and they are not out of the woods yet. In truth, I am a little disappointed in the defense. Wilson is having ahuge game, but Syracuse has moved the ball and I expected a little better play out of the defense. The offense? Frazer threw his ???? pass of the game at the end of the third quarter. a UConn scores puts this game away, and it was a nad interception. Still, the defense should be able to get Cuse off the field. Not a crisp performance.
Fourth quarter
Update 2:48 p.m.: Paulus 12 yard TD pass to O'dell. 4 plays 64 yards. That's not good defense. Huskies are going to have to play this fourth quarter 35-23 UConn with 14:55 left.
Update 2:53 p.m.: Dixon 45 yard touchdown run. Huskies made a great third and 6 call to run it. Dixon went left and showed his speed for a TD. Huskies have been all about the big play today. 42-24 UConn with 12:37 left.
Update 3:02 p.m.: Cuse comes right down and scores. It's too easy. UConn defense is lacking passion here. I don't see the urgency. It's a disappointing performance. Carter TD. UConn 41, Syracuse 31. 9 plays 84 yard drive in 3:10? That's way to easy and soft. I expected UConn to play better on defense today. Of note, Paulus set the completion record for Syracuse today. He eclipsed RJ Anderson, of Plainville, for the Cuse single season completion record.
Syracuse passing 25-32, 301 yards. Just not very good by the defense today.
Update 3:09 p.m.: Huskies go 3 and out. Kanuch had a chance on a second down pass play, but he didn't make the play degree of difficult 6. Huskies punt. Cuse has ball at its own 4 down 42-31 with 7:59 left. Plenty of time to go. Defense is going to have to win this one. Huskies have more than enough points.
Update 3:14 p.m.: UConn defense is awful. Paulus is taking the Cuse from the 4 and has them at midfield in 5 plays.
Update 3:19 p.m.: Huskies hold on 4th down. They brough pressure the last two plays, finally...Greg Lloyd is hurt and favoring one of his knees. Not sure how bad.
Update 3:20 p.m.: Huskies have 4:30 left and the ball at their own 39. Need to close this out with a nice pounding running game.
Game Day Syracuse
So here we are.
It's a blustery day here at The Rent. I don't think we are going to see big passing stats. This is going to be Northeast football, power run up the middle.The wind is blowing 20 MPHs from Jumbotron toward the student section. This might be one of those you choose the when you want to the wind games. It's that blustery out there.
There is a lot of discussion today about bowls and if UConn goes 6-6. It's simple, if Notre Dame doesn't take the Gator Bowl 7-5, then a 6-6 UConn team will slide into a Big East bowl. That's important, because if Notre Dame takes the Gator bowl after beating Stanford today then the Huskies could to to the at large pool. UConn will be an attractive bowl team in the at large pool because of the national story of Howard's death, but they aren't assured a spot. We will know more after this weekend.
Two wins? They will end up in a bowl regardless.
Now, how does the WVU win over Pittsburgh influence the bowl lineup? It hurts Pitt, and puts WVU in play for the Gator (which is good, because the chance of a 7-5 Notre Dame team getting the Gator with WVU available isn't good).
BCS: Cincinnati (undefeated, plays TCU in Fiesta {would love that game, and it should happen but won't}.
Gator: WVU (if they beat Rutgers)
Meineke: Pittsburgh
Papajohns.com: UConn (at 7-5, if USF beats UConn, USF gets here)
St. Pete: Rutgers
International: South Florida
The Papajohns.com Bowl to me is going to have the best game of the bunch with an SEC team likely headed that way. If I had to rank the lower tier bowls:
1. Papajohns
2. St. Pete
3. International
Rutgers was in Birmingham last year and in Toronto two years ago. If they aren't headed to St. Pete, they made be forced into Toronto or something would have to be worked out.
I don't think UConn is back in Toronto. These bowls don't have a set pick, but rather, the Big East works it out between the schools and the bowls. I would say Papajohns.com makes most sense for UConn, but you never know. They may want South Florida vs. SEC.
The odd man out is Toronto. This is a very nice bowl (underrated) but no one wants to go and play it. UConn and Rutgers were the last two teams, but would they send USF up there? That's a problem this season because Toronto on Jan. 2 would draw about 50 people from South Florida. But, USF has played Papajohns and St. Pete, it's probably their turn to head to Toronto at bite the bullet.
On a side note, I wish the Yankee Bowl was being played this year.
As far as other news. Steve Kraghthorpe is out at Louisville. Decent guy from all accounts, but after what Petrino did, to have to become a bottom feeder is inexcusable. I am not sure what happened there.
Anyhow, thanks to @michaelsalvo for this picuture, which I am sure annoyed others like it did to me after that basketball game at MSG yesterday.
Ouch. That one hurts. I guess Duke likes regular season glory.
It's a blustery day here at The Rent. I don't think we are going to see big passing stats. This is going to be Northeast football, power run up the middle.The wind is blowing 20 MPHs from Jumbotron toward the student section. This might be one of those you choose the when you want to the wind games. It's that blustery out there.
There is a lot of discussion today about bowls and if UConn goes 6-6. It's simple, if Notre Dame doesn't take the Gator Bowl 7-5, then a 6-6 UConn team will slide into a Big East bowl. That's important, because if Notre Dame takes the Gator bowl after beating Stanford today then the Huskies could to to the at large pool. UConn will be an attractive bowl team in the at large pool because of the national story of Howard's death, but they aren't assured a spot. We will know more after this weekend.
Two wins? They will end up in a bowl regardless.
Now, how does the WVU win over Pittsburgh influence the bowl lineup? It hurts Pitt, and puts WVU in play for the Gator (which is good, because the chance of a 7-5 Notre Dame team getting the Gator with WVU available isn't good).
BCS: Cincinnati (undefeated, plays TCU in Fiesta {would love that game, and it should happen but won't}.
Gator: WVU (if they beat Rutgers)
Meineke: Pittsburgh
Papajohns.com: UConn (at 7-5, if USF beats UConn, USF gets here)
St. Pete: Rutgers
International: South Florida
The Papajohns.com Bowl to me is going to have the best game of the bunch with an SEC team likely headed that way. If I had to rank the lower tier bowls:
1. Papajohns
2. St. Pete
3. International
Rutgers was in Birmingham last year and in Toronto two years ago. If they aren't headed to St. Pete, they made be forced into Toronto or something would have to be worked out.
I don't think UConn is back in Toronto. These bowls don't have a set pick, but rather, the Big East works it out between the schools and the bowls. I would say Papajohns.com makes most sense for UConn, but you never know. They may want South Florida vs. SEC.
The odd man out is Toronto. This is a very nice bowl (underrated) but no one wants to go and play it. UConn and Rutgers were the last two teams, but would they send USF up there? That's a problem this season because Toronto on Jan. 2 would draw about 50 people from South Florida. But, USF has played Papajohns and St. Pete, it's probably their turn to head to Toronto at bite the bullet.
On a side note, I wish the Yankee Bowl was being played this year.
As far as other news. Steve Kraghthorpe is out at Louisville. Decent guy from all accounts, but after what Petrino did, to have to become a bottom feeder is inexcusable. I am not sure what happened there.
Anyhow, thanks to @michaelsalvo for this picuture, which I am sure annoyed others like it did to me after that basketball game at MSG yesterday.
Ouch. That one hurts. I guess Duke likes regular season glory.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Friday thoughts
Taking care of my preview story for tomorrow (I expect a close game) and of course watching Cincinnati's offense do whatever it wants against Illinois. Is it too late to start Pike for the Heisman again?
Cincinnati needs to be impressive here just in case Texas gets knocked off. I just wasn't impressed by the Longhorns yesterday, but if they don't lose they are in the title game.
As far as the Huskies, the Syracuse defense is depleted with no Artur Jones, Max Suter or Derrell Smith, but Doug Hogue has had a big year. 16.5 tackles for a loss. That's an astronomical number for a linebacker. The Orange still can run the ball with Delone Carter and Greg Paulus is accurate. I can't understand what Mike Williams was doing just leaving the NFL, but good luck.
The Orange have played tough this year and that's and I am not sure they have anything left, but they certainly are moving in the right direction with Doug Marrone. Big East needs a good Syracuse team.
Bowls? It's still a little dicey, but the Huskies have no worry at 7-5 with wins in their last two games. If Stanford defeats Notre Dame, the Huskies will get a Big East bowl for sure, so even at 6-6 there is no worry. If Notre Dame beats Stanford and steals the Gator Bowl (which is theft, and I think would make the bowl a laughingstock) then UConn may be in trouble at 6-6.
The best way to look at this is for any non-bcs teams that are say 6-5 and playing today. If those teams get to 7-5 (like bowling green this weekend) then they go bowling before 6-6 UConn by NCAA rule. That rule applies only to at-large teams. If there is one of the 6 Big East bowls eligible, then UConn will slide into a Big East bowl at 6-6. To be honest, if Notre Dame loses and UConn wins Saturday, Huskies are in somewhere.
Also keeping an eye on Rutgers-Louisville, Doug Beaumont is knocked out on the field. Hope he is OK. Is it me, or does Rutgers knock a lot of players out of the game? They concussed Frazer last year and ended Cody Endres' season this year. What's the deal?
Cincinnati needs to be impressive here just in case Texas gets knocked off. I just wasn't impressed by the Longhorns yesterday, but if they don't lose they are in the title game.
As far as the Huskies, the Syracuse defense is depleted with no Artur Jones, Max Suter or Derrell Smith, but Doug Hogue has had a big year. 16.5 tackles for a loss. That's an astronomical number for a linebacker. The Orange still can run the ball with Delone Carter and Greg Paulus is accurate. I can't understand what Mike Williams was doing just leaving the NFL, but good luck.
The Orange have played tough this year and that's and I am not sure they have anything left, but they certainly are moving in the right direction with Doug Marrone. Big East needs a good Syracuse team.
Bowls? It's still a little dicey, but the Huskies have no worry at 7-5 with wins in their last two games. If Stanford defeats Notre Dame, the Huskies will get a Big East bowl for sure, so even at 6-6 there is no worry. If Notre Dame beats Stanford and steals the Gator Bowl (which is theft, and I think would make the bowl a laughingstock) then UConn may be in trouble at 6-6.
The best way to look at this is for any non-bcs teams that are say 6-5 and playing today. If those teams get to 7-5 (like bowling green this weekend) then they go bowling before 6-6 UConn by NCAA rule. That rule applies only to at-large teams. If there is one of the 6 Big East bowls eligible, then UConn will slide into a Big East bowl at 6-6. To be honest, if Notre Dame loses and UConn wins Saturday, Huskies are in somewhere.
Also keeping an eye on Rutgers-Louisville, Doug Beaumont is knocked out on the field. Hope he is OK. Is it me, or does Rutgers knock a lot of players out of the game? They concussed Frazer last year and ended Cody Endres' season this year. What's the deal?
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Edsall, Kansas, rumors etc.
I tried hard to find these rumors about Randy Edsall and Kansas. Perhaps I don't know college football outside of the Northeast, but to me Edsall to Kansas makes so little sense I can't even take the talk seriously. We'll get to that later.
But, I tried to find these rumors etc., especially since Mangino isn't fired yet, and the only place I see Edsall and Kansas mentioned is in a blog post at AOL's Fanhouse on Nov. 18. Now, this is just speculation by the writer and not sourced.
Here is how silly season begins. Speculation about Edsall and the Lew Perkins connection gets chewed up in the internet rumor factory. Then, the buzz created leads to a rumor. Now, the local press asks Edsall about the rumors that were actually speculation.
Then it's a Fox News special -- Edsall to Kansas. It's silly season at its highest. Let's think about this the last several years.
Do a Google News search on Edsall and Kansas. It all stems from the Fanhouse post as far as I can tell.
Edsall interviewed with the Ga Tech job that went to Paul Johnson. Johnson was always the front runner -- a media member based in Atlanta told me that a month before -- but also said that Edsall was a strong contender. I think Edsall to Ga. Tech two years ago would have been a good fit, but that didn't work out and Edsall signed a new deal.
Now, last year, these rumors out of Syracuse were so strong and real that we couldn't ignore them. Edsall to Syracuse made some sense, but I think UConn is the better job for now.
Now, year 3 of the Edsall rumor is him to Kansas to reunite with Lew Perkins.This one makes little sense to me, even if what transpired this year hadn't happened.
Edsall has coached and recruited his entire career on the East Coast. He knows Pennsylvania like his own home, and he has Florida, Pa, and New Jersey as the major recruiting grounds. None of those players ever go to Kansas. Kansas is a midwest school that recruits in the midwest. Edsall has no ties to the area and doesn't have a firm grasp of the landscape.
I am not sure any Kansas coach can recruit Pennsylvania and New Jersey extensively. So, essentially those contacts are burned. Look at the Kansas roster. It's mostly midwest and Texas. The UConn staff actually has left active Texas recruiting in recent years becase they were, as a coach told me, "chasing ghosts."
Now, let's take a look at the Kansas job. You check out Kansas against Oklahoma all-time? 27-68-6 all-time. Kansas is always going to be behind Texas, Oklahoma and Nebraska in the Big 12. Competing against these teams in the midwest recruiting is an uphill task. I like UConn's shot at winning the Big East consistently than Kansas' shot winning the Big 12 consistently.
Kansas is a good job, but at 51, Edsall is in a position to get picky. He is established and has a job for as long as he wants it here. Factor in the $1.25 buyout, and then I just can't find the logic. This would have to be either a money decision, or a flat out personal choice. It isn't a better opportunity, that's for sure.
Is Edsall a lifer? I don't think there is one in college football anymore. The Huskies are shaping up to be a pretty good team next year and even if they don't win the Big East, they probably could be making their fourth straight bowl apperance. Factor that in, with a lower buyout, $500,000, the fact his youngest son will be graduating high school, then he might make a move next year when some attractive East Coast jobs could be available.
We have to take the Rich Rodriguez lesson here. It's not always about coaching, it's about fit. Rich Rod doesn't fit at Michigan. Edsall doesn't seem to fit at Kansas.
Of course the best job from Edsall is Penn State, but when that job opens up they will have the pick of the litter. He would win big there and lockdown PA and NJ recruiting. But, people have been waiting for that job to open a very long time. That job is the unicorn of coaching, and everyone with PA ties wants it.
I remember writing this last year when Cuse was a done deal. How did that work out?
But, I tried to find these rumors etc., especially since Mangino isn't fired yet, and the only place I see Edsall and Kansas mentioned is in a blog post at AOL's Fanhouse on Nov. 18. Now, this is just speculation by the writer and not sourced.
Here is how silly season begins. Speculation about Edsall and the Lew Perkins connection gets chewed up in the internet rumor factory. Then, the buzz created leads to a rumor. Now, the local press asks Edsall about the rumors that were actually speculation.
Then it's a Fox News special -- Edsall to Kansas. It's silly season at its highest. Let's think about this the last several years.
Do a Google News search on Edsall and Kansas. It all stems from the Fanhouse post as far as I can tell.
Edsall interviewed with the Ga Tech job that went to Paul Johnson. Johnson was always the front runner -- a media member based in Atlanta told me that a month before -- but also said that Edsall was a strong contender. I think Edsall to Ga. Tech two years ago would have been a good fit, but that didn't work out and Edsall signed a new deal.
