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

[jpfine]

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

Would be cool to pick up Syvelle Wade, although I assume that's not really who you're looking to put all your eggs in the basket for. Only a 3* recruit... not really who you want at this stage of the dynasty. If you were able to pick up Webster, Tabor, and Hodge... you'd have one heck of a receiving corp, especially if you were able to get them some experience early on, when they're all freshmen. A couple years down the line, say Junior Year, with Alex Ferguson as quarterback, could have some huge passing games. Heck, getting Skalnick at tight end too, you'd be balling all over the place.

[thesportsguru11]

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

Unheralded Rowe will start at right guard

If there is anyone in our starting lineup you are not familiar with, it will be right guard Roshawn Rowe. A mere footnote in the potentially legendary 2021 recruiting class, the San Bernardino native will get his first chance to show his worth.

Rowe won his job over former starters Michael Clark and Nate Dotson after Korey Davis-Love moved to right tackle this offseason. Clark and Dotson played so poorly last season at right tackle that Coach Belichick probably decided that the unknown commodity had more potential than running the risk of a porous right side of the offensive line again.

Rowe is soft spoken, like many of his UConn teammates, and is cerebral in his approach. "They attack, I block", the 6-foot-1, 295 pound Rowe says with a slight laugh.

His responsibilities are a little more important, though. With perhaps the best collection of skill position talent in the nation, UConn needs steady presences on the line, especially out of newcomers such as Rowe. With a good performance today, Rowe may end up in the good graces of UConn fans for the next three years.

Trio of True Freshmen in UConn Lineup

The future is certainly now. Look out for left tackle Cole Monroe in today's matchup, his first taste of the faster collegiate game and one of our three brand new starters on the offensive line.

On defense, watch out for Payton Ash and Demetris Sands, two of our highest rated recruits this past offseason. While it may take some time for the team to gel, today's "tune-up" game will go a long way toward molding a champion. The performances of all three will be monitored closely today and moving forward.

Freday eager to play alma mater

CAC alum Sam Freday (user: RoundingThird) is no stranger to coaching against UConn. When he was the offensive coordinator at Bowling Green between 2016-19, Freday's Falcons played UConn twice. Freday mustered a combined 17 points in those two games.

However, Freday seems more optimistic than he did six years ago, as the Connecticut native enters his fourth year on the sidelines at UNLV.

We're building a program here. It's taking some time, but we're getting there. Today will be a good barometer to see how far we have come and how far we have to go. I love the Rent and everything about it and it will be a good day win or lose.

Freday may be looking at a loss either way. After all, it is still UNLV vs. UConn. Nevertheless, there is a path to a close game. If Freday's defense, led by NFL prospect Kengera Daniel on the edge, can get a few stops on UConn's potentially lethal offense, Freday may have enough on offense to keep things interesting for a while.

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Love the season preview/media guide! It really gave a great overview of the team for this year. You have a TON of ability at the skill positions offensively, Jordan is an absolute beast, with so many weapons at both receiver and with Swift in the backfield (unreal name for a running back also). That said, will the line be able to hold up to take advantage of that talent? If you have to argue that there is any weak point on this team, that would probably be it. If those guys can gel together and play above their ratings, then I don't think that there is any question that you can be competing for a title once again!

Thanks as always, moose!

You got it right, the O-Line will determine whether or not we make the CFP, most likely. Three (technically four with KDL moving over) new starters, if they can gel we should be in good shape. Offseason workouts had me a bit worried, though. The first two or three games will tell us a lot about our team and chances this season. Even if our defense turns out to be really bad, keeping Jordan upright will almost ensure we score 50 points/game and at least stay competitive. We could back in to the playoff a la Oklahoma in real life or something.

It's really do or die for a title, in my opinion; this is the most talent I have ever assembled at the skill positions. Even our backups could start at a lot of schools (I look at Molden, Rodgers when I say that). Still too early to tell, but I see no way that Jordan returns to school for his senior year, same goes for Speier and Byrom, all three are just too good NFL prospects to stay in school any longer than necessary. As such, next season we would be breaking in a lot of young kids at receiver and an inexperienced quarterback as it stands right now. It would take another two or three years to build up our reservoir of talent again.

