Edsall Notre Dame Ultimatum?

Saw this in the Norwich Bulletin and it was a ho hum article about Edsall meeting a Chamber of Commerce. Then, this hits you over the head a Q&A at the end with Edsall.

After dodging the Bulletin's question, Edsall was more candid to the audience. 

Q: Should a football ultimatum be given to Notre Dame soon?

A: I think that’s something the powers that be are discussing in terms of the strategies that they’re looking at to be proactive rather than reactive.

Note: In a question-and-answer session with the audience, Edsall said the football coaches have been asking the conference to deliver an ultimatum to Notre Dame to come into the conference for football or get out entirely for the last two years. He added that, if as speculated, two teams leave for the Big Ten, “the Big East is all done.”

Now, this isn't a surprise to me. Over the course of the last several years this has been something Edsall has hinted at in off the record conversations he has had. He is careful around the media because he doesn't want to create controversy, but he obviously was less guarded around the Chamber meeting. 

The facts are the Big East football coaches are frustrated with Notre Dame. The Big East allows the Irish to live by two sets of rules. Now, talking to the Big East office, they are going to say ND football helps with bowl tie-ins etc. That may be true, but if the Irish go 8-4, it's almost assured a 10-2 Big East team is going to get bumped out of the Champs Bowl, or in the past, the Sun or the Gator Bowl. 

The reason the Big East doesn't give an ultimatum is that Notre Dame would leave. 

As far as expansion, the loss of 2 teams and "the Big East is done" comment? Well, it's also true, and why I think the Big East could be on its last legs as a football conference. The league can't lose any of its eastern teams, notably two of UConn, Syracuse or Rutgers. Pitt by itself leaving would be a huge blow. 

These are scary times for the Big East, and I don't think that is being alarmist. 

Gilyard takes a bite out of Kelly

Cincinnati's Mardy Gilyard didn't hold any punches on Kelly. Hurt feelings all around.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=4732205

"He went for the money," receiver Mardy Gilyard told The Associated Press. "I'm fairly disgusted with the situation, that they let it last this long."

That's a bitter team and player right there. That's the problem with college coaches switching in mid-stream. Cincinnati has a chance to win a share of the national title, which  it can do as the AP voters aren't bound to the BCS game. The chances of that happening are small, but the point is the players at Cincinnati aren't done with the season yet. Generically, coaches ask players to sacrifice for the team and put team first above individual honors. But, every year in December a coach leaves his team cold. That's not hypocritical?

Now, it's the right move for Kelly, but it's still a selfish move. He did what's best for himself, as Randy Edsall would have done what's best if ND offered the job. I don't know the answer to this coaching problem. December recruiting is critical. But, after everything coaches sell their players 11 months a year, that seems to disappear in December.

Kelly to ND per...sources

ESPN.com has it citing two Sources. Chris Mortensen broke it, the NFL guy.

It appears people that UConn fans can breathe easier for another day, or until the ridiculous Edsall to Kansas rumors start again.

Edsall in Birmingham, Cincy closes meeting

For all the Randy Edsall to Notre Dame rumors, he was down in Birmingham today at a press conference for media with Steve Spurrier.

Via AP:

 Asked whether he'd interviewed for the coaching job at Notre Dame as some media reports indicate, Edsall said he won't comment on rumors or speculation about any other job. Asked whether he'd interviewed for the coaching job at Notre Dame as some media reports indicate, Edsall said he won't comment on rumors or speculation about any other job.

Of course, Cincinnati has barred the media from its banquet tonight and Kelly will address the team privately about the ND job. AP again:

CINCINNATI – The University of Cincinnati has barred the media from its annual football banquet, where coach Brian Kelly is expected to tell players about his talks with Notre Dame.

The university changed its media plans Thursday afternoon, a few hours before the banquet. Kelly interviewed with Notre Dame officialsthis week about becoming Charlie Weis' successor.

Now, there is no way Edsall is in Birmingham if he is taking the ND job in the next 24 hours. I will say, this has gotten absurd. I don't know what to believe, and no one knows much in Storrs. Perhaps Edsall was really just out recruiting the last couple of days, though I have a hard time believing Chicago is a recruiting ground. When was the last player UConn recruited from the Midwest?

Perhaps this will be over in hours, and Mr. Source (it's become a journalistic abomination) can go back to his hole and not come out until next year. Really, there is so much hot air out there and spinning and promoting I don't know what to believe.

Big East team's announced and more Edsall-ND smoke

Big East team was announced and DE Lindsey Witten, LB Lawrence Wilson and G Zach Hurd were named to the Big East all first team. On the second team was Greg Lloyd as well as Andre Dixon and Jordan Todman.

