Today in the JI

Almost forget. Here's today's JI.

Huskies prepare to face to music

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — University of Connecticut assistant head coach Hank Hughes won’t be appearing on “Dancing with the Stars” any time soon.

But the long-time defensive coach was thinking of dancing when he started to analyze how potent and explosive the Oklahoma offense is. The challenge of playing the Sooners and their no-huddle attack reminded him of a dancing course he took as an undergrad at Springfield College.

“I was a phys ed (physical education) major in college, and we had to take different physical education classes and square dance was one of them,” Hughes said. “The guy was a Hall of Fame wrestling coach and taught the class. He would talk us through the moves and then turn the record on.”

That’s when things became difficult.

“When (the music) starts happening quick, how quickly can you respond?” Hughes said.

Familiar name calling plays for Sooners

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Oklahoma Sooners co-offensive coordinator Josh Heupel doesn’t feel like a football player anymore.

The former quarterback is one of the most storied players in Sooners history, having passed for 7,456 yards and 53 touchdowns in his career.

Heupel was a Walter Camp Award winner, the Associated Press National Player of the Year and a Heisman Trophy runner-up in 2000. He capped off that historic season by leading the Sooners to the national championship before he embarked on a brief NFL career.

Heupel is back in the spotlight in Norman these days. He took a major step in his coaching career when head coach Bob Stoops promoted him to co-offensive coordinator in early December.

Fiesta Bowl Tuesday Part II

Joe Moorhead talked a lot about the UConn offense and what it likes to do and what it is. The paltry passing numbers this season are indicative of the loss of Marucs Easley. No other explanation. The Huskies catch the ball, but there is not that big play threat. UConn is running the same percentage of runs and passes, the aerial attack just isn't as explosive.

"We don’t have the balance this year like last year," Moorhead said. "Last year we were second in the conference in passing and we still maintained our rushing effectiveness. This year our passing numbers have slipped a little bit, but, when you have an All-American running back and three all-conference offensive linemen those are what your are going to lean on to win games.
“We are still 55 percent run and 45 percent pass. We aren’t running it anymore than we have last year. But, losing Marucs Ealsey and the big play capability that he brought about that’s where the yardage has gone. Mike Smith, Kashif More and Ryan Griffin have totaled highest receptions in their career.
"The fabric of each game and each season is woven differently. We have relied on the run more this year.”

As I said earlier, the Huskies have a puncher's chance in this game because of a big and physical offensive line.

Full post at: http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=2258

UConn's Puncher's chance

UConn is a big underdog and no one expects the Huskies to defeat Oklahoma.
Coming out of the press conference on Monday I thought there was no chance for the Huskies at winning. The OU offense is that explosive.

Now, I just left today’s press conference which was UConn offense and OU defense.
Now, I am waffling. The Huskies are the big underdog, but they have a puncher’s chance.

UConn’s one shot at this game is going to be doing it like they have all season — running down OU’s throat.
The Big 12 is a spread league, and the only team that is a run downhill team like UConn is Nebraska. The Huskies’ offensive line is big a nd physical and we are going to know early on if this is going to be a long day for the Huskies, or a good day.

Full post at: http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/2010/12/28/uconns-punchers-chance/

Fastbreak football

Oklahoma runs a no huddle offense and the difference between Oklahoma and everyone else is staggering. The Sooners have run 1,131 plays this season. The second most plays this season for a team is Troy with 997, also in 13 games. That’s 134 more plays from scrimmage than any other team this season and with an average of 70 and 8 plays per game, the Sooners have had two more games worth of offensive plays more than most of their opponents.

The numbers that no huddle attack puts up is staggering. Landry Jones has 4,289 yards passing and 35 touchdowns. Ryan Broyles has 118 catches and 1,451 yards and 13 touchdowns while running back Demarco Murray has 1,121 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns.

Here is wide receiver Broyles on that high-octane offense.

“It’s one of the greatest in the country,” Broyles said. “We don’t huddle and we use our time well. We can get mismatches on substitutions. I am glad we are in this offense.

“We don’t drop back on defense (like basketball), but we run and gun and keep the pressure on the defense.”

“You can’t prepare for it. A team ran extra sprints to play us – that’s weird– and guys on the field are like – What are you doing? You are going too fast?”

Full post at: http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/2010/12/27/fastbreak-football/

Lang out, Generett in

Tough blow with the defense as safety Mike Lang is out for the Fiesta Bowl as an academic casualty. Harris Agbor has started at free safety for most of the season, but Lang has had a ton of action and was seventh on the team in tackles with 41.

Agbor has 34 tackles and four sacks.

Here's Coach Hank Hughes on the adjustment.

"Harris has been the guy that has been the regular there and Mike subbed in," defensive coordinator Hank Hughes said. "We are confident with what Harris can do. It hurts us in terms of depth at the position. Harris has been the regular there for most of the year," UConn defensive coordinator Hank Hughes said.

Some other injury news. Scott Lutrus is feeling better and he did confirm he had surgery on the left hand before the South Florida game. Lutrus said it still hurts, but he it is much better than South Florida, where he played.

Got some great stuff this morning from Hank Hughes, Lawrence Wilson, Lutrus and Kendall Reyes.
Saturday's game will be all tempo. OU has run about 200 more plays this year than anyone else in the county.
Will be back in a little bit. 

For all you snowed in people, I am at a resort that is in Paradise Valley.

Gotta pay the bills. Be back later.


Full post at: http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=2245

Bowl media day

Full post at: http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/2010/12/20/bowl-media-day/

Long day here taking care of football stuff, wanted to hit the blog while at the HCC (doing some freelance work for men’s hoops).

It was a pretty exhaustive media day and the one thing I did come away with is that the Huskies are sick of how they are being perceived. It’s easy for the players to say they are ignoring what others are saying about them, but, when you know someone is talking about you it’s impossible to ignore. Here’s Jordan Todman, who went off on a riff about those saying the Huskies aren’t worthy.

“It makes you smile,” Todman said of the worthiness talk. “Who are (the pundits) to say that type of thing? We are where we are because we worked hard. We won, beat the teams, and won fair and square. This is our reward. For someone to say we don’t deserve it is a smack in the face. We will take that in, and let them say what they want to say. At the end of the day we will see.”

Edsall also boasted a bit about the Huskies’ progress. I always thought people calling the Huskies and “up-and-coming” team was a bit of a slight. You either belong, or you don’t, and Edsall kind of put the hammer down on that. I think the time people marveled that UConn has a football team has long since past.

On that bowl money

So, how much does making a bowl game give to UConn?

 Here are the basics of the revenue distribution.

The Big East gives more revenue to the BCS rep (unlike the Big 10), so that means of the 6 bowl eligible teams that are headed to bowls the Huskies will get the most.

The Huskies are going to get $2 million from the Big East for making the BCS bowl. That is the highest of the entire conference. The range of the six payouts will be a low of $1.1 million (St. Petersburgh Bowl)  to the Huskies’ $2 million. That’s the range.

The Huskies will also get a travel fee from the Big East based on distance to travel. That range is $100,000-$300,000 as a maximum. The Huskies are going to be do close to the maximum because of the distance.

There are other additional revenue sources, but a good working number for straight bowl revenue from the Big East is $2.5 million. That’s the revenue for the bowl game.

Full post at: http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/2010/12/18/on-that-bowl-money/

McKee arrested on Child Porn Charges

Full post http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=2213

Freshman offensive tackle Greg McKee was arrested after turning himself at Tolland Troop C barracks on Wednesday morning on child porn charges.

McKee was suspended from the team on Tuesday indefinitely.

Here's the release from the state police. This was an ongoing investigation from September. I am unsure how much the football team and the athletic department knew of the investigation, but on Tuesday afternoon, McKee was suspended indefinitely from the team.
 

http://www.ct.gov/dps/cwp/view.asp?A=11&Q=469594

STATE POLICE COMPUTER CRIMES UNIT
MAKES POSSESION OF CHILD PORN ARREST

Arrested: Gregory McKee   DOB:  05/10/1992
402A Rosebrooks Hall Dormitory
University of Connecticut
Storrs Mansfield, CT

CHARGES: C.G.S. – 53a-196b  Promoting a minor in an obscene performance
C.G.S. – 53a-196c  Importing child pornography
C.G.S. – 53a-194   Obscenity

Upon receipt of information in September 2010, the Connecticut State Police Computer Crimes Unit initiated a criminal investigation into possible possession and distribution of child pornography from the Campus of the University of Connecticut.

On Tuesday, November 16, 2010, the Connecticut State Police Computer Crimes Unit and the Mansfield Resident Trooper, assisted by UConn Police, executed a search and seizure warrant at the dormitory room of accused Gregory McKee, located at 402A Rosebrooks Hall on the University of Connecticut campus.