Would be cool to pick up Syvelle Wade, although I assume that's not really who you're looking to put all your eggs in the basket for. Only a 3* recruit... not really who you want at this stage of the dynasty. If you were able to pick up Webster, Tabor, and Hodge... you'd have one heck of a receiving corp, especially if you were able to get them some experience early on, when they're all freshmen. A couple years down the line, say Junior Year, with Alex Ferguson as quarterback, could have some huge passing games. Heck, getting Skalnick at tight end too, you'd be balling all over the place.

Syvelle becomes priority #1 because he's the brother of a school legend.
Despite the family ties, we are thin at corner, though, with only five on our roster currently. I'll need to fill the holes somehow, better to do it now then wait until we are desperate. Syvelle's "gem" status makes him a more worthwhile target.

My philosophy in recruiting is always to find as much talent as I can, but focus on need first. This year, we're looking at cornerbacks (for depth reasons as already mentioned) and four or five wide receivers. It's not a stretch to suggest that every wide receiver we have on the team this year could be somewhere else next year (three seniors, two NFL-bound juniors, Darrell Jones is a mess who isn't developing, John Pratt could always transfer back home to Texas, Hunter Carson could grad transfer as a fourth-year junior).

You're right that Tabor, Webster and Hodge should be (and are) among my top targets, as well as guys like Rymone Jones and Woodard in case I cannot land any of the blue-chippers. Three years ago we recruited Byrom, Speier and Jordan all into the same recruiting class and we could have a similar situation this year. Three or four extremely talented wideouts to play with Alex Ferguson or whatever young QB we can get - I like Cooper Steutel and hope we can get him to commit if Ferguson elects to transfer or does not pan out.

Might take a year to reload, but this will be a very important recruiting class for us, to say the least!

[whughes]

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

As much as I’d hate to see my favorite dynasty thread end, a Natty would be the perfect send off. Either way, I’m looking forward to getting this season going. Good luck against UNLV

[callmetaternuts]

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

As much as I’d hate to see my favorite dynasty thread end, a Natty would be the perfect send off. Either way, I’m looking forward to getting this season going. Good luck against UNLV

It's over? Or coming to an end?

[thesportsguru11]

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

As much as I’d hate to see my favorite dynasty thread end, a Natty would be the perfect send off. Either way, I’m looking forward to getting this season going. Good luck against UNLV

Your support has meant a lot to me for a very long time, and I thank you immensely as always for joining me on another campaign here! Natty or bust! Been looking forward to the season all semester, finally got the UNLV and UCF games played last week. It's been fun to be back at the controls, excited to play the rest and get caught up here!

It's over? Or coming to an end?

whughes is referring to a post I made in the thread a few weeks ago implying that if circumstances play out a certain way this season, the dynasty could end (again, for real, I mean it this time). Really important to stress the word could, as a lot could still happen to sway my decision one way or the other. I still enjoy playing and posting the dynasty, but what happened to this thread through the fall months this year is the primary reason for my contemplating this decision.... Nothing happened here.

I'm getting older and being tasked with more responsibility constantly. Most of my time gets split between school and work for almost nine months of the year and there is little time to post much or at all in that stretch. With such limited free time available to me, I want to make sure there's time devoted to all of my hobbies and interests. If I am no longer able to write or present this dynasty with all of the detail and at the pace that I would like, be it due to time, lack of interest or otherwise, I'll take an extended break or abandon the thread altogether. I already did a few years ago. The difference between now and 2016 is that I'm not quite the kid with all sorts of free time anymore.

Besides, we're at the point in the dynasty where it seems reasonable to walk away if certain things happen. We could win a third national title, no better way to end than with a title. Next season our roster could look a lot different with so many potential early NFL entrants (Jordan, Speier, Byrom, KDL, Aaron Brook, etc.).

