Busy Day For UConn Sports

What seemed like a normal Wednesday in October, has actually been a pretty busy day for UConn Sports news.

Basketball

The day started down in New York City at the Big East Conference Basketball Media Day. All of the 16 Big East coaches and select players traveled to the Big Apple and Madison Square Garden for the annual event. However, UConn found themselves in a not so familiar position as they were picked to finish 10th in the preseason rankings. “Well, I got a chance to be coach of the year,” head coach Jim Calhoun joked about the Huskies’ position. “We’re the most unknown team in the league,” he said, “I truly believe that.”

Last year UConn was picked to finish third in the conference, but ended the season near the bottom of the league. Calhoun and his Huskies hope to change that this year. “It’s not if you get knocked down, it’s if you get up and how you do,” Calhoun said.

Pittsburgh was picked to win the Big East.

There was one bright spot for UConn Basketball today, as Junior Point Guard Kemba Walker was selected the preseason All-Big East 1st Team. He was voted to the second-team last year as a sophomore.

 
Football

The football team delivered some bad news today, as it was announced that starting quarterback, junior Cody Endres, has been suspended for the rest of the year. Reports are that the suspension is due to violations of university substance abuse policies. Endres was suspended early this season, missing the first three games. Since taking over for Zach Frazer in the second half of the Buffalo game, Endres has played pretty well. He completed 60 percent of his passes for 471 yards and five touchdowns with two interceptions while going 1-1 as a starter.

Redshirt Freshman Michael Box is currently listed 2nd on the depth chart, and will most likely make his first career start Saturday when the Huskies travel to Louisville. Senior Zach Frazer, who was the starter before Endres, might be in the running to make his way back on the field as well. Head Coach Randy Edsall will have a lot to think about before kick-off on Saturday.

The Huskies, who are currently 3-3 (0-1 in the Big East), have been nothing but inconsistent all year, and have yet to live up to the high expectations set forth at the beginning of the season. With six games left in the season, UConn needs wins, and needs them fast if they hope to make a bowl game for the fourth consecutive season.

One Year Later: UConn Still Dealing With the Loss of Jasper Howard

Today is the one year anniversary of the death of Jasper Howard. A rising star in the Big East, with NFL aspirations, Howard’s life was cut short on October 18, 2009 when he was stabbed to death outside UConn’s Student Union. The tragedy became nationwide news, as the story of Howard and his background became widely publicized. His teammates, along with the entire UConn community, came together as a collective to make sure he would be remembered and never forgotten. A memorial has been put up in the Burton Family Football Complex on campus, with Howard’s famous words spoken hours before his death in the center: “You have to play each play like it’s the last play you’ll ever play.”

The one they called “Jazz” will continue to be remembered by the UConn community, as #6 t-shirts are still a popular choice of clothing at UConn sporting events.

The Howard family, including the daughter he never got to meet, Ja’Miya, are still dealing with the loss, but have been in a better place since the police charged John Lomax III, 22, of Bloomfield, with murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree assault. A trial date has not been set; Lomax is next scheduled to appear in Rockville Superior Court Oct. 29.

So on this one year anniversary, here’s a tribute video to Howard. RIP #6

UConn Football “Four Downs” Segment – Rutgers Game

Four topics on UConn Football…

UConn Football – Four Downs Segment – Vanderbilt Game

Four Topics on UConn Football….

Redemption: Part 2 – Buffalo Game

So after another brutal loss, this time to Temple, the UConn Huskies look to bounce back and get a win this Saturday when they play Buffalo at The Rent. There has been quite a buzz around different players this week, as suspended players Cody Endres and Erik Kuraczea have returned to the team. Both are listed on the second team for the their respective positions. Quarterback Zach Frazer has also been in the cross-fire of rumors this week. After his third straight game of inconsistent play, many are wondering just how long he will remain the team’s starting quarterback. Add the return of Endres, and Frazer is definitely feeling some pressure. Hopefully that competition between teammates will translate to better performances on gameday.

Dwayne Difton, Kashiff Moore, Isiah Moore

In other news, Dwayne Difton, the highly touted sophomore receiver, has overtaken Isiah Moore as one of the starting receivers. Randy Edsall has said he has been impressed with Difton’s performance in practice. “I like his progress. I think it’s just one of those things where we feel that he’s got a chance to maybe give us a little bit more,” said Edsall. “Isaiah is still going to be playing but Dwayne is going to be the starter”

The receiving core really needs to step up and help out Zach Frazer, or whoever else might be playing quarterback, as the passing game has been the team’s offensive downfall so far this season.

