We have a football team too... Guru's UConn Huskies (NCAA 14)

[thesportsguru11]

Re: We have a football team too... Guru's UConn Huskies (NCAA 14)

Loving it. My top job choice at HC is BG though. Oh well, I'll see how it goes. IRL, I really like Gehrig Dieter. He reminds me a lot of Ryan Burbrink.

Too bad there's no Zach Long to fill Johnson's spot at QB.

Well, you guys do have a redshirt freshman scrambler in Chris Williams, but he isn't as good as Long. However, as I'm into Week 1 2016, you guys do have your eyes in a guy we really like. We'll touch on that later...

Looking forward to this upcoming season. Not to take away from the focus of this dynasty in UConn but there's a lot of competition there in the MAC with 3 of us starting there

Yeah, our offense is going to be stout and the defense is inexperienced, at least in the front 7. I'm excited too. We need to recruit well now too (especially at QB; Shirreffs is a junior now), or else the next 2-3 years will be interesting.

And I will keep us posted with the progress of our coaches. That won't distract the focus of the dynasty, until coaching carousel season.

[thesportsguru11]

Re: We have a football team too... Guru's UConn Huskies (NCAA 14)

Running Back competition seeing no clarity in early spring practice



Josh Marriner dives at the pylon for a TD in the Heart of Dallas Bowl.

UConn figures to have one of the best offenses in the land next year. With fan-favorite Maxy "Maquise" DeLorenzo gone, UConn needs to search for a new tailback in 2016, perhaps the only missing piece to being one of the best offenses in the nation.

Problem is, there is no clear successor.

Rising junior Josh Marriner got almost all the 2nd string touches last year, and played well at the end of the year, showing his explosiveness. But was that enough?

The coaches, especially Coach Diaco, seem to be high on Ron Johnson, a burly back with a bit more power than DeLorenzo. While Johnson is very similar to DeLorenzo skills wise, it is unknown how Johnson has progressed in what will be his 3rd year on campus. Or if he is even the best on the team. Diaco has made it known he had his mind made up on Johnson since about August 2015, but things may have changed.

I really want to play Ron, but I just don't know in what capacity yet.

Arkeel Newsome, the defending national returner of the year, is looking to get a bigger load after seeing very limited action in his first year. He'll be a redshirt sophomore this year. The one thing holding back Newsome is his size (5'7, just above 180 pounds), but his speed is clear and could be utilized in a scatback role.

Another wildcard is fellow sophomore Brice McAllister, a former cornerback who, according to the coaches, has been running a lot better this spring. He doesn't excel at any one thing, but is a bit of a mix of Newsome and Johnson. Thus, he could see a few garbage time snaps, but unless he improves a lot, he won't see the field much this year.

The final back on the roster is incoming freshman Jeff McNeal. McNeal, another two way player in high school, is a gifted athlete and very quick/agile. It's no secret Diaco and new offensive coordinator Tim Albin are itching to get McNeal on the field, but it is looking more and more likely that he may need a redshirt year to get acquainted with the playbook, hone his skills and get emotionally and physically prepared for the college game.

As much as I want Jeff on the field, he just isn't ready yet. We'll acknowledge that, he is a special player and we need to track his development closely. It's obvious we have big plans for him.

Nonetheless, McNeal is the clear future at running back, and we're looking forward to the day he will be ready to play for us.

With 5 choices, the backfield will be very talented, but crowded, in 2016. Who wins it is anyone's guess at this point. But wrap your mind around this. 4 completely different tailbacks in the same backfield. Just think of how much chaos they could create. But it's all about finding the right guy.

[whughes]

Re: We have a football team too... Guru's UConn Huskies (NCAA 14)

You could throw Newsome in to catch some quick screens, or put him in the slot and run some speed sweeps. Kid will hurt himself if he goes in between the tackles too often

[kswgrad2012]

Re: We have a football team too... Guru's UConn Huskies (NCAA 14)

FIVE RUNNING BACKS ????? That Rice team has five good running backs? I'm licking my chops just thinking about it !

Rice is a good fit. When I started my Tulane dynasty eons ago, Rice was the other team I was considering. It came down to Tulane having the bigger stadium (and better uniforms). It'll be interesting to see how the Owls do in C-USA. Also interested in seeing how this relationship with Coach Willingham & Coach Dy-kes works out. An air-raid guru w/ a spread-option master?

As far as the playbook's concerned, I'm planning on making some tweaks to it. Getting ready for Tulane 2019, ya know? I'll PM you the details.

