My gosh, there was a call for Randy Edsall today and there was an avalanche of information. Where to begin? I don't know, I''l just throw out what I have.
Comings and goings:
There are a additions and subtractions from the roster.
Big addition is the return of Marcus Campbell at defensive end after sitting out a year with academic issues. He has two years left. Also, guard Mathieu Olivier is returning for his senior year. He was going to graduate and transfer, but now he is going to play. Funny how playing time makes you change. The staff wanted him back all along.
Mike Lang is still with the team.He didn't play in the bowl game because of academic issues.
The six freshmen that are enrolled (no surprise to anyone)
Leon Kinnard, ATH
Mike Osiecki, LB
Greg McKee, OT
Gilbert St. Louis, DB
Andrew Opoku, LB-DE
Jonatha Louis, DE
As far as players leaving the team:
FB Anthony Davis was suspended by the school and is gone. Brian Parker, the other played stabbed in the Jasper Howard murder, is out because of academics ending a sad two year stint here where he never played a down.
Also, safety Aaron Bagsby is leaving the team and is going to try and graduate sometime this summer. That's probably the biggest surprise.
As reported earlier: Casey Turner has transferred to Western Carolina and Scott Schultz is to the University of New Haven. There are also walk-ons that have left.
Injury news:
Jesse Joseph – shoulder surgery in janaury. No spring practice
Mike Ryan – Shoudler surgery – no spring practice
Blidi Wreh-Wilson shouldr- no sporing practice
Kijuan Dabney – Doing well and should do some things with the spring.He will apply for a medical redshirt.
Cody Endres—Fine for spring
Jimmy Bennett – Doing well, but he won’t having any contact during spring
Robbie Frey – No contact during spring
Greg Lloyd –Out for the spring
John Yurek – Might do some thing for spring but not sure.
Assistant coach positions will try and be filled by signing day, if not, soon after. Edsall has already talked with Jeff Hathaway about getting his assistants more money. The Huskies are last in the Big East in coaches salaries.
The Terry Richardson offensive coordinator stuff at Cuse was not true.
Lastly, some position changes.
Scott Lutrus is in the middle full-time. David Kenney is at strong safety and Kijuan Dabney is going to be a husky linebacker. Greg Lloyd, if he comes back this year from his injury (too soon to tell), will move to DE.
The other big position change is Jon Jean Louis moving from SS/LB to running back. Didn't see that one coming but they like his ability.
There's the info, we'll sort out what it means later.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Do the assistants need a raise?
Woe is the life of an assistant coach. I am reminded of that every time I see one leave for another job. Head football coaches have stability. Many assistants are on one year deals and they do the brunt of the recruiting on the road. Last year Joe Moorhead took a job and had to live without his family for a couple of months. It's a tough life. The assistants also put in most of the film work and work exhaustively on their game plans. I know Randy Edsall is a workhorse still, though there are some head coaches in college football that really rely on their underlings.
With two openings now, let's look at their current salaries for the 2009 season it's easy to see why Dave McMicahel and Scott Lakatos left. First off, they look like career moves first, and that's important. For McMichael, he has a chance to go back to West Virginia, a place he probably would have never left if he had a choice.
Lakatos goes to an SEC team and has a chance to move up in his career. So, I don't think that money is the factor here for these guys, but as the Huskies look to attract two new assistants should they raise the pool for their coaches? Lakatos got a raise from $130,000 to $180,000 at Georgia. Now, let's also factor in cost of living and the raise is even more.
Doing some basic research the UConn assistants are lagging behind their Big East counterparts in assistant coach salaries for 2009. They operate on 1 year deals. Not sure if the pool is increasing for 2010 but here's what the rest of the Big East paid. Info for Syracuse and Pittsburgh is unavailable.
Check out the pay schedule at USA Today database. (fixed link, thanks for the heads up).
UConn spent $1.239 million on its assistants for 2010 with Joe Moorehead the top guy coming in at $170,000. That's the lowest paid top assistant on the staff in the Big East. Every other Big East team's highest paid assistant makes over $200,000.
For contrast, West Virginia paid its assistants almost $1 million more than UConn paid its assistants. Part of that is Doc Holliday getting paid in excess of $400,000, but it's still much more.
Rutgers has five assistants making more than $200,000 and six assistants making more than Moorehead. They spend $500,000 more than the Huskies on assistant coaches salaries.
The Huskies are searching for two more assistant coaches and if the options are South Florida -- which paid Holtz a pretty penny and the assistants will get some of that --- It's a competitive sport and if the Huskies want to remain competitive getting the most desirable assistants,or keep their stars, that salary pool needs to be increased.
If not, as the Huskies keep winning and gain notice, you might start seeing a little more turnover than we are used to.
With two openings now, let's look at their current salaries for the 2009 season it's easy to see why Dave McMicahel and Scott Lakatos left. First off, they look like career moves first, and that's important. For McMichael, he has a chance to go back to West Virginia, a place he probably would have never left if he had a choice.