Senior captain Scott Lutrus’ status is still uncertain for when he will return to field. He’s still being bothered by an “upper extremity” injury. Most likely a stinger.

September 15th “Four Downs” – Four Topics on UConn Football

Jordan Todman continues to lead the Huskies

I sat down with Marco Ventimiglia and discussed four topics surrounding the UConn football team as they prepare to take on Temple this weekend.

Beaten, But Not Out

UConn players hope to smile on Saturday, not frown like they did in Ann Arbor. Photo by JOHN WOIKE

UConn didn’t open its season the way they, and their fans would have hoped for. Losing 30-10 to Michigan this past Saturday, was a wake-up call for the Huskies. After receiving some pre-season “love” from the media for the first time ever, UConn choked in their first opportunity to justify the hype.

But for as bad as the Michigan game was, UConn is still in the position to accomplish its ultimate goal of winning the Big East. Denard Robinson made UConn’s defense look like a Junior Varsity team; D.J. Shoemate’s fumble near the endzone was very costly; and once again Rich Rodriguez made a Randy Edsall coached team look awful, but none of those things matter anymore. UConn is still in a great place to win the Big East and have a very successful year. The defense will improve, D.J. Shoemate will redeem himself, and Randy Edsall will have his team better prepared for the games to come.

The season continues this week, with Texas Southern coming to East Hartford, for the first home game of the year. UConn is the better team, and HAS to prove that on Saturday. The Huskies should have no problem beating Texas Southern by at least 30 points. Zach Frazer, Jordan Todman, and the rest of the offense better be ready to shine. The defense should be better as well, if not for the fact they are more talented, at least for the fact Denard Robinson isn’t the quarterback of the Tigers.

Kickoff is at Noon, which means fans should be in their seats by 11:58 a.m. Randy Edsall will be upset if you’re not there early….just watch this video to hear his case.

2010 UConn Football Preview and Predictions

Practice has started and kickoff is just under two weeks away for the 2010 UConn Football team. The Huskies are still in the midst of Fall camp, as they prepare for the 2010 season, a season with much hope, promise, and high expectations.

Coming off an 8-5 campaign, which ended with four straight victories including a victory over South Carolina in the 2010 Papa John’s.com Bowl , and saw the Huskies lose five games by a total of 15 points, as well as lose a teammate in Jasper Howard, UConn is coming into this season with a lot of optimism.

UConn enters the season considered by many college football experts as one of the favorites to win the Big East title and make it to a BCS Bowl Game. Head Coach Randy Edsall has the best team ever during his 12 year stay in Storrs. With 16 starters returning, a favorable schedule, and one of the nation’s best coaches at the helm, the Huskies look primed for a breakout year.

The Fighting Randy Edsalls are lead by a power running game, two veteran linebackers, and a crop of young talented players. This team will continue the tradition under Edsall of being a hard-nosed football team that will run the football, play good defense, take care of the football, and play with discipline.

Last year, the Huskies were introduced to a new offense under new offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead. They produced one of the best offensive seasons in recent UConn history. With another spring practice, summer, and fall camp under their belts, the offense looks to continue their improvement and become a juggernaut in the Big East. Lead by senior quarterback Zach Frazer, junior running back Jordan Todman, and senior guard Zach Hurd, the offense will look to keep a balance of power running and a stable passing game. UConn lost Andre Dixon and Marcus Easley to graduation, but their production will be looked to be picked up by USC transfer D.J. Shoemate at running back and junior receiver Kashif Moore.

On Defense, the Huskies will lean heavily on the linebacker duo of Lawrence Wilson and Scott Lutrus. The two fifth year seniors are in their fourth years as starters. Both have been All-Big East selections. They will need to play up to their potential, as UConn will be without linebacker Greg Lloyd (knee) and defensive end Marcus Campball (knee) for the season due to injury. The secondary, which was awful to say the least last season, will look for some stability from corners Dwayne Gratz and Blidi Wreh-Wilson, and safeties Jerome Junior and Kijuan Dabney. If the secondary can play well the Huskies will have one of the best defenses in the Big East.