Jasper Howard was named team captain. That's a nice touch by the Big East.

As far as the other side, just when you think Notre Dame saga is almost over Randy Edsall's name pops up again. Courtesy of Joe Schad at ESPN.com says there continues to be "mutual interest."

I don't know what "mutual interest" means, but it's clear that Edsall may be in the on deck circle if things don't work out with Brian Kelly.

Huskies get back to practice tomorrow. Edsall is scheduled to be in Birmingham for Papajohns.com Bowl stuff, tomorrow. I would imagine things have to fall apart with Kelly, which other reports say could be named coach as early as Friday.

Edsall hasn't talked to the media since Sunday when during a conference call about the Papajohns.com Bowl he declined to address rumors about his interest in the Notre Dame job.

Choking on all that Notre Dame smoke

My gosh, the Randy Edsall to Notre Dame rumors are starting to overwhelm. But, nothing tangible. All we get is "we are hearing."

As tends to happen at the school that's losing a coach, there is no word on the veracity of the rumors out of Storrs. Why would there be? Edsall isn't going to tell anyone at UConn he is entertaining jobs but he hasn't refuted a single rumor.

Anyhow, Brian Kelly is meeting in New York with ND and Jim Harbaugh may have already. Now, rumors are of Edsall on the short list. This is double secret probation kind of rumors, but that's enough in the internet age. Is it true? Or is Edsall's name just leverage for someone else?  

Kelly No. 1 and Edsall in the hole?

Let me plug Edsall here. He is suffering some poor PR by people who don't really pay attention.

1. His record: It's 65-65 in 11 years. So is he a .500 coach? Not exactly. Since the move up to the FBS the Huskies are 56-41 with four bowl appearances and a Big East co-title. In the last three years the Huskies have had six players drafted into the NFL and two others make it as UDFA. Are we really going to count the loss to Hofstra in 1998 in his first game when UConn was I-AA? Secondly, this is Connecticut. No natural recruiting base, new team in a conference that was decimated, and did I mention they are essentially an college football expansion team? Would Knute Rocke do any better at UConn?  Edsall's resume isn't top heavy and very flashy with awards, it's not sexy.  But their is depth if you choose to look at it. What's more impressive, a 3-year run by Brian Kelly, or the construction of a football program from the ground up? That's food for thought.

2. Can't recruit: As a writer, you are only as good as your material. It's hard to bring football players to Storrs. I would assume at a better job he would get a better recruit. To think he would have to recruit the same player to Notre Dame that he does UConn, well, that's just silly. Besides, Notre Dame wants to win with a certain player academically. Edsall has shown he can win with that type of player because he doesn't recruit a ton of academic risks to UConn. In fact, whenever he has it's backfired such as the Jarrell Miller episode showed.

3. Not exciting: I think this is actually a strength. Notre Dame's coach shouldn't be blustery like Weis was. While some see the lack of affability as a negative, I would view it as a strength. He won't make a single wave for anything. He may be the most boring guy in Connecticut. Nice, genteel, but not flashy.

Now to the "concerns":

1. Scrutiny: Edsall has a nice thing going at UConn and there isn't nearly the level of scrutiny that there will be in Chicago. Sometimes he can't handle us and the message boards are tame here and the team is off the radar most of the time with little national expectations. That allows Edsall to control the message and program. That Tyler Lorenzen gambit two years ago at Syracuse wouldn't fly in South Bend (unless the Irish won). And, the Huskies have consistently been hampered by their refusal to boast. Donald Brown should not have only been the Doak Walker winner, he should have garnered some Heisman votes. He wasn't even mentioned by these teams. It seems foolish now, but some wondered if Brown was just a product of the system. Once the NFL scouts talked, there was revisionist history. Publicity is an important part of college football. I think sometimes Edsall down plays expectations (or has in the past) it actually has deflated the fan base. Edsall doesn't like expectations. There has to be a happy medium between UConn and Rutgers.

2. Still hasn't won the big one: One win against a ranked team in his career I think UConn is 1-16 all-time. This is mostly a question of talent, not coaching, but you would have liked to seen an upset in there somewhere. All his resume is missing is a single 10-2 season and a run to the BCS. That's it, and a pretty big hole.

3. Does he really want the job?: Of course every coach "wants to the Notre Dame job" but, let's weigh the expectations, pressure and toll it takes on your family. Jimmy Claussen and Golden Tate are gone. It's going to be a bad Irish team next year and in need of rebuilding. Did you see Weis' comments on what losing and the job did to his family? There is a chance of failure here, and would you want to take yourself out of the confines of cozy Connecticut and a job for life, for a shot at college football immortality? Certainly, any coach would, but would you subject your family to that jeopardy. What has happened to the career of Ty Willingham, Bob Davie  and now Charlie Weis since? It's Edsall's last gig for better or worse, make sure you can enjoy it.