Lakatos goes to an SEC team and has a chance to move up in his career. So, I don't think that money is the factor here for these guys, but as the Huskies look to attract two new assistants should they raise the pool for their coaches? Lakatos got a raise from $130,000 to $180,000 at Georgia. Now, let's also factor in cost of living and the raise is even more.
Doing some basic research the UConn assistants are lagging behind their Big East counterparts in assistant coach salaries for 2009. They operate on 1 year deals. Not sure if the pool is increasing for 2010 but here's what the rest of the Big East paid. Info for Syracuse and Pittsburgh is unavailable.
Check out the pay schedule at USA Today database. (fixed link, thanks for the heads up).
UConn spent $1.239 million on its assistants for 2010 with Joe Moorehead the top guy coming in at $170,000. That's the lowest paid top assistant on the staff in the Big East. Every other Big East team's highest paid assistant makes over $200,000.
For contrast, West Virginia paid its assistants almost $1 million more than UConn paid its assistants. Part of that is Doc Holliday getting paid in excess of $400,000, but it's still much more.
Rutgers has five assistants making more than $200,000 and six assistants making more than Moorehead. They spend $500,000 more than the Huskies on assistant coaches salaries.
The Huskies are searching for two more assistant coaches and if the options are South Florida -- which paid Holtz a pretty penny and the assistants will get some of that --- It's a competitive sport and if the Huskies want to remain competitive getting the most desirable assistants,or keep their stars, that salary pool needs to be increased.
If not, as the Huskies keep winning and gain notice, you might start seeing a little more turnover than we are used to.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Lakatos officially to Georgia
DB coach Scott Lakatos takes a similar job at Georgia officially. Huskies now down two assistants. This is good and bad for the Huskies.
-- Post From My iPhone
Friday, January 8, 2010
Polls are in, UConn receiving votes
Five people voted UConn into the top 25 this week. I am surprised how few that is, but I shouldn't be.
One was Desmond Conner from the Courant, the others were Brett McMurphy of AOL Fanhouse (former Tampa Tribune writer), Tim Haney from Charleston Post Courier, Doug Doughty of the Roanoke Times and Tom Hart from CBS College Sports.
Cincinnati is No. 8, Pitt is No. 15 and WVU was No. 25 which is all good for the Big East. Peculiar to me though is Rutgers getting 37 votes.
So I went to Poll Staker and wanted to see how the votes came in.
The only one who voted for both UConn and Rutgers in the poll was Tom Hart. (UConn 25, Rutgers 19). The beat writers, or in Murphy's case former, Des Conner and McMurphy, voted UConn and left Rutgers out.
The rest of Rutgers' votes came from Baton Rougue, Las Vegas, Detroit, Jacksonville, Indiana and some others.
Now, how is this possible?
Rutgers played on Dec. 19, played the worst non-conference schedule of any major conference team and it's best win actually was a last second miracle against UConn.
The Huskies lost 5 games by 15 points, suffered the murder of a player, and had a 4-game winning streak including wins over Notre Dame, South Florida and an SEC team in South Carolina.
Now, 32 votes for Rutgers, and 5 for Connecticut?
Why?
IT'S THE MARKETING -- STUPID.
Rutgers played Dec. 19 -- three weeks ago -- against a CUSA team in Central Florida and dominated. No one was paying attention.
But, guess what popped into my email earlier this week? It was an email from Rutgers athletic department highlighting the 2009 season.
In it, they boasted of Rutgers making 5 straight bowl games and how many consecutive 8 win seasons it has had. Looking at the email and reading over the facts, it would be hard not to think Rutgers was one of the top programs in America. 5 straight bowl games? There are only a handful of teams that have done that. There wasn't a thing that was inaccurate about anything the email said. It was an excellent example of marketing and just shows the terrific ability of Rutgers to generate hype and interest.
What was left out of the email?
Three of Rutgers' wins were against Florida International, Howard and Texas Southern. 2 FCS schools and a school in its infancy playing football.
UConn's worst 3 non-conference games? Rhode Island (FCS gimmee), at Ohio University (bowl team) and AT BAYLOR.
Top non-conference games for Rutgers? at Maryland.
UConn?: North Carolina and AT Notre Dame.
Bowl game:
Destroy Central Florida, or impressively defeat an SEC team?
Now, Rutgers beat UConn. Of course they did, but head to head isn't the only consideration in the poll and everyone that actually covers the Big East would rank UConn ahead. UConn played its worst game of the season in trying circumstances against Rutgers. I don't throw it out, but when voting you have to look at the season in its totality.
For example, no one is complaining that USC (the real one) is in the Top 25 this week and Stanford isn't. Reflexively, USC ended the season in superior fashion, especially when you take the season in as a whole.
UConn conceivably could have went 10-2 or even 11-1 this year. But, in games they could have lost, it could have been 1-11 with Rhode Island the only assured gimmee on the schedule.UConn's schedule this season was extremely difficult for a program the caliber of the Huskies.
So I ask, who had the better year?