Now, last year, these rumors out of Syracuse were so strong and real that we couldn't ignore them. Edsall to Syracuse made some sense, but I think UConn is the better job for now.
Now, year 3 of the Edsall rumor is him to Kansas to reunite with Lew Perkins.This one makes little sense to me, even if what transpired this year hadn't happened.
Edsall has coached and recruited his entire career on the East Coast. He knows Pennsylvania like his own home, and he has Florida, Pa, and New Jersey as the major recruiting grounds. None of those players ever go to Kansas. Kansas is a midwest school that recruits in the midwest. Edsall has no ties to the area and doesn't have a firm grasp of the landscape.
I am not sure any Kansas coach can recruit Pennsylvania and New Jersey extensively. So, essentially those contacts are burned. Look at the Kansas roster. It's mostly midwest and Texas. The UConn staff actually has left active Texas recruiting in recent years becase they were, as a coach told me, "chasing ghosts."
Now, let's take a look at the Kansas job. You check out Kansas against Oklahoma all-time? 27-68-6 all-time. Kansas is always going to be behind Texas, Oklahoma and Nebraska in the Big 12. Competing against these teams in the midwest recruiting is an uphill task. I like UConn's shot at winning the Big East consistently than Kansas' shot winning the Big 12 consistently.
Kansas is a good job, but at 51, Edsall is in a position to get picky. He is established and has a job for as long as he wants it here. Factor in the $1.25 buyout, and then I just can't find the logic. This would have to be either a money decision, or a flat out personal choice. It isn't a better opportunity, that's for sure.
Is Edsall a lifer? I don't think there is one in college football anymore. The Huskies are shaping up to be a pretty good team next year and even if they don't win the Big East, they probably could be making their fourth straight bowl apperance. Factor that in, with a lower buyout, $500,000, the fact his youngest son will be graduating high school, then he might make a move next year when some attractive East Coast jobs could be available.
We have to take the Rich Rodriguez lesson here. It's not always about coaching, it's about fit. Rich Rod doesn't fit at Michigan. Edsall doesn't seem to fit at Kansas.
Of course the best job from Edsall is Penn State, but when that job opens up they will have the pick of the litter. He would win big there and lockdown PA and NJ recruiting. But, people have been waiting for that job to open a very long time. That job is the unicorn of coaching, and everyone with PA ties wants it.
I remember writing this last year when Cuse was a done deal. How did that work out?
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Tuesday presser -- 3 days post ND
Well, it's another week and no one is confusing Syracuse with Notre Dame, but on the way up to Storrs I got to thinking, which is always a dangerous thing.
A loss on Saturday to the Cuse would kind of nullify the big win. This week, against a dangerous Syracuse team, the Huskies need to consolidate the wins and get on a streak. Big wins have to be followed with wins to keep momentum going.
This is another big game for the Huskies and they need to sweep these final two at home. Syracuse has the 9th ranked defense against the run and that alone makes them dangerous. The fact that Rutgers was "over confident" to me is one of the most embarrassing admissions from a major college team this year. The Scarlet Knights were pounded 30-13, and considering the schedule this year, they shouldn't have been over confident about anyone.
That said, I can't remember any time that Randy Edsall's team have ever been over-confident. The Huskies are usually good in this spot when they are favored against a team like Syracuse.
Here's Edsall take on that.
The Huskies are never overconfident. Part of that is the coach. Edsall, sometimes to his detriment, doesn't project arrogance and confidence. Sometimes, when you don't do that you elevate a lesser team to your level and that's dangerous. But, by taking losing teams like Syracuse seriously there is less chance of a surprise.
And, let's be clear. This Syracuse team isn't the one from the last several years. The Cuse have a terrific run defense and have played hard all season. They could easily be in bowl contention with a couple of breaks. The roster is decimated, but I think Doug Marrone is off to a good start. The Orange may have emptied the chamber in the home finale against Rutgers last week, but this is the season finale and they want to set a tone for next year.
The Huskies are confident however, and more importantly, feeling better about themselves. Edsall talked about how the team can smile again. The tension is now gone from the Huskies' team.
Here's Andre Dixon on that. You want the pulse of the team, Dixon is the one to go to. He has his finger right on it, and he doesn't know what spin or careful words are.
The Huskies will be ready for Saturday. They are going to need that passing game though to loosen up the Cuse defense.
As far as other notes, I saw running backs coach Terry Richardson today and he is doing well. He was at his mother's funeral on Saturday and caught the 4th quarter and overtime. He spoke to the team via speakerphone after the game. He said he couldn't sit still the final quarter. The win was something he needed.
Edsall also talked a bit about the young corners, Dwayne Gratz and Blid Wreh Wilson. Wreh-Wilson is an interesting story considering he didn't play football in high school until his senior year, he was a soccer player.
The Huskies weren't even recruiting him, but were after another player when Matt Cersosimo was blown away by his athleticism. Once they saw him live they pounced and got another keeper. This is going to be the linchpin to the Huskies' secondary. Both of these corners have good size at 6-0, and Gratz is strong and looks like he can be a physical corner and a good run support corner. Blidi needs to get stronger, but he has great athleticism.
He is playing college football with only 2 years of playing football, and only one spent in college. That's called natural talent. It also goes to show you why Edsall and Co. are successful. Too often the recruiting services are grading high school players as high school players against their peers. Many times, players are maxed out in high school and get better, but not much better in college. Blidi Wreh-Wilson wasn't refined, but is so gifted he is going to explode in coming years.
Edsall knows the secondary. That's his expertise and where he coached in the NFL at. This is a position I am sure UConn is going to continue to produce NFL caliber players at. They have 2, and more will be on the way in coming years.
Right now, the Huskies corners are young and that's a problem. But, it bodes well for the future. Hopefully, in the next week we can talk to Blidi. I hope to catch up with him soon. It's certainly an interesting story.
A loss on Saturday to the Cuse would kind of nullify the big win. This week, against a dangerous Syracuse team, the Huskies need to consolidate the wins and get on a streak. Big wins have to be followed with wins to keep momentum going.
This is another big game for the Huskies and they need to sweep these final two at home. Syracuse has the 9th ranked defense against the run and that alone makes them dangerous. The fact that Rutgers was "over confident" to me is one of the most embarrassing admissions from a major college team this year. The Scarlet Knights were pounded 30-13, and considering the schedule this year, they shouldn't have been over confident about anyone.
That said, I can't remember any time that Randy Edsall's team have ever been over-confident. The Huskies are usually good in this spot when they are favored against a team like Syracuse.
Here's Edsall take on that.
"In this business, we always try to do the job and stress last week doesn’t matter this week. It’s a one game season. They saw what Syracuse did to Rutgers. The film doesn’t lie. You have to be honest with yourself. Put film on, watch the opponent, and be honest, they are a good football team and they have had tough luck this year."
The Huskies are never overconfident. Part of that is the coach. Edsall, sometimes to his detriment, doesn't project arrogance and confidence. Sometimes, when you don't do that you elevate a lesser team to your level and that's dangerous. But, by taking losing teams like Syracuse seriously there is less chance of a surprise.
And, let's be clear. This Syracuse team isn't the one from the last several years. The Cuse have a terrific run defense and have played hard all season. They could easily be in bowl contention with a couple of breaks. The roster is decimated, but I think Doug Marrone is off to a good start. The Orange may have emptied the chamber in the home finale against Rutgers last week, but this is the season finale and they want to set a tone for next year.
“I see a team defensively that is sound and solid," Edsall said. "There stats prove that out. On offense, they give you a lot to prepare. When they haven’t turned the ball over on offense they make themselves a much more effective football team.
“They have gotten a lot better from the beginning of the year. Doug has done a nice job with that job. They are a team that has a lot of ability.”
The Huskies are confident however, and more importantly, feeling better about themselves. Edsall talked about how the team can smile again. The tension is now gone from the Huskies' team.
Here's Andre Dixon on that. You want the pulse of the team, Dixon is the one to go to. He has his finger right on it, and he doesn't know what spin or careful words are.
"You know how it is. People patting you on the back for close games, who wants to be patted on the back for close games?," Dixon said. "When you pull out that win, it’s amazing. Especially such a big one like that one. We are about to put it about everyone’s mind at practice."
The Huskies will be ready for Saturday. They are going to need that passing game though to loosen up the Cuse defense.
As far as other notes, I saw running backs coach Terry Richardson today and he is doing well. He was at his mother's funeral on Saturday and caught the 4th quarter and overtime. He spoke to the team via speakerphone after the game. He said he couldn't sit still the final quarter. The win was something he needed.
Edsall also talked a bit about the young corners, Dwayne Gratz and Blid Wreh Wilson. Wreh-Wilson is an interesting story considering he didn't play football in high school until his senior year, he was a soccer player.
The Huskies weren't even recruiting him, but were after another player when Matt Cersosimo was blown away by his athleticism. Once they saw him live they pounced and got another keeper. This is going to be the linchpin to the Huskies' secondary. Both of these corners have good size at 6-0, and Gratz is strong and looks like he can be a physical corner and a good run support corner. Blidi needs to get stronger, but he has great athleticism.
He is playing college football with only 2 years of playing football, and only one spent in college. That's called natural talent. It also goes to show you why Edsall and Co. are successful. Too often the recruiting services are grading high school players as high school players against their peers. Many times, players are maxed out in high school and get better, but not much better in college. Blidi Wreh-Wilson wasn't refined, but is so gifted he is going to explode in coming years.
Edsall knows the secondary. That's his expertise and where he coached in the NFL at. This is a position I am sure UConn is going to continue to produce NFL caliber players at. They have 2, and more will be on the way in coming years.
Right now, the Huskies corners are young and that's a problem. But, it bodes well for the future. Hopefully, in the next week we can talk to Blidi. I hope to catch up with him soon. It's certainly an interesting story.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Monday bowl thoughts
The immediate effect of UConn's win over Notre Dame is it may keep the Irish out of the Gator Bowl.
Now, this has an incredible effect on the Big East bowl lineup. It's even more ominous when I read a story out of Jacksonville today.
Here, the Gator Bowl may still consider Notre Dame at 7-5, which to me is ridiculous. I guess, root for the Stanford Cardinals next week. Here's the key graph.
Now, this is a very important happenstance for the Big East. If Notre Dame takes the Gator, and UConn qualifies for a bowl, they could be shifted into the at large pool as the Big East would have five games for six eligible teams. It's still too soon, but that could be a problem and I am not sure how many at large spots are left. UConn would qualify at 6-6, going 1-1 in its final two home games, but then they would have to wait for all 7-5 teams to be placed. The Huskies could be left out if they don't win the next two against Syracuse and South Florida.
A 7-5 UConn team could conceivably be still put into the at large bowl pool, though at 7-5 I think the math is in its favor. Now, let's get this clear. If Notre Dame beats Stanford, then a 7-5 Notre Dame could take the Gator Bowl over Pittsburgh, which it lost to, and also could prevent UConn from even getting into a bowl.
Yup, that's college football for you.
SI's bowl projections have UConn in St. Pete. Selfishly, from Mandel's lips to God's ears. I am not sure UConn can do that game with exams and all. I know Randy Edsall last year felt St. Pere was a non-starter. But, if Papajohns.com has an SEC team, then you might see West Virginia there if the Mountaineers lose to Pitt and aren't asked back to the Meineke. West Virginia is in play everywhere because they travel extremely well.
Now, this has an incredible effect on the Big East bowl lineup. It's even more ominous when I read a story out of Jacksonville today.
Here, the Gator Bowl may still consider Notre Dame at 7-5, which to me is ridiculous. I guess, root for the Stanford Cardinals next week. Here's the key graph.
Notre Dame is not yet out of the equation for the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl.
But the Fighting Irish will have to beat Stanford on the road Saturday to remain in the conversation. Even then, there's no guarantee from Gator Bowl officials that Notre Dame, at 7-5, will be in Jacksonville Jan. 1 to play an ACC team.
"To stay in the debate, they've got to win," said Gator Bowl president Rick Catlett. "And even then, there are no guarantees."
"This is the last chance for Notre Dame," selection committee chairman Brian Goin said Sunday, a day after the Irish lost 33-30 in double overtime to Connecticut in their final home game of the year. "They could still go to Stanford and win that game, and then we'll have a good discussion."
Now, this is a very important happenstance for the Big East. If Notre Dame takes the Gator, and UConn qualifies for a bowl, they could be shifted into the at large pool as the Big East would have five games for six eligible teams. It's still too soon, but that could be a problem and I am not sure how many at large spots are left. UConn would qualify at 6-6, going 1-1 in its final two home games, but then they would have to wait for all 7-5 teams to be placed. The Huskies could be left out if they don't win the next two against Syracuse and South Florida.
A 7-5 UConn team could conceivably be still put into the at large bowl pool, though at 7-5 I think the math is in its favor. Now, let's get this clear. If Notre Dame beats Stanford, then a 7-5 Notre Dame could take the Gator Bowl over Pittsburgh, which it lost to, and also could prevent UConn from even getting into a bowl.
Yup, that's college football for you.
SI's bowl projections have UConn in St. Pete. Selfishly, from Mandel's lips to God's ears. I am not sure UConn can do that game with exams and all. I know Randy Edsall last year felt St. Pere was a non-starter. But, if Papajohns.com has an SEC team, then you might see West Virginia there if the Mountaineers lose to Pitt and aren't asked back to the Meineke. West Virginia is in play everywhere because they travel extremely well.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Greetings from Gate 9
OK. I am trying to get home from Midway, and for some reason every plane to Connecticut is full :). Lot's of UConn fans out here, and my stand by play didn't work. Looks like it's the 3:45 p.m. back to Bradley.
There are tons of UConn fans here. They are still smiling and can hardly believe it. I talked to a couple from Manchester and they mentioned how good the experience was. Here is the quote: "It was like going to church."
That's perhaps the best way I can describe Notre Dame. It's regal and plain, and has history. I wrote yesterday about how plain the stadium is. It hasn't been corrupted by corporate sponsors. It is distinctly retro. No loud music, no crazy scoreboard. It's beautiful in its simplicity.
I like that. It is a way to watch a game without distractions.
Anyhow, the football game is important for the Big East. This likely takes the Gator Bowl out of play for Notre Dame (if the Gator takes a 7-5 ND team, after losing to Pitt and UConn, that bowl is an absolute joke).
That has ramifications for UConn. The Huskies, may need to get a Big East bowl. Right now, there are 5 bowl eligible teams for six spots. If UConn qualified, that would fill the Big East contingent. The way at larges are starting to shape up, there is no assurance that a 6-6 UConn team could even get an at large bowl bid.
Right now, it looks like if the Huskies win one more, they will be able to take one of those Big East bowls. That's very important. Where? Maybe Birmingham, and the Papajohns.com Bowl, maybe St. Pete. Birmingham will be against an SEC team. That's a nice game.
Huskies need to take care of business next week, and by doing that against Syracuse and against South Florida, they could assure themselves a pretty nice end to the season.
More later. The offensive line was dominant Saturday. Considering how young it is, that bodes well for the future.
There are tons of UConn fans here. They are still smiling and can hardly believe it. I talked to a couple from Manchester and they mentioned how good the experience was. Here is the quote: "It was like going to church."