Anyhow, just throwing  some stuff against the wall. I don't have a feeling either way and there is a lot of smoke coming out nationally. Nothing that I would say is firm. Edsall did meet recruits on Sunday and wasn't able to watch game film and is out on the recruiting trail this week. If all of that is true, perhaps his name is being floated to put pressure on others.

One thing I do know is that this can't persist. The continued floating of your coach leaving harms recruiting and brings about instability. That's bad and I would expect UConn's administration to not let Edsall get a free ride here. There is a fine line to walk here, and Edsall is still on the line. This can't go on for another 2 weeks however. Through exams, once the team gets back to practice for the bowl this has to be settled. I would expect it to be.

Edsall and Notre Dame?

Chicago Sun-Times reports they have "kicked the tires." Listen, if Edsall has a chance at ND he has to take it.

Meanwhile, a source said Connecticut coach Randy Edsall has been contacted by a Notre Dame representative to gauge his interest in becoming the next Irish coach. Edsall and his Huskies helped end Weis' five-year run when they beat Notre Dame 33-30 in double overtime Nov. 21.

Here's the link.

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/colleges/1915418,CST-SPT-nd02.article

More thoughts: Reading the article more it says a representative of Notre Dame. A booster perhaps? I do know Digger Phelps gave an unequivocal endorsement of Edsall on ESPN. But, Digger is a basketball guy.

I think Randy Edsall would win big there, and fits. But, I am not sure you can sell the Irish fan base and alumni on this. First off, Edsall is in the George O'Leary camp having served as his defensive coordinator at Ga Tech., and the Irish have never recovered from that debacle and still have open wounds here. Secondly, Edsall has a .500 career record and 1 win over a Top 25 team in his career. If this was pure ability and fit, I think he is a strong candidate. But perception wise, how do you sell Notre Dame's fans? They want Urban Meyer, and are upset about what's happened since. The last two coaches have been dark horses in Ty Willingham and Charlie Weis, hardly names that burned the message boards with excitement. Edsall wouldn't excite, and from being down there two weeks ago, that base needs to be fired up. I talked with long time boosters and fans and they said this was a funeral. What ND is going to be like if Jimmy Claussen and those two receivers move on? They could very well be 4-8, 5-7 next year. Who can survive that? Only someone with a big rep.

As far as the other Edsall destinations? I stand firmly behind Kansas as a poor fit and not a better job, and Virginia? Well, that's a terrific place, but they are a wine and cheese crowd. Virginia is a small step up from UConn, but can you win the ACC there quicker than the Big East at UConn? Edsall has only one move left to make at 51.

The Huskies have 9 starters back on offense, and 9 back on defense. They have playmakers and look ready for a big 1 and 2 year run here at the Big East. It's taken a decade to get here for Edsall, why wouldn't he want to take his shot with what he has built? If Notre Dame calls, he's gone. But the other places? I would let it ride and see if I could win the Big East twice and then have a pick of college and NFL jobs in a year or 2.  

Greetings from Gate 9

OK. I am trying to get home from Midway, and for some reason every plane to Connecticut is full :). Lot's of UConn fans out here, and my stand by play didn't work. Looks like it's the 3:45 p.m. back to Bradley.

There are tons of UConn fans here. They are still smiling and can hardly believe it. I talked to a couple from Manchester and they mentioned how good the experience was. Here is the quote: "It was like going to church."

That's perhaps the best way I can describe Notre Dame. It's regal and plain, and has history. I wrote yesterday about how plain the stadium is. It hasn't been corrupted by corporate sponsors. It is distinctly retro. No loud music, no crazy scoreboard. It's beautiful in its simplicity.

I like that. It is a way to watch a game without distractions.

Anyhow, the football game is important for the Big East. This likely takes the Gator Bowl out of play for Notre Dame (if the Gator takes a 7-5 ND team, after losing to Pitt and UConn, that bowl is an absolute joke).

That has ramifications for UConn. The Huskies, may need to get a Big East bowl. Right now, there are 5 bowl eligible teams for six spots. If UConn qualified, that would fill the Big East contingent. The way at larges are starting to shape up, there is no assurance that a 6-6 UConn team could even get an at large bowl bid.

Right now, it looks like if the Huskies win one more, they will be able to take one of those Big East bowls. That's very important. Where? Maybe Birmingham, and the Papajohns.com Bowl, maybe St. Pete. Birmingham will be against an SEC team. That's a nice game.