Their departures after a national title could spell the beginning of a reloading process that would leave for a good place to end the story (..the next wave rises... LOL). Young coach Belichick does not have an extension in place and could take an NFL job if he does not want to stay in the college ranks - there would be a lot of interest for his services thanks to his name, skill and success here.

Of course, we could also go 7-5, I get mad and decide I NEED title #3. You just never know.

I'll think some more about this and try to reach a decision later in the season, depending on how our virtual squad is doing. Don't freak out just yet!

[RoundingThird]

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

While I wait to see the result of my UNLV squad coming to what has become my second home IRL, I cannot help but think that I've been hit once again by the 'chising bug. This was the first year in my life I didn't get Madden, and I even cancelled my XBL subscription, but who knows. If I were y'all, I'd be on the lookout for something, maybe in the summertime. Will I bring back my Cowboys? Will I embark on a throwback project? Let the suspense build...

[thesportsguru11]

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

21 --- 0-1

(10) 36 --- 1-0

Shaky Start

UConn coasts to win over Freday, UNLV, but turns in lackluster performance on both ends

UConn's O-Line struggled big-time in their season debut. Gavin Jordan (LEFT) had a big day, while Jordan struggled to throw amidst havoc caused by future NFL player Kengera Daniel.

For most of the Bob Diaco era and through the first two seasons of the Stephen Belichick era, so-called tune-up games against lesser opponents were not part of the UConn way. In years past, UConn has come out of the gate early to play strong Power 5 and Group of 5 opponents such as Virginia, Boise State, BYU, Iowa, Illinois and Penn State. However, with several new pieces to the puzzle for UConn football in 2023, a tune-up game may have actually come in handy. A lackluster 36-21 win against CAC and UConn alum Sam Freday (user: RoundingThird) and his UNLV Rebels showed that the Huskies certainly needed a softball.

UConn largely cruised to a 36-21 triumph to open the 2023 campaign, taking a 23-0 halftime lead and coasting from there. However, the product on-field left lots to be desired. Junior kicker Anthony Ricciardi was the main source of UConn’s offense, converting all five of his field goal tries and three extra points for a grand total of 18, exactly half of UConn's output on the day. While Ricciardi was a nice surprise after a horrendous sophomore campaign, the kicker is not what we wanted to see.

The explosive offense and plethora of points that many were anticipating stayed at home, at least this week. Jordan Brown, possibly the #1 overall pick in next spring’s NFL Draft, barely scraped a 50% completion clip and only threw one touchdown, an 18-yard strike to senior slot man Devin Brown. The new-look offensive line struggled in their opening week together, giving up six sacks and allowing a whopping sixteen tackles for loss. Leading the charge for UNLV’s front was true freshman Gavin Jordan, who registered six tackles, four for loss, and a sack in his collegiate debut. David Ewing, a safety, was a key catalyst defensively for the Rebels as well, tallying nine tackles and a sack while contributing all over the field. Kengera Daniel, a likely future NFL Draft pick, broke up a few passes at the line and hurried Jordan Brown several times.

The lack of production from the UConn O-line trickled down to the scoring output and individual stats as well. Sophomore running back dynamo Ashanti Swift topped 100 yards on 24 carries, but failed to find the end zone. Swift only had two carries go for more than ten yards. The Utah native Devin Brown was UConn’s leading receiver a year ago and picked up where he left off with seven grabs for 96 yards and the score. Dynamic junior receiver duo Chamarkelle Byrom (6 catches, 103 yards) and Lonte’ Speier (five catches for 77 yards) were good, but also quiet, both failing to break off a big reception or touchdown.

UConn’s other two touchdowns came via uneventful one-yard touchdown runs, the first from Mike Molden to put UConn up 16-0 in the second quarter, and the other a quarterback sneak from Jordan Brown late in the third quarter. Jordan’s run effectively put the game out of reach at 33-7.