During the execution of the search warrant, items of evidence were seized by Troopers.  This evidence was transported to the Connecticut State Police Computer Crimes and Electronic Evidence Laboratory for further investigative examination.

The analysis of the evidence seized and investigative information uncovered by investigators led Troopers to submit an arrest warrant application to Superior Court for the arrest of the accused in this case.

An arrest warrant was issued by the court G.A. 19 Rockville, for the arrest of  Gregory Joseph McKee.

Accused McKee turned himself in to State Police Barracks, Troop C, in Tolland, on 12/08/2010.  The accused was processed and held on $75,000 court set bond.

The accused will appear at G.A. 19 today, Dec. 8.

The investigation is continuing and additional arrests may be forthcoming.

-end-
Lt. J. Paul Vance

Waiting for the BCS bid

Back after a long day.

I haven't heard any leaks anywhere on where the Huskies are going. This is getting talked about to the last minute because sending UConn to the Fiesta and Stanford to the Orange is just a long way for both team that don't travel.

The problem is UConn is extremely unattractive at 8-4. When you have Stanford as No. 5 in the country, that's tough to turn down. The key is the unknown UConn travel. We'll find out soon enough.
Another thought, on a 4 loss team being in the BCS -- UNPRECEDENTED! -- not exactly.


Full post at: http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/wp-admin/post.php?post=2202&action=edit&message=1

BCS BOUND

Tampa has been good to the Huskies. In 1999, this was the site that the UConn men won its firt national title over Duke. This is also the place that Randy Edsall has done the near impossible and got UConn to a BCS bowl game.

Sure, the Huskies are 8-4 and 5-2 in conference, but they earned this baby fair and square.

Full post at http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=2198 

Bowl contingencies -- Big East in the Sun Bowl?

I don't want to be the one to bring this up, but if the Huskies do lose on Saturday night it could be a long fall in the bowl pecking order for the Huskies.

If UConn loses, then WVU gets into the BCS game and that would have a domino effect on the lineup.
The Champs, not enamored with an 8-4 USF, would then pocket Notre Dame for this season in a move no one would complain about this year.

Then, it's up to the Car Care Bowl. The Bulls would have an excellent profile and haven't been to Charlotte since 2005. They would be a good choice over the Huskies, which they just defeated.
Pinstripe Bowl? This bowl has Syracuse written all over it.

 Full post at http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=2175

Tuesday presser-- Championship week

Full blog post at http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=2171  

There is no sense in ignoring the obvious.

If UConn wins on Saturday against South Florida it will be heading to a BCS game.
The stakes couldn't be higher for the Huskies and there is no use hiding it. That doesn't mean you do anything different however.

"We are all aware how big this game is. But, we are treating it like a regular game and preparing for it (as a regular game)," linebacker Lawrence Wilson said. "Everyone is excited. This game Saturday is a real big game. Probably the biggest game in UConn history."

The Huskies game against South Florida is going to generate national waves. In the absurd world of college football, the underdog and the good story is the villain.

Then there were 9

 The TCU Horned Frogs are part of the Big East.

The conference announced today that they have added TCU and its No. 3 ranked football team to the fold in the Big East in the first expansion since creating the super league in 2004.
This expansion was also done out of necessity, though it's much more aggressive than reactionary.  The football is stagnant in the Big East. There is no way to counter this. It's not that there aren't good teams in the Big East -- there are -- but no one stands out and they all beat up on each other.

More at http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=2165

TCU to BIg East official

The Horned Frogs become the 17th member of the Big East.

This is a no brianer considering the conference landscape, press conference on its way now.

TCU is ranked No. 3 in the country in football and is going to leave the Mountain West. TCU is located in the Dallas area and will join in ALL sports. They will play in the Big East starting in summer 2012.

More later.

Here's the release out of Providence.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Texas Christian University has accepted an invitation for full membership into The BIG EAST Conference, it was announced today.  The BIG EAST, by a vote of its Presidents and Chancellors, extended the invitation for membership.
TCU will become the 17th conference member on July 1, 2012.  Its athletic teams will begin competing in the BIG EAST in the 2012-13 academic year.
With an enrollment of 9,142 in Fort Worth, Texas, TCU competes in 20 sports.  The university’s Chancellor is Dr. Victor J. Boschini, Jr. and the Athletics Director is Chris Del Conte.  The university was founded in 1873.

Sunday bowl thoughts

Full post at: http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=2116

The Huskies are bowl eligible for the fourth time in a row and the fifth time and in five years and if you don't think that it means anything you didn't see the Huskies and coaching staff after the game in the Carrier Dome.
The Huskies aren't Texas, USC or Notre Dame, and while I know the expectations for the Huskies are higher, but this is goal No. 1 for the team. The Huskies were happy after this game.
First off, it was an excellent performance on the road. The Huskies look like they are starting to get it together. It puts the Big East title within striking distance if Pitt falls, and, the Huskies are finally playing like we thought.

Tuesday presser -- Syracuse week

Full post at http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=2101

I could feel the intensity and tension like it was one of those exercise bands. 

The Huskies game at Syracuse can make or break the season for the Huskies. It's no secret that the Big East doesn't have a top tier team, and that means someone has to go to the BCS game -- likely the Fiesta Bowl (how about 99.9 percent sure).

The Huskies are in the best position of any other Big East team to pull off the BCS outside of Pittsburgh, which only has to win its final three games to win the league.

Campbell arrested

http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=2075

Laptop is a dirty word with UConn athletics, but it reared its ugly head again.
Junior defensive end Marcus Campbell was arrested on Monday morning for 5th degree larceny after being accused of stealing a back pack with a laptop in it with all the contents valued at $879 according to arrest reports.

More expansion talk

From the NY Post:

Several sources confirmed a Post report last month that TCU is a strong candidate. Houston, Central Florida, Temple and/or Villanova, which is in the midst of evaluating a move up from FCS, are other lead candidates.
Two sources said if the presidents give their blessing to explore expansion, invitations could be issued before the end of the college football season. TCU is said to be very interested, as is Central Florida.

We have been hearing for quite some time about expansion. Perhaps with the conference flailing nationally (no ranked teams) they are going to do it by numbers.

I am a strong proponent of adding 4 teams. A TCU, Houston, UCF and ‘Nova/Temple/Memphis would give the conference a strong footprint geographically.

People make too much about the geography. Dallas is easily accessible from the Northeast, as is Houston. It would give the conference a foot print — no matter how small — into Texas. That helps when you want a TV network.

Full post at: http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/

UConn-WVU postgame

It wasn't pretty, it wasn't fun, but the UConn Huskies will take it.

Dave Teggart's 26 yard field goal gave UConn its first ever win over West Virginia and probably saved UConn's season.

The Huskies didn't play perfect, far from it, and the wide receiver play has to get better, but for the first time in a long time I see some hope.

The Huskies looked like zombies in the first quarter as they went without a first down on their first five possessions. Think about that.

Full post at: http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=2062

Frazer to start

Sorry for the late post and the general lack of post today. Johnny Jr.'s one year old birthday spoiled by the news that Mike Box is out and Zach Frazer is back in.

What do I think?

I should always take the cynical view and assume if a guy is nicked up he won't play and going on that assumption. Box practiced this week, spoke to the media and said he passed everything, and then is now out.

Full post at: http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=2044

Tuesday presser- Edsall defends his job, looks for leaders

Interesting Tuesday press conference.

Randy Edsall was asked about some fans wanting HCRE fired for his season. Edsall said he didn't want to get in trouble and talk about it, and then went on to talk about it.

"I didn’t get dumb over night and I didn’t get stupid over night," Edsall said. "Some years you have enough pieces for the puzzle, some years you don’t. You have to continue to work each and every day. Everything you are judged on is how many you win and some you lose. Sometimes you spoil people. "
Now, I am going to defend Edsall here

Full post at: http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=2039

Gameday 'Ville

Going to head to Cardinals Stadium in a bit, but I want to give some pregame thoughts.
First off, the more I think about it, the more I think Mike Box is the right call. Why?
I am saying this before the game because whether Box does well or struggles, I think it was the right call with an impossible choice.
Zach Frazer lost the job fair and square through ineffectiveness. Cody Endres threw away his career and I think for the sake of competition and fairness Box has to be the guy. He has waited patiently, and certainly has impressed in practice.


full post at http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/2010/10/23/gameday-ville/

Box to start

Mike Box is going to get his first career start Saturday at Louisville.

Randy Edsall has said Box is No. 2, and despite having former starter Zach Frazer sitting right there, will go with Box to sub for Cody Endres, who is suspended from the team for the year after failing his third drug test of his career.

Why Box? Well, it's just time and the staff feels he gives UConn the best chance to win.