That's perhaps the best way I can describe Notre Dame. It's regal and plain, and has history. I wrote yesterday about how plain the stadium is. It hasn't been corrupted by corporate sponsors. It is distinctly retro. No loud music, no crazy scoreboard. It's beautiful in its simplicity.
I like that. It is a way to watch a game without distractions.
Anyhow, the football game is important for the Big East. This likely takes the Gator Bowl out of play for Notre Dame (if the Gator takes a 7-5 ND team, after losing to Pitt and UConn, that bowl is an absolute joke).
That has ramifications for UConn. The Huskies, may need to get a Big East bowl. Right now, there are 5 bowl eligible teams for six spots. If UConn qualified, that would fill the Big East contingent. The way at larges are starting to shape up, there is no assurance that a 6-6 UConn team could even get an at large bowl bid.
Right now, it looks like if the Huskies win one more, they will be able to take one of those Big East bowls. That's very important. Where? Maybe Birmingham, and the Papajohns.com Bowl, maybe St. Pete. Birmingham will be against an SEC team. That's a nice game.
Huskies need to take care of business next week, and by doing that against Syracuse and against South Florida, they could assure themselves a pretty nice end to the season.
More later. The offensive line was dominant Saturday. Considering how young it is, that bodes well for the future.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Post game Notre Dame -- Biggest win ever
Andre Dixon immediately had the thoughts come into his head after Teggart's miss to end regulation.
This was different. The Huskies hadn't lost yet, and in the overtime the Huskies stunned Notre Dame 33-30.
The line dominated. Both Todman and Dixon manhandled Notre Dame as we expected. Todman was explosive, and Dixon was a battering ram late. They thought they could wear down Notre Dame and they did.
As far as the defense, Blidi Wreh Wilson and Dwayne Gratz were terrific today. I think the ND receivers are the best duo in the country. They both played confidently, and that's important. Wilson batted away a ball towards Tate in the overtime to force a field goal. Great strength, reaction time, and confidence to do that against a player like Tate.
When you look at program defining wins, winning in South Bend is at the top of the list.
Let's say this slowly: The University of Connecticut defeated the University of Notre Dame in college football.
Think about that for a second. Or, think about it for the next hour.
Who are these upstarts from Storrs, Conn?
They are a team that is stricken by adversity and life. The Huskies last win was a month ago. In the meantime lives changed, dreams were crushed, people died. It's hard to separate this win from Jasper Howard because it's impossible to talk about this team and not see the effect of Jasper Howard's violent death.
What does Saturday's win mean?
For the first time in a month, the University of Connecticut can smile again.
The players have had fake smiles, and stiff upper lips. We see those everyday. That's what adults do. We put on a brave face.
But, when Andre Dixon darted left and saw his pulling guard, Zach Hurd obliterate a linebacker, the weight of world was off their shoulders. Dixon turned and the players rushed onto the field.
At the epicenter of the college football university, in it's cathedral, the University of Connecticut celebrated.
They celebrated victory, glory and celebrated life.
This was a great game. I don't need to go into the details and the good plays (going for it at midfield in the third quarter) or bad plays (not rushing the ball several more times to make a chip shot field goal for Teggart).
The Huskies won. They walked into Notre Dame Stadium fearless and confident. This isn't a good Notre Dame team (you don't beat the good ones), but it isn't a bad one either.
This is a hallowed place in South Bend. It's my first time here, and the mural of Touchdown Jesus and the field of play is so old it makes the hair stand up on your neck. The stadium is an artifact. There is wooden bleachers and just a pair of small scoreboards that keep down, distance, score and time. The field of play is immaculately simple. The endzones have lines on them and except for a small NBC Sports logo on the small scoreboard, there isn't a single piece of permanent signage in the park.
It feels like a church. Plain and regal. It is an old place, and it has seen it's share of great teams and great games. The University of Connecticut is 5-5, you are your record. But, for the adversity this team showed, and the toughness it has displayed this season, I think they are worthy to have played on this field.
Hey, the Huskies still need a couple of wins to get to a bowl game, and this season is going to end with a mediocre at best record.
For once however let's not be cynical. Enjoy the journey and the game. It's time to appreciate how the Huskies played this game.
"After thinking about all of the times that we came so close and didn't come out with the win at the end," Dixon said, "I was thinking 'No, not another one of those games.' The I just thought to stay positive and regroup and pull everyone else together."
This was different. The Huskies hadn't lost yet, and in the overtime the Huskies stunned Notre Dame 33-30.
The line dominated. Both Todman and Dixon manhandled Notre Dame as we expected. Todman was explosive, and Dixon was a battering ram late. They thought they could wear down Notre Dame and they did.
As far as the defense, Blidi Wreh Wilson and Dwayne Gratz were terrific today. I think the ND receivers are the best duo in the country. They both played confidently, and that's important. Wilson batted away a ball towards Tate in the overtime to force a field goal. Great strength, reaction time, and confidence to do that against a player like Tate.
When you look at program defining wins, winning in South Bend is at the top of the list.
Let's say this slowly: The University of Connecticut defeated the University of Notre Dame in college football.
Think about that for a second. Or, think about it for the next hour.
Who are these upstarts from Storrs, Conn?
They are a team that is stricken by adversity and life. The Huskies last win was a month ago. In the meantime lives changed, dreams were crushed, people died. It's hard to separate this win from Jasper Howard because it's impossible to talk about this team and not see the effect of Jasper Howard's violent death.
What does Saturday's win mean?
For the first time in a month, the University of Connecticut can smile again.
The players have had fake smiles, and stiff upper lips. We see those everyday. That's what adults do. We put on a brave face.
But, when Andre Dixon darted left and saw his pulling guard, Zach Hurd obliterate a linebacker, the weight of world was off their shoulders. Dixon turned and the players rushed onto the field.
At the epicenter of the college football university, in it's cathedral, the University of Connecticut celebrated.
They celebrated victory, glory and celebrated life.
This was a great game. I don't need to go into the details and the good plays (going for it at midfield in the third quarter) or bad plays (not rushing the ball several more times to make a chip shot field goal for Teggart).
The Huskies won. They walked into Notre Dame Stadium fearless and confident. This isn't a good Notre Dame team (you don't beat the good ones), but it isn't a bad one either.
This is a hallowed place in South Bend. It's my first time here, and the mural of Touchdown Jesus and the field of play is so old it makes the hair stand up on your neck. The stadium is an artifact. There is wooden bleachers and just a pair of small scoreboards that keep down, distance, score and time. The field of play is immaculately simple. The endzones have lines on them and except for a small NBC Sports logo on the small scoreboard, there isn't a single piece of permanent signage in the park.
It feels like a church. Plain and regal. It is an old place, and it has seen it's share of great teams and great games. The University of Connecticut is 5-5, you are your record. But, for the adversity this team showed, and the toughness it has displayed this season, I think they are worthy to have played on this field.
Hey, the Huskies still need a couple of wins to get to a bowl game, and this season is going to end with a mediocre at best record.
For once however let's not be cynical. Enjoy the journey and the game. It's time to appreciate how the Huskies played this game.
Live Game Blog Notre Dame
Coin Toss: ND wins, defers. Huskies to receiver. Kickoff imminent. Take a deep breath -- University of Connecticut vs. Notre Dame is next. I will say, this is a lot different than Hofstra or Lafayette at Memorial Stadium.
Update 2:43 p.m.: First play is a Todman run for 4 yards. Run, run, run.
Update 2:44 p.m.: Huskies go 3 and out. Two incomplete passes. Like I said, run, run, run.
Update 2:50 p.m.: Third and 5, Clausen to Golden Tate for a TD off play-action. Huskies defense is going to need to get pressure on Clausen or he will throw for 400 yards today. 7-0 Notre Dame. Junior bit on the play-action. Huskies didn't look like they could stop ND. Perhaps, should settle for slowing them down.
Halftime wrap-up
Golden Domers are restless. The Huskies defense has tightened up and since the Witten sack of Clausen Notre dame has been quiet. Nice job by the secondary with Blidi Wreh Wilson and Dwayne Gratz playing much more agressively. So So first half for the UConn offense. Todman's big play bailed them out. Frazer has been under pressure and that's a problem for him. Running game has been productive. I would stick there. Frazer hasn't looked sharp, but hasn't made any mistakes. The big thing with Frazer is he struggles under pressure. He needs to be better in that regard, but that comes with experience. It's 14-10 at the half, and it could be a lot worse. Huskies defense needs to build off that second quarter.
Update 2:57 p.m.: Frazer missed Dixon on third down pass. DIxon was open in the flat. Frazer threw high to easley. Huskies punted again. Hey, how about the defense slow ND down?
Update 3:03 p.m.: Huskies hold on third down. The secondary is more aggressive and Blidi Wreh Wilson made a nice play and almost came away with INT. Big play here, McClain punt return of 32 yards. Huskies have ball at Their own 42. Have to do something here.
Update 3:10 p.m.: Huskies stall at the ND 40. ND is getting some pressure on UConn. Not enough to sack, but enough to cause Frazer to feel uncomfortable. Huskies have to fix that. 3 possessions, 3 punts.
Update 315: computer issues. Blog is down for the game. Yeah, bad luck.
Update 3:32 p.m: Back up. Jordan Todman with a long 43 yard TD run. Todman scores a touchdown and then poses. Todman looked up at Touchdown Jesus and mirrored the pose. Edsall didn't like that. 14-7 Notre Dame, Pups on the board. They need to come up with some pressure on defense. The secondary is more aggressive, but it's too hard when Clausen just sits back there untouched. Clausen is playing flag football.
Update 3:38 p.m.: Lindsey Witten sighting. He had a first down sack on Clausen, and the resulting drive is a punt. They need more of Witten today.
Update 3:46 p.m.: Erik Kuraczea limps off. Not sure how serious. Huskies have to protect Frazer here. Frazer just isn't comfortable under pressure. Anyhow. Setting the scene. UConn is 2-7 at midfield down 14-7 with 6:43 left.
Update 3:54 p.m.: Teggart with a 39-yard field goal. 14-10 Notre Dame 3:14 left at half. They have to hold ND here at bay, go into the half and regroup. Nice comeback by the Huskies, but they have to get it to the half.
Update 4:04 p.m.: Huskies get one first down, but then three plays for minimal gains. ND is going to get ball back with 1:33. That's a poor job by the offense. At a minimum they have to get this game to the half 14-10. Now Clausen and Co. have the ball at their own 15 with 1:25 left. Defense needs to make another play.
Third quarter
Update 4:29 p.m.: Key dirve to beging third quarter. Pups make a stand, then things will start to get interesting.
Update 4:33 p.m.: Poor tackling by the Huskies to start the third period. Still, chance for a stop.
Update 4:34 p.m.: Sums up Huskies season. Fourth and 2 from the UConn 30. Run up middle. Huskies have the play stopped, but can't complete play. Missed tackle, it's first down inside the 10 after a 26 yard gain. Playmakers. Playmakers, Playmakers.
Update 4:38 p.m.: Huskies toughen inside the 10. It's fourth down from the 2 yard line. Looks like Weis will kick the field goal. To me, that's a mistake. They got a chance to put UConn away, and they go for 3. That's a very conservative play by Weis.
Update 4:42 p.m.: Jordan Todman 96 yard kickoff reutrn for a touchdown. Todman flips the ball to the official. Huskies are tied 17-17. Hold your horses Husky fans. I told you Weis kicking the ball was a bad play.
Update 4:48 p.m.: Huskeis hold Notre Dame. The defense is gaining confidence. Confidence is a dangerous thing. Can the Huskies offense sustain a drive here?
Update 4:54 p.m.: Huskies catch a break, and boy they needed it. 23 yard pass completion to Floyd was stripped by McClain and recovered by UConn on the 14.
Fourth quarter
Update 5:12 p.m.: Defense has been on the field quite awhile. Notre dame at UConn 18. Huskies need to hold ND to a field goal.
Update 5:15 p.m.: Huskies are fortunate Charlie Weis is outsmarting himself. 1st and 10 from the 11, and Weis runs two straight plays. Third down is a fade pass incomplete. UConn can't cover Tate and Floyd. I would attack with them. But, Weis is running the ball. FG good, but no TD, and that's good for the Huskies. 20-17 Notre Dame.
Frazer has to get the passing game going. He is 9-of-19 for 90 yards. he has been bothered by pressure.
Update 5:20 p.m.: Huskies need positive yards on first down. Get ball on 40 yard line after kick out of bounds, and then Todman -2 rush. Can't get in passing situtions.
Update 5:23 p.m.: Edsall goes for it on 4 and 1 on the UConn 49, Dixon gets 2 yards. That's a great call by Edsall. Got to throw caution to win here.
Update 5:24 p.m.: Bad play by ZXach Frazer. He threw an INT in endzone after long play to Easley. Had Easley open, bad pass. He didn't get it up in the air enough. Crushing play for the Huskies.
Update 5:28 p.m.: Defense comes up big. Third and 11 play, Reyes with a sack. Huskies are going to get the ball back with 5 minutes to go down 20-17.
Update 5:35 p.m.: OUCH! Easley called for holding on a Dixon gain inside the 5. Still, first and 2 from the 18 yard.
Update 5:38 p.m.: Dixon scores, but holding. You got to be kidding me. Luck of the Irish. Two holding calls save the day for the Irish. Sherman held. Weak hold but a hold. Easely hold? I would like to see more replays.
Update 5:41 p.m.: Third and 11 from the 15. Inside handoff. I don't like it. At 4-5 put it in the air and see if you can win the game. It's risky with Frazer, but, you got to go for the win. Teggart from 29.
Update 5:43 p.m.: Teggart kicks it. 20-20 with 1:10 left. Balls is in Jimmu Clausen's hands. Irish have one timeout.
Update 5:46 p.m.: thrid and 10 on the 21. UConn can get ball back with a stop....
Update 5:47 pm.: UConn has finally made a play. Fumble at the ND 41 recovered by Vaughn. 49 seconds left. Two timesouts. THe Huskeis have a victory over Notre Dame in their grasp.
Update 5:49 p.m.: Game is in Teggart's hands! UConn has a 37 yard field goal to win.
Update 5:51 p.m.: Teggart missed the field goal to win. I am sick right now.
Update 5:52 p.m.: Missed it right. He has to make that kick. I don't know what to say. More adversity for the Huskies.
Overtime
Update 5:53: Huskies have ball first. Now edge goes over to Notre Dame.
Update 5:58 p.m.: Third and 8 from the 11 and Frazer throws a TD to Kashif Moore. It's under review. xtra point is good. 27-20. If Huskies defense holds, then, it's victory. Xtra point coming.
Update 6:05 p.m.: ND gets ball in second overtime.
Update 6:07 p.m.: Blidi Wreh Wilson breaks up a throid and five pass. 35 yard FG for ND in seocnd OT. It's good. A TD wins it for the Huskies. 30-27 ND. Huskies on deck. a TD, and they leave South Bend a winner.
Update 6:11 p.m.: Dixon 4 yard TD beats Notre dame.,
Update 2:43 p.m.: First play is a Todman run for 4 yards. Run, run, run.
Update 2:44 p.m.: Huskies go 3 and out. Two incomplete passes. Like I said, run, run, run.
Update 2:50 p.m.: Third and 5, Clausen to Golden Tate for a TD off play-action. Huskies defense is going to need to get pressure on Clausen or he will throw for 400 yards today. 7-0 Notre Dame. Junior bit on the play-action. Huskies didn't look like they could stop ND. Perhaps, should settle for slowing them down.