Despite being a snoozefest for most of the game, UNLV would make things interesting in the fourth quarter with a pair of touchdown passes from junior quarterback Rowan Garrett. Facing a 26 point hole with just one touchdown in the game to that point, a catch and run from Jake Allen, UNLV loosened up significantly in the final frame.

Garrett found Jayson Upshaw in the end zone on one third and goal, and later in the period connected with Brian Darby for a 55 yard score, Darby taking advantage of a miscommunication in zone coverage to cut the deficit to just twelve. The Rebs would fail to recover the ensuing onside kick, however, and UConn would tack on a meaningless field goal to wind out the clock.

Jayson Upshaw was among the top receivers for UNLV in this one. He made a superb toe-tapper sideline catch (LEFT), and hauled in one of the Rebels' three touchdown passes.

A flat 36-21 win was certainly not the start UConn was looking for as national championship aspirations hang over the team. We outlined the offensive struggles already, while the young and new-look defense clearly got tired toward the end. With only five returning starters on that end of the ball, a good performance from the unit was one of the keys to the game. Though the Huskies sacked Garrett five times, their pass defense allowed 361 yards and three scores. Tory Greening in particular, expected to be an impact player this fall at cornerback for UConn, struggled immensely. UNLV’s receivers were a step faster than the Michigan native all game as five Rebel receivers caught five or more passes.

Senior Kion East, a former safety now playing inside linebacker, turned in a great performance in racking up eleven tackles and an interception in the first half. East will likely need to take on the role of field general if the inexperienced UConn defense is to have any success moving forward. New starters such as freshmen Demetris Sands and Payton Ash were very quiet in their highly-anticipated team debuts. Both started and recorded a tackle for loss, but otherwise had minimal impact on the game.

Tarik Madison had a strong training camp and records his first sack of the year (LEFT), while Kion East had a tremendous debut in his long-awaited first collegiate start.

UConn will now set their sights toward their first important matchup of the season, a Civil ConFLiCT rivalry game rematch in Orlando against UCF. The Knights won the rivalry game and the cheesy trophy last year by coming into Hartford and snapping the Huskies’ nearly year-long winning streak. The Knights lost head coach Connor Turley to Baylor and quarterback Aaron Houston to graduation, but the Knights are still ranked at 21 in this week’s AP poll.

“Lot of work to do”, commented Coach Belichick. “UCF will tell us a lot about ourselves”.

The question hanging over UConn this week will undoubtedly be which team shows up in Orlando. The high-scoring juggernaut with a half dozen potential first round draft picks, or the team who needed five field goals to beat UNLV? If a win is in the cards, coach Belichick had better hope it isn’t this week’s iteration.

What can Brown do for you? Devin Brown (LEFT) and a Jordan Brown sneak (RIGHT) provided most of the offense for UConn in the season opener.

UNLV Rebels at Connecticut Huskies
Sep 2, 2023	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
UNLV Rebels (0-1)	0	0	7	14	21
#10 Connecticut Huskies (1-0)	6	17	10	3	36

Team Stats Comparison
	UNLV	CONN
Total Offense	393	400
Rushing Yards	32	107
Passing Yards	361	293
First Downs	16	21
Punt Return Yards	40	81
Kick Return Yards	50	71
Total Yards	483	552
Turnovers	1	0
3rd Down Conversion	4-15 (26%)	6-18 (33%)
4th Down Conversion	1-2 (50%)	1-1 (100%)
2-Point Conversion	0-0	0-0
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals	2-1-0 (50%)	6-3-3 (100%)
Penalties	2-15	0-0
Possession Time	14:01	21:59

Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER SCORING		UNLV	CONN
7:41	(CONN) Ricciardi 28 FG	0	3
2:18	(CONN) Ricciardi 47 FG	0	6
SECOND QUARTER SCORING		UNLV	CONN
8:35	(CONN) Ricciardi 33 FG	0	9
3:25	(CONN) Molden 1 run (Ricciardi kick)	0	16
1:07	(CONN) D. Brown 18 pass from J. Brown (Ricciardi kick)	0	23
THIRD QUARTER SCORING		UNLV	CONN
5:49	(CONN) Ricciardi 34 FG	0	26
3:28	(UNLV) Allen 30 pass from Garrett (Perez kick)	7	26
1:24	(CONN) J. Brown 1 run (Ricciardi kick)	7	33
FOURTH QUARTER SCORING		UNLV	CONN
6:37	(UNLV) Upshaw 5 pass from Garrett (Perez kick)	14	33
1:07	(UNLV) Darby 55 pass from Garrett (Perez kick)	21	33
:07	(CONN) Ricciardi 43 FG	21	36

UNLV Rebels PASSING C/A YDS TD INT Rowan Garrett 29-47 361 3 1 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD Quentez Terrell 14 58 4.1 0 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD Collin Williams 7 58 8.2 0 Larry Benson 6 57 9.5 0 Jayson Upshaw 5 85 17.0 1 Quentez Terrell 5 23 4.6 0 Brian Darby 4 101 25.2 1 DEFENSE TACK SACK INT TD David Ewing 9 (2) 1 0 0 Ryan Davis 8 (1) 0 0 0 C.J. Ruffin 7 (1) 1 0 0 Gavin Jordan 6 (4) 1 0 0 Tyree Irvin 6 (3) 1 0 0 Ryan Tidwell 5 (2) 1 0 0 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG Jose Perez 0-2 3-3 3

Connecticut Huskies PASSING C/A YDS TD INT Jordan Brown 20-34 288 1 0 Kelly Carlson 1-2 5 0 0 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD Ashanti Swift 24 106 4.4 0 Mike Molden 7 18 2.5 1 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD Devin Brown 7 96 13.7 1 Chamarkelle Byrom 6 103 17.1 0 Lonte' Speier 5 77 15.4 0 DEFENSE TACK SACK INT TD Kion East 11 (1) 0 1 0 Aaron Brook 9 (1) 0 0 0 Collin Miranda 5 0 0 0 Tarik Madison 4 (2) 1 0 0 Payton Ash 2 (1) 0 0 0 Jeremy Broadricke 1 (1) 1 0 0 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG Anthony Ricciardi 5-5 3-3 18 48

Next Week: (7) --- (1-0) vs. (21) --- (1-0)

-- Civil ConFLiCT RIVALRY GAME --

While I wait to see the result of my UNLV squad coming to what has become my second home IRL, I cannot help but think that I've been hit once again by the 'chising bug. This was the first year in my life I didn't get Madden, and I even cancelled my XBL subscription, but who knows. If I were y'all, I'd be on the lookout for something, maybe in the summertime. Will I bring back my Cowboys? Will I embark on a throwback project? Let the suspense build...

Do my eyes deceive me!!??!? THE RETURN!!??!?!

First off I'm glad all is going well at school and that you're in a position to think about trying a new project. I'll be right there from the jump and all the way through, and many others will be as well. Feel free to PM me anytime if you want to bounce around ideas or need any other assistance - it's the least I can do to help repay your support of my projects dating back over four years now.

Throwback projects are tons of fun - I actually briefly contemplated doing a Madden '09 10th anniversary legacy 'chise with the Houston Texans/Oilers earlier this year to celebrate my favorite Madden game (out of sentimentality), but ultimately didn't have the time to do so. If you have an old game with some real life draft classes kicking around (Madden 12/25, I'm looking at you), that would be EPIC.

[RoundingThird]

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

Do my eyes deceive me!!??!? THE RETURN!!??!?!

First off I'm glad all is going well at school and that you're in a position to think about trying a new project. I'll be right there from the jump and all the way through, and many others will be as well. Feel free to PM me anytime if you want to bounce around ideas or need any other assistance - it's the least I can do to help repay your support of my projects dating back over four years now.