"Box was No. 2. When he was the No. 2, and everything here I do is what I think and the staff thinks are the best people.  We made that move before. We feel Mike Box gives us the best opportunity to win. He has our faith and a lot of confidence, he just doesn’t have experience.”

http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=2016

Endres suspended

UConn quarterback Cody Endres has been suspended for the season for a violation of university policies.

He is no longer with the team.

Mike Box is the backup, will he start now? With Erik Kuraczea is also gone, he left Tuesday. Endres met with the media on Tuesday and everything looked fine.

Not the way the Huskies wanted to get into things after the bye week.

Saturday potsgame conference call

If you are out for blood or want some reason for the Huskies collapse against Rutgers now is the time to turn away.
It’s the big plays that led to UConn’s demise, most notably a 52-yard TD pass to Mark Harrison and a 45-yard catch by Jeremy Deering that set up the winning touchdown.
UConn coach Randy Edsall knows the ailment, but right now the cure is about as far away as one for the bubonic plague.

 full blog post at   http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/2010/10/09/saturday-potsgame-conference-call/

Postgame Rutgers

It took me 4 hours and 45 minutes to get to Rutgers from Farmington, Conn. I came in the stadium early first quarter.
My goodness, it seems like a lifetime ago.
The Huskies lost another heart breaker to Rutgers, 27-24, and gave away another game. The Huskies put the game in the ice box in the second half and played so conservative I don't think they gave the offense a chance. Then, when it needed to rev back up, the offense couldn't do it.
Two second guesses here. If I am Edsall, I go for the touchdown with 6 seconds left and a yard out at the end of the half. I think it's worth the risk, and if that TD scores, I think UConn wins going away. UConn needed two scores to prevent what happened tonight, a broken play leading to a death spiral.  It's a classic second guess, and UConn should have won anyway, but I would have liked Randy Edsall to have run the ball one more time. It's risky, no doubt about it, but the reward is tremendous. Imagine a 28-17 lead at the half? Not a chance Rutgers comes back.

http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=1989

Tuesday presser -- back in the bunker

I could tell right away when UConn coach Randy Edsall walked into the room what team the Huskies were playing this week.  Edsall isn't a poker player and he wears his thoughts and emotions on his sleeve. Edsall heard a brief joke coming into the press conference and gave a polite laugh. He wasn't in an mood to talk to the press about the game on Friday because that would give the opponent an edge.
Edsall's answers were vague, short and intense, and in a half hour I am not sure he answered a single question.
When asked about Friday's game being a rivalry we were given the entire conference is a rivalry spiel. That could mean only one thing in Storrs -- IT'S RUTGERS WEEK!!

Full blog post at: http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/wp-admin/post.php?post=1978&action=edit&message=1

Sunday call

UConn coach Randy Edsall liked what he saw on game film of Saturday except for a handful of plays. Edsall said five plays went for 198 yards and 51 for 121.
It's a matter of correcting those plays.
On the injury front, Edsall is going to wait for Monday to give season enders and is going to abide by the injury report, but I didn't get a good vibe out of Jimmy Bennett and surprisingly Robbie Frey.  Frey played limited punt and kickoff coverages (saved a touchdown) and was on a stationary bike during the game. When asked if he needed more time to rest for Big East play Edsall said he want to talk with trainers etc. and will know more later.
Frey is a terrific football player. He is worth about 3 players to be honest with what he does on special teams and is a very good running backup running back. If he is out for an extended period of time that's really going to hurt the Huskies.
As for the offensive line, Adam Masters' status for this week won't be known until tomorrow at the earliest. We won't know until Thursday, but Edsall is hopeful to get him back.

Full post at  http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=1971

Todman in a lunch pail effort

Now, Denard Robinson is the most impressive player in college football -- not going to even attempt to argue that he isn't -- but Jordan Todman has been flat out one of the best players in college football this season.
Todman had 190 yards and two touchdowns today on 37 carries.
UConn had nowhere to go at RB. D.J. Shoemate has fumbled twice and the staff has lost confidence in him. Kelmetrus Wylie is out for the year and Robbie Frey has a mysterious non-injury and is limited. Frey spent a lot of the game on a stationary bike and I assume it's a leg problem.
The staff moved Martin Hyppolite over to RB from LB, and the kid ran like a LB today. He just wasn't sharp and he looked slow getting the ball. Not sure they have something there. Hyppolite's body has to change if he is going to be a RB.

http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=1967

Ugly duckling gets a chance

Not much on the conference call today.
Biggest things are that Zach Frazer is taking the demotion OK. At least that’s according to Edsall. This is on the curve. He’s upset, but as long as he shows up to practice and isn’t a disturbance and genuinely somewhat helpful that’s taking it well.

As far as the rest, injury report coming out tonight with no comment. The scout team players of the week are Tyler Bullock (offense), LB Mike Osiecki (defense) and S Ty-Meer Brown (special teams).
Now, here’s a story from today’s JI on Cody Endres.

It’s funny with Endres, he’s always been the ugly duckling of UConn quarterbacks.
Every quarterback since Dan Orlovsky left has been greeted with high expectations and excitement. People loved the athletic ability of DJ Hernandez and Dennis Brown. Tyler Lorenzen’s ability and what he did in JUCO had everyone in a tizzy. Zach Frazer? Notre Dame QB hype follow him here.

Full post at http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/2010/09/30/ugly-ducking-gets-a-chance/

Tuesday presser -- catnip edition

Catnip: an egg shaped mint leaf that is an attractant for cats.

Welcome to the Tuesday press conference at the University of Connecticut catnip edition.
What we have today is an irresistible offering of stories to talk about that has the media in a tizzy. There are two things that are catnip for sports writers.

1. Quarterback controversy

2. Football players arrested

We got both in spades this morning at the Burton Family Complex. It was an orgy of information.
Let's start with the "news." Yes, that's quote unquote.
In the most ridiculous arrest on campus since Mike Osiecki  stole a candy bar instead of walking across the street to get one for free, UConn kicker David Teggart and middle linebacker Jerome Williams were arrested for breach of peace after a fight with each other.
The pair were pinched after midnight on Monday morning.

Full post at: http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=1927

Monday news

Some decent news today and with the depth chart out for Vandy some interesting developments.
First off, Kelemtrus Wylie is out for the year with a knee injury. That's a terrible news. Wylie was going to get some carries in the second half against Buffalo and the first play he was in went a play-action pass for 56 yards for a TD.  On the next special teams play he injured his leg (knee) and is done. Tough break for Wylie, who every time he had a chance to play ended up getting hurt. Also, frosh Yawin Smallwood is out for the year with a shoulder injury, but, he was redshirting anyhow.

 http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=1922

Shoemate No. 1 back, Frey special teams only

http://wtic.cbslocal.com/2010/09/23/coachs-show-with-randy-edsall-923/

Check out the coach's show on TIC 1080.
Todman is on along with Greg Lloyd.
Bit of news,  Robbie Frey is only going to play special teams this week. Shoemate and Wylie will be the 1-2 back.
Frey isn't on the injury report.
Edsall refused to discuss any changes on Thursday afternoon.

What will Huskies look like without Todman?

This is going to be an interesting game on Saturday for the Huskies, and it isn’t going to be interesting in a good way.
Where would the Huskies be without Jordan Todman? He’s their only explosive player on offense and at 5-foot-9 has been a complete work horse.
How big a horse?
He’s fourth in the nation averaging 149.33 yards per game and has 448 yards rushing in 61 carries (a robust 7.3 per carry). Now, what’s scary is he has been quite frankly the entire UConn offense.

full post at http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/2010/09/23/what-will-huskies-look-like-without-todman/

Todman out, Lutrus still not ready

Things keep spiraling out of control for the UConn Huskies. Jordan Todman, perhaps the only bright spot on offense, is out for Saturday's game against Buffalo with an injury to his arm.
Todman injured his left arm in the first half against Temple and returned to the game and finished with 192 yards rushing and has 448 this season in three games.  Now, Todman's out and when he returns is unknown.

Full post at http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/wp-admin/post.php?post=1880&action=edit&message=6

Tuesday presser -- Buffalo week

Full post at http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=1870

Welcome back Cody Endres and Erik Kuraczea. It couldn't have come soon enough.
UConn's other quarterback in Endres has returned to the team this week as well as banished o-lineman Kuraczea. Endres' long banishment is certainly interesting. He only watched the Michigan game because the next two games were blacked out on campus (go figure, can't watch a UConn on game on campus. But that's another story). He was able to work out a little bit with some wide receiver such as Isaiah Moore, and he also threw to Kuraczea.
He's in shape but that's not at issue. How soon can he play if called on?

"We are going to find out this week," Endres said. "I feel good physically. Haven’t had wear and tear of practice. We’ll find out. If they calI my number we will be ready.
“All we have to do is get back to what we did last year. Get ball to open receivers and allow them to make plays in space.”