Huskies need to take care of business next week, and by doing that against Syracuse and against South Florida, they could assure themselves a pretty nice end to the season.

More later. The offensive line was dominant Saturday. Considering how young it is, that bodes well for the future.

Post game Notre Dame -- Biggest win ever

Andre Dixon immediately had the thoughts come into his head after Teggart's miss to end regulation.

"After thinking about all of the times that we came so close and didn't come out with the win at the end," Dixon said, "I was thinking 'No, not another one of those games.' The I just thought to stay positive and regroup and pull everyone else together."

This was different. The Huskies hadn't lost yet, and in the overtime the Huskies stunned Notre Dame 33-30.

The line dominated. Both Todman and Dixon manhandled Notre Dame as we expected. Todman was explosive, and Dixon was a battering ram late. They thought they could wear down Notre Dame and they did.

As far as the defense, Blidi Wreh Wilson and Dwayne Gratz were terrific today. I think the ND receivers are the best duo in the country. They both played confidently, and that's important. Wilson batted away a ball towards Tate in the overtime to force a field goal. Great strength, reaction time, and confidence to do that against a player like Tate.

When you look at program defining wins, winning in South Bend is at the top of the list.

Let's say this slowly: The University of Connecticut defeated the University of Notre Dame in college football.

Think about that for a second. Or, think about it for the next hour.

Who are these upstarts from Storrs, Conn?

They are a team that is stricken by adversity and life. The Huskies last win was a month ago. In the meantime lives changed, dreams were crushed, people died. It's hard to separate this win from Jasper Howard because it's impossible to talk about this team and not see the effect of Jasper Howard's violent death.

What does Saturday's win mean?

For the first time in a month, the University of Connecticut can smile again.

The players have had fake smiles, and stiff upper lips. We see those everyday. That's what adults do. We put on a brave face.

But, when Andre Dixon darted left and saw his pulling guard, Zach Hurd obliterate a linebacker, the weight of world was off their shoulders. Dixon turned and the players rushed onto the field.

At the epicenter of the college football university, in it's cathedral, the University of Connecticut celebrated.

They celebrated victory, glory and celebrated life.

This was a great game. I don't need to go into the details and the good plays (going for it at midfield in the third quarter) or bad plays (not rushing the ball several more times to make a chip shot field goal for Teggart).

The Huskies won. They walked into Notre Dame Stadium fearless and confident. This isn't a good Notre Dame team (you don't beat the good ones), but it isn't a bad one either.

This is a hallowed place in South Bend. It's my first time here, and the mural of Touchdown Jesus and the field of play is so old it makes the hair stand up on your neck. The stadium is an artifact. There is wooden bleachers and just a pair of small scoreboards that keep down, distance, score and time. The field of play is immaculately simple. The endzones have lines on them and except for a small NBC Sports logo on the small scoreboard, there isn't a single piece of permanent signage in the park.

It feels like a church. Plain and regal. It is an old place, and it has seen it's share of great teams and great games. The University of Connecticut is 5-5, you are your record. But, for the adversity this team showed, and the toughness it has displayed this season, I think they are worthy to have played on this field.

Hey, the Huskies still need a couple of wins to get to a bowl game, and this season is going to end with a mediocre at best record.

For once however let's not be cynical. Enjoy the journey and the game. It's time to appreciate how the Huskies played this game.

Keys to the Notre Dame game

Offense

The Huskies need to keep the ball out of the hands of Notre Dame and Jimmy Clausen and the running game with Jordan Todman and Andre Dixon is the way to do it. The UConn running game is averaging 167 yards per game on the ground and the tandem of Todman and Dixon have combined for 1,556 yards and 19 touchdowns this season. The Irish can be run against and getting Todman and Dixon to control the clock against a susceptible Notre Dame defense will change the game’s dynamic. UConn quarterback Zach Frazer needs to control his emotions of returning to South Bend and play another tight game like he did against Cincinnati. Notre Dame’s defense has been its weakness this season giving up 153.2 yards a game in the run. That’s a good sign for the Huskies’ power running game.

Notre Dame’s offense is one the best in the country behind Jimmy Clausen. Clausen is a pro quarterback and has passed for 2,053 yards and 21 touchdowns this season averaging 305 yards per game. His receivers are dangerous, Golden Tate has 74 catches for 1,172 yards and 11 touchdowns while Michael Floyd is a big play threat averaging 20 yards a catch and has 606 yards receiving in six injury plagued games. Armando Allen has solidified the running game with 591 yards just to keep defenses honest. Clausen is accurate, with a strong arm, and hasn’t had anyone slow him down. He’s at his best late in the game, which the Huskies need to be wary of.