Here is a secret. I spent 2008 as an AP voter and I couldn't watch all the games, though voting is a tremendous honor. The hardest part about voting in the Top 25 is rounding out the last 5 spots. How do you differentiate? Well, when you are doing that you need information. Rutgers' email and the fact they beat UConn put them into the top 25. If anyone took time to go deeper into it, or had more knowledge of UConn's losses I think they would have put UConn No. 25.
This is hardly life or death, but it just goes to show you once again that the battle in the college football world doesn't end on the field.
The Huskies have a terrific team coming back, but just because they earn and deserve some mention doesn't mean they will get it.
Perhaps that's how it should be. But when you earn something, it doesn't hurt to claim it.
I know Randy Edsall doesn't care about polls and what others think of UConn. It's all driven by his Teddy Roosevelt philosophy of "talk softly and carry a big stick." Nothing is done with this team without his permission. Perhaps UConn likes being that under the radar team, but it's starting to become a sterotype like "possession receiver."
No wide receiver wants to be labeled a "possession receiver."
The Huskies are getting it done on the field. They should have more hype and publicity by sheer resume. Edsall has performed something no one though he could do at Connecticut.
I get the feeling he feels that UConn's play speaks for itself. It does, the question I have though, is anybody listening?
One was Desmond Conner from the Courant, the others were Brett McMurphy of AOL Fanhouse (former Tampa Tribune writer), Tim Haney from Charleston Post Courier, Doug Doughty of the Roanoke Times and Tom Hart from CBS College Sports.
Cincinnati is No. 8, Pitt is No. 15 and WVU was No. 25 which is all good for the Big East. Peculiar to me though is Rutgers getting 37 votes.
So I went to Poll Staker and wanted to see how the votes came in.
The only one who voted for both UConn and Rutgers in the poll was Tom Hart. (UConn 25, Rutgers 19). The beat writers, or in Murphy's case former, Des Conner and McMurphy, voted UConn and left Rutgers out.
The rest of Rutgers' votes came from Baton Rougue, Las Vegas, Detroit, Jacksonville, Indiana and some others.
Now, how is this possible?
Rutgers played on Dec. 19, played the worst non-conference schedule of any major conference team and it's best win actually was a last second miracle against UConn.
The Huskies lost 5 games by 15 points, suffered the murder of a player, and had a 4-game winning streak including wins over Notre Dame, South Florida and an SEC team in South Carolina.
Now, 32 votes for Rutgers, and 5 for Connecticut?
Why?
IT'S THE MARKETING -- STUPID.
Rutgers played Dec. 19 -- three weeks ago -- against a CUSA team in Central Florida and dominated. No one was paying attention.
But, guess what popped into my email earlier this week? It was an email from Rutgers athletic department highlighting the 2009 season.
In it, they boasted of Rutgers making 5 straight bowl games and how many consecutive 8 win seasons it has had. Looking at the email and reading over the facts, it would be hard not to think Rutgers was one of the top programs in America. 5 straight bowl games? There are only a handful of teams that have done that. There wasn't a thing that was inaccurate about anything the email said. It was an excellent example of marketing and just shows the terrific ability of Rutgers to generate hype and interest.
What was left out of the email?
Three of Rutgers' wins were against Florida International, Howard and Texas Southern. 2 FCS schools and a school in its infancy playing football.
UConn's worst 3 non-conference games? Rhode Island (FCS gimmee), at Ohio University (bowl team) and AT BAYLOR.
Top non-conference games for Rutgers? at Maryland.
UConn?: North Carolina and AT Notre Dame.
Bowl game:
Destroy Central Florida, or impressively defeat an SEC team?
Now, Rutgers beat UConn. Of course they did, but head to head isn't the only consideration in the poll and everyone that actually covers the Big East would rank UConn ahead. UConn played its worst game of the season in trying circumstances against Rutgers. I don't throw it out, but when voting you have to look at the season in its totality.
For example, no one is complaining that USC (the real one) is in the Top 25 this week and Stanford isn't. Reflexively, USC ended the season in superior fashion, especially when you take the season in as a whole.
UConn conceivably could have went 10-2 or even 11-1 this year. But, in games they could have lost, it could have been 1-11 with Rhode Island the only assured gimmee on the schedule.UConn's schedule this season was extremely difficult for a program the caliber of the Huskies.
So I ask, who had the better year?
Here is a secret. I spent 2008 as an AP voter and I couldn't watch all the games, though voting is a tremendous honor. The hardest part about voting in the Top 25 is rounding out the last 5 spots. How do you differentiate? Well, when you are doing that you need information. Rutgers' email and the fact they beat UConn put them into the top 25. If anyone took time to go deeper into it, or had more knowledge of UConn's losses I think they would have put UConn No. 25.
This is hardly life or death, but it just goes to show you once again that the battle in the college football world doesn't end on the field.
The Huskies have a terrific team coming back, but just because they earn and deserve some mention doesn't mean they will get it.
Perhaps that's how it should be. But when you earn something, it doesn't hurt to claim it.
I know Randy Edsall doesn't care about polls and what others think of UConn. It's all driven by his Teddy Roosevelt philosophy of "talk softly and carry a big stick." Nothing is done with this team without his permission. Perhaps UConn likes being that under the radar team, but it's starting to become a sterotype like "possession receiver."