If it was any other position on the field besides quarterback this wouldn't be nearly the drama, but QB is the face of the program and is a drama position. It's going to be interesting this week. Frazer has to perform or this thing will be blown wide open going into Vanderbilt.

About that passing game

I went to late dinner when I got back from Philly on Saturday and since I missed an entire day of football I watched the highlight shows to catch up.

What struck me was the ease with which some teams pass the ball. I am not talking about Top 25 teams, I am talking about everyone. Now, it’s a highlight show so you don’t see the bad, but looking at the numbers there is a lot of passing going on in college football. How hard is it to pass it 10 yards and let your receiver make a play?
Look what UMass did against Michigan. 

full post at http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/2010/09/19/about-that-passing-game/

Post game Temple the Apocalypse

Jordan Todman walked into the postgame locker room with tears in his eyes. He had no excuses. 192 yards and a touchdown and he left everything on the field.

Of course, Todman felt it was his fault because of the fumble and he took the blame. Here's what Todman said after a debacle in Philly that was a 30-16 loss to Temple.

"It was tough. But I won’t make any excuses," Todman said. "It was a mistake and I take responsibility for that.  No excuses. Hurt or not hurt, it’s my job to hold on to the ball. I apologize to my team and the UConn fans.”

Full post at http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=1859

Hafltime wrap

Huskies trail 7-6.

Huskies had ball on the 8 with 6 seconds left and elected for a FG with a timeout in the pocket. I would have taken one more shot at the endzone, but that is very risky at this point and the Huskies needed the points.

Offense is abysmal outside of Todman's 16 carries and 101 yards in the first half, though they did engineer a drive to end the half in the 2 minute drill. Huskies can't get anything in the passing game going. Frazer is inaccurate, the receivers can't get open at all, and when they get the ball it's no YAC. Huskies have a problem right here. The WR and passing game is just not up the level it needs to be. 

Full post at http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=1856

Temple is dangerous

Just got here to Philly, beautiful weather I must say. Heading out to a Philly's game in about 10 minutes so here are a couple of stories for you that appeared in the last two days.

Full blog post at: http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=1846

Tuesday presser Temple

Good banter today with head coach Randy Edsall as the Huskies play this week at Temple, always a dangerous game.
Edsall downplayed the rivalry between the schools, though I am not sure the head coach can pick the rivalries. The last two games have certainly been memorable with the controversial TD disallowed at Rentschler Field that cost Temple, and then Donald Brown breaking tackles in the rain at Lincoln Financial. The two schools took a year off and now are back again playing.
As far as news, the big thing on the depth chart was Nick Williams moving up to being the full-time PR replacing Gary Wilburn, who was banished from the unit.

Full post at http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=1836

Cox to add SNY

Manchester, CT – Cox Communications has just announced that it will SportsNet New York (SNY) throughout its service area in Connecticut, just in time for SNY's first televised University of Connecticut football game Saturday, September 11 at noon vs. Texas Southern.
SNY is the new home for UConn football and men's basketball. SNY will be on its expanded service tier, channel 62.

Full post at http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=1809

More injury report problems

College football is a business. And, in business it's best to fail quickly instead of doubling down and going deeper into the hole.
This injury policy is doomed. The policy has all but collapsed. It should be scrapped until there is something with teeth and openness.
The Pittsburgh Panthers have pulled out of the injury report all- together. Via Paul Zeise of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Full post at: http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/wp-admin/post.php?post=1805&action=edit&message=1

Lutrus out — not a surprise

Linebacker Scott Lutrus is out for Saturday’s game against Texas Southern with an injury to his upper extremity that was suffered at an unknown time, with an unknown severity, that will keep him out for an unknown number of games
His timetable for return is also unknown.

http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/2010/09/10/lutrus-out-not-a-surprise/

Tuesday presser -- SOFT LANDING

OK. I am offically letdown as a member of the media. A week after writing stories about the Big House and Michigan, here we are this week writing about the sacrificial lamb Texas Southern.

But, I have a job to do.

Why Texas Southern this week?

That is perhaps the most interesting part of the story. UConn, like every other FBS team, brings in an FCS team to play during the year. In the last couple of years there was Hofstra, New Hampshire, and  Rhode Island to Rentschler. The purpose is simple for the Huskies. The FCS game should be a sure win, and the Huskies still get to play some of their old Yankee Conference rivals or at least team in the Northeast. This game is a big payday for the FCS schools, and it helps football throughout the Northeast. The design was to use this game to play FCS teams in the Northeast.

Well, this Sept. 11 game was set to be played Northeastern University. Last year, Northeastern cut its football program leaving the Huskies with the task of trying to find and open date. Rutgers has usually cornered the market on all these FCS teams, so, the Huskies had to search far and wide for a team that had an open date, was willing to travel (and get $$$$), and come to Rentchler as a one time game.

So, hence, Texas Southern is here.

(Editors note: JIblogs.com is down for now, so I will write and entire post here.)

Now, what to expect?

Randy Edsall during his weekly press conference and talked more about the Michigan game than than Texas Southern, which lost to Prarie View A&M on Saturday.

The bottom line if the Huskies were beat, fair and square, and that's about it. One thing was certainly obvious is that the atmosphere was too muhc for the Huskies. It was 21-0 before they could breathe, and all that stuff about the game being just a game, well the psychology didn't work.

"The situation we went into, that was probably most difficult road test we had in 12 years,” Edsall said of playing at Michigan Stadium.

The important thing is if the Huskies are better for the experience. Sometimes, teams need to be coddled and built up. This year's Huskies need to be able to find out where they are. The general consensus is much more physical on the offensive and defensive lines.

That's where UConn is at.

So, was it worth losing 30-10 last week?

"The level of competition. Having an opener like that you are put in a lot of situations," Edsall said. "We go down 21-0, they could have folded their tents. You found out a lot about character, attitude, perseverance. They learned a lot of things."

This game is what's termed a soft landing. Whenever a football team challenges itself early in the season the next week needs a soft place for them to land after getting knocked down or out the previous week. This week, Texas Southern is here to allow the Huskies to play a rela game that means something, but the design is not to be in serious jeopardy. Now, we saw Jackson St. against Ole Miss, but that should help the Huskies and not hurt them.

Some other notes:

* Now on injury updates. I'll touch on this later tonight, but UConn is only going to release a status late Thursday afternoon. Edsall will not speak about injuries on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday or Thursday or postgame Saturday.

So, when a player gets hurt in a game Saturday, we won't know what or who was hurt, how he is doing, and his potential status during the game or after until at least the following Thursday. And, we won't get any detail about the injury other than a vague part of the body. UConn is saying this is the Big East's policy (which it isn't, coaches can talk on their own volution. Edsall chooses not to speak to us).

To repeat, UConn coach Randy Edsall will not address any injury to any player at any time for the entire season. UConn will release only a status on Thursday about players who are hurt and their status. The effect of the injury will not be discussed. No detail no comment.There is no mandate that the injury reports be accurate or exhaustive, and there is no penalty to coaches who don't comply fully.

I have some more thoughts on this later. But, it's real fan friendly, isn't it?

* Talked with Harris Agbor, who had 3 TFLs (tackles for a loss), 2 forced fumbles and was pretty good. He blew a couple of assignments, but Edsall generally thought he played well.

* Greg Lloyd's knee came through in excellent condition. He's still stewing from the performance of the defense on Saturday.

*Speaking of that, I am happy I am not lining up against Kendall Reyes on Saturday. I thought he was going to take me out when I quizzed him about the play of the offensive line. Edsall said it shouldn't have happened, and was furious that they were getting beaten up and down the field. He talked a lot about mentality and physical play. They are coming to hurt on Saturday.

* Lot's of talk about Zach Frazer's throwing. Edsall said he had better touch in the preseason. Frazer has a nuclear arm, and he was throwing the ball way too hard at times. Frazer said he is getting better. It's going to get better from here.

That's about it, gotta pay the bills for now.

Day after Michigan

Randy Edsall knows where this game was lost. It was lost in the trenches.
Here's Edsall on the offensive line:

"I didn’t think they were very good,"  Edsall said of the O-line. "We got whupped on both sides of the line of scrimmage.  All you have to do is watch the tape. We didn’t win the battle in the trenches."

Full post at http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=1784

Michigan prediction

Why UConn could win: The Huskies are a veteran team and do something that is essential to win on the road — run the ball. UConn’s strength on offense is its offensive line and the running game, and pounding with Jordan Todman, D.J. Shoemate and perhaps a little Robbie Frey should eat up the clock and take a physical toll. Michigan was subpar against the run last year, and they have gone full-time to the 3-3-5 stack defense, and you need big defensive linemen to do that. Michigan is going to struggle on defense this year, and can the Huskies exploit that physically on Saturday? I also love the fact UConn is starting an experienced quarterback who is in his fifth year. Zach Frazer has had an up and down career, but the stars are aligned for him. We have to look no further than the growing pains of Tino Sunseri of Pitt against Utah to see how critical an experienced quarterback is. Frazer knows how to manage a game, and he knows the offense stone cold. He’s always had ability, now it looks like the knowledge has caught on. The fans and atmosphere won’t bother Frazer. It isn’t as much scrutiny as last year at Notre Dame, or as much pressure.