Defense

UConn’s defense have up over 700 yards of offense to Cincinnati in its last game and left unchecked, Clausen will be able to do the same kind of damage. The one thing that the Huskies can hope for is that the Notre Dame offensive line does have holes in it and Clausen has played this season under tremendous pressure. Lindsey Witten (10 ½ sacks) needs to rediscover that pass rush of early this season and the young pups in the secondary in redshirt freshman safety Jerome Junior, and corners Blidi Wreh-Wilson and Dwayne Gratz have to be more aggressive and confident defending the terrific receivers of Notre Dame. The Huskies have been susceptible to the big plays, and the Fighting Irish are more than capable of getting a couple. Avoiding that will be the key to the Huskies staying in this game.

Notre Dame has a top ranked offense, but it’s defense hasn’t played well for much of this season . They are allowing 390 yards of offense a game including 153.2 on the ground. If Notre Dame wants to put the Huskies away, they must stop the power running game. The Irish only have 18 sacks this season, and free safety Kyle McCarthy is their leading tackler at 78 with five interceptions.


Keys players

1. Lindsey Witten DE, UConn

The Huskies desperately need the senior defensive end Lindsey Witten and his pass rush to show up. The defense is at another level when Witten plays like a pro. If he is ineffective and unenergetic, the Huskies will not stop Notre Dame.

2. Golden Tate, WR Notre Dame

He is Jimmy Clausen’s favorite receiver and will be an impossible cover for the Huskies. Tate can make people miss and can make plays. If he gets going and it turns into pitch and catch with Clausen, it will be a long day for the Huskies.


3. Zach Frazer, QB UConn

Frazer is going to be excited and have a chip on his shoulder being a transfer from Notre Dame. He needs to have that edge, but he can’t go beyond himself. If Frazer doesn’t make mistakes, the Huskies are going to be able to move the ball on Notre Dame and make this a game.

Game Day Notre Dame -- What the '68's say

On the way in I stopped by the Knute Rockne rest stop for some food, and of course as Midwesterners are prone to do, I made some friends.

These weren't just ordinary Notre Dame fans. The group I started to talk to were the Great '68s.

This is a group of alumni who have been coming to games since they graduated in 1968. They are located in the Legends Parking lot and ordinarily there are 100s of people tailgating. It's usually shoulder to shoulder.

Today was a sparse crowd and pretty much only diehards. Part of it is anticipated poor weather (it's not, it's beautiful), part of it is the season.

This is where things get tenuous for Charlie Weis. It's just an unscientific example, but when you lose the alumni at Notre Dame you lose your job. The alumni are staying away for this game. Several '68s remarked how subdued the parking lot was. 6-4 will do that, especially when the fans and coach are at odds.

Still fans, still hoping for a win, but these guys have been coming to games for 40 years, they know the atmosphere.

As one remarked -- "It's like a funeral here."

For Charlie Weis' sake, it better not be his.

Greetings from Chicago

In the Windy City as the flights, hotels and travel to South Bend was a bit over the top.

UConn coach Randy Edsall said something interesting on Tuesday. I have been thinking about it all week. This game is not big for the players. every game is big,. but to me this is a manifistation of almost 20 years of hard work and vision.

Notre Dame is college football. It's the most recognizable name in the sport and even when they are mediocre, the name lingers. That UConn is playing the Irish is a big deal for the program. It represents a coming of age for the Huskies.

I still think UConn suffers the "Can you believe this?" factor. When UConn plays at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday that should end forever. UConn has proven it belongs in the big-time. That Notre Dame is playing UConn bolsters the Huskies program. Notre Dame is giving the Huskies thier imprimatur of legitamacy. If you play Notre Dame, you play serious football.

That's not Randy Edsall's thing, or the current players' things. It's the people who came before him. It's the fans and alumni of the school that tommorrow's game is special to.

As for the current Huskies?

They just better find a way to stop the big play. I think the Huskies gave up nearly a dozen big plays against Cincinnati.

UConn has no answer for Golden Tate, Michael Floyd or Kyle Rudolph. They can't cover those receivers for any length of time and there will be plays made. The only way to slow down the Irish Saturday is to get pressure on Jimmy Clausen. This is Lindsey Witten's time to shine. UConn needs a big game out of Witten and  need to get pressure. I would be reluctant to blitz often because if you don't get there Clausen will pick the defense apart. So, that means UConn is going to ahve to get pressure from the front four.

If you are looking at this as ND offense vs. UConn defense, I can't really devise a way Notre Dame can lose.