[thesportsguru11]

Re: We have a football team too... Guru's UConn Huskies (NCAA 14)

You could throw Newsome in to catch some quick screens, or put him in the slot and run some speed sweeps. Kid will hurt himself if he goes in between the tackles too often

Yeah, that's pretty much what I was thinking. I have a feeling Marriner will get fatigued enough to get Johnson 10-15 carries a game (similar to what Marriner had done the past 2 years), so everything should even out...Newsome will rack up a ton of All-Purpose yards this year, no question.

FIVE RUNNING BACKS ????? That Rice team has five good running backs? I'm licking my chops just thinking about it !

Rice is a good fit. When I started my Tulane dynasty eons ago, Rice was the other team I was considering. It came down to Tulane having the bigger stadium (and better uniforms). It'll be interesting to see how the Owls do in C-USA. Also interested in seeing how this relationship with Coach Willingham & Coach Dy-kes works out. An air-raid guru w/ a spread-option master?

As far as the playbook's concerned, I'm planning on making some tweaks to it. Getting ready for Tulane 2019, ya know? I'll PM you the details.

Rice I have pegged as a surprise team for us this year, I'd love it if my Marshall team and your Rice team were to meet in the C-USA Title Game, same goes for CMU and BGSU/Ohio. (Almost certain, barring injury, that BGSU will get back, they are clearly the juggernaut of the MAC now.)

Dy.kes keep in mind is on a very short leash security wise, if the team falters he may be gone this year. Thus, who knows how your different styles will mesh. Maybe he'll give a bit toward your side if he notices the obvious strength in the backfield (You guys have a few good receivers, but nobody outstanding).

Enjoy the 5 studs now, 3 are gone this year, another is a junior and another a sophomore. I doubt Rice recruits like that ever again, unless you can help it.

[thesportsguru11]

Re: We have a football team too... Guru's UConn Huskies (NCAA 14)

ACC: We are not looking to expand

UConn fans have been dealt a sharp blow after the ACC's spring media days, for sure.

Commissioner John Swofford squashed any hopes of a rumor left for UConn, or for that matter anyone else, to join the ACC anytime soon, stating that the ACC is comfortable with its 14 members and is not looking to expand right now.

So much for that. It has been well documented that UConn is unhappy in the American and is seeking other opportunities. So for now, it looks even more likely that UConn will have to stay put in the American.

We'll keep our eyes open, though we will likely have to stay put for now.

So what does this mean for the American?

With other power 5 conferences appearing to want to stay put with teams, there is no pressure on the AAC to try to find numbers. Thus, they may want to try to lure two more teams to boost competition. Independent Army and C-USA's Marshall appear to be the safest bets if the conference were to expand, but keep in mind that is another major unknown.

For now, it looks like college football's musical chairs may be over.

[thesportsguru11]

Re: We have a football team too... Guru's UConn Huskies (NCAA 14)

Familiar Places, New Faces

With every new college football season brings change. Dramatic, if you are any of the top 3 teams in college football this preseason. All 3 of those teams, UCLA, Alabama and Notre Dame, will be breaking in new QB's this year. UCLA's Asiantii Woulard started one game before his season ended prematurely with injury, Alabama has David Cornwell in place of Jake Coker and Notre Dame sees Malik Zaire take over for 3 year starter Everett Golson.

UCLA is back to defend their national title this year, but teams like the Tide and the Irish are both going to be tough. Florida is also back seeking vengeance after falling just short in the title game last year.

Teams like Iowa, Minnesota, Auburn, Oregon and South Carolina (with new coach Randy Sanders) are all back and looking for more success.

But can anyone get past UCLA?

2016 NCAA Preseason All-Americans
Pos	Player Name	Ht	Wt	Year
QB	John O'Korn, Houston			Sr.
HB	Roc Thomas, Auburn			Jr.
HB	Dalvin Cook, Florida State			Jr.
WR	Corey Davis, Western Michigan			Sr.
WR	Chris Black, Alabama			Sr.
TE	Jordan Legett, Clemson			Sr.
OT	Laremy Tunsil, Ole Mis			Sr.
OT	Caleb Benenoch, UCLA			Sr.
G	Scott Quessenberry, UCLA			Sr.
G	Denver Kirkland, Arkansas			Sr.
C	Cody Waldrop, South Carolina			Sr.
DE	Ja'Von Jones, Arkansas State			Jr.
DE	Dajaun Drennon, North Carolina			Jr.
DT	Darius Philon, Arkansas			Sr.
DT	Christian LaCouture, LSU			Sr.
LB	Stephen Weatherly, Vanderbilt			Sr.
LB	Harvey Langi, BYU			Sr.
LB	Dillon Bates, Tennessee			Jr.
CB	Aarion Penton, Missouri			Sr.
CB	Kendall Fuller, Virginia Tech			Sr.
S	Jaleel Wadood, UCLA			Jr.
S	Lawrence Jones, Alabama			Jr.
K	Colby Delahoussaye, LSU			Sr.
P	Jarrett Darby, Michigan			So.
RS	Arkeel Newsome, UConn			Jr.