No wide receiver wants to be labeled a "possession receiver."
The Huskies are getting it done on the field. They should have more hype and publicity by sheer resume. Edsall has performed something no one though he could do at Connecticut.
I get the feeling he feels that UConn's play speaks for itself. It does, the question I have though, is anybody listening?
Season review -- offense
I wrote in Week 2 after a crushing loss to North Carolina that the Huskies' season can go either way. At Rentschler Field, with a young team, and then losing Zach Frazer with a knee injury I had the Huskies season pegged at 4-8 or something to that affect.
I thought that the loss to UNC would be impossible to overcome. Boy was I wrong. That game doesn't even register anymore. So much has gone on this year with the Huskies suffering tragedy and triumph, it's hard to even think about trying to succinctly sum up the UConn season. All we can do is look back on what we predicted, assumed, and how none of it played put like we thought.
Let's run down the unit and where they are after the 2009 regular season:
Quarterbacks
Who would have thought that both Cody Endres and Zach Frazer would end with 1,354 yards passing in the regular season? If I told you in the summer that in the spring of 2010 there was going to be a quarterback battle at UConn I think we would have all assumed disaster. The old saying that if you have two quarterbacks, you don't have none is now turned on its head. I like both Zach Frazer and Cody Endres. Frazer is a little more confident, bigger arm and a bit more fiery. Endres throws a great deep ball, tighter spiral and seems to be a terrific thrower. He's also a little more athletic and perhaps a little better on the big play. Each has to work on things -- Frazer mechanics and decision-making, Endres short passing touch and reading through progressions quicker.
Endres performed beautifully. Frazer has a toughness, confidence and can really throw it. The Huskies have two starters at quarterback and this is going to be a decision and a battle that is not going to be settled for a long time. We began the year wondering if Mike Box was the answer at QB. He may be, but it's not going to be for a very long time.
Credit here goes to Joe Moorhead. The offense, when it got going, is terrific. Take a look at some nice work at UChuskies.com.
Preseason question: Could this unit produce any passing game? We would settle for mediocre.
End of season answer: The Huskies are a threat passing and next year if they remain dangerous at receiver, will be even more powerful.
Silver's prediction: Zach Frazer holds on to the job come spring ball, but Cody Endres remains there in the wings.
Silver's prediction: Zach Frazer holds on to the job come spring ball, but Cody Endres remains there in the wings.
Running backs
Couldn't have gone better. Not only did they run well, but the way the carries worked out with Andre Dixon 1083) and Jordan Todman (1,186) were almost a perfect balance. Having two backs with the Huskies offensive line wore down most teams. The running game never slacked off with Donald Brown, and that was a big surprise. Huskies are really going to miss Andre Dixon next year, though Todman may be writing 1,500 yards 20 TDs on his preseason goal list.
For the future with Martin Hypolite and Meme Wylie and Robbie Frey, the Huskies look like they will have a viable tough back to replace Dixon. Robbie Frey could get some carries, and has already proved hos worth as a special teams maven. Wylie is the big bruising back and should join with Hypolite to spell Todman.Todman is the workhorse, they need a solid No. 2 just in case.
Preseason question: Could the Huskies replace Donald Brown?
Answer: Uhm, yes.
Silver's prediction: Not going out on a limb here, Todman 1,400 yards and 16 TDs next year. Huskies find a viable NO. 2, but Todman gets most of the work.
Preseason question: Could the Huskies replace Donald Brown?
Answer: Uhm, yes.
Silver's prediction: Not going out on a limb here, Todman 1,400 yards and 16 TDs next year. Huskies find a viable NO. 2, but Todman gets most of the work.
Wide receiver/tight end
The most jaw-dropping outcome on the team. Senior Marcus Easley is an NFL receiver. That came out of nowhere literally. 44 catches, 853 yards and eight touchdowns is essentially 2/3 of a season makes you wonder how he wasn't the top wideout out of camp. No one else on the team is close to this guy. Kashif Moore has also found a nice niche in the slot and that's good going forward.
At tight end Ryan Griffin is going to be a dangerous player. He is raw and athletic, but he is such a big target and has good hands I think he will develop into a major receiving threat over the next 3 years.
Senior Brad Kanuch had some moments as did Isiah Moore early. Mike Smith has been inconsistent, but also hasn't had much of a chance with Easley's emergence. The three highly touted freshmen were a disappointment. Dwayne Difton, who looked so good early never got going after the third week. He took the loss of his "big brother" Jasper Howard hard and needs to regroup come spring. Mike Lang and Nick Williams had their redshirt lifted at Baylor and then promptly never saw much time at wide receiver again. Lang is now on special teams and Williams a backup punter. I found them lifting the redshirts kind of peculiar looking back. They got a shot before Marcus Easley. Go figure.
Lang is now in academic trouble so his future is murky.
Lang is now in academic trouble so his future is murky.
No Easley next year makes this unit a big question mark again. But, I think there is talent there and plenty in the cupboard. I like the size of Malik Generett and his 3 scout team player of the week awards. They could also use Gerrard Shepperd to step in. UConn needs that big receiver.