Halftime wrap-up
Golden Domers are restless. The Huskies defense has tightened up and since the Witten sack of Clausen Notre dame has been quiet. Nice job by the secondary with Blidi Wreh Wilson and Dwayne Gratz playing much more agressively. So So first half for the UConn offense. Todman's big play bailed them out. Frazer has been under pressure and that's a problem for him. Running game has been productive. I would stick there. Frazer hasn't looked sharp, but hasn't made any mistakes. The big thing with Frazer is he struggles under pressure. He needs to be better in that regard, but that comes with experience. It's 14-10 at the half, and it could be a lot worse. Huskies defense needs to build off that second quarter.
Update 2:57 p.m.: Frazer missed Dixon on third down pass. DIxon was open in the flat. Frazer threw high to easley. Huskies punted again. Hey, how about the defense slow ND down?
Update 3:03 p.m.: Huskies hold on third down. The secondary is more aggressive and Blidi Wreh Wilson made a nice play and almost came away with INT. Big play here, McClain punt return of 32 yards. Huskies have ball at Their own 42. Have to do something here.
Update 3:10 p.m.: Huskies stall at the ND 40. ND is getting some pressure on UConn. Not enough to sack, but enough to cause Frazer to feel uncomfortable. Huskies have to fix that. 3 possessions, 3 punts.
Update 315: computer issues. Blog is down for the game. Yeah, bad luck.
Update 3:32 p.m: Back up. Jordan Todman with a long 43 yard TD run. Todman scores a touchdown and then poses. Todman looked up at Touchdown Jesus and mirrored the pose. Edsall didn't like that. 14-7 Notre Dame, Pups on the board. They need to come up with some pressure on defense. The secondary is more aggressive, but it's too hard when Clausen just sits back there untouched. Clausen is playing flag football.
Update 3:38 p.m.: Lindsey Witten sighting. He had a first down sack on Clausen, and the resulting drive is a punt. They need more of Witten today.
Update 3:46 p.m.: Erik Kuraczea limps off. Not sure how serious. Huskies have to protect Frazer here. Frazer just isn't comfortable under pressure. Anyhow. Setting the scene. UConn is 2-7 at midfield down 14-7 with 6:43 left.
Update 3:54 p.m.: Teggart with a 39-yard field goal. 14-10 Notre Dame 3:14 left at half. They have to hold ND here at bay, go into the half and regroup. Nice comeback by the Huskies, but they have to get it to the half.
Update 4:04 p.m.: Huskies get one first down, but then three plays for minimal gains. ND is going to get ball back with 1:33. That's a poor job by the offense. At a minimum they have to get this game to the half 14-10. Now Clausen and Co. have the ball at their own 15 with 1:25 left. Defense needs to make another play.
Third quarter
Update 4:29 p.m.: Key dirve to beging third quarter. Pups make a stand, then things will start to get interesting.
Update 4:33 p.m.: Poor tackling by the Huskies to start the third period. Still, chance for a stop.
Update 4:34 p.m.: Sums up Huskies season. Fourth and 2 from the UConn 30. Run up middle. Huskies have the play stopped, but can't complete play. Missed tackle, it's first down inside the 10 after a 26 yard gain. Playmakers. Playmakers, Playmakers.
Update 4:38 p.m.: Huskies toughen inside the 10. It's fourth down from the 2 yard line. Looks like Weis will kick the field goal. To me, that's a mistake. They got a chance to put UConn away, and they go for 3. That's a very conservative play by Weis.
Update 4:42 p.m.: Jordan Todman 96 yard kickoff reutrn for a touchdown. Todman flips the ball to the official. Huskies are tied 17-17. Hold your horses Husky fans. I told you Weis kicking the ball was a bad play.
Update 4:48 p.m.: Huskeis hold Notre Dame. The defense is gaining confidence. Confidence is a dangerous thing. Can the Huskies offense sustain a drive here?
Update 4:54 p.m.: Huskies catch a break, and boy they needed it. 23 yard pass completion to Floyd was stripped by McClain and recovered by UConn on the 14.
Fourth quarter
Update 5:12 p.m.: Defense has been on the field quite awhile. Notre dame at UConn 18. Huskies need to hold ND to a field goal.
Update 5:15 p.m.: Huskies are fortunate Charlie Weis is outsmarting himself. 1st and 10 from the 11, and Weis runs two straight plays. Third down is a fade pass incomplete. UConn can't cover Tate and Floyd. I would attack with them. But, Weis is running the ball. FG good, but no TD, and that's good for the Huskies. 20-17 Notre Dame.
Frazer has to get the passing game going. He is 9-of-19 for 90 yards. he has been bothered by pressure.
Update 5:20 p.m.: Huskies need positive yards on first down. Get ball on 40 yard line after kick out of bounds, and then Todman -2 rush. Can't get in passing situtions.
Update 5:23 p.m.: Edsall goes for it on 4 and 1 on the UConn 49, Dixon gets 2 yards. That's a great call by Edsall. Got to throw caution to win here.
Update 5:24 p.m.: Bad play by ZXach Frazer. He threw an INT in endzone after long play to Easley. Had Easley open, bad pass. He didn't get it up in the air enough. Crushing play for the Huskies.
Update 5:28 p.m.: Defense comes up big. Third and 11 play, Reyes with a sack. Huskies are going to get the ball back with 5 minutes to go down 20-17.
Update 5:35 p.m.: OUCH! Easley called for holding on a Dixon gain inside the 5. Still, first and 2 from the 18 yard.
Update 5:38 p.m.: Dixon scores, but holding. You got to be kidding me. Luck of the Irish. Two holding calls save the day for the Irish. Sherman held. Weak hold but a hold. Easely hold? I would like to see more replays.
Update 5:41 p.m.: Third and 11 from the 15. Inside handoff. I don't like it. At 4-5 put it in the air and see if you can win the game. It's risky with Frazer, but, you got to go for the win. Teggart from 29.
Update 5:43 p.m.: Teggart kicks it. 20-20 with 1:10 left. Balls is in Jimmu Clausen's hands. Irish have one timeout.
Update 5:46 p.m.: thrid and 10 on the 21. UConn can get ball back with a stop....
Update 5:47 pm.: UConn has finally made a play. Fumble at the ND 41 recovered by Vaughn. 49 seconds left. Two timesouts. THe Huskeis have a victory over Notre Dame in their grasp.
Update 5:49 p.m.: Game is in Teggart's hands! UConn has a 37 yard field goal to win.
Update 5:51 p.m.: Teggart missed the field goal to win. I am sick right now.
Update 5:52 p.m.: Missed it right. He has to make that kick. I don't know what to say. More adversity for the Huskies.
Overtime
Update 5:53: Huskies have ball first. Now edge goes over to Notre Dame.
Update 5:58 p.m.: Third and 8 from the 11 and Frazer throws a TD to Kashif Moore. It's under review. xtra point is good. 27-20. If Huskies defense holds, then, it's victory. Xtra point coming.
Update 6:05 p.m.: ND gets ball in second overtime.
Update 6:07 p.m.: Blidi Wreh Wilson breaks up a throid and five pass. 35 yard FG for ND in seocnd OT. It's good. A TD wins it for the Huskies. 30-27 ND. Huskies on deck. a TD, and they leave South Bend a winner.
Update 6:11 p.m.: Dixon 4 yard TD beats Notre dame.,
Keys to the Notre Dame game
Offense
The Huskies need to keep the ball out of the hands of Notre Dame and Jimmy Clausen and the running game with Jordan Todman and Andre Dixon is the way to do it. The UConn running game is averaging 167 yards per game on the ground and the tandem of Todman and Dixon have combined for 1,556 yards and 19 touchdowns this season. The Irish can be run against and getting Todman and Dixon to control the clock against a susceptible Notre Dame defense will change the game’s dynamic. UConn quarterback Zach Frazer needs to control his emotions of returning to South Bend and play another tight game like he did against Cincinnati. Notre Dame’s defense has been its weakness this season giving up 153.2 yards a game in the run. That’s a good sign for the Huskies’ power running game.
Notre Dame’s offense is one the best in the country behind Jimmy Clausen. Clausen is a pro quarterback and has passed for 2,053 yards and 21 touchdowns this season averaging 305 yards per game. His receivers are dangerous, Golden Tate has 74 catches for 1,172 yards and 11 touchdowns while Michael Floyd is a big play threat averaging 20 yards a catch and has 606 yards receiving in six injury plagued games. Armando Allen has solidified the running game with 591 yards just to keep defenses honest. Clausen is accurate, with a strong arm, and hasn’t had anyone slow him down. He’s at his best late in the game, which the Huskies need to be wary of.
Defense
UConn’s defense have up over 700 yards of offense to Cincinnati in its last game and left unchecked, Clausen will be able to do the same kind of damage. The one thing that the Huskies can hope for is that the Notre Dame offensive line does have holes in it and Clausen has played this season under tremendous pressure. Lindsey Witten (10 ½ sacks) needs to rediscover that pass rush of early this season and the young pups in the secondary in redshirt freshman safety Jerome Junior, and corners Blidi Wreh-Wilson and Dwayne Gratz have to be more aggressive and confident defending the terrific receivers of Notre Dame. The Huskies have been susceptible to the big plays, and the Fighting Irish are more than capable of getting a couple. Avoiding that will be the key to the Huskies staying in this game.
Notre Dame has a top ranked offense, but it’s defense hasn’t played well for much of this season . They are allowing 390 yards of offense a game including 153.2 on the ground. If Notre Dame wants to put the Huskies away, they must stop the power running game. The Irish only have 18 sacks this season, and free safety Kyle McCarthy is their leading tackler at 78 with five interceptions.
Keys players
1. Lindsey Witten DE, UConn
The Huskies desperately need the senior defensive end Lindsey Witten and his pass rush to show up. The defense is at another level when Witten plays like a pro. If he is ineffective and unenergetic, the Huskies will not stop Notre Dame.
2. Golden Tate, WR Notre Dame
He is Jimmy Clausen’s favorite receiver and will be an impossible cover for the Huskies. Tate can make people miss and can make plays. If he gets going and it turns into pitch and catch with Clausen, it will be a long day for the Huskies.
3. Zach Frazer, QB UConn
Frazer is going to be excited and have a chip on his shoulder being a transfer from Notre Dame. He needs to have that edge, but he can’t go beyond himself. If Frazer doesn’t make mistakes, the Huskies are going to be able to move the ball on Notre Dame and make this a game.
The Huskies need to keep the ball out of the hands of Notre Dame and Jimmy Clausen and the running game with Jordan Todman and Andre Dixon is the way to do it. The UConn running game is averaging 167 yards per game on the ground and the tandem of Todman and Dixon have combined for 1,556 yards and 19 touchdowns this season. The Irish can be run against and getting Todman and Dixon to control the clock against a susceptible Notre Dame defense will change the game’s dynamic. UConn quarterback Zach Frazer needs to control his emotions of returning to South Bend and play another tight game like he did against Cincinnati. Notre Dame’s defense has been its weakness this season giving up 153.2 yards a game in the run. That’s a good sign for the Huskies’ power running game.
Notre Dame’s offense is one the best in the country behind Jimmy Clausen. Clausen is a pro quarterback and has passed for 2,053 yards and 21 touchdowns this season averaging 305 yards per game. His receivers are dangerous, Golden Tate has 74 catches for 1,172 yards and 11 touchdowns while Michael Floyd is a big play threat averaging 20 yards a catch and has 606 yards receiving in six injury plagued games. Armando Allen has solidified the running game with 591 yards just to keep defenses honest. Clausen is accurate, with a strong arm, and hasn’t had anyone slow him down. He’s at his best late in the game, which the Huskies need to be wary of.
Defense
UConn’s defense have up over 700 yards of offense to Cincinnati in its last game and left unchecked, Clausen will be able to do the same kind of damage. The one thing that the Huskies can hope for is that the Notre Dame offensive line does have holes in it and Clausen has played this season under tremendous pressure. Lindsey Witten (10 ½ sacks) needs to rediscover that pass rush of early this season and the young pups in the secondary in redshirt freshman safety Jerome Junior, and corners Blidi Wreh-Wilson and Dwayne Gratz have to be more aggressive and confident defending the terrific receivers of Notre Dame. The Huskies have been susceptible to the big plays, and the Fighting Irish are more than capable of getting a couple. Avoiding that will be the key to the Huskies staying in this game.
Notre Dame has a top ranked offense, but it’s defense hasn’t played well for much of this season . They are allowing 390 yards of offense a game including 153.2 on the ground. If Notre Dame wants to put the Huskies away, they must stop the power running game. The Irish only have 18 sacks this season, and free safety Kyle McCarthy is their leading tackler at 78 with five interceptions.
Keys players
1. Lindsey Witten DE, UConn
The Huskies desperately need the senior defensive end Lindsey Witten and his pass rush to show up. The defense is at another level when Witten plays like a pro. If he is ineffective and unenergetic, the Huskies will not stop Notre Dame.
2. Golden Tate, WR Notre Dame
He is Jimmy Clausen’s favorite receiver and will be an impossible cover for the Huskies. Tate can make people miss and can make plays. If he gets going and it turns into pitch and catch with Clausen, it will be a long day for the Huskies.
3. Zach Frazer, QB UConn
Frazer is going to be excited and have a chip on his shoulder being a transfer from Notre Dame. He needs to have that edge, but he can’t go beyond himself. If Frazer doesn’t make mistakes, the Huskies are going to be able to move the ball on Notre Dame and make this a game.
Game Day Notre Dame -- What the '68's say
On the way in I stopped by the Knute Rockne rest stop for some food, and of course as Midwesterners are prone to do, I made some friends.
These weren't just ordinary Notre Dame fans. The group I started to talk to were the Great '68s.
This is a group of alumni who have been coming to games since they graduated in 1968. They are located in the Legends Parking lot and ordinarily there are 100s of people tailgating. It's usually shoulder to shoulder.
Today was a sparse crowd and pretty much only diehards. Part of it is anticipated poor weather (it's not, it's beautiful), part of it is the season.
This is where things get tenuous for Charlie Weis. It's just an unscientific example, but when you lose the alumni at Notre Dame you lose your job. The alumni are staying away for this game. Several '68s remarked how subdued the parking lot was. 6-4 will do that, especially when the fans and coach are at odds.
Still fans, still hoping for a win, but these guys have been coming to games for 40 years, they know the atmosphere.
As one remarked -- "It's like a funeral here."
For Charlie Weis' sake, it better not be his.
These weren't just ordinary Notre Dame fans. The group I started to talk to were the Great '68s.
This is a group of alumni who have been coming to games since they graduated in 1968. They are located in the Legends Parking lot and ordinarily there are 100s of people tailgating. It's usually shoulder to shoulder.
Today was a sparse crowd and pretty much only diehards. Part of it is anticipated poor weather (it's not, it's beautiful), part of it is the season.
This is where things get tenuous for Charlie Weis. It's just an unscientific example, but when you lose the alumni at Notre Dame you lose your job. The alumni are staying away for this game. Several '68s remarked how subdued the parking lot was. 6-4 will do that, especially when the fans and coach are at odds.
Still fans, still hoping for a win, but these guys have been coming to games for 40 years, they know the atmosphere.