Full post at:  http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/2010/09/04/day-before/

The Hit Man reuturns

Greg Lloyd was unsure if the knee would hold up.

But there he was in a full contact scrimmage looking in the backfield as a hole opened up.
The running back was someone he knew well -- former safety/linebacker and now running back Jonathan Jean-Louis. Greg Lloyd is known as the Hitman for his bone-crushing hits. Jean-Louis was his sidekick on defense and also known to be a hard-hitter.

There was no way they were going to avoid contact. It was 1-on-1. Lloyd’s eyes lit up. This was a test moment.

Full blog post at: http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=1726

Tuesday Presser--Michigan Week!

Game week is here.
It’s been 9 months since the Huskies flattened an overconfident South Carolina team in the Papajohns.com Bowl and staring down the barrel at the Huskies is Michigan.
There is just something about game week and an opening game in particular. Jordan Todman can’t stop thinking football. Zach Frazer has been focused on it since last season.
There are starts to the season (Rhode Island, Hofstra, Sisters of the Poor). This one is different.

More at http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=1722

Lloyd is back

Got a confirmation from UConn that the Lloyd at MLB is not an error. He's going to start at MLB, Lutrus to the outside and Wilson at weakside linebacker.


I am stunned in the sense that no one talked about him the entire camp about him starting at middle linebacker. I saw him practicing with the second team, but we have been shutout from practice since last week when we only saw the backups during the opening of 2-a-days. (for example, I haven't seen Zach Frazer throw a ball in 2 weeks during practice. He sits out the media session.).

http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=1717

Depth chart is up

Some notes: Greg Lloyd listed as starter at MLB.  Will confirm that later.that would be a major development.
Harris Agbor and Kijuan Dabney to start at safety. Top 6 WRs include Leon Kinnard as a wideout. Also, Adam Masters is the LT. Backup RB is an or with DJ Shoemate and Robbie Frey.
Will confirm if Greg Lloyd listing is accurate.

More at http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=1713

Martin gets it

Back for Round 2 today as I take a breather from work (blogging is a breather?).
I talked to Twyon Martin for the first time since the spring on Tuesday and if it weren’t for the No. 4 on his chest, I wouldn’t have recognized him. The trademark dread locks that the Florida native has sported are gone.

In it’s place is a clean short cut of hair. Add to that about 15 more pounds and the 295 pound Martin (yes, that’s right. Huskies’ D-line is now 295, 295 at DT) looks like a new man.

 Full post at http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=1701

In today's JI -- Special backup

STORRS – No one comes to play college football with the hopes of being a special teams star.
Every one of the University of Connecticut’s 105 players were the best player at their high schools. They know what it’s like to be the big man on campus and before stepping foot in college, have never been asked to be a role player. Some players struggle with that change, others never actually make it.
Then, there are players like UConn backup running back Robbie Frey.
Frey embraces his role.

Read the full post: http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=1686

Back at practice!

Nice to be back at practice, it’s been over a week since I have seen the team live and it’s hard to get a good sense of the position battles that way.


I hope you guys aren’t too hungry (yeah, right) for information. I have some info and a lot of it comes from Coach Randy Edsall, who was kind of enough to be held hostage by myself and a couple of others for an extended time after practice. It was more of a conversation than an interview, but I have about a 30 minutes worth of tape that I will transcribe. I’ll filter out some stuff and eventually get you some good stuff on recruiting, the team, and a whole bunch of other stuff in the next day or so. One thing I didn’t know was that every assistant as well as coach stays up on campus during camp. I always knew Edsall used to sleep on an air mattress in his office, but a lot of the assistants stay in the dorm rooms during camp. It’s an intensive process and grueling.

Anyhow, to the matters at hand and practice. It’s still difficult to figure out

more at http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=1683

Thoughts on Endres

http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=1674

Now that I have a chance to digest the suspension of Erik Kuraczea and Cody Endres it is cause for concern no matter what comes out officially.

I wasn't at practice Thursday morning, the JI is a PM paper and I was working in the office (went in ungodly early), but the reports I have read had UConn coach Randy Edsall saying he  is confident in Michael Box and Johnny McEntee at QB. I can't say I am surprised  Edsall said that (what's he supposed to say? If Zach Frazer goes down we are doomed?), but all that Endres did by getting suspended was perhaps put some early season games in jeopardy if Frazer goes down.

More at JIblogs.com

Endres, Kuraczea suspended

Per UConn Cody Endres and Erik Kuraczea suspended indefinitely. Hurts depth, though it looked like neither was going to start. Backup QB just got a little more interesting:  

STORRS, Conn. (August 18, 2010) --- University of Connecticut redshirt junior quarterback Cody Endres (Washington, Pa.) and redshirt sophomore offensive guard Erik Kuraczea (Ansonia, Conn.) have been suspended indefinitely from the football team due to a violation of University of Connecticut and Division of Athletics policies.

In today's JI

Story on Blidi Wreh-Wilson.

Read more at http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/2010/08/17/blid-wreh-wilson-has-come-a-long-way/

UConn media day

Looks like the UConn safety position is still in flux.  UConn coach Randy Edsall said right now sophomore Mike Lang -- a converted wide receiver -- would be the starter at free safety. At strong safety? Looks like junior Harris Agbor is right now at the head of the pack. part of this is injuries as both Jerome Junior and Kijuan Dabney have missed times with "dings" to the head.

It's not welcome news for the Huskies, who need to be healthy in the secondary because there are a dearth of options.  Lang looks like he is going to be a factor sooner or later and this is a move I liked.

Lang's move to free safety was an interesting one. He came in last year to UConn as a wide receiver and eventually was pushed into action as a true freshman at the position. He showed explosiveness with a 70 yard TD catch last year and also ran back a touchdown as a kick returner. I thought Lang was a pretty good receiving prospect, but after this spring the staff moved Lang to safety. The staff saw Lang play safety in high school and came away impressed. There was a need there, and the Huskies are deep at wide receiver, so the switch was made.

Read the rest at http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=1664

Campbell out for season

Tough break for Campbell and Huskies.


UConn Athletic Communications --- August 15, 2010 – Campbell Out For Season

STORRS, Conn. (August 15, 2010) – University of Connecticut junior defensive end Marcus Campbell (Bloomfield, Conn.) will miss the entire 2010 season after he torn an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in practice on Saturday.

Campbell suffered the injury in a non-contact drill. He will have surgery for the injury later in the week.

Campbell has played in 23 games for the Huskies in 2007 and '08 and has 24 career tackles with a pair of sacks and 4.5 tackles for a loss. He did not play during the 2009 season.


-- Post From My iPhone

First practice: Edsall takes over safeties

Crossposted here: http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=1648

There is perhaps one position on the UConn football team that could derail their hopes for a Big East title in a hurry. UConn's safety play a year ago was inconsistent and led to big plays on numerous occasions including last second losses at West Virginia and Rutgers among others.

That was before it lost Robert Vaughn to graduation. Currently at safety UConn's most veteran player is Jerome Junior, a promising prospect who was wildly inconsistent last season. On the other side there is converted linebacker Kijuan Dabney, who has spent sparse time at the position. The Huskies have plenty options at safety, but almost no experience there.  How they play may determine UConn's season.

As the Huskies kicked off fall camp today UConn coach Randy Edsall put his own neck on the line in regards to the safety play. If they don't improve all Edsall has to do is blame himself.  First year secondary coach Daryl Perkins is going to work exclusively with cornerbacks during camp while Edsall is taking over the instruction of the safeties.
This is like taking a CEO and putting him as the foreman on an assembly line. As the Huskies prepare for the season opener Sept. 4 against Michigan, Edsall isn't going to take any risks with the one unit on the team that could be called a serious question.

"Darrell (Perkins) is an excellent coach," Edsall said. " But it would be too much to place on one guy with the youth and inexperience back there. We are going to do it that way.

"As a CEO, president and head coach,  you have to take a look at the organization and see how you can be the strongest. It's no indictment of Darrell. He's an outstanding coach. Looking at it, it was too much for one guy to handle because of the youth and inexpereince."

The safety play was torched in the spring game with Zach Frazer throwing for four touchdowns passes of over 50 yards. Sophomore Jerome Junior has heard all about the safety play. He knows having Edsall, a defensive backs coach with Jacksonville Jaguars under Tom Coughlin at one time, there means the unit has a lot of work to do. Junior welcomes the head coach's continued attention.  He's also confident that the unit can get better.