If Lang and Difton return with clear heads and motivated, they will improve immensely.
Tight end is locked down with Ryan Griffin. He is a big athletic target and is going to be a weapon. He is only a redshirt freshman, and that is going to serve the Huskies well for a long time.
If Lang and Difton return with clear heads and motivated, they will improve immensely.
Tight end is locked down with Ryan Griffin. He is a big athletic target and is going to be a weapon. He is only a redshirt freshman, and that is going to serve the Huskies well for a long time.
Preseason question mark: Could anyone be a big play threat?
Postseason answer: The man, Marcus Easley, was right under our noses the entire time. Better late than never.
Silver's prediction: Kashif Moore is leading receiver next year. Isiah Moore is the No.2 receiver.
Silver's prediction: Kashif Moore is leading receiver next year. Isiah Moore is the No.2 receiver.
Offensive line:
Best unit on the team. At the beginning of the year I thought Dan Ryan and Mathieu Olivier were playing pretty well, but Randy Edsall changed anyway and the line was even better with Mike Ryan and Erik Kuraczea on the line. To think, Jimmy Bennett was the most highly touted of the pair and he is out for the year. This team is loaded with at least three NFL prospects in Mo Petrus, Zach Hurd and Mike Ryan. I think you will see the entire line in NFL camps eventually.
Preseason question mark: Could they replace Will Beatty and Keith Gray at LT and C?
Postseason answer: Yes.
Silver's prediction: Unit is even better next year with a healthy Jimmy Bennett at tackle and Erik Kuraczea a year older and a full-time guard. We are going to look back on this unit in 5 years and marvel about how many NFL players were on this offensive line.
Silver's prediction: Unit is even better next year with a healthy Jimmy Bennett at tackle and Erik Kuraczea a year older and a full-time guard. We are going to look back on this unit in 5 years and marvel about how many NFL players were on this offensive line.
Final analysis
This isn't the Bones, DJ, Lorenzen offense that was conservative and meant to do no harm. This offense was excellent under Joe Moorhead. I not only saw production, but there was balance and creativity. The QBs allowed for a much better passing attack and the staff did a good job of putting the players in the right position to succeed.
A am dumbfounded Easley wasn't playing earlier this season or career, but better late than never. The Huskies still need to become consistent accurate in the passing game. That's Frazer's or Endres' biggest weakness, but now they have a full season under their belts. Was this the 40ppg offense Frazer promised last spring? No. But I thought the scheme and tempo were improved and they ran more plays than past year's. That allowed them to remain productive in the running game, and also become a pretty good passing team.
The Huskies won't have that explosive player outside of Todman next year, but they have guys with talent and play-making ability. I expect the production and points to continue to poor in.
Preseason question mark: Could the unit do anything productive?
Answer: Better than we could have hoped. It was dynamic and productive, and at times with Easley, explosive.
Silver's prediction: Easley is a big miss, but production and play-making will continue as the playbook is mastered. I expect even more aggressive play-calling next year and more points.
A am dumbfounded Easley wasn't playing earlier this season or career, but better late than never. The Huskies still need to become consistent accurate in the passing game. That's Frazer's or Endres' biggest weakness, but now they have a full season under their belts. Was this the 40ppg offense Frazer promised last spring? No. But I thought the scheme and tempo were improved and they ran more plays than past year's. That allowed them to remain productive in the running game, and also become a pretty good passing team.
The Huskies won't have that explosive player outside of Todman next year, but they have guys with talent and play-making ability. I expect the production and points to continue to poor in.
Preseason question mark: Could the unit do anything productive?
Answer: Better than we could have hoped. It was dynamic and productive, and at times with Easley, explosive.
Silver's prediction: Easley is a big miss, but production and play-making will continue as the playbook is mastered. I expect even more aggressive play-calling next year and more points.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Bowl aftermath
I have a lot of good stuff I will get to later, but the Huskies were fired up after the win here today.
UConn has the core returning, 18 starters or one time starters, roughly on the team and this game is a spring board for the 2010 season. They should get Top 25 preseason votes next year if anyone is paying attention.
On the defense, the Huskies switched things up if you haven't noticed. The Huskies were a much more pressure team and brought the linebackers on zone blitzes with regularity. South Carolina couldn't adapt. The front 4 was terrific with Kendall Reyes and Jesse Joseph having monster games. Lutrus was aggressive at linebacker and Garcia never really had time to throw and exploit UConn's secondary.
This isn't going to be a temporary thing. Edsall said that they looked at the personnel and decided that is the type of defense they need to be. UConn can't sit back and stifle teams with their front four and they were much more aggressive today.
Here's Lawrence Wilson
"It felt good to finally play well," Wilson said. "They all palyed hard and we got pressure on the quarterback all day. That is one of the main reasons we won.This is the most complete game we played this year."
Wilson played well and had a sack, perhaps it was the homemade BBQ that his father snuck into his hotel room last night.