As one remarked -- "It's like a funeral here."
For Charlie Weis' sake, it better not be his.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Greetings from Chicago
In the Windy City as the flights, hotels and travel to South Bend was a bit over the top.
UConn coach Randy Edsall said something interesting on Tuesday. I have been thinking about it all week. This game is not big for the players. every game is big,. but to me this is a manifistation of almost 20 years of hard work and vision.
Notre Dame is college football. It's the most recognizable name in the sport and even when they are mediocre, the name lingers. That UConn is playing the Irish is a big deal for the program. It represents a coming of age for the Huskies.
I still think UConn suffers the "Can you believe this?" factor. When UConn plays at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday that should end forever. UConn has proven it belongs in the big-time. That Notre Dame is playing UConn bolsters the Huskies program. Notre Dame is giving the Huskies thier imprimatur of legitamacy. If you play Notre Dame, you play serious football.
That's not Randy Edsall's thing, or the current players' things. It's the people who came before him. It's the fans and alumni of the school that tommorrow's game is special to.
As for the current Huskies?
They just better find a way to stop the big play. I think the Huskies gave up nearly a dozen big plays against Cincinnati.
UConn has no answer for Golden Tate, Michael Floyd or Kyle Rudolph. They can't cover those receivers for any length of time and there will be plays made. The only way to slow down the Irish Saturday is to get pressure on Jimmy Clausen. This is Lindsey Witten's time to shine. UConn needs a big game out of Witten and need to get pressure. I would be reluctant to blitz often because if you don't get there Clausen will pick the defense apart. So, that means UConn is going to ahve to get pressure from the front four.
If you are looking at this as ND offense vs. UConn defense, I can't really devise a way Notre Dame can lose.
The good news is all indications are UConn will be able to run the ball on Notre Dame. It's going to have to be flat out power up the middle rushing. They did it against Cincinnati and if it were not for the big lead and forcing to pass, UConn could have rolled up well over 200 yards. Todman and Dixon have combined for 1,556 yards and 19 touchdowns this season.
That is one really good running back. The Huskies are averaging 167 yards per game on the ground. This is a retro game for the Huskies. They need to use clock, and pound the ball with the run. It doesn't have to be Internatuional Bowl-esque, but they need 40 rushes at a minimum. I would go 2 for 1 run to pass.
That takes pressure off Zach Frazer and keeps that clock moving. Want to stop Jimmy Clausen, keep him off the field.
Hotel power is acting funny. I will see you all later.
UConn coach Randy Edsall said something interesting on Tuesday. I have been thinking about it all week. This game is not big for the players. every game is big,. but to me this is a manifistation of almost 20 years of hard work and vision.
Notre Dame is college football. It's the most recognizable name in the sport and even when they are mediocre, the name lingers. That UConn is playing the Irish is a big deal for the program. It represents a coming of age for the Huskies.
I still think UConn suffers the "Can you believe this?" factor. When UConn plays at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday that should end forever. UConn has proven it belongs in the big-time. That Notre Dame is playing UConn bolsters the Huskies program. Notre Dame is giving the Huskies thier imprimatur of legitamacy. If you play Notre Dame, you play serious football.
That's not Randy Edsall's thing, or the current players' things. It's the people who came before him. It's the fans and alumni of the school that tommorrow's game is special to.
As for the current Huskies?
They just better find a way to stop the big play. I think the Huskies gave up nearly a dozen big plays against Cincinnati.
UConn has no answer for Golden Tate, Michael Floyd or Kyle Rudolph. They can't cover those receivers for any length of time and there will be plays made. The only way to slow down the Irish Saturday is to get pressure on Jimmy Clausen. This is Lindsey Witten's time to shine. UConn needs a big game out of Witten and need to get pressure. I would be reluctant to blitz often because if you don't get there Clausen will pick the defense apart. So, that means UConn is going to ahve to get pressure from the front four.
If you are looking at this as ND offense vs. UConn defense, I can't really devise a way Notre Dame can lose.
The good news is all indications are UConn will be able to run the ball on Notre Dame. It's going to have to be flat out power up the middle rushing. They did it against Cincinnati and if it were not for the big lead and forcing to pass, UConn could have rolled up well over 200 yards. Todman and Dixon have combined for 1,556 yards and 19 touchdowns this season.
That is one really good running back. The Huskies are averaging 167 yards per game on the ground. This is a retro game for the Huskies. They need to use clock, and pound the ball with the run. It doesn't have to be Internatuional Bowl-esque, but they need 40 rushes at a minimum. I would go 2 for 1 run to pass.
That takes pressure off Zach Frazer and keeps that clock moving. Want to stop Jimmy Clausen, keep him off the field.
Hotel power is acting funny. I will see you all later.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
High School football playoff changes
Back to my prep days, and boy did I ever like covering high school football. Will get back on that saddle Thanksgiving Week.
Here is the CIAC's new playoff format which was unanimously approved.
The entire proposal is here.
Here is the CIAC's new playoff format which was unanimously approved.
The format calls for four equal divisions by enrollment (down from the current six). Eight teams in each division would qualify for the playoffs. A quarterfinal round will be on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, followed by semifinals on the next Saturday and the four championship games the Saturday after that. In 2010 those dates will be November 30th (16 quarterfinals at sites of the higher ranked team), December 4th (eight semifinals at neutral sites if possible) and December 11th (four championship games at one or two sites).
The entire proposal is here.
Thursday update
No major injures this week. Usual suspects out: Jimmy Bennett, John Yurek, Kihuan Dabney, Robbie Frey and Cody Endres.
Scout teams player of the week: Offense is Steve Greene, defense is Tevrin Brandon, and on special teams Marcus Aiken.
As far as the game.
Jordan Todman had a terrific game two weeks ago at Cincinnati with 154 yards and four touchdowns. Since Andre Dixon's 155 yard performance against Louisville, Todman has been the better back. He is ahead of Dixon on the depth chart and will start, and while they have been splitting carries, I think Todman has wrestled the starting back from Dixon again. Dixon will get carries, but Todman is adding something different to the running game.
I asked Todman about running inside, which he did well the last couple of weeks, and he said he always could run inside. He was a bit defiant about that, and to me that's a good thing.
What does Edsall see?
"Patience to the line, and speed through the hole."
The Huskies can run the ball on Notre Dame and my gameplan would be taking the air out of it and pounding the Irish with Dixon and Todman, and a lot of play action. That's just me.
Game plan for the defense? How about running Dixon and Todman and using clock.
Condolences to running backs coach Terry Richardson whose mother died after a battle with cancer on Monday. He won't be at Saturday's game.
The Huskies may be in 6th in the Big East in football, but they are tops in the league in graduating players, with 82 percent of Huskies earning degrees. That's a tremendous accomplishment for the program. It may not draw in recruits, but it should.
Edsall Kansas chatter?: I have read a couple of stories about Edsall as a replacement for Mangino at Kansas if that job opens up. Mangino is in hot water and of course Lew Perkins brought Edsall to Connecticut back in 1998 so it's natural internet chatter. This is all speculation here of course and it's the Perkins connection that's driving this.
Just a word of caution, Edsall's buyout is still prohibitive. First off, he is getting paid about $1.5 per year, and the buyout is as follows.
"If the Coach accepts a position during the term of this agreement as a head coach at a NCAA Division I institution, or as a head coach in any professional league, the following sums will be due to the University from the Coach: $1,500,000 from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008; $1,250,000 from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009; $500,000 from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010; $400,000 from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011; and $250,000 from January 1, 2012 to August 1, 2012."
For Edsall to take the job in December (which you should for recruiting issues), then UConn is due a $1.25 buyout. Will Kansas pay that on top of what they are going to pay him and also buyout Mangino? Also, Edsall's son Cory is a junior quarterback at East Catholic. Family is always a big concern. Next year, the buyout is halved on Jan. 1. Would Kansas wait until after Jan. 1?
Edsall has no recruiting ties in the midwest and out west and I have a hard time thinking he would leave the team after what has happened this year and the chance the Huskies could make a serious run at the Big East title next season.
I would be skeptical. Also, I just don't think flat out Kansas football is that great a job.
Scout teams player of the week: Offense is Steve Greene, defense is Tevrin Brandon, and on special teams Marcus Aiken.
As far as the game.
Jordan Todman had a terrific game two weeks ago at Cincinnati with 154 yards and four touchdowns. Since Andre Dixon's 155 yard performance against Louisville, Todman has been the better back. He is ahead of Dixon on the depth chart and will start, and while they have been splitting carries, I think Todman has wrestled the starting back from Dixon again. Dixon will get carries, but Todman is adding something different to the running game.
I asked Todman about running inside, which he did well the last couple of weeks, and he said he always could run inside. He was a bit defiant about that, and to me that's a good thing.
What does Edsall see?
"Patience to the line, and speed through the hole."
The Huskies can run the ball on Notre Dame and my gameplan would be taking the air out of it and pounding the Irish with Dixon and Todman, and a lot of play action. That's just me.
Game plan for the defense? How about running Dixon and Todman and using clock.
Condolences to running backs coach Terry Richardson whose mother died after a battle with cancer on Monday. He won't be at Saturday's game.
The Huskies may be in 6th in the Big East in football, but they are tops in the league in graduating players, with 82 percent of Huskies earning degrees. That's a tremendous accomplishment for the program. It may not draw in recruits, but it should.
Edsall Kansas chatter?: I have read a couple of stories about Edsall as a replacement for Mangino at Kansas if that job opens up. Mangino is in hot water and of course Lew Perkins brought Edsall to Connecticut back in 1998 so it's natural internet chatter. This is all speculation here of course and it's the Perkins connection that's driving this.
Just a word of caution, Edsall's buyout is still prohibitive. First off, he is getting paid about $1.5 per year, and the buyout is as follows.
"If the Coach accepts a position during the term of this agreement as a head coach at a NCAA Division I institution, or as a head coach in any professional league, the following sums will be due to the University from the Coach: $1,500,000 from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008; $1,250,000 from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009; $500,000 from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010; $400,000 from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011; and $250,000 from January 1, 2012 to August 1, 2012."
For Edsall to take the job in December (which you should for recruiting issues), then UConn is due a $1.25 buyout. Will Kansas pay that on top of what they are going to pay him and also buyout Mangino? Also, Edsall's son Cory is a junior quarterback at East Catholic. Family is always a big concern. Next year, the buyout is halved on Jan. 1. Would Kansas wait until after Jan. 1?
Edsall has no recruiting ties in the midwest and out west and I have a hard time thinking he would leave the team after what has happened this year and the chance the Huskies could make a serious run at the Big East title next season.
I would be skeptical. Also, I just don't think flat out Kansas football is that great a job.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Tuesday presser-- What is mystique?
Notre Dame is different than any other college football team. We all know that. But, many of the players don't even know why. If it wasn't for Rudy (a good movie according to Zach Frazer) I am not sure any current college players would know a thing about Notre Dame.
Why do I say that? Well, I took the time out of our interviews to give a little pop quiz to the players.
The only one that the players got, after thinking, was Tim Brown 1987 Heisman winner. None of the players had any idea who are what the four horsemen are. Now that's just unacceptable to me as a journalist to not know who the four horseman are.
Now, the story goes that an Notre Dame official immediately liked the story and got the four horsemen to pose.
Why do I say that? Well, I took the time out of our interviews to give a little pop quiz to the players.
1. Name one of the Four Horseman
2. Last Notre Dame player to win the Heisman
3. Quarterback of the 1988 national championship team
4. Who was the coach of the Irish in the 1920s.
The only one that the players got, after thinking, was Tim Brown 1987 Heisman winner. None of the players had any idea who are what the four horsemen are. Now that's just unacceptable to me as a journalist to not know who the four horseman are.
I mean, it's perhaps the greatest lede in sports journalism history courtesy of Grantland Rice of the New York Herald-Tribune after an Irish destruction of Army at the Polo grounds in 1924. Who wouldn't know this? (I jest, no one I know can name them).
“Outlined against a blue-gray October sky the Four Horsemen rode again. In dramatic lore they are known as famine, pestilence, destruction and death. These are only aliases. Their real names are: Stuhldreher, Miller, Crowley and Layden. They formed the crest of the South Bend cyclone before which another fighting Army team was swept over the precipice at the Polo Grounds this afternoon as 55,000 spectators peered down upon the bewildering panorama spread out upon the green plain below."
Now, the story goes that an Notre Dame official immediately liked the story and got the four horsemen to pose.
Now. That was the golden age of journalism and sports writing, and I don't think they will be writing as poetically about Charlie Weiss and Notre Dame Saturday.
The Huskies are going there to play a football game and the mystique? It mean's nothing on the field.
When told that Notre Dame last won the national title in 1988, Jordan Todman smiled -- "I wasn't even born yet."
WOW. Let that sink in college football fans. It's been that long.
The Irish are a storied program, but as the Huskies go into Saturday mystique and aura aren't what they have to battle. It's Jimmy Claussen and Co. UConn will face, not the mystique.
UConn coach Randy Edsall told a nice story about how he used to wake up Sunday mornings and watch the Notre Dame game on delay with it's fast forward for time. That doesn't happen anymore. the Irish, like everyone else, are on TV a lot. There are so many college football games that I don't think it carries the same fear factor. The tradition is still there, but I think that's all that Notre Dame brings to the table. It doesn't provide an edge because with TV everyone sees South Bend. They all know what it looks like.
So, when you hear sports media obsessing over Notre Dame, and fans obsessing over Nootre Dame, that has little effect on the game. Players today don't know Notre Dame as I do, and I am only 32. It's been 21 years since the Irish were national champs.
UConn doesn't have to play that Notre Dame on Saturday, it has to play the current one -- a struggling unit that has one of the best offenses in college football. A good team, but hardly invincible.
Okay, let's move on.
*Jordan Todman is now listed ahead of Andre Dixon at running back. Todman has played terrific the last three weeks and Dixon hasn't been as productive. What's most impressive about Todman is he is showing he can run inside. Dixon will get carries to spell Todman, but the Huskies have made a point to get this explosive and productive player the ball. With Robbie Frey out and Meme Wylie available, but haven't played in a month, the third running back is --- Little Nicky Williams. Williams is a WR and PR, but the true frosh has also worked at running back. If need be, Anthony Sherman can also carry the ball. There is no need to burn a Martin Hypolite redshirt.
*Zach Frazer was the guest at the podium today. Of course, he talked about his departure from Notre Dame. The biggest thing was he had three QB coaches in less than a year. David Cutcliffe recruited him and then left the program. Cutcliffe is now at Duke. In the spring of his first year, Ron Powlus was his third coach. They never quite clicked, as did Frazer with Charlie Weis. He left on amicable terms from the program and still has good friends out there.
*What's up with the defense? Too many big plays of course. That will be the key this week. Scott Lutrus can't really explain it. This defense was great earlier in the year, but has collapsed. The secondary is young, but the baptism under fire will continue this week.
*Bowl game implications: Everyone dodges this but the Huskies need to go at least 2-1 to make a bowl. If one of those games is against Notre Dame they would put themselves in almost perfect position to grab a spot at home with a win against Syracuse.