The good news is all indications are UConn will be able to run the ball on Notre Dame. It's going to have to be flat out power up the middle rushing. They did it against Cincinnati and if it were not for the big lead and forcing to pass, UConn could have rolled up well over 200 yards. Todman and Dixon have combined for 1,556 yards and 19 touchdowns this season.

That is one really good running back. The Huskies are averaging 167 yards per game on the ground. This is a retro game for the Huskies. They need to use clock, and pound the ball with the run. It doesn't have to be Internatuional Bowl-esque, but they need 40 rushes at a minimum. I would go 2 for 1 run to pass.

That takes pressure off Zach Frazer and keeps that clock moving. Want to stop Jimmy Clausen, keep him off the field. 

Hotel power is acting funny. I will see you all later.
 

Thursday update

No major injures this week. Usual suspects out: Jimmy Bennett, John Yurek, Kihuan Dabney, Robbie Frey and Cody Endres.

Scout teams player of the week: Offense is Steve Greene, defense is Tevrin Brandon, and on special teams Marcus Aiken.

As far as the game.

Jordan Todman had a terrific game two weeks ago at Cincinnati with 154 yards and four touchdowns. Since Andre Dixon's 155 yard performance against Louisville, Todman has been the better back. He is ahead of Dixon on the depth chart and will start, and while they have been splitting carries, I think Todman has wrestled the starting back from Dixon again. Dixon will get carries, but Todman is adding something different to the running game.

I asked Todman about running inside, which he did well the last couple of weeks, and he said he always could run inside. He was a bit defiant about that, and to me that's a good thing.

What does Edsall see?

"Patience to the line, and speed through the hole."

The Huskies can run the ball on Notre Dame and my gameplan would be taking the air out of it and pounding the Irish with Dixon and Todman, and a lot of play action. That's just me.

Game plan for the defense? How about running Dixon and Todman and using clock.

Condolences to running backs coach Terry Richardson whose mother died after a battle with cancer on Monday. He won't be at Saturday's game.

The Huskies may be in 6th in the Big East in football, but they are tops in the league in graduating players, with 82 percent of Huskies earning degrees. That's a tremendous accomplishment for the program. It may not draw in recruits, but it should.

Edsall Kansas chatter?: I have read a couple of stories about Edsall as a replacement for Mangino at Kansas if that job opens up. Mangino is in hot water and of course Lew Perkins brought Edsall to Connecticut back in 1998 so it's natural internet chatter.  This is all speculation here of course and it's the Perkins connection that's driving this.

Just a word of caution, Edsall's buyout is still prohibitive. First off, he is getting paid about $1.5 per year, and the buyout is as follows.

"If the Coach accepts a position during the term of this agreement as a head coach at a NCAA Division I institution, or as a head coach in any professional league, the following sums will be due to the University from the Coach: $1,500,000 from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008; $1,250,000 from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009; $500,000 from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010; $400,000 from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011; and $250,000 from January 1, 2012 to August 1, 2012."

For Edsall to take the job in December (which you should for recruiting issues), then UConn is due a $1.25 buyout. Will Kansas pay that on top of what they are going to pay him and also buyout Mangino? Also, Edsall's son Cory is a junior quarterback at East Catholic. Family is always a big concern. Next year, the buyout is halved on Jan. 1. Would Kansas wait until after Jan. 1?

Edsall has no recruiting ties in the midwest and out west and I have a hard time thinking he would leave the team after what has happened this year and the chance the Huskies could make a serious run at the Big East title next season.

I would be skeptical. Also, I just don't think flat out Kansas football is that great a job.

Tuesday presser-- What is mystique?

Notre Dame is different than any other college football team. We all know that. But, many of the players don't even know why. If it wasn't for Rudy (a good movie according to Zach Frazer) I am not sure any current college players would know a thing about Notre Dame.

Why do I say that? Well, I took the time out of our interviews to give a little pop quiz to the players.

1. Name one of the Four Horseman

2. Last Notre Dame player to win the Heisman

3. Quarterback of the 1988 national championship team

4. Who was the coach of the Irish in the 1920s.

The only one that the players got, after thinking, was Tim Brown 1987 Heisman winner. None of the players had any idea who are what the four horsemen are. Now that's just unacceptable to me as a journalist to not know who the four horseman are.

I mean, it's perhaps the greatest lede in sports journalism history courtesy of Grantland Rice of the New York Herald-Tribune after an Irish destruction of Army at the Polo grounds in 1924. Who wouldn't know this? (I jest, no one I know can name them). 

“Outlined against a blue-gray October sky the Four Horsemen rode again. In dramatic lore they are known as famine, pestilence, destruction and death. These are only aliases. Their real names are: Stuhldreher, Miller, Crowley and Layden. They formed the crest of the South Bend cyclone before which another fighting Army team was swept over the precipice at the Polo Grounds this afternoon as 55,000 spectators peered down upon the bewildering panorama spread out upon the green plain below."