"I always had coach Edsall on my back about everything, especially last year," Junior said. "He is coaching all the safeties instead of being behind me every play.  Coach Edsall is getting in depth and everything. The first meeting I was nervous because it's the head coach, and now he's quizzing me, but I think I am ready for it. It doesn't worry me."

There are things the Huskies can do to help the safeties. They pressured tremendously in the papajohns.com bowl win over South Carolina and that negated the weakness. There is also a lot of coaching up that can help and while the team is in training mode Edsall plans to make the most of it.
.
More notes:

• *This was perhaps the most relaxed first practice I have ever seen since covering UConn. It was smooth, eerily efficient, and focused. Edsall didn't raise his voice once. They ran it like a machine today. They weren't exactly sharp, but there was a giddy-up in the team's step. Most unusual, and most unexpected. I think it's a good sign.

• * I asked Edsall about Greg Lloyd's situation and Edsall didn't want to force Lloyd into action unless he was comfortable and confident. Lloyd eventually could have ben healthy and contributed, but Edsall could tell Lloyd wasn't comfortable with the rehab and how he fit in coming off an injury. Since Scott Lutrus can play the middle, they are going to give Lloyd, a senior, a redshirt year he never got. On the move of Hyppolite from RB to linebacker. It was a numbers game at running back, but the staff liked him as a linebacker in high school and this is a way to get him  on the field quicker. It's a work in progress, but Hyppolite has good size and speed for the position.

• * Talked a bit with left tackle Jimmy Bennett about his coming back from injury. Bennett is massive, and his knee is healthy, but he is rusty as expected. Today was his first contact since last year. The strength, footwork and agility are there for Bennett. Bennett said the key for him was getting his timing. He was actually moving too fast today. Edsall firmly believes Bennett can be the player he thought he could be last year. It's a battle at left tackle, but Bennett looks like he is ready to fight for it against Adam Masters.

That's the quick version. Got to play the bills now.

Lastly, check out today's story on D.J. Shoemate in today's JI. He is well-spoken and I think a pretty nice guy. I can see why they wanted him on the team. 4.5 40 at his size helped I bet too.

Wilson on Bednarik watch list

http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=1637
UConn Athletic Communications — August 9, 2010 – Wilson On Bednarik List

SOUTHAMPTON, Pa. (August 9, 2010) — University of Connecticut senior linebacker Lawrence Wilson (Tuscaloosa, Ala.) has been named to the watch list for the 16th annual Chuck Bednarik Award, given by The Maxwell Football Club.

Wilson was a first team All-BIG EAST Conference pick in 2010 and led the Huskies in tackles with 140. He also had five sacks and 11 tackles for a loss. He was first in the BIG EAST in tackles per game with 10.8 – which was also tenth nationally.
The Chuck Bednarik Award has been presented to the nation’s top defensive player since 1995. Bednarik is a member of both the College Football Hall of Fame Class of 69 and the NFL Hall of Fame in 1967.
Semifinalists for the Bednarik Awards will be announced on November 8th and three finalists will be announced November 22nd. The winners of the 2010 Bednarik Award will be announced as part of the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show which will be held on December 9, 2010. The formal presentation of the award will be made at the Maxwell Football Club Awards Gala on March 4, 2011.

UConn Football on TV in 2010

Cross posted at http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=1638

Had a nice long conversation with our TV writer Matt Buckler and we went over the SNY deal.  The Huskies get a ton of original programming and branding, but as far as men's basketball, all the local games were on SNY anyway but blacked out locally. So, the amount of additional games for football and men's basketball won't increase by much.

This helps UConn immensely with original programming and the branding and breaking into the NYC market like this is a coup for UConn. In sheer number of people watching a local game, it will actually decrease the number of sets coming off a broadcast network. Now, the exposure is much greater -- they became a feature team -- but for live games, less people will actually be watching (no free TV will show the game). 


In the Manchester, Conn. and Enfield areas the dominant cable provider is Cox, and right now there is no deal. So, what could UConn fans miss on the football side if Cox doesn't carry SNY?

09/04/10     at Michigan TV     Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Mich.     3:30 p.m. ET
09/11/10     vs. Texas Southern TV     Rentschler Field, East Hartford, Conn.     12:00 p.m. ET
09/18/10     at Temple TV     Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pa.     12:00 p.m. ET
09/25/10     vs. Buffalo     Rentschler Field, East Hartford, Conn.     TBA
10/02/10     vs. Vanderbilt     Rentschler Field, East Hartford, Conn.     TBA
10/08/10     at Rutgers * TV     Rutgers Stadium, New Brunswick, N.J.     7:30 p.m. ET
10/23/10     at Louisville *     Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. Louisville, Kent.     TBA
10/29/10     vs. West Virginia * TV     Rentschler Field, East Hartford, Conn.     8:00 p.m. ET
11/11/10     vs. Pittsburgh * TV     Rentschler Field, East Hartford, Conn.     7:30 p.m. ET
11/20/10     at Syracuse *     Carrier Dome, Syracuse, N.Y.     TBA
11/27/10     vs. Cincinnati *     Rentschler Field, East Hartford, Conn.     TBA
12/04/10     at USF * TV     Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla.     TBA

Two games are locked into SNY -- Texas Southern and Temple. There are 4 other potential games on the schedule that could be on SNY.
Now, this decision will be made 12 days before the telecast. ESPN has the option to take any of these games and put them on ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU. I am not sure of ESPN3 internet broadcasting.

Sept. 25 against Buffalo likely isn't going to be picked up as an ESPN, 2/U game. This one is a good candidate for BE Game of the Week which would put it on SNY.

Oct. 2 against Vanderbilt could also be on SNY. But, the SEC/Big East matchup makes me think we will see this one on ESPNU at a minimum.


Oct. 23 against Louisville looks like another ESPNU game.

Nov. 20 against Syracuse. This game has traditionally been a BE game of the Week, and I would think unless both teams are contenders (not expecting Cuse to be there) that this one would be on SNY as a Game of the Week. 

Nov. 27 Cincinnati. I imagine this one will be on ESPNU at a minimum.
So, if your cable outlet has ESPNU and SNY, you are going to be in heaven.

If you are in a Cox household you might want to start calling the company. The JIs office is in Manchester and we don't get SNY here. Jeff Hathaway has Cox Cable at home, and he doesn't get SNY either.

As my friend Matt Buckler  -- best TV writer in the state -- has pointed out these are going to be contentious hearings. First off, in Enfield's Cox system, they don't carry the YES Network that has made Yankee fans irate. So, now, Cox is going to offer Mets game, but not Yankees games?
If Cox says no, and won't put SNY on a expanded basic (doubt SNY would accept being in the sports tier), then it looks like UConn fans in these areas could be shutout of a maximum of 6 UConn games, and asurredly already 2.

Basketball season would be a disaster for these communities as 13 games would be unavailable.  Can Cox Communications really shut out the Manchester and Enfield areas from UConn men's basketball and football games?

It could happen. If Cablevision can take Yankees out of NYC, then anything can happen. Perhaps, people should start looking into ATT U-Verse or a dish.

Greg Lloyd will redshirt

Greg Lloyd is going to redshirt in 2010. He will move back to MLB. Coach Randy Edsall said Thursday night at an Evening of Randy Edsall.

Lloyd wasn't ready for the season and from what I understand wants to be a linebacker.

Other news from Thursday evening, Jory Johnson has a sprained wrist. In response,  they move David Kenney to Husky. Also, Martin Hypolite moved from RB to Husky backer. Byron Jones and Josh Alexander are now safeties.

Also, had a chance to meet D.J. Shoemate. Very nice person and he is anxious to see what he can do. he was at the Notre Dame game supporting Johnny McEntee. He said he was blown away by the effort. It planted a seed, and when things went down at USC he felt very comfortable. He wants to be a running back.


Look for something on Shoemate in the coming days. Very personable person.

NYC UConn's town?

Cross posted at http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=1626


The SNY deal is huge exposure for the Huskies. Virtually the entire area that has cable gets SNY. UConn is going to be the featured college team on SNY and will have premium access into New York, New Jersey and Eastern Pa. UConn's local package will be 12 million homes, which is 3 times population of the State of Connecticut.

Why UConn? While there are plenty of teams in the NYC area, SNY felt UConn was a unique program.

"When you think of the excellence of football and basketball, who else is there?," SNY president Steve Raab said. "It became an obvious fit for us. UConn is unique in it's football, basketball and fan support than a lot of the schools in our region."

Edsall finally has something to fight with on the recruiting trail now as he battles other teams.

"When you take look at schools we compete against, we have more exposure in the Metropolitan area than any other school we have to compete against," Edsall said. "That's something we will use in recruiting."

So then I asked the loaded question...is NYC now UConn's town?'