Here's why. The Irish can take the Gator Bowl away from Big East No. 2. If the Irish lose to UConn they would be 6-5 heading into a game at No. 14 Stanford. If the Irish are 7-5, the Gator Bowl would likely take a Big East No. 2 -- looking like Pitt or Cincinnati over the Irish. At 7-5, the Irish aren't likely to get the Gator Bowl according to reports. 8-4? They are going to the Gator.
How does that affect UConn? There figures to be 6 teams in the Big East Bowl eligible. If the Gator takes BE No. 2 then that would open up a spot for a potential 6-6 UConn team.
Here's a breakdown.
BCS: Cincy
Gator: Pittsburgh.
Meineke: Rutgers
Papajohns: West Virginia
International: USF
St Pete: UConn
Obviously, we can quibble with who goes where. But, put Notre Dame into the Gator, and that moves BE No. 2 down.
BCS: Cincy
Gator: ND
Meineke: Pitt
Papajohns: West Virgnia
International: USF
St Pete: Rutgers
That puts a 6-6 UConn team in the at large pool. They are not assured a bowl at 6-6. Surely, one may open, but it's too early yet. Also, a 7-5 Sun Belt or CUSA team gets a bowl before any 6-6 team (a bad rule).
Easiest thing for UConn to do is win its final three to go 7-5. But, a win over Notre Dame would put them in a strong position for a bowl bid at 6-6.
The dominoes will start to fall this week in the bowl picture.
Gotta pay the bills for now.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Field Turf at the Rent?
At the UFL game tonight,and it looks like it's a good bet that a team is coming to Hartford next season. The Rent is the kind of stadium they are looking for.
UFL comish Michael Huyghue said that as they are having stadium discussions he is asking about installing field turf. The big reason is UConn and the UFL team would be using the stadium for 12 to 13 games combined in the fall. That puts strain on the team.
I know UConn coach Randy Edsall has wanted field turf in the past, so maybe this will get AEG to move on over. The reason why not? International soccer.
Major games are played at the Rent and they don't like playing on field turf. There are things that you can do to accommodate that however.
Just a note.
UFL comish Michael Huyghue said that as they are having stadium discussions he is asking about installing field turf. The big reason is UConn and the UFL team would be using the stadium for 12 to 13 games combined in the fall. That puts strain on the team.
I know UConn coach Randy Edsall has wanted field turf in the past, so maybe this will get AEG to move on over. The reason why not? International soccer.
Major games are played at the Rent and they don't like playing on field turf. There are things that you can do to accommodate that however.
Just a note.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
UFL in East Hartford
It's a bye week, but there is much more football in Connecticut.
I will be heading to the Rent to cover the New York Sentinels against the Florida Tuskers, a UFL game at Rentschler Field on Thursday night.
The UFL, if you don't know, is a new professional football league that has four teams playing this season in New York, Orlando, Los Angles and Las Vegas. The goal of the league is to serve neglected pro football markets and it's careful to not be a competitor to the NFL. the commissioner is Windsor native Michael Huyghe, who has 20 years experience in sports management and spent the majority of his time with the NFL.
I talked to Huyghe Wednesday and he said a UFL franchise in Hartford/East Hartford at Rentschler Field is likely to happen.
Hartford is going to be a part of the expansion for next season and the league is almost certain to have another season. This year's UFL season was much like a soft launch. Next season the league will have an entire schedule and play home and road games.
The UFL is different from a lot of other start-up football leagues. Unlike the famed USFL, the league isn't going to directly compete with the NFL in any markets or for players. The XFL, of WWE fame, was played in the spring and the UFL will be in the fall, and important distinction according to Hughye. Also, unlike the arena football league, the game is going to be played with NFL rules and look like an NFL game.
The dreaded word minor leagues isn't something anyone wants to call the UFL, but they are going to get p;layers who aren't on NFL rosters and it's a chance for those players in the UFL to showcase themselves for the NFL.
To date, there is no other legitimate professional football league in the United States. There are so many players, and so many under-served markets, this is what the UFL is trying to go after.
It's worth a try. The other leagues seemed to think to big and were too costly out of the gate (USFL, XFL), it looks like the UFL has guarded against that. It isn't being positioned as a competitor, and there plenty of players out there to fill out rosters. The big question is, is there enough interest?
We'll find out in the next year or so. I would imagine this will be the last attempt to start a football league for quite some time if this doesn't work out.
I will be heading to the Rent to cover the New York Sentinels against the Florida Tuskers, a UFL game at Rentschler Field on Thursday night.
The UFL, if you don't know, is a new professional football league that has four teams playing this season in New York, Orlando, Los Angles and Las Vegas. The goal of the league is to serve neglected pro football markets and it's careful to not be a competitor to the NFL. the commissioner is Windsor native Michael Huyghe, who has 20 years experience in sports management and spent the majority of his time with the NFL.
I talked to Huyghe Wednesday and he said a UFL franchise in Hartford/East Hartford at Rentschler Field is likely to happen.
"Hartford is very likely,” Huyghe said. “It’s one of the top priorities and fits the model. Investors with interest, a beautiful stadium, a non-NFL city, and it’s a city that can support a pro team.”
Hartford is going to be a part of the expansion for next season and the league is almost certain to have another season. This year's UFL season was much like a soft launch. Next season the league will have an entire schedule and play home and road games.
The UFL is different from a lot of other start-up football leagues. Unlike the famed USFL, the league isn't going to directly compete with the NFL in any markets or for players. The XFL, of WWE fame, was played in the spring and the UFL will be in the fall, and important distinction according to Hughye. Also, unlike the arena football league, the game is going to be played with NFL rules and look like an NFL game.
The dreaded word minor leagues isn't something anyone wants to call the UFL, but they are going to get p;layers who aren't on NFL rosters and it's a chance for those players in the UFL to showcase themselves for the NFL.
To date, there is no other legitimate professional football league in the United States. There are so many players, and so many under-served markets, this is what the UFL is trying to go after.
It's worth a try. The other leagues seemed to think to big and were too costly out of the gate (USFL, XFL), it looks like the UFL has guarded against that. It isn't being positioned as a competitor, and there plenty of players out there to fill out rosters. The big question is, is there enough interest?
We'll find out in the next year or so. I would imagine this will be the last attempt to start a football league for quite some time if this doesn't work out.
Makes even less sense
If you don't have time, or the want, to read the arrest warrant of John Lomax, the one thing that I can tell you is that this was as senseless a tragedy as I have read about or been involved with.
There is really no motive.
The fight?
It wasn't even over a girl, it was over someone disrespecting a girl.
UConn wide receiver Brian Parker got into it with Bloomfield's Johnny Hood, the man arrested initially over something Parker said to a woman. Now, how that turned into Jasper Howard lay bleeding on the student union sidewalk is just as senseless.
Brian Parker is the hot head and instead of walking away got into a fight. That drew his teammates into the fray including A.J. Portee. Now, Hood's friends, John Lomax III and Hakim Muhammad went to the car after an initial altercation and armed themselves with knives.
Parker, A.J. Portee were involved in the argument about something I bet no one really knows.
There was security there, but eventually, Jasper Howard was isolated with Lomax and threw a punch at him. Did Howard see the knife? I don't know, but there were other people in the arrest report that were concerned that Lomax and Muhammad were armed. Perhaps Howard knew something was wrong. But, in one motion Howard was stabbed, and just like that a life was lost. Howard didn't start the fight, and he wasn't an instigator here. You can't get that from this report. Lomax approached Howard and Howard threw a punch. Lomax then allegedly stabbed him according to the report.
The details are in the 22 page arrest affidavit posted on the Courant if you haven't read it already. I suggest you read it and come away with your own conclusions.
Certainly Parker's actions are questionable. He was the instigator with Hood, who was arrested.
Parker and Portee haven't been arrested, which to me is peculiar since Hood has been arrested. How could Hood be arrested but not Parker and Portee when they were the one's fighting?
If Howard was never stabbed we would dismiss the action and ignore it. But, I am sure everyone involved is wondering that night what I am --"Why didn't we just walk away?"
More importantly, Lomax and Muhammad don't seem like problems. They have jobs and were up partying at a UConn dance. What are they doing with knives? Still, what possibly could have been said that would make two people go get knives and stab Howard?
Still so much to answer. And disrespecting a girl? What does that mean? Was it physical or verbal?
Still a lot of questions left to answer, but if you read the report you get an idea how the night went, and what point the stabbing death happened. We use senseless death a little too much. Sometimes people are killed or harmed over money, over love, over views on certain things. There is usually a motivation for violence. That's not to justify it, but what leads people to violence is an important part of the crime.
What was the motive here? Disrespect?
Howard lost his life because someone else felt disrespected?
Now, that's senseless.
There is really no motive.
The fight?
It wasn't even over a girl, it was over someone disrespecting a girl.
UConn wide receiver Brian Parker got into it with Bloomfield's Johnny Hood, the man arrested initially over something Parker said to a woman. Now, how that turned into Jasper Howard lay bleeding on the student union sidewalk is just as senseless.
Brian Parker is the hot head and instead of walking away got into a fight. That drew his teammates into the fray including A.J. Portee. Now, Hood's friends, John Lomax III and Hakim Muhammad went to the car after an initial altercation and armed themselves with knives.
Parker, A.J. Portee were involved in the argument about something I bet no one really knows.
There was security there, but eventually, Jasper Howard was isolated with Lomax and threw a punch at him. Did Howard see the knife? I don't know, but there were other people in the arrest report that were concerned that Lomax and Muhammad were armed. Perhaps Howard knew something was wrong. But, in one motion Howard was stabbed, and just like that a life was lost. Howard didn't start the fight, and he wasn't an instigator here. You can't get that from this report. Lomax approached Howard and Howard threw a punch. Lomax then allegedly stabbed him according to the report.
The details are in the 22 page arrest affidavit posted on the Courant if you haven't read it already. I suggest you read it and come away with your own conclusions.
Certainly Parker's actions are questionable. He was the instigator with Hood, who was arrested.
Parker and Portee haven't been arrested, which to me is peculiar since Hood has been arrested. How could Hood be arrested but not Parker and Portee when they were the one's fighting?
If Howard was never stabbed we would dismiss the action and ignore it. But, I am sure everyone involved is wondering that night what I am --"Why didn't we just walk away?"
More importantly, Lomax and Muhammad don't seem like problems. They have jobs and were up partying at a UConn dance. What are they doing with knives? Still, what possibly could have been said that would make two people go get knives and stab Howard?
Still so much to answer. And disrespecting a girl? What does that mean? Was it physical or verbal?
Still a lot of questions left to answer, but if you read the report you get an idea how the night went, and what point the stabbing death happened. We use senseless death a little too much. Sometimes people are killed or harmed over money, over love, over views on certain things. There is usually a motivation for violence. That's not to justify it, but what leads people to violence is an important part of the crime.
What was the motive here? Disrespect?
Howard lost his life because someone else felt disrespected?
Now, that's senseless.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Howard celebration of life event
STORRS, Conn. (November 8, 2009) – The University of Connecticut will host a “Celebration of the Life of Jasper Howard” on Thursday, November 12 at 7:00 p.m. at the Jorgensen Auditorium on the Storrs campus.
Howard, a UConn football student-athlete, passed away on Sunday, October 18.
The celebration will provide the greater University community an opportunity to remember Howard through several speakers and musical interludes.
-- Post From My iPhone
Howard, a UConn football student-athlete, passed away on Sunday, October 18.
The celebration will provide the greater University community an opportunity to remember Howard through several speakers and musical interludes.
-- Post From My iPhone
Quick Sunday call
Call was early because Randy Edsall is out recruiting this week with a bye.
Not much on the call, I wasn't able to ask a question (noisy here), but the defense wasn't very good.
Cincinnati had 11 plays that combined went over 370 yards. That's astounding.
"Defensively, it wasn't a good effort all the way around," Edsall said. "We played good in spurts, but we have to play good for 60 minutes. If we do that we can be a lot more productive."
It isn't one thing on defense, though Edsall is adamant it's fundamentals and technique.
He doesn't really have anywhere to go. Greg Lloyd played a bit at DT from the middle. They liked that in spots.
Yesterday Edsall mentioned that the defense was too passive. They need it to be aggressive.
I don't know where the defense that was in Baylor went. Jasper Howard would have helped of course, but this team is nowhere near the aggressiveness of early in the season.
Terse words about Lindsey Witten, essentially Edsall said he has to step up.
He's out recruiting, and Edsall didn't sound happy.
Injuries: Andre Dixon hurt his leg in the game. Robert Vaughn (big toe) and Blidi Wreh Wilson, Trevardo Williams and Mo Petrus all have bum ankles.
They should be fine.
Gotta pay the bills, talk to ya'll soon.
Update 2:12 p.m.: There is going to be an official memorial honoring Jasper Howard on Thursday night at Jorgenson Auditorium in Storrs.
Not much on the call, I wasn't able to ask a question (noisy here), but the defense wasn't very good.
Cincinnati had 11 plays that combined went over 370 yards. That's astounding.
"Defensively, it wasn't a good effort all the way around," Edsall said. "We played good in spurts, but we have to play good for 60 minutes. If we do that we can be a lot more productive."
It isn't one thing on defense, though Edsall is adamant it's fundamentals and technique.
He doesn't really have anywhere to go. Greg Lloyd played a bit at DT from the middle. They liked that in spots.
Yesterday Edsall mentioned that the defense was too passive. They need it to be aggressive.
I don't know where the defense that was in Baylor went. Jasper Howard would have helped of course, but this team is nowhere near the aggressiveness of early in the season.
Terse words about Lindsey Witten, essentially Edsall said he has to step up.
He's out recruiting, and Edsall didn't sound happy.
Injuries: Andre Dixon hurt his leg in the game. Robert Vaughn (big toe) and Blidi Wreh Wilson, Trevardo Williams and Mo Petrus all have bum ankles.
They should be fine.
Gotta pay the bills, talk to ya'll soon.
Update 2:12 p.m.: There is going to be an official memorial honoring Jasper Howard on Thursday night at Jorgenson Auditorium in Storrs.
Postgame Cincinnati
Different venue, same song and dance.
The Huskies fall 47-45 in a great comeback, but still it's another loss. When you give up 713 yards of offense it's hard to say you should have won, but they could have won.
Here's Edsall on another loss.
"I am running out of things to tell them," Edsall said. "We had some sel-inflicted wounds. We got to do the little things."
That's the thing with the Huskies, not that far away. Here is the difference between 4-5 and 9-0. On 4th down up 40-38, Brian Kelley goes for it. It's fourth and 1 on the 14. A FG makes it 43-38, but that gives UConn a chance. Instead, Kelly went for it.
Pead runs wide and Robery Vaughn is there to stop him. Vaughn stumbles, Pead runs for a TD. Ball game.
Edsall talked about that play and that's what's plaguing UConn. The Huskies need to be aggressive and confident on D, and they aren't. It's too bad, because this offense has come alive.
Before I close up shot, here's Edsall on being 4-5.
"We are what we are. BUt, if that's the No. 4, 5 or No. 7 team, we are not that far off."
Tough loss, again. But, Huskies made Colaros look like Dough Flutie and Fran Tarkenton.
Chow.
The Huskies fall 47-45 in a great comeback, but still it's another loss. When you give up 713 yards of offense it's hard to say you should have won, but they could have won.
Here's Edsall on another loss.
"I am running out of things to tell them," Edsall said. "We had some sel-inflicted wounds. We got to do the little things."