Now, the story goes that an Notre Dame official immediately liked the story and got the four horsemen to pose.

Now. That was the golden age of journalism and sports writing, and I don't think they will be writing as poetically about Charlie Weiss and Notre Dame Saturday. 

The Huskies are going there to play a football game and the mystique? It mean's nothing on the field.

When told that Notre Dame last won the national title in 1988, Jordan Todman smiled -- "I wasn't even born yet."

WOW. Let that sink in college football fans. It's been that long.

The Irish are a storied program, but as the Huskies go into Saturday mystique and aura aren't what they have to battle. It's Jimmy Claussen and Co. UConn will face, not the mystique.

UConn coach Randy Edsall told a nice story about how he used to wake up Sunday mornings and watch the Notre Dame game on delay with it's fast forward for time. That doesn't happen anymore. the Irish, like everyone else, are on TV a lot. There are so many college football games that I don't think it carries the same fear factor. The tradition is still there, but I think that's all that Notre Dame brings to the table. It doesn't provide an edge because with TV everyone sees South Bend. They all know what it looks like.

So, when you hear sports media obsessing over Notre Dame, and fans obsessing over Nootre Dame, that has little effect on the game. Players today don't know Notre Dame as I do, and I am only 32. It's been 21 years since the Irish were national champs.

UConn doesn't have to play that Notre Dame on Saturday, it has to play the current one -- a struggling unit that has one of the best offenses in college football. A good team, but hardly invincible.

Okay, let's move on.

*Jordan Todman is now listed ahead of Andre Dixon at running back. Todman has played terrific the last three weeks and Dixon hasn't been as productive. What's most impressive about Todman is he is showing he can run inside. Dixon will get carries to spell Todman, but the Huskies have made a point to get this explosive and productive player the ball. With Robbie Frey out and Meme Wylie available, but haven't played in a month, the third running back is --- Little Nicky Williams. Williams is a WR and PR, but the true frosh has also worked at running back. If need be, Anthony Sherman can also carry the ball. There is no need to burn a Martin Hypolite redshirt.

*Zach Frazer was the guest at the podium today. Of course, he talked about his departure from Notre Dame. The biggest thing was he had three QB coaches in less than a year. David Cutcliffe recruited him and then left the program. Cutcliffe is now at Duke. In the spring of his first year, Ron Powlus was his third coach. They never quite clicked, as did Frazer with Charlie Weis. He left on amicable terms from the program and still has good friends out there.

*What's up with the defense? Too many big plays of course. That will be the key this week. Scott Lutrus can't really explain it. This defense was great earlier in the year, but has collapsed. The secondary is young, but the baptism under fire will continue this week.

*Bowl game implications: Everyone dodges this but the Huskies need to go at least 2-1 to make a bowl. If one of those games is against Notre Dame they would put themselves in almost perfect position to grab a spot at home with a win against Syracuse.

Here's why. The Irish can take the Gator Bowl away from Big East No. 2. If the Irish lose to UConn they would be 6-5 heading into a game at No. 14 Stanford. If the Irish are 7-5, the Gator Bowl would likely take a Big East No. 2 -- looking like Pitt or Cincinnati over the Irish. At 7-5, the Irish aren't likely to get the Gator Bowl according to reports. 8-4? They are going to the Gator.

How does that affect UConn? There figures to be 6 teams in the Big East Bowl eligible. If the Gator takes BE No. 2 then that would open up a spot for a potential 6-6 UConn team.

Here's a breakdown.

BCS: Cincy

Gator: Pittsburgh.

Meineke: Rutgers

Papajohns: West Virginia

International: USF

St Pete: UConn

Obviously, we can quibble with who goes where. But, put Notre Dame into the Gator, and that moves BE No. 2 down.

BCS: Cincy

Gator: ND

Meineke: Pitt

Papajohns: West Virgnia

International: USF

St Pete: Rutgers

That puts a 6-6 UConn team in the at large pool. They are not assured a bowl at 6-6. Surely, one may open, but it's too early yet. Also, a 7-5 Sun Belt or CUSA team gets a bowl before any 6-6 team (a bad rule).

Easiest thing for UConn to do is win its final three to go 7-5. But, a win over Notre Dame would put them in a strong position for a bowl bid at 6-6.

The dominoes will start to fall this week in the bowl picture.

Gotta pay the bills for now.

Champs agreement

The Champs Sports Bowl -- played in the old Citrus Bowl -- will take the Big East No. 2 in a four year agreement. Notre Dame may be able to take the bid once in a 4 year cycle.