Edsall laughed:

"I will say this, we get the most exposure of any team."

Huskies-SNY ...mainlining into NYC

Cross posted at http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=1623


I don't think we can underestimate the partnership that UConn and SNY just announced. SNY is now essentially the home of the UConn Huskies.
That's Sports New York, with a reach of 8.8 million people in the Tri-State area.  This is a LOCAL package, meaning local non-network games. UConn's local package will have a reach of 12 million people through SNY nationally. Jeff Hathaway said this was one of the most significant days in UConn history.

"In our home game market, our local games will go to 9 million homes in a 3 state area. Throw in satellite and telcom (ATT U-Verse), it will go to 12 million nationally. That's a great local TV package. "

For football, the benefits are incredible. Huskies have unfiltered access into New York and New Jersey. Randy Edsall found out last Friday and couldn't contain himself.

"It covers our primary area we want to recruit," Edsall said. "We're on a 5 hour drive off your campus. The exposure we will get in that area with 4 million more homes and then nationally, you open up a bigger avenue. That wil make a huge huge difference. We can tell kids to go to SNY and watch this. We never had capability to do that."

Edsall loved the fact that UConn games on SNY will be replayed during the week. Some of them condensed. The Tuesday pressers will be televised.

For hoops, it makes virtually every UConn game that is on ESPN Regional (which are most) accessible to fans and recruits in New York, New Jersey and Eastern Pa. That's an incredible reach for the Huskies. The non-ESPN games are going to be televised to an incredibly broad area.

For football it's even more. While there are games that can't be televised (such as what happened at baylor last year), UConn football will be featured and highlighted from Connecticut, into New York, and New Jersey as well as Eastern Pa. That folks, is UConn's recruiting base right there. It's not going to take an ESPN national game to get regional exposure.

What Jeff Hathaway has done is break the Huskies out of Connecticut. This isn't access into the New York market for UConn -- it's a mainlining into NYC.

I know there are some Cox people out there. There is a lot of Cox subscribers in JI land, but I cant' see Cox holding out here. UConn is a religion on the hoops side in Vernon/Manchester. It will get on. All other Comcast outlets in CT will now have SNY including Vernon. Don't worry about Charter in Storrs. It will get on to. That's just one system, and SNY are on other Charter systems.
The exposure and reach of this is incredible.

Day After Media Day

(Cross posted at http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/2010/08/04/day-after-media-day/).

Sorry about not getting back here. I had a nice post all ready to go and instead of posting it my computer went into an automatic update and shutdown for some kind of serious Windows Update. I gave up after (ha).
Press conference tomorrow at the Rent about a partnership with SNY. That’s great for UConn getting on NYC TV. I wonder if Cox is going to get SNY up in Manchester.

If you thought the ESPNU spat was bad, I would hope getting SNY up for UConn games is something that’s coming in the Manchester area.
I also hope to see many of you out at Rentschler for An Evening with Randy Edsall. If you are a fan it’s a terrific opportunity to talk with some players and the coach and get a preview of the coming season. Even more so, you can meet me and say hello. Just kidding. I’ll be there.

Here’s today’s top sports story on what really was a sad newspaper in Manchester. I can’t get the shootings out of my mind. Just terrible. UConn is certainly piqued the interest of the nation.
Anyhow, here’s the lede to my work in today’s JI about Skip Holtz.
http://journalinquirer.com/articles/2010/08/04/sports/doc4c5987dd99593809300040.txt

NEWPORT, R.I. — It’s been 12 years and a world of difference since Skip Holtz left as the head coach of the University of Connecticut football team.
Holtz was hired as a 29-year-old neophyte in 1994 and was originally the choice of then-athletic director Lew Perkins to lead the Huskies into Division I-A. Holtz was coach of the Huskies for five seasons, which culminated in a 10-3 record in 1998 and an appearance in the Division I-AA playoffs.
Holtz left after the 1998 season to coach with his father, Lou, at South Carolina and Randy Edsall was tabbed for the Huskies soon after.
Twelve years later, the program that Holtz left bears little resemblance to the one he will compete against in his first season as head coach at South Florida. Memorial Stadium has been replaced by Rentschler Field and its 40,000 seats. The office trailers and small weight rooms gave way to an indoor practice facility and football complex. The Huskies now have appeared in four bowl games, including each of the last three seasons, and pulled off a win at Notre Dame last season.

There are also some other notable things coming out of media day. The thought is courtesy of Greg Auman out in Tampa. The Big East doesn’t have many experienced quarterbacks back. The combined starts for all 8 is 43. That is perhaps the reason why the Big East is thought to be so wide open.

Let’s not confuse that with talent however. Zach Collaros was as good as any player in the Big East last year and B.J. Daniels from USF is a star on the rise. Geno Smith out of WVU looks to be another keeper while Tom Savage at Rutgers has shown a ton of improvement.

Zach Frazer is going to have a terrific year for UConn and looks primed to finally live up to his promise coming out of high school. I don’t know who has the best QB in the league, but at this point talent trumps experience. Frazer seems to have everything you need around him with a good and tested offensive line as well as experienced receivers, though he will miss Marcus Easley.

Tino Sunseri at Pitt has 17 passes under his belt. Shows you how chaotic the league is. Perhaps my undying love of the Panthers in 2010 should wait until I see Sunseri throw. No wonder coaches laugh at the preseason poll. Who knows what’s going to happen?
Later.

Big East Media day part II

(Cross Posted at JIblogs.com.  http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=1610)

Back home in Farmington after a long day and I before I finish work for the JI I want to express my shock and sadness about what happened in Manchester today. One is a tragedy, but to have so many taken in such violent fashion doesn't make sense. It hit way to close to home here as I know someone who works there (he's fine). We were getting updates at media day and I just can't believe this kind of violence is possible.

I do want to get back to media day and it was a good day for the popular Huskies in Newport. Edsall had a crowd of reporters around him for the entire hour and the players, notably Scott Lutrus, had more than there share of interviews.

Lutrus is a player to watch this season. Coming off an injury-plagued season he looks primed to resume form of 2008. That would be great for the Huskies who struggled defensively last season. Lutrus' move to to the middle and that allows Lawrence Wilson and Jory Johnson on the outside. That speeds in the linebacker corps as Lutrus will be a fast linebacker.

Lutrus also was sporting the motto of the team Tuesday -- "Win the day."  It sounds simple. All the Huskies have to do is win 12 days and they are golden. Not so easy, but with all the hype coming their way it's a way to keep grounded. UConn is turning into that team that it becomes "cool and sexy" to pick to win the Big East. It's a different place they are in right now.

Kendall Reyes also knows that UConn is getting a lot of attention these days.

    "I see more expectations. Analysts say we are the upset team in the Big East. That's cool, but we take it one game at a time. We can't get caught up in the hype. That's when you become complacent and lose your drive.

    "Towards end of season we started to hit all cylinders. The season edned, and in the spring we were hungry. We are hungry right now."Reyes looks huge. He came to UConn at 6-3 245 and after eating lobster Monday night is at bout 295. Reyes' arms are like oak trees and he says he is still as quick and agile as he was before.He still said he can dunk a basketball.

    "I can't do all the things I used to do. I can still dunk, but I used to be real acrobatic and do back flips," Reyes said. "I haven't tried it. At 295, I don't want to try it. I still feel pretty good."

Zach Hurd is looking to be the next NFL Draft pick on the UConn line and by the looks of things he is well on his way. Hurd has become one of the top linemen in the Big East and considering the success of Donald Thomas and Will Beatty in the NFL UConn linemen are something to watch out for. I know there a lot of people who will like what Hurd had to say about blocking.

This on what he sees when the play is a sweep and he's pulling -- a staple power play.  Keep in mind he is 6-7 325.

    "I get to run full speed and hit a guy who is a lot smaller than a D-tackle and it's a lot of fun," Hurd said. "It's all down blocks on the front side, I come around the corner and the fullback takes out the first backer and I take out the second. That leaves running back 1-on-1 with the safety. That's what running backs get paid for to make the safety miss."

I then asked Hurd what is the reaction of a linebacker when they see him come clean.

    "Some will take it on like a man, but some crumble," Hurd said.

Ouch. I would like to think I would stand-up, but I run away when Jordan Todman is running out of the sidelines during practice. Take on Hurd? No thanks.

Some bit of bits for you

    * * Greg Lloyd's status is still unknown. Edsall will get an update Wednesday. If Lloyd is healthy he will play (won't redshirt to learn new position). If not, the Huskies do have other options including Marcus Campebell, Jesse Joseph and Trevardo Williams at DE.
    * *Kijuan Dabney has dropped a lot of weight for the move back to safety opposite Jerome Junior. "He looks like a safety and note a linebacker laying safety." Edsall also is thinking of ways to perhaps scheme to help out the safeties, who were torched in the spring game. It's the biggest hole on the team but Edsall is confident they can get better.