Other UConn Preseason Recognition:

2nd Team All-Americans:
DE Cameron Stapleton

AAC 1st Team:
WR Thomas Lucas
DE Cameron Stapleton
LB Junior Joseph
S Obi Melifonwu
K Bobby Puyol
RET Arkeel Newsome

AAC 2nd Team:
QB Bryant Shirreffs
CB Jhavon Williams

[thesportsguru11]

Re: We have a football team too... Guru's UConn Huskies (NCAA 14)



Aight, I'm back. That was a very hectic 2 weeks, but that should calm down now. Week 1 we are on a bye, so maybe we'll get Week 2, game 1 @ BGSU up this week. And thanks for 10K views guys!

2016 UConn Football Preview






Damon Mitchell

2016 UConn Roster










2016 Schedule

[thesportsguru11]

Re: We have a football team too... Guru's UConn Huskies (NCAA 14)

NCAA Players of the Week

Week 1 Create-A-Coach Results

Quinn Shea (Marshall; thesportsguru11):
W 28-21 vs. Purdue
T. Pittman; 144 yards rushing, TD
K. Olsen; 16-34, 138 yards, 2 TD

Week 2: BYE


Brian Woodard (Ohio; mattynokes)
L 31-14 @ Idaho:
J. Duckworth; 15-30, 191 yards
D. Brown; 15 carries, 60 yards, 2 TD
Brendan Cope; 5 rec, 103 yards

Week 2: BYE


Max Crenshaw (Central Michigan; whughes)
L 31-3 @ Oklahoma State;
C. Rush; 13-35, 119 yards
J. Ostman; 11 tkl
M. Fountain; 9 tckl (2 TFL), sack

Week 2: BYE


Sam Freday (Bowling Green, Po1soNNN):
BYE

Week 2: vs. UConn


Kaelyn Willingham (Rice; kswgrad2012)
BYE

Week 2: @ #15 Texas (0-1)

[RoundingThird]

Re: We have a football team too... Guru's UConn Huskies (NCAA 14)

I'm dying to see how Freday does in his first game. Tough challenge coming up, but at least they're at the Doyt.

[thesportsguru11]

Re: We have a football team too... Guru's UConn Huskies (NCAA 14)

I'm dying to see how Freday does in his first game. Tough challenge coming up, but at least they're at the Doyt.

Oh man, I can't wait to play this game (definitely going to be tonight). BGSU's defense isn't as strong as their offense, and with our defense being a lot weaker this year in the front 7, I'm certain this will be an offensive showdown. We'll see what Tim Albin has up his sleeve this season.

[thesportsguru11]

Re: We have a football team too... Guru's UConn Huskies (NCAA 14)

Out to Sea

Marriner's monster day, defensive domination key Bowling Green blowout

With our defense being a lot weaker this year in the front 7, I'm certain this will be an offensive showdown.

Heh. Wrong. Welcome to 2016, and another tumultuous season of UConn football. Where absolutely anything can happen.

We would also like to welcome Sam Freday into the harsh, cruel world of college football coordinating. He needs the luck after today.

Bob Diaco, who put extra defensive backs on the field after Bowling Green's first drive, was able to use the adjustment to a quarter defense to his advantage, as Bowling Green scored only 3 points the rest of the way after the first touchdown.

On top of that, a new star emerged. One man who had his coach's trust teetering all last season. Boy did he come through...Max who?

Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Joshua Marriner.

BGSU, as expected, pushed the ball downfield quickly and James Knapke hit Jermal Hosley to score only 1:30 into the game, showcasing the potential of BGSU's signature, high speed offense innovated by Dino Babers.

A pair of field goals were missed by both teams by a matter of inches, and UConn ended up with the ball to start the second. Marriner didn't do anything this drive, but Bryant Shirreffs went perfect through the air as he hit Dhameer Bradley for 15, Damon Mitchell for 12, then let Ron Johnson rumble in for the tie.

BGSU went 3 and out, Mitchell caught a ball for 17 and Marriner took UConn into the red zone with a stretch that went for 21. Thomas Lucas caught the 11 yard TD pass 2 plays later. Shirreffs remained 7 of 7, and UConn had a 14-7 lead.

BGSU drove downfield again effectively, but Hosley dropped 3 passes in a row in the red zone and the Falcons missed a field goal.

Right before the half, UConn had a chance of stretching the lead, and got to the 36 before Marriner, making his only mistake of the game, dropped an open pass on 4th down.

Sucks, as Fred Coppet's screen went for some ridiculous amount of yardage and BGSU took a field goal into the break. Despite being completely outplayed offensively, BGSU was only down 4 somehow.