There is a condition of Notre Dame taking the bowl: The Irish must be 7-5 and the can't be anymore than two wins away from a Big East team. That would mean at 7-5, the Irish could take a 9-3 Big East team's spot but not a 10-2 team.

There is no opponent yet for the Champ Sports but the bowl is talking with the ACC officials and others. Opponent announcement will come in about 10 days.

Payout for the bowl is $2.4 million and the game will be either the 27, 28 or 29th of December.

As far as other bowls, there were no other agreements to announce but Big East Commissioner John Marinatto did say that the Sun Bowl and the Big East are in talks. Notre Dame may also be a party to other bowl contracts.

Plenty more later including quotes.

Notre Dame ticket and travel packages

This was sent to my email box:

If you are interested here it is.

UConn Club donors who are football season ticket holders have the first priority on game tickets, and calling days have been established for our various donor categories. Calling days will begin on Wednesday, July 15 and continue through Friday, July 24.

Subject to availability, donors (who are not season ticket holders) and season ticket holders (who are not donors) will have the next opportunity to order.

Complete package and ticket information will only be available during your scheduled reservation times. You may make reservations any time after your designated time has begun. Since the number of tickets provided to the visiting team is limited, you will note that we have established ticket limits for donor categories in order to accomodate as many UConn Club members as possible.

Please be reminded that game tickets and travel packages are subject to availability.

To view the travel packages as well as the calling days for each donor category, or to download the travel/ticket brochure, please click the link below:
UConn vs. Notre Dame

Where does ND go?

Saw the shocking end to the Syracuse game, and as Mr. Anonymous stated in the comment portion, has ND "jumped the shark?"

This is going to get ugly because from the reports I have read, the Sun Bowl is very interested in ND at all costs. They have said they would strongly consider ND at 6-6. Make no mistake, Notre Dame is going get drilled by USC next week. No 7-5 bailout for ND or the Sun.

Now, this is where it gets messy. The Gator and the Big East have a "handshake" agreement about not taking ND with three wins less than the Big East's candidate. And, the Gator is unlikely to take a Big East team anyway. They are going to let ND/Big East ride and take their shot next year at perhaps a better ND team. I expect Nebraska to go here unless something crazy happens (like three Big 12 teams in the BCS game, which was ruled possible if Missouri gets the automatic bid and two Big 12 become at larges).

The Sun has no such verbal agreement. The Sun Bowl likes hype and matchups and this may be the only time they ever get a chance for ND to go to El Paso. When the bowl agreements are up for 2010, what happens if the Sun loses its Big East/ND tie in with the Gator?

So, what about being 6-6? ND is its own conference. They are eligible because they have a tie-in at 6-6. I would say even if a 7-5 Big East team is left out because of lack of bowls, ND will get theirs.

It's a legal mess. Do you consider ND a separate entity, or are they part of the Big East for purposes of bowl bids? Or, is ND's agreement similar to Navy's agreement with the Congressional Bowl. Once they are eligible the bid is theirs if they want it? The key point is that the Big East is included in these agreements because of Notre Dame, not the other way around. There is no Gator/Sun deal without Notre Dame.

I can't fathom the outrage if say a 9-3 WVU team, which is 6-1 in the league, gets bumped down to the Car Care bowl. That could also move a UConn team that is 9-3 (big if and tough task) to the International Bowl. Ouch.

Notre Dame plays by its own rules.

Kiss the Sun/Gator goodbye

It looks like 6-6 Notre Dame can, and will, jump over any Big East team and be in the Sun Bowl.

Via the Associated Press.

I surmise that the ND agreement supercedes the NCAA rule that all 7-5 teams in a conference must be bowling before a 6-6 conference team fills a spot. ND has its own agreement, and the Big East is the tag along.

Of course Notre Dame plays by its own rules.

Here is the money quote:

If the Gator Bowl passes on Notre Dame, Bernie Olivas, executive director of the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas, is ready to invite the Irish even if they lose their last two games.

"Notre Dame is coveted by everybody, including by us," he said. "We'd probably be excited by a 6-6 Notre Dame team. El Paso is like 80 percent Catholic, 80 percent Hispanic, and you wouldn't believe how many calls we're getting here: 'Is Notre Dame coming? Is Notre Dame coming?"

Also, Gator said if it is not ND, it will be Big 12. Some pretty good Big East team just found a great season all but certain to end up in Birmingham against a Sun Belt team. UConn could win its final two, move into the Top 20, and end up in Birmingham or St. Pete.

The only out is ND to win its final two and the Cotton Bowl takes the Irish.