As far as Dixon and the offense, Dixon was the workhorse. He earned that MVP honors by grinding the ball on the ground. USC's defense is terrific, but the Huskies were almost stubborn with running the ball and wore them down just enough.
Edsall was emotional talking about Dixon after the game.
"When you have a guy like Andre, 33 carries, 126 yards, What a way for him to go out. He gets over 1,000. All week long I watched him practice and he had a bounce in his step. He was ready to go. And when you get a guy like this and you get a big offensive line like we have, and you keep pounding it, you wear people down."
I have a lot more that I will hash out late.
The Huskies have a bowl win, are 8-5, and have a ton coming back. This could be the start of something special in 2010.
Happy New Year, time to pay the bills
UConn has the core returning, 18 starters or one time starters, roughly on the team and this game is a spring board for the 2010 season. They should get Top 25 preseason votes next year if anyone is paying attention.
On the defense, the Huskies switched things up if you haven't noticed. The Huskies were a much more pressure team and brought the linebackers on zone blitzes with regularity. South Carolina couldn't adapt. The front 4 was terrific with Kendall Reyes and Jesse Joseph having monster games. Lutrus was aggressive at linebacker and Garcia never really had time to throw and exploit UConn's secondary.
This isn't going to be a temporary thing. Edsall said that they looked at the personnel and decided that is the type of defense they need to be. UConn can't sit back and stifle teams with their front four and they were much more aggressive today.
Here's Lawrence Wilson
"It felt good to finally play well," Wilson said. "They all palyed hard and we got pressure on the quarterback all day. That is one of the main reasons we won.This is the most complete game we played this year."
Wilson played well and had a sack, perhaps it was the homemade BBQ that his father snuck into his hotel room last night.
As far as Dixon and the offense, Dixon was the workhorse. He earned that MVP honors by grinding the ball on the ground. USC's defense is terrific, but the Huskies were almost stubborn with running the ball and wore them down just enough.
Edsall was emotional talking about Dixon after the game.
"When you have a guy like Andre, 33 carries, 126 yards, What a way for him to go out. He gets over 1,000. All week long I watched him practice and he had a bounce in his step. He was ready to go. And when you get a guy like this and you get a big offensive line like we have, and you keep pounding it, you wear people down."
I have a lot more that I will hash out late.
The Huskies have a bowl win, are 8-5, and have a ton coming back. This could be the start of something special in 2010.
Happy New Year, time to pay the bills
Bowl blog
Kickoff: Crowd is pretty rowdy. Over 40,000 people here. It's about 4-1 USC fans over UConn fans. The weather is cold but not unbearable. Legion Field is an old stadium, but it has a nice charm.
Huskies win toss, will defer to second half. Kickoff imminent.
Update 1:09 p.m: Huskies blitzed twice on the first 3 plays! 1 yard, 3 and out for USC. Good start for Huskies.
Update 1:11 p.m.: Huskies go 3 and out. Didn't like the plays, gained 1 yard gain. Huskies should try and see if they can run the ball. Didn't hand off to Dixon at all.
Update 1:27 p.m.: Kashif Moore with a spectacular 37 yard TD catch. Frazer laid it out in front and Moore had a 1-handed grab in full stride. Good throw, but Moore's catch was spectacular. He put his right hand out and just let the ball fall in and in full stride ran for a TD. Shocking play, Huskies up 7-0.
Update 1:32 p.m.: Huskies defense has been terrific, especially D-line. There is a 4th and 1 from the USC 34 and it looks like Spurrier will go for it. That's a gamble this year...
Don't think they made it on the sneak. Huskies hold on 4th down.
Update 1:37 p.m.: Frazer missed a wide open Ryan Griffin on a TD pass.He overthrew him, and he just isn't comfortable on the run. Teggart with a 33 yard FG. 10-0 UConn. That field goal is a gift from Steve Spurrier. 4th down sneak deepin your own territory was Belichickess.
First wrap
UConn has dominated the first quarter. USC doesn't have a first down and the offense had one big lay in them. USC's defense is very good, but the Huskies already have a 10-0 lead. They need to establish the run and stay way from turnovers. Huskies' offense numbers aren't going to be pretty, but this is a game made for UConn...defensive slugfest. Can the Huskies sustain?
Update 2:05 p.m.: Frazer is a bit inaccurate today. Not by much, but he is rushing his throws and has left a couple of plays out there. Still, the Great Dave Teggart is back and has a 44 yard FG easily into the win at Legion Field. UConn is leading 13-0, and South Carolina has yet to get a first down with 8:56 left in the second quarter.
Update 2:!2 p.m.: THird and 17, USC gets a first down with a 19 yard pass play. Soft defense, as we have seen all year. UConn should be aggressive. USC has life.
Update 2:!7 p.m.: Bad snap by USC on 52 FG. Dixon then goves over 1,000 yards on season on next carry. Huskies inside USC territory.
Halftime wrap
The UConn defense that everyone thought the Huskies were going to have has showed up. The defensive line has been dominant and the Huskies are bringing linebackers on blitzes to put pressure on Garcia. It's a terrific performance with USC getting only 4 first downs the entire half. UConn leads 13-0 and gets the ball to begin the second half.