That would be about it.

Marriner's insane 26 yard scamper on the second play after the half set up UConn past the 50 (jukes everywhere!) and UConn tacked on a Bobby Puyol field goal.

2 drives later, Marriner juked out 3 defenders for a 41 yard gain, then Ron Johnson plowed a defender at the goal line for an 11 yard TD. I'm betting this is exactly what Diaco had in mind offensively this year.

Marriner would punch in a TD to make it 31-10, and wrapped it up late when Shirreffs, escaping from pressure in the pocket, scrambled out right, found the edge and rolled 30 yards to the TD. 38-10 UConn.

While the scoring ended for the day, a great moment happened toward the end of the game. BGSU recovered a muffed punt at the UConn 28, and were throwing on 4th down.

Redshirt freshman Derek Robinson, moved to safety due to cornerback depth this spring, nabbed his first career INT and rumbled 40 yards before getting brought down, shutting down any hope of a late BGSU score.

With that, Mr. Marriner ended with a whopping 157 yards on 22 carries with a score (Maquise who?!?!?!) and Johnson chipped in 49 with 2 TD's. Shirreffs added 40 on the ground, went 12-15 with 156 yards and no picks through the air.

Completely effective day offensively, but how about the D? Shutting down one of the top offenses in the country completely, holding their top 2 receivers to a combined 2 catches for 13 yards? Damn. If only we could play like that every week.

Sadly we need to. Navy next. Dammit. I hate the option.

But savor this, friends. Can we go the distance with Marriner? Let's find out.

Connecticut Huskies at Bowling Green Falcons
Sep 3, 2016	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Connecticut Huskies (1-0)	0	14	10	14	38
Bowling Green Falcons (0-1)	7	3	0	0	10

Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER SCORING		CONN	BGSU
5:25	(BGSU) Knapke 21 pass Hosley (Davis kick)	0	7
SECOND QUARTER SCORING		CONN	BGSU
5:24	(CONN) Johnson 1 run (Puyol kick)	7	7
2:51	(CONN) Shirreffs 11 pass Lucas (Puyol kick)	14	7
:00	(BGSU) Davis 47 FG	14	10
THIRD QUARTER SCORING		CONN	BGSU
5:41	(CONN) Puyol 33 FG	17	10
1:36	(CONN) Johnson 11 run (Puyol kick)	24	10
FOURTH QUARTER SCORING		CONN	BGSU
4:46	(CONN) Marriner 4 run (Puyol kick)	31	10
2:51	(CONN) Shirreffs 30 run (Puyol kick)	38	10

Connecticut Huskies PASSING C/A YDS TD INT Bryant Shirreffs 12-15 156 1 0 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD Josh Marriner 22 157 7.1 1 Ron Johnson 12 49 4.0 2 Bryant Shirreffs 7 40 5.7 1 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD Damon Mitchell 5 66 13.2 0 Noel Thomas 4 44 11.0 0 Thomas Lucas 2 31 15.5 1 DEFENSE TACK SACK INT TD Obi Melifonwu 5 0 0 0 Cameron Stapleton 3 2 0 0 Derek Robinson 0 0 1 1

Bowling Green Falcons PASSING C/A YDS TD INT James Knapke 15-25 160 1 1 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD Fred Coppet 14 58 4.1 0 James Knapke 10 2 0.2 0 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD Jermal Hosley 5 58 11.6 1 Fred Coppet 5 47 9.4 0 Gehrig Dieter 1 11 11 0 Roger Lewis 1 2 2.0 0 DEFENSE TACK SACK INT TD Nilijah Ballew 10 0 0 0 Nate Locke 8 1 0 0 Austin Valdez 5 2 0 0

[RoundingThird]

Re: We have a football team too... Guru's UConn Huskies (NCAA 14)

BG didnt have my specific style working for them today. See, I scream my brains out when they do something wrong. I guess Freday can only scream at the offense at this point, to get them to their high discipline that the whole team needs.

[whughes]

Re: We have a football team too... Guru's UConn Huskies (NCAA 14)

Good way to start off the season. Looks like Marriner and Johnson are setting up that one-two punch perfectly.

[thesportsguru11]

Re: We have a football team too... Guru's UConn Huskies (NCAA 14)

BG didnt have my specific style working for them today. See, I scream my brains out when they do something wrong. I guess Freday can only scream at the offense at this point, to get them to their high discipline that the whole team needs.

Correction: They did not have any style working for them today. Nothing you could've done really.

Good way to start off the season. Looks like Marriner and Johnson are setting up that one-two punch perfectly.

Yeah, just as long as they stay healthy, anything is possible.

Very apprehensive about Navy coming next though...They have always given me a hard time.