That's the thing with the Huskies, not that far away. Here is the difference between 4-5 and 9-0. On 4th down up 40-38, Brian Kelley goes for it. It's fourth and 1 on the 14. A FG makes it 43-38, but that gives UConn a chance. Instead, Kelly went for it.
Pead runs wide and Robery Vaughn is there to stop him. Vaughn stumbles, Pead runs for a TD. Ball game.
Edsall talked about that play and that's what's plaguing UConn. The Huskies need to be aggressive and confident on D, and they aren't. It's too bad, because this offense has come alive.
Before I close up shot, here's Edsall on being 4-5.
"We are what we are. BUt, if that's the No. 4, 5 or No. 7 team, we are not that far off."
Tough loss, again. But, Huskies made Colaros look like Dough Flutie and Fran Tarkenton.
Chow.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Live game blog
Final seconds: Stadium is in a blackout. I can't tell you how close the field is to stands.At most, it's 15 yards away and at some spots it's less than 10 feet. It's suffocating. This place is going wild. Bonkers.
It's 54 degrees with a Southwest win of 5 MPH. PERFECT.
More prekick: Cincinnati has a million people on the field. The band needs to leave. A bit over the top with the fireworks. Let's get this game going already.
Toss: Cincinnati to receiver. Ok, just saying, got to stop the kickoff return for a TD. Hate to bring it up.
Opening kick: It's a touchback. Victory for the Huskies.
Update 8:!4 p.m.: Odd defense formation. Greg Lloyd at DT, in the nickel.
Update 8:16 p.m.: Cincinnati tearing UConn up on first drive. 44 yard gain by Ramsey. That's one big play. Cincinnati is about to score a TD.
Update 8:20 p.m.: Cincinnati TD. That was quick. Isaiah Pead from a yard out. The Huskies are down 7-0 with 12:03 left in the first quarter. Way too easy, WAY TOO easy.
Update 8:23 p.m.: I don't like the Lloyd at DT look. That side got blown off the ball on the long run.
Update 8:29 p.m.: Whoa Nellie. Jordan Todman 6 yard TD. run. That was an impressive drive by the Huskies. 11 play 79 yard drive.
Update 8:39 p.m.: Huskies temporarily stop the Bearcats after a 54 yard gain. Cincy with 41 yard field goal. 10-7 Cincinnati. Huskies have to make some plays on defense.
Update 8:45 p.m.: Streaky Frazer shows up. Huskies lucky to escape. Overthrew Ryan Griffin for a TD. Overthrew Dixon on a screen that should have been picked off. Huskies punt. Now the defense has to show up.
Update 8:48 p.m.: Huskies can't stop Cincy. They are going to have to gamble and send a pass rush. Collaros is picking UConn apart. Gilyard 7 for 108 in the first QUARTER.
First wrap
The Huskies can't stop Cincinnati. 227 yards of offense in the first quarter for the Bearcats. Whatever the scheme was it's not working. Huskies are in a danger zone here. Cincinnati showing no signs of slowing down. The defense, even on a fourth and 2, got beat for a 25 yard play. This is a talent issue. They need a pass rush, they can't let Collaros sit back there and carve them up.
Second quarter
Update 8:57 p.m.: Collaros with a 5-yard TD run. UConn doesn't belong on the same field as Cincinnati. 17-7, 14:12 left in the second quarter.
Update 9:09 p.m.: Gotta make plays. Frazer had Easley open down the middle and Easley dropped the ball. Teggart has a 41 yard field goal. But, they should have had it inside the 15. Field goals won't cut it today.
Update 9:12 p.m.: Cincy runs it out to the 40. UConn's special teams coverage is atrocious.
Update 9:17 p.m.: This is too easy. Third and 10 and they do a simple pitch and catch. It's an embarrassing performance by UConn's defense. Cincinnati is great, but no one is this good.
Update 9:23 p.m.: 27 yard FG from Cincinnati. That's a semi win for the Huskies, but Cincinnati is doing whatever it wants on the field. 4 drives, 2 TDs, 2 FGS. 20-10 Cincinnati.
Update 9:24 p.m.: Huskies get ball here with 4:49 left. Long drive and a score and go into the half and try and figure this out.
Update 9:27 p.m.: Huskies go 3 and out. THat can't happen and is a poor job by UCOnn. Here is the ball game folks, Huskies punt with 3:52 left. UConn needs a stop. Can they hold Cincinnati here? Cincy start on its own 17 with 3:42 left.
Update 9:31 p.m.: Had a third and 5, gave up a 20 yard play. AND, then the ball game. Collaros 43 yard TD pass. 403 yards of offense in the first half. This is worse than the 66-21 game at West Virginia three years ago. The defense doesn't belong on the field.
Halftime wrap
And Cincy is lucky too? A tipped hail mary goes for a big gainer to the UConn 8. This is the worst performance by a UConn defense than is imaginable. 30-10 at the half. 457 yards of offense. I don't know quite what to say. How are they able to do it? UConn looks like a high school team out here.
Here are the stats: Zach Collaros was 19-of-24 for 333 yards in the first half. Mardy Gilyard was 9 receptions for 127 yards. Yeah. The defense didn't show much resistance tonight.
We could all see this coming. This isn't the same defense that beat up on Baylor. The Huskies are a defeated bunch, and are getting out-classed. 20 points is by no means impossible. But, they have shown no ability to even provide passive resistance.
The most yards gained in FBS history is Houston with 1,021 over SMU on Oct. 21 1989. This is remote, but it's in jeopardy.
Update 10 p.m.: UConn needs to get more aggressive on defense. WAY TOO soft on the wide receivers. They will get beat deep. But, the status quo isn't working.
Update 10:04 p.m.: More poor play. Kashif Moore dropped a 20 yard pass. Then on third down, Frazer over threw on an easy pass in the flat Todman. These are not difficult plays. The Huskies have to be perfect on offense, its there, but eventually you have to help yourself. No reason they can't move the ball on this Cincinnati defense.
Update 10:14 p.m.: UCOnn 46 yard TD run by Todman. They have some life here. It's not impossible. If you can believe it, Cincinnati was so good in the first half, the crowd is flat. UConn defense needs something here. They can score on Cincinnati. Can they stop them?
Everything has to go right here. To make this thing a game, this was the first step. A quick score in the third quarter.
Update 10:19 p.m.: Why even play Mardy Gilyard? Way too soft. Playing scared on defense. This is not a good gameplan.
Update 10:@1 p.m.: Zach Collaros TD run. This defense is uncompetitive. Playing way too soft, and Jerome Junior blew a pair of tackles on the play.I don't know what they are trying to do out. 37-17. 545 yards and counting. Ugh. Blog may get shut down from here on in.
Update 10:23 p.m: This is essentially what happens in the fourth quarter, for the entire game. The Huskies are young on defense, and right now they aren't in the same class.
Update 10:26: That's going to be it for the blog this evening. Huskies just aren't there yet. The defense never gave the offense a chance, and the offense can score points, but just isn't consistent enough.
Update 10:33 p.m.: I gotta give UConn credit here. Reggie McClain ran back a TD on a punt. THis is a 13 point game with 2:08 left in the third quarter. UConn has shown no signs of being able to stop Cinncinnati but are still at 37-24.
Update 10:39 p.m.: Zach Collaros has put on a show. If he is the bakcup QB, I don't want to see the starter. You can't take him out of the lineup EVER. Don't know about his pro potential, but he is a lethal passer accuracy wise and a terrific runner. I don't think I have ever seen a player do this. The kid has looked like the best player in the nation tonight.
Update 10:#7 p.m.: This may be the best QB play I have ever seen. Collaros hitting receivers everywhere. Incredible player.
It's still somewhat a game.
Update 10:43 p.m.: Robert 43 yard kick. That should do it. 40-24. That's two scores and 2 2-point conversions, but what's the chances of that? Collaros is the real deal.
Update 10:48 p.m.: Kashif Moore breaks free for a big play. They called it a TD, but he is down at the 1-yard line. Todman with third TD. About to go for 2. Todman, HB option pass to Marcus Easley for a 2-point conversion.
YOU GOT TO BE KIDDING ME? This is 40-32 with 13:21 left. UConn has no business to be in this game, it's borderline an embarrassing play on defense. But, there is something about this team. This is a character test and they are living up to it despite the score. Can the defense get one stop?
Update 10:56 p.m.: UCOnn has Cincinnati at third and 8 at the Cincy 32. Here is a big play. Here we go. They stop them. Huskies...HAVE A CHANCE TO TIE THE GAME.
Update 11:12 p.m.: Jordan Todman 2 yard TD run. 5:03 left. The Huskies are going to go for 2. Here it is.
Update 11:13 pm: Frazer sacked. 40-38. 5:03 left. Defenses turn.
Update 11:19 p.m.: Not there. BLid Wreh Wilson just got burned on a third and 8 slant. Huskies just can't get off field. 2:51 left. Cincy on own 24. Playing too soft. What you gonna do? UConn one first down away from losing game. Valiant effort, but they need a stop.
Update 11:@3 p.m.: Collaros runs just short of a first down. It's being reviewed, could go either way. I don't think he got it. fourth down.
Update 11:25 p.m.: Fourth down play, run outside by Pead, 14 yard TD run. Robert Vaughn had a chance to make a play, the story of a season, and he fell down. That's all folks. 47-38. Great effort by the Huskies.
Update 11:33 p.m.: Frazer TD pass to Easley. This one is still not done left.13 seconds to go. Onside kick coming. Incredible.
Update 11:#6 p.m.: Onside kick recovered by Cincinnati. 47-45 final. Huskies fall to 4-5. Five losses by a combined total of 15 points. Go figure. Incredible comeback, but it's still just short.
It's 54 degrees with a Southwest win of 5 MPH. PERFECT.
More prekick: Cincinnati has a million people on the field. The band needs to leave. A bit over the top with the fireworks. Let's get this game going already.
Toss: Cincinnati to receiver. Ok, just saying, got to stop the kickoff return for a TD. Hate to bring it up.
Opening kick: It's a touchback. Victory for the Huskies.
Update 8:!4 p.m.: Odd defense formation. Greg Lloyd at DT, in the nickel.
Update 8:16 p.m.: Cincinnati tearing UConn up on first drive. 44 yard gain by Ramsey. That's one big play. Cincinnati is about to score a TD.
Update 8:20 p.m.: Cincinnati TD. That was quick. Isaiah Pead from a yard out. The Huskies are down 7-0 with 12:03 left in the first quarter. Way too easy, WAY TOO easy.
Update 8:23 p.m.: I don't like the Lloyd at DT look. That side got blown off the ball on the long run.
Update 8:29 p.m.: Whoa Nellie. Jordan Todman 6 yard TD. run. That was an impressive drive by the Huskies. 11 play 79 yard drive.
Update 8:39 p.m.: Huskies temporarily stop the Bearcats after a 54 yard gain. Cincy with 41 yard field goal. 10-7 Cincinnati. Huskies have to make some plays on defense.
Update 8:45 p.m.: Streaky Frazer shows up. Huskies lucky to escape. Overthrew Ryan Griffin for a TD. Overthrew Dixon on a screen that should have been picked off. Huskies punt. Now the defense has to show up.
Update 8:48 p.m.: Huskies can't stop Cincy. They are going to have to gamble and send a pass rush. Collaros is picking UConn apart. Gilyard 7 for 108 in the first QUARTER.
First wrap
The Huskies can't stop Cincinnati. 227 yards of offense in the first quarter for the Bearcats. Whatever the scheme was it's not working. Huskies are in a danger zone here. Cincinnati showing no signs of slowing down. The defense, even on a fourth and 2, got beat for a 25 yard play. This is a talent issue. They need a pass rush, they can't let Collaros sit back there and carve them up.
Second quarter
Update 8:57 p.m.: Collaros with a 5-yard TD run. UConn doesn't belong on the same field as Cincinnati. 17-7, 14:12 left in the second quarter.
Update 9:09 p.m.: Gotta make plays. Frazer had Easley open down the middle and Easley dropped the ball. Teggart has a 41 yard field goal. But, they should have had it inside the 15. Field goals won't cut it today.
Update 9:12 p.m.: Cincy runs it out to the 40. UConn's special teams coverage is atrocious.
Update 9:17 p.m.: This is too easy. Third and 10 and they do a simple pitch and catch. It's an embarrassing performance by UConn's defense. Cincinnati is great, but no one is this good.
Update 9:23 p.m.: 27 yard FG from Cincinnati. That's a semi win for the Huskies, but Cincinnati is doing whatever it wants on the field. 4 drives, 2 TDs, 2 FGS. 20-10 Cincinnati.
Update 9:24 p.m.: Huskies get ball here with 4:49 left. Long drive and a score and go into the half and try and figure this out.
Update 9:27 p.m.: Huskies go 3 and out. THat can't happen and is a poor job by UCOnn. Here is the ball game folks, Huskies punt with 3:52 left. UConn needs a stop. Can they hold Cincinnati here? Cincy start on its own 17 with 3:42 left.
Update 9:31 p.m.: Had a third and 5, gave up a 20 yard play. AND, then the ball game. Collaros 43 yard TD pass. 403 yards of offense in the first half. This is worse than the 66-21 game at West Virginia three years ago. The defense doesn't belong on the field.
Halftime wrap
And Cincy is lucky too? A tipped hail mary goes for a big gainer to the UConn 8. This is the worst performance by a UConn defense than is imaginable. 30-10 at the half. 457 yards of offense. I don't know quite what to say. How are they able to do it? UConn looks like a high school team out here.
Here are the stats: Zach Collaros was 19-of-24 for 333 yards in the first half. Mardy Gilyard was 9 receptions for 127 yards. Yeah. The defense didn't show much resistance tonight.
We could all see this coming. This isn't the same defense that beat up on Baylor. The Huskies are a defeated bunch, and are getting out-classed. 20 points is by no means impossible. But, they have shown no ability to even provide passive resistance.
The most yards gained in FBS history is Houston with 1,021 over SMU on Oct. 21 1989. This is remote, but it's in jeopardy.
Update 10 p.m.: UConn needs to get more aggressive on defense. WAY TOO soft on the wide receivers. They will get beat deep. But, the status quo isn't working.
Update 10:04 p.m.: More poor play. Kashif Moore dropped a 20 yard pass. Then on third down, Frazer over threw on an easy pass in the flat Todman. These are not difficult plays. The Huskies have to be perfect on offense, its there, but eventually you have to help yourself. No reason they can't move the ball on this Cincinnati defense.
Update 10:14 p.m.: UCOnn 46 yard TD run by Todman. They have some life here. It's not impossible. If you can believe it, Cincinnati was so good in the first half, the crowd is flat. UConn defense needs something here. They can score on Cincinnati. Can they stop them?
Everything has to go right here. To make this thing a game, this was the first step. A quick score in the third quarter.
Update 10:19 p.m.: Why even play Mardy Gilyard? Way too soft. Playing scared on defense. This is not a good gameplan.
Update 10:@1 p.m.: Zach Collaros TD run. This defense is uncompetitive. Playing way too soft, and Jerome Junior blew a pair of tackles on the play.I don't know what they are trying to do out. 37-17. 545 yards and counting. Ugh. Blog may get shut down from here on in.
Update 10:23 p.m: This is essentially what happens in the fourth quarter, for the entire game. The Huskies are young on defense, and right now they aren't in the same class.