Offensively has made a couple of plays, and put up points, but USC has an excellent defense and has kept them somewhat in the game. Andre Dixon is over 1,000 yards on the season. Little use of Jordan Todman, perhaps UConn wants more of a physical runner.
Huskies are up 13-0. Who would have expected that?
Third quarter
Update 2:51: Huskies need to establish run in second half. Running into kicker results in first down. Lucky play there, Huskies are going to need to soften that D up with the pass. USC defense is stout today.
Update 2:57 p.m.: A roughing passer penalty keeps drive alive. USC it own worst enemy here.
Update 3: p.m.: USC get a break.Frazer fumbles handoff from Dixon. That play could loom large for UConn.
Update 3:04 p.m.: Looks like Frazer was tripped by guard Olivier on fumble. Tough break for Huskies.
Update 2:05 p.m.: Jesse Joseph with a forced fumble on a great play. USC's Stephen Garcia scrambles and Jesse Joseph works down field and comes from behind with a big hit.
Third quarter wrap
Huskies leading 13-0 at the end of the third quarter. UConn's defense has come up big this game. USC has about 100 yards of total offense through three quarters. UConn is different right now. IUSC is hardly a great offense, but the Huskies are much more aggressive today. They are playing to their talent level and look confident. So much for my pregame thoughts. Perhaps too much time in SEC country makes you believe the hype. Should have known better, USC isn't Florida, Alabama or LSU.
Fourth quarter
Update 3:38 p.m.: Andre Dixon 10 yard TD run on third down on a draw on third and 5. Good play call, and it's 20-0 #UConn. Huskies are hammering USC.
Update 3:45 p.m.: USC fans exiting Legion Field. It's steady movement, but that red isn't as tight as it used to be. It's going to be a long drive home to South Carolina.
Update 3:58 p.m.: Huskies Robert Vaughn INT. THis one is over. Huskies dominant,
Huskies win toss, will defer to second half. Kickoff imminent.
Update 1:09 p.m: Huskies blitzed twice on the first 3 plays! 1 yard, 3 and out for USC. Good start for Huskies.
Update 1:11 p.m.: Huskies go 3 and out. Didn't like the plays, gained 1 yard gain. Huskies should try and see if they can run the ball. Didn't hand off to Dixon at all.
Update 1:27 p.m.: Kashif Moore with a spectacular 37 yard TD catch. Frazer laid it out in front and Moore had a 1-handed grab in full stride. Good throw, but Moore's catch was spectacular. He put his right hand out and just let the ball fall in and in full stride ran for a TD. Shocking play, Huskies up 7-0.
Update 1:32 p.m.: Huskies defense has been terrific, especially D-line. There is a 4th and 1 from the USC 34 and it looks like Spurrier will go for it. That's a gamble this year...
Don't think they made it on the sneak. Huskies hold on 4th down.
Update 1:37 p.m.: Frazer missed a wide open Ryan Griffin on a TD pass.He overthrew him, and he just isn't comfortable on the run. Teggart with a 33 yard FG. 10-0 UConn. That field goal is a gift from Steve Spurrier. 4th down sneak deepin your own territory was Belichickess.
First wrap
UConn has dominated the first quarter. USC doesn't have a first down and the offense had one big lay in them. USC's defense is very good, but the Huskies already have a 10-0 lead. They need to establish the run and stay way from turnovers. Huskies' offense numbers aren't going to be pretty, but this is a game made for UConn...defensive slugfest. Can the Huskies sustain?
Update 2:05 p.m.: Frazer is a bit inaccurate today. Not by much, but he is rushing his throws and has left a couple of plays out there. Still, the Great Dave Teggart is back and has a 44 yard FG easily into the win at Legion Field. UConn is leading 13-0, and South Carolina has yet to get a first down with 8:56 left in the second quarter.
Update 2:!2 p.m.: THird and 17, USC gets a first down with a 19 yard pass play. Soft defense, as we have seen all year. UConn should be aggressive. USC has life.
Update 2:!7 p.m.: Bad snap by USC on 52 FG. Dixon then goves over 1,000 yards on season on next carry. Huskies inside USC territory.
Halftime wrap
The UConn defense that everyone thought the Huskies were going to have has showed up. The defensive line has been dominant and the Huskies are bringing linebackers on blitzes to put pressure on Garcia. It's a terrific performance with USC getting only 4 first downs the entire half. UConn leads 13-0 and gets the ball to begin the second half.
Offensively has made a couple of plays, and put up points, but USC has an excellent defense and has kept them somewhat in the game. Andre Dixon is over 1,000 yards on the season. Little use of Jordan Todman, perhaps UConn wants more of a physical runner.
Huskies are up 13-0. Who would have expected that?
Third quarter
Update 2:51: Huskies need to establish run in second half. Running into kicker results in first down. Lucky play there, Huskies are going to need to soften that D up with the pass. USC defense is stout today.
Update 2:57 p.m.: A roughing passer penalty keeps drive alive. USC it own worst enemy here.