With Pittsburgh, West Virginia, and Cincinnati all coming to East Hartford, UConn will have its biggest conference games at home. Away games include at Michigan (Sept. 4th), Temple (Sept. 18th), Rutgers (Oct. 8th), Louisville (Oct. 23rd), Syracuse (Nov. 20th), and South Florida (Dec. 4th).

In what looks to be a very competitive Big East, UConn will have its work cut out for them. Pittsburgh, Cincy, and West Virginia all could be title contenders, but if UConn can stay healthy, play as a complete team, limit the big plays on defense, control the ball on offense, and finish games, then they have a great chance at heading down to Miami to represent the Big East in the BCS’ Orange Bowl.

Here is my Win-Loss breakdown of my predictions for the 2010 Season:

Sat. Sept.4 at Michigan —- Win (1-0)

Sat. Sept.11 TEXAS SOUTHERN —- Win (2-0)

Sat. Sept.18 at Temple —- Win (3-0)

Sat. Sept.25 BUFFALO —- Win (4-0)

Sat. Oct.2 VANDERBILT (HC) —- Win (5-0)

Fri. Oct.8 at Rutgers* —- Win (6-0)

Sat. Oct.23 at Louisville* —- Win (7-0)

Fri. Oct.29 WEST VIRGINIA* —- Win (8-0)

Thur. Nov.11 PITTSBURGH* —- Win (9-0)

Sat. Nov.20 at Syracuse* —- Win (10-0)

Sat. Nov.27 CINCINNATI* —- Loss (10-1)

Sat. Dec.4 at USF* —- Win (11-1)

* – BIG EAST Conference game / HC – Homecoming

That’s right I’m picking the Huskies to go 11-1 (6-1 in Big East), which I think will give them the outright Big East title, and a trip to a BCS game. UConn has come close in recent years, but I got a feeling this is the year. As the student section shirt says…”Whatever Better Place Than Here, What Better Time Then Now”….I guess time will tell, but this could very well be THE season for the UConn Football program.

How do you think the Huskies will do this season? VOTE BELOW!

UConn Football Preseasn Rankings: #4 in Big East, #20 in the Nation

Today the Big East Conference held its annual Media Day in Newport, Rhode Island. The Preseason Media Poll (Big East media only) was released. The Huskies found themselves at number 4, which is their highest ranking in school history. The Huskies earned 131 points in the poll, including a first-place vote – a team first. Pittsburgh received 22 of 24 first place votes to lead the way. Cincinnati and West Virginia tied for 2nd in the poll.

Full Poll Results:
(1) Pittsburgh
(2) Cincinnati & West Virginia
(4) UConn
(5) Rutgers
(6) South Florida
(7) Syracuse
(8) Louisville

Rivals.com, a very popular and well-respected college football news source is counting down the 120 Football Bowl Subdivision schools. UConn finds itself at number twenty. That’s right folks, NUMBER 20 in a PRESEASON poll! Click here to read the Rivals.com breakdown of the 2010 UConn Huskies.

Fall Camp starts next week and the season starts September 4th at Michigan. So as our friend Terrell Owens would say…”Get your popcorn ready!”

Randy Edsall at ESPN

UConn Football Head Coach Randy Edsall will spend this Thursday at ESPN, on their main campus in Bristol, Conn. He has already appeared on ESPN’s First Take this morning, but will make other appearances on many of ESPN’s platforms. Here is his schedule for the rest of the day:

11:40 a.m. – Appear on The Herd with Colin Cowherd on ESPN Radio, ESPNU and ESPN.com

1:00 p.m. – ESPN.com chat

1:20 p.m. – Interview with ESPNW

1:40 p.m. – Appear on ESPNU

2:10 p.m. – Appear on ESPNews

2:40 p.m. – Radio interview on 1250 ESPN Radio in Pittsburgh

3:10 p.m. – Appear on the The Scott Van Pelt Show on ESPN Radio, ESPN2 and ESPN.com

3:30 p.m. – Appear on College Football Live with multiple airings on ESPN and ESPNU

This is great exposure for not only Randy Edsall, but for UConn Football and the university as a whole. Randy Edsall is one of the most underrated coaches in America, so he might be finally getting his due.