Update 10:26: That's going to be it for the blog this evening. Huskies just aren't there yet. The defense never gave the offense a chance, and the offense can score points, but just isn't consistent enough.
Update 10:33 p.m.: I gotta give UConn credit here. Reggie McClain ran back a TD on a punt. THis is a 13 point game with 2:08 left in the third quarter. UConn has shown no signs of being able to stop Cinncinnati but are still at 37-24.
Update 10:39 p.m.: Zach Collaros has put on a show. If he is the bakcup QB, I don't want to see the starter. You can't take him out of the lineup EVER. Don't know about his pro potential, but he is a lethal passer accuracy wise and a terrific runner. I don't think I have ever seen a player do this. The kid has looked like the best player in the nation tonight.
Update 10:#7 p.m.: This may be the best QB play I have ever seen. Collaros hitting receivers everywhere. Incredible player.
It's still somewhat a game.
Update 10:43 p.m.: Robert 43 yard kick. That should do it. 40-24. That's two scores and 2 2-point conversions, but what's the chances of that? Collaros is the real deal.
Update 10:48 p.m.: Kashif Moore breaks free for a big play. They called it a TD, but he is down at the 1-yard line. Todman with third TD. About to go for 2. Todman, HB option pass to Marcus Easley for a 2-point conversion.
YOU GOT TO BE KIDDING ME? This is 40-32 with 13:21 left. UConn has no business to be in this game, it's borderline an embarrassing play on defense. But, there is something about this team. This is a character test and they are living up to it despite the score. Can the defense get one stop?
Update 10:56 p.m.: UCOnn has Cincinnati at third and 8 at the Cincy 32. Here is a big play. Here we go. They stop them. Huskies...HAVE A CHANCE TO TIE THE GAME.
Update 11:12 p.m.: Jordan Todman 2 yard TD run. 5:03 left. The Huskies are going to go for 2. Here it is.
Update 11:13 pm: Frazer sacked. 40-38. 5:03 left. Defenses turn.
Update 11:19 p.m.: Not there. BLid Wreh Wilson just got burned on a third and 8 slant. Huskies just can't get off field. 2:51 left. Cincy on own 24. Playing too soft. What you gonna do? UConn one first down away from losing game. Valiant effort, but they need a stop.
Update 11:@3 p.m.: Collaros runs just short of a first down. It's being reviewed, could go either way. I don't think he got it. fourth down.
Update 11:25 p.m.: Fourth down play, run outside by Pead, 14 yard TD run. Robert Vaughn had a chance to make a play, the story of a season, and he fell down. That's all folks. 47-38. Great effort by the Huskies.
Update 11:33 p.m.: Frazer TD pass to Easley. This one is still not done left.13 seconds to go. Onside kick coming. Incredible.
Update 11:#6 p.m.: Onside kick recovered by Cincinnati. 47-45 final. Huskies fall to 4-5. Five losses by a combined total of 15 points. Go figure. Incredible comeback, but it's still just short.
Pregame Cincinnati
Nippert Stadium is old, and it needs to be renovated. That's not news. But if you've never been down here it is a charming stadium built right into campus. It's nestled between buildings with a city hall like building in the background.
Classic horseshoe shaped Stadium. It's on campus and the crowd is right on top of you. The amenities aren't great, but it looks like a tremendous place to watch a game.
Of note, the field cam is here. Do you need any other clue that this is a national game than that?
The Huskies are big underdogs tonight and it's with good reason. But, UConn should have won games at Pittsburgh and a West Virginia. They are either due for a crisp clean game or a clunker.
Here are some questions I have.
1. Can Zach Frazer not turn over the ball? Frazer has to throw it, but he can't give away interceptions so easily. It comes down to decision-making, and that's the No. 1 goal of Frazer tonight.
2. What are the chances of a kick being run back? UConn is bad on special teams, and Mardy Gilyard as a returner is pretty good. No more excuses about special teams this week. A ST TD will wreck this game.
3. Can Jerome Junior prevent big plays at strong safety? The strong safety position has been terrible this season. Most of the time the players back there have made plays, but every game there has been disastrous big runs. Junior has to be sound fundamentally.
That's about it for now. I like the vibe of the Huskies this week. Will it matter? I don't know, but they can't keep on losing games like they have. I have a high opinion of Cincy and they are probably too powerful. But, stranger things have happened.
Update 7:29 p.m.: The student section giving the Huskies a pretty good ribbing. There is a black out tonight, it's going to make for a pretty atmosphere. The building is electric.
Here is the student section.
Classic horseshoe shaped Stadium. It's on campus and the crowd is right on top of you. The amenities aren't great, but it looks like a tremendous place to watch a game.
Of note, the field cam is here. Do you need any other clue that this is a national game than that?
The Huskies are big underdogs tonight and it's with good reason. But, UConn should have won games at Pittsburgh and a West Virginia. They are either due for a crisp clean game or a clunker.
Here are some questions I have.
1. Can Zach Frazer not turn over the ball? Frazer has to throw it, but he can't give away interceptions so easily. It comes down to decision-making, and that's the No. 1 goal of Frazer tonight.
2. What are the chances of a kick being run back? UConn is bad on special teams, and Mardy Gilyard as a returner is pretty good. No more excuses about special teams this week. A ST TD will wreck this game.
3. Can Jerome Junior prevent big plays at strong safety? The strong safety position has been terrible this season. Most of the time the players back there have made plays, but every game there has been disastrous big runs. Junior has to be sound fundamentally.
That's about it for now. I like the vibe of the Huskies this week. Will it matter? I don't know, but they can't keep on losing games like they have. I have a high opinion of Cincy and they are probably too powerful. But, stranger things have happened.
Update 7:29 p.m.: The student section giving the Huskies a pretty good ribbing. There is a black out tonight, it's going to make for a pretty atmosphere. The building is electric.
Here is the student section.
Breaking news -- UConn to play football game
Yes, it's true. The University of Connecticut is actually going to play a game here in Cincinnati tonight at 8 p.m.
Going from what am hearing on TV and in all the promos, you would think that this is actually practice for the Bearcats. There hasn't been a mention of UConn since I have been down here. They no Cincy is playing, but nothing about the Huskies.
This is going to be a whine game for the college football snobbery.
Here is what the narrative will be.
If Cincinnati blows out UConn, then the Big East's overall strength will be questioned.
If Cincinnati wins a close game, then the Bearcats ability will be questioned.
If UConn wins a close game of course it will prove the Big East and Cincinnati aren't that good.
IF UConn wins big, the Big East and Cincy will be exposed as frauds.
So, for anyone who wants to dismiss the Big East, this game has every built-in excuse. That's all it is, because Cincinnati's offense is good as any team's in the country's.
Everyone's darling Boise St had a rough game last night, but that shows character. If Cincy has a rough game, it will show flaws.
No matter what happens tonight, I expect the Bearcats to fall in the rankings.
OK, enough snark here. The day is absolutely beautiful.
I am getting a good vibe about the game from UConn's standpoint. I don't know if the Huskies can win, but I think they will play well. Zach Frazer just has to eliminate turnovers and UConn should be fine. Now would be a good game for the power running game to return. That's you Andre Dixon.
As far as on defense. Cincinnati will score, but make them work for it. Huskies need to get some pressure.
More a little later. It's a long day and I think I may head to the Zoo (if its open)or even the Aquarium.
Enjoy the day.
Going from what am hearing on TV and in all the promos, you would think that this is actually practice for the Bearcats. There hasn't been a mention of UConn since I have been down here. They no Cincy is playing, but nothing about the Huskies.
This is going to be a whine game for the college football snobbery.
Here is what the narrative will be.
If Cincinnati blows out UConn, then the Big East's overall strength will be questioned.
If Cincinnati wins a close game, then the Bearcats ability will be questioned.
If UConn wins a close game of course it will prove the Big East and Cincinnati aren't that good.
IF UConn wins big, the Big East and Cincy will be exposed as frauds.
So, for anyone who wants to dismiss the Big East, this game has every built-in excuse. That's all it is, because Cincinnati's offense is good as any team's in the country's.
Everyone's darling Boise St had a rough game last night, but that shows character. If Cincy has a rough game, it will show flaws.
No matter what happens tonight, I expect the Bearcats to fall in the rankings.
OK, enough snark here. The day is absolutely beautiful.
I am getting a good vibe about the game from UConn's standpoint. I don't know if the Huskies can win, but I think they will play well. Zach Frazer just has to eliminate turnovers and UConn should be fine. Now would be a good game for the power running game to return. That's you Andre Dixon.
As far as on defense. Cincinnati will score, but make them work for it. Huskies need to get some pressure.
More a little later. It's a long day and I think I may head to the Zoo (if its open)or even the Aquarium.
Enjoy the day.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Tuesday Presser -- checking in late
A little late to the party here, but I had some work related things to take care of.
This was an interesting day up at the Burton Complex. I was expecting a tight team, perhaps a little shell-shocked or even a little unsettled going to play No. 4 Cincinnati at ABC. Usually before big games where the Huskies are big underdogs there is a tension in the room.
This week was different. The vibe was relaxed, calm and confident.
Randy Edsall walked in to the defensive team's meeting room and just started answering questions. He was calm and confident. It was worry free. Usually during big games Edsall gets a little uptight and intense. There wasn't that there. I think he is comfortable with this team, and has a good idea what they can do.
After eight games we know what kind of team the Huskies will show up with. Edsall is projecting confidence this week and telling his team they can beat anyone, well because, they should have beaten everyone they played.
“We are good enough to beat any team on schedule," Edsall said. "The first 8 games proved that out. We didn’t, but we are good enough to beat anyone else on our schedule."
Edsall has told his team the same on Sunday.
Here's Reggie McClain on the Huskies 4-4 record and looking forward.
"We have been through a lot this year, and you have to be able to bounce back. If you can't keep going off negatives and past games, you keep moving forward.”
“You can’t look back. We have to keep moving forward and make a big step and a big improvement."
"We know this season is not over, there is still a possibility to get in a good bowl game and prepare correctly."
I can't predict how the Huskies are going to play but I came away Tuesday afternoon having a good vibe.
In other notes:
* Johnny McEntee is No. 2 on the chart at QB. No sense burning Mike Box's redshirt.
I also talked to Zach Frazer a bit. He is anxious to get out there and finally get a chance to play. There is no backup for the Frazer, so the rest of this season is his to play. He has never had a chance like this. He remarked how crazy his career has been.
As far as his play, he said he feels back in the swing of things. On some of the interceptions, he called them "stupid decisions." Frazer knows these last four games are likely his last chance. Cody Endres was terrific and Frazer wants to start, and needs to perform well to make this a competition this spring. More importantly, the Huskies still have a shot at a bowl game. One thing Frazer can do is throw the ball. Decision-making will decide the Huskies' fate. Frazer can't turn it over against Cincinnati.
The Bearcats have four interceptions all year and no fumbles. How crazy is that? They committed six turnovers last year in a 40-16 loss to the Huskies.
* Lots of talk about the ABC game. In the next two games UConn will be on ABC and NBC. Can't get much more exposure than that.
This was an interesting day up at the Burton Complex. I was expecting a tight team, perhaps a little shell-shocked or even a little unsettled going to play No. 4 Cincinnati at ABC. Usually before big games where the Huskies are big underdogs there is a tension in the room.
This week was different. The vibe was relaxed, calm and confident.
Randy Edsall walked in to the defensive team's meeting room and just started answering questions. He was calm and confident. It was worry free. Usually during big games Edsall gets a little uptight and intense. There wasn't that there. I think he is comfortable with this team, and has a good idea what they can do.
After eight games we know what kind of team the Huskies will show up with. Edsall is projecting confidence this week and telling his team they can beat anyone, well because, they should have beaten everyone they played.
“We are good enough to beat any team on schedule," Edsall said. "The first 8 games proved that out. We didn’t, but we are good enough to beat anyone else on our schedule."
Edsall has told his team the same on Sunday.
Here's Reggie McClain on the Huskies 4-4 record and looking forward.
"We have been through a lot this year, and you have to be able to bounce back. If you can't keep going off negatives and past games, you keep moving forward.”
“You can’t look back. We have to keep moving forward and make a big step and a big improvement."
"We know this season is not over, there is still a possibility to get in a good bowl game and prepare correctly."
I can't predict how the Huskies are going to play but I came away Tuesday afternoon having a good vibe.
In other notes:
* Johnny McEntee is No. 2 on the chart at QB. No sense burning Mike Box's redshirt.
I also talked to Zach Frazer a bit. He is anxious to get out there and finally get a chance to play. There is no backup for the Frazer, so the rest of this season is his to play. He has never had a chance like this. He remarked how crazy his career has been.
As far as his play, he said he feels back in the swing of things. On some of the interceptions, he called them "stupid decisions." Frazer knows these last four games are likely his last chance. Cody Endres was terrific and Frazer wants to start, and needs to perform well to make this a competition this spring. More importantly, the Huskies still have a shot at a bowl game. One thing Frazer can do is throw the ball. Decision-making will decide the Huskies' fate. Frazer can't turn it over against Cincinnati.
The Bearcats have four interceptions all year and no fumbles. How crazy is that? They committed six turnovers last year in a 40-16 loss to the Huskies.
* Lots of talk about the ABC game. In the next two games UConn will be on ABC and NBC. Can't get much more exposure than that.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Sunday wrap
Game Saturday is on ABC at 8 p.m. It's been almost 8 years since an intersquad Big East game was on prime time ABC.
There are 3 games slated to be on ABC, but early indications are that UConn-Cincinnati will have a large map. There will be no reverse mirror of this game on ESPN or ESPN2.
On to the Sunday teleconference:
Endres has surgery for a separated shoulder and is out for the year. Robbie Frey hasn't had surgery, but we are unlikely to see him for the rest of the year either.
Edsall on Zach Frazer's performance:
There are 3 games slated to be on ABC, but early indications are that UConn-Cincinnati will have a large map. There will be no reverse mirror of this game on ESPN or ESPN2.
On to the Sunday teleconference:
Endres has surgery for a separated shoulder and is out for the year. Robbie Frey hasn't had surgery, but we are unlikely to see him for the rest of the year either.
Edsall on Zach Frazer's performance:
"Inconsistent at the start, and made some reads that he shouldn't have made. He did a good job of taking the team down and finished the game strong. He is going to have to be the guy and do the things that he is capable of doing. He started off slow and finished the game up strong,
"He just has to stay within himself and takes what defense gives him, when he does that he is pretty good. He gets in trouble when he gets outside of himself."
The defense gave up 141 yards on 56 plays. 5 plays by Rutgers went for 181 yards. The Huskies defended the same play perfectly 14 plays earlier and forced Savage to run. It's a consistency thing.
Edsall is going to make changes in the two-deep, and I think we will see Jerome Junior at strong safety full-time. Edsall said Junior had his best game Saturday. He was off the field in favor of Aaron Bagsby, who took a poor angle on the play and allowed a 25 yard gain to go for 81 yards.
As far as other news:
*It isn't definite and the staff still has to decide. But, don't expect Mike Box to play under any circumstances. It's late in the season, and they can't blow a redshirt to sub for Frazer if he goes down. That will be decided Tuesday, but don't expect to see Box until at least next year. This is going to be Frazer's snaps until he gets hurt or the game is out of hand.
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