Got some more later. Talked to Skip Holtz, Edsall responds to the BC email, and also new rules for injuries.

Catch ya'll in the nightcap and everyone stay safe.

UConn fourth in preseason poll

Blogging at the new address. http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/

Big East predictions

(Cross posted at our new website: http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=1592)

The Big East will put out its writers' predictions on Tuesday and I am going to bet UConn will be no better than 5th.

I don't vote in the preseason poll (I think only 1 writer for a school), but if I was going to vote here's my list.

1. Pittsburgh -- QB is an issue, but from running back in Dion Lewis, Baldwin at WR and terrific defensive unit led by Greg Romeus I think this is going to be the year. If they had Stull back (who is playing for the Colonials this year) I would have picked them first without a thought. But, right now I place them first with a little trepidation because of the QB question.

2. UConn -- The Huskies are in for a big year. I think everyone around the program can feel it. They are the most complete team back, but I am cautious about the secondary. While I like the receivers, they do have to establish a Marcus Easley type.  UConn will pressure more this year to make up for the struggles at safety, and if they can get good safety play and return to the physical defense of the past I think we will see them in the Fiesta Bowl.  Zach Frazer is going to have a big year. Secondary scares me -- specifically safety. Offense is going to be terrific. Smash mouth football with a QB who can pass. Big year out of Kashif Moore at WR and Ryan Griffin at TE is what I predict. Plus for UConn --  Pitt, WVU and Cincinnati all at the Rent. the more I am writing, I am tempted to move the Huskies up to first.

3. West Virginia -- Lost a lot, but still have a lot of talent.Love Noel Devine and Jock Sanders. Geno Smith intrigues me at QB. I like this team a lot and there are a ton of starters returning. Under Stewart, however, the team has had two straight 9-4 season. I don't think WVU is going to do better than that this year. Enough talent to win the league, not sure they will be able to put it all together to do it though.

4. Cincinnati -- I don't fear the Bearcats as much without Brian Kelly. Zach Collaros looked great running Kelly's offense, but Cincy getting absolutely waxed in the Sugar Bowl bothers me. Collaros returns at QB, they have Pead back at running back, but no more Mardy Gilyard at WR which is going to hurt. This defense has a lot to replace for the second straight year. Last year Cincinnati was able to overcome a defense overhaul and win big. Butch Jones did a great job replacing Kelly at Central Michigan. Can he do it again? Eventually, but not this year.

5. USF -- Old friend Skip Holtz is now in Tampa and with that fertile recruiting area this program may explode in several years. They have a lot of talent and speed and what's not to like about QB B.J. Daniels? Defense lost a ton with Jason Pierre-Paul and George Selvie off to the NFL. There are holes there. If USF wins the league I wouldn't be surprised. If they finished in 6th I wouldn't be surprised. The big question is can USF stop the October swoon that plagued them under Jim Leavitt?

6. Rutgers -- Tough to put Rutgers here since they are a bowl caliber team. But, someone has to be sixth is my best defense. More likely Rutgers will be tied with a couple of teams for this spot. I don't expect a 2-5 year in the Big East from the Scarlet Knights.  Why behind the others? This team lost an awful lot of talent. Anthony Davis is gone from the O-Line, Tim brown is no longer at WR and the running game has hardly been explosive with the workman-like Joe Martinek. Mohammed Sanu is their best skill player and Tom Savage has the makings of a terrific player. Rutgers is returning only two offensive linemen. They also lose their top five tacklers from last season including Ryan D'Imperio at linebacker. Rutgers has some pieces -- Savage, Sanu and DE Jonathan Freeny (9 1/2 sacks), but if you think like me that the Top 6 in the Big East are all relatively competitive I would think Rutgers is a question mark with the amount of holes to fill. for my money, top 6 in conference get to bowl games.

7.  Syracuse -- Team is going to be better than  last year, and there is light in Syracuse. Defense looks like it may be a terrific unit. Doug Hogue returns as well as 10 other starters. Delone Carter is a good running back, but at QB who much will the Orange get? Doug Marrone has turned the corner, but it's still years off.

8. Louisville -- Where have you gone Bobby Petrino? New coach in Charlie Strong and while I don't put a lot of stock in recruiting rankings, the Cardinals are making progress. The defense needs to be revamped and while I would expect a bounce-back year for Victor Anderson I don't see much else. Cardinals could challenge for a bowl spot, but this looks to me like it may take a couple of years for Strong to get his players in there and on the field.

Two Huskies honored for service

(Cross posted at the new blog address. http://jiblogs.com/jsilvers_uconn_football_blog/?p=1584

UConn may be cornering the market on quality and high character football players.  Zach Hurd and D.J. Shoemate have both been nominated for the 2010 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.

I was forwarded the following information.

Hurd participates in Dare Day, during which he speaks to over 4,000 elementary school children on the dangers of drugs. He also leads the Goal Line Project, a weekly community service initiative where UConn student-athletes visit local schools to mentor students in academics and athletics, and lends his time to children volunteer work at the Connecticut Children’s Hospital and Children’s home.

Shoemate (who was nominated by the Sports Information Director at USC before transferring) visited East LA as part of Cry Out with Athletes in Action and distributed school materials, played sports and interacted with current and former gang members. He also spent three days in Tecate, Mexico building a house for a low income family through AMOR Ministries and regularly mentors underprivileged youth in Los Angeles, working on homework, playing and serving as a positive role model for the kids.

Here's the complete release. One thing is certain is that Shoemate seems like the quality of person the Randy Edsall wants. It's not an accident that he's here.

College Football Hall of Fame member and ESPN broadcaster Lou Holtz to continue as ambassador for the 19th Annual Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®

NORTHBROOK, Ill., July 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- To honor the distinguished group of college football players who stand out for the positive influence they have in their communities, Allstate Insurance Company and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) announced the 112 student-athletes nominated for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®. It is the most ever in the 19-year history of the award.

In the areas of giving back and volunteerism, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® represents the "best of the best" among more than 50,000 student-athletes participating in the sport at all four-year institutions.  The total eclipses the 106 nominees achieved last season, demonstrating the continued growth of a platform that is widely recognized as the most prestigious community service award in college football.

While glory and praise may be traditionally reserved for the most athletically skilled college football players on the field, it is the student-athletes committed to serving others who make the most important impact off the field.  The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® exists to tell their stories and acknowledge their impact beyond the game.

"In the third year of our partnership with the AFCA, Allstate, our employees and our agents continue to be inspired by the stories of class and character displayed by these young men," said Guy Hill, vice president of sales and service for Allstate, who also serves on the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® voting panel.  "We applaud the commitment of these 112 student-athletes to positively impact their communities with innovation, creativity and passion that reflects so well on their sport, and their respective institutions."

This year's class of nominations includes student-athletes with a wide range of accomplishments, including developing programs to support Haitian relief efforts, working with rural and minority students to help them reach their goal of attending medical school, and organizing a campus fundraiser to incentivize students to shave their heads to raise money for pediatric cancer research.

From the nominees submitted by sports information directors on behalf of their schools, a special voting panel consisting of former Good Works Team® members and prominent college football media members is responsible for selecting two 11-player Good Works Teams® – one comprised of players from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision and another representing players from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision, Divisions II, III, and the NAIA – to be announced in September.  College Football Hall of Fame member and ESPN broadcaster Lou Holtz is returning for a third year to serve as spokesperson for the program and raise awareness for the stories of the nominees and team members.

"For the third straight year, the AFCA is pleased to partner with Allstate in highlighting football student-athletes who have achieved outstanding success, both on and off the football," said Grant Teaff, AFCA Executive Director. "From the record total of nominees that were submitted from colleges and universities around the country, it is apparent that collegiate football is producing some of the best and brightest that our country has to offer."
ESPN.com will launch a customized Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® web site featuring profiles and images of the final 22 award recipients, as well as unique and interactive content for college football fans.  For the first time in the program's history, fans will be able to vote for a Team Captain on ESPN.com.

The 2010 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® voting panel includes: former Good Works Team® members Matt Stinchcomb (Georgia, 1997, 1998 teams), Mike Proman (Amherst, 2002 team), Mewelde Moore (Tulane, 2003 team), Brian Brenberg (St. Thomas, 2001 team), Zaid Abdul-Aleem (Duke, 1994 team); media members Lou Holtz (ESPN), Pat Forde (ESPN.com), Tom O'Toole (USA Today), Gary Shelton (St. Petersburg Times), Blair Kerkhoff (Kansas City Star); current AFCA President and Mount Union College Head Coach Larry Kehres; 1996 AFCA President Fisher DeBerry, former head coach at the United States Air Force Academy; and Allstate Vice President, Guy Hill.