Update 3: p.m.: USC get a break.Frazer fumbles handoff from Dixon. That play could loom large for UConn.
Update 3:04 p.m.: Looks like Frazer was tripped by guard Olivier on fumble. Tough break for Huskies.
Update 2:05 p.m.: Jesse Joseph with a forced fumble on a great play. USC's Stephen Garcia scrambles and Jesse Joseph works down field and comes from behind with a big hit.
Third quarter wrap
Huskies leading 13-0 at the end of the third quarter. UConn's defense has come up big this game. USC has about 100 yards of total offense through three quarters. UConn is different right now. IUSC is hardly a great offense, but the Huskies are much more aggressive today. They are playing to their talent level and look confident. So much for my pregame thoughts. Perhaps too much time in SEC country makes you believe the hype. Should have known better, USC isn't Florida, Alabama or LSU.
Fourth quarter
Update 3:38 p.m.: Andre Dixon 10 yard TD run on third down on a draw on third and 5. Good play call, and it's 20-0 #UConn. Huskies are hammering USC.
Update 3:45 p.m.: USC fans exiting Legion Field. It's steady movement, but that red isn't as tight as it used to be. It's going to be a long drive home to South Carolina.
Update 3:58 p.m.: Huskies Robert Vaughn INT. THis one is over. Huskies dominant,
Game Day USC
Traffic is building up and its cold down here in Birmingham. I can't believe how cold it is, I was expecting mid 40s, but it is freezing here and has been the last day or so. Last night the wind chill had to be in the 20s. Cold snap has gripped the entire U.S. I guess.
I am for establishing a lower tier bowl game at the equator. Let's call it the Amazon Bowl, sponsored by Amazon.com, and play it in the rain forest.
As far as game day goes the paucity of UConn fans is alarming. This is going to be a Gamecock homegame. I see sporadic people around, and there is allegedly 4,500 tickets sold/distributed. The number of actual UConn fans down here is much less than that. That's too bad, but in defense of Nutmeggers, the Notre Dame game traveled well and Birmingham is a difficult place to get to from Hartford. All the flight I looked at were $500+ out of Bradley. Still, bowl reps don't want to hear that so UConn has some work to do in this area or it's Yankee Bowl forever.
As far as today's game, I don't have a good feeling. I felt better about this game but as the week has wore on the SEC is looking stronger. West Virginia lost, PIttsburgh held on and Cincinnati was annihilated.
This is a big game for Big East credibility, the Huskies have to put up a good showing.
It's also an important game for UConn. This is the first game for next season and a win here will get them on the cusp of the Top 25 preseason next year. UConn at 8-5, with a 4 game winning streak and 18 starters back is an attractive team to pick to contend for next year. But, the Huskies have to prove it again today.
This is a measuring stick game for the Huskies and their program. It matters today.
Going to hit the media buffet, I be back before kickoff.
I am for establishing a lower tier bowl game at the equator. Let's call it the Amazon Bowl, sponsored by Amazon.com, and play it in the rain forest.
As far as game day goes the paucity of UConn fans is alarming. This is going to be a Gamecock homegame. I see sporadic people around, and there is allegedly 4,500 tickets sold/distributed. The number of actual UConn fans down here is much less than that. That's too bad, but in defense of Nutmeggers, the Notre Dame game traveled well and Birmingham is a difficult place to get to from Hartford. All the flight I looked at were $500+ out of Bradley. Still, bowl reps don't want to hear that so UConn has some work to do in this area or it's Yankee Bowl forever.
As far as today's game, I don't have a good feeling. I felt better about this game but as the week has wore on the SEC is looking stronger. West Virginia lost, PIttsburgh held on and Cincinnati was annihilated.
This is a big game for Big East credibility, the Huskies have to put up a good showing.
It's also an important game for UConn. This is the first game for next season and a win here will get them on the cusp of the Top 25 preseason next year. UConn at 8-5, with a 4 game winning streak and 18 starters back is an attractive team to pick to contend for next year. But, the Huskies have to prove it again today.
This is a measuring stick game for the Huskies and their program. It matters today.
Going to hit the media buffet, I be back before kickoff.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy New Year quick check in
Don't have much time, hope to blog later today though I have spent an inordinate amount of time out of the hotel room...but the Huskies did have to send two players home today.
Freshmen Marcus Aiken and Tim Williman, both sitting out as redshirts, have been sent home for an unspecified violation of team rules. UConn coach Randy Edsall talked to us for about 5 minutes at the final walk through, and said that they were already on planes back to Storrs.
As far as the rest of the day, Huskies will be at a pep rally at 5 p.m. and if your in Birmingham there is street fair at the 5 points.
Hope everyone had a Happy New Year.
Freshmen Marcus Aiken and Tim Williman, both sitting out as redshirts, have been sent home for an unspecified violation of team rules. UConn coach Randy Edsall talked to us for about 5 minutes at the final walk through, and said that they were already on planes back to Storrs.
As far as the rest of the day, Huskies will be at a pep rally at 5 p.m. and if your in Birmingham there is street fair at the 5 points.
Hope everyone had a Happy New Year.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)