Throwback projects are tons of fun - I actually briefly contemplated doing a Madden '09 10th anniversary legacy 'chise with the Houston Texans/Oilers earlier this year to celebrate my favorite Madden game (out of sentimentality), but ultimately didn't have the time to do so. If you have an old game with some real life draft classes kicking around (Madden 12/25, I'm looking at you), that would be EPIC.

My mind is definitely churning... If I were you I would go check up on my BG thread right about now

[moose141]

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

Solid win to start the campaign. The six sacks is definitely concerning, but maybe it's just the case of one of those games where the team just finds it hard to get up for. The true test will be next week as to the real mettle of your team, so at least you can be happy in the just overall solid performance on both sides of the ball. No turnovers is always a good statline to see as well.

[thesportsguru11]

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

Notable Week 2 Results

Virginia 31, Penn State 28
Tulsa 26, Kentucky 17
Arizona State 48, Arkansas 26
Central Michigan 20, Georgia 14
Tennessee 21, USC 14
#5 Washington 28, #3 UCLA 16
Auburn 35, #2 Florida 10
#6 Texas 23, #20 Ohio State 21
Nevada 24, NC State 21
Bowling Green 31, #4 Michigan State 21
#8 Notre Dame 26, Florida State 20
#24 Iowa 52, Maryland 24
#25 Stanford 35, Northwestern 16
#17 BYU 45, Louisville 24
#1 Ole Miss 42, Oregon State 14





Week 3 Slate

#7 UConn (1-0) vs. #21 UCF (1-0)
#19 Auburn (2-0) vs. Mississippi State (1-0)
Houston (1-0) vs. #19 Miami (1-0)
USC (0-1) vs. Washington State (1-0)
#9 Minnesota (1-0) vs. #25 Ohio State (0-1)
#10 Oklahoma (1-1) vs. #6 Nebraska (1-0)
LSU (1-0) vs. Texas A&M (1-0)
Stanford (1-0) vs. #2 Washington (1-0)
Penn State vs. #13 Pitt (1-0)
#11 Tennessee (1-0) vs. Temple (0-1)
Michigan (1-0) vs. #15 Oregon (1-0)
Maryland (0-1) vs. #12 Florida (0-1)
#24 Michigan State (0-1) vs. Boise State (1-0)


----------------------------------------------------------

ACC Conference Standings - Updated: Sep 4, 2023
TEAM	REC	PCT	CONF	PF	PA	LAST WEEK
#5 Notre Dame	1-0	1.000	1-0	26	20	W, 26-20 FSU
Virginia	1-0	1.000	0-0	31	28	W, 31-28 PSU
Duke	1-0	1.000	0-0	31	24	W, 31-24 JMU
#22 Clemson	1-0	1.000	0-0	49	17	W, 49-17 SCST
North Carolina	1-0	1.000	0-0	36	21	W, 42-17 TOL
#14 Syracuse	1-0	1.000	0-0	37	3	W, 37-3 UNH
Georgia Tech	1-0	1.000	0-0	25	23	W, 25-23 SCAR
#19 Miami-FL	1-0	1.000	0-0	45	0	W, 45-0 FAMU
#13 Pitt	1-0	1.000	0-0	30	27	W, 30-27 USM
Virginia Tech	1-0	1.000	0-0	45	3	W, 45-3 NCAT
Wake Forest	1-0	1.000	0-0	20	17	W, 20-17 SJSU
#7 UConn	1-0	1.000	0-0	36	21	W 36-21 UNLV
Boston College	1-1	.000	0-0	72	48	W, 34-7 HC
NC State	0-1	.000	0-0	21	24	L, 21-24 NEV
Louisville	0-1	.000	0-0	24	45	L, 24-45 BYU
Florida State	0-1	.000	0-1	20	26	L, 20-26 ND

Week 3 ACC Slate:

Kentucky (0-1) vs. Louisville (0-1)
Boston College (1-1) vs. UMass (0-1)
Virginia (1-0) vs. Georgia State (0-1)
Houston (1-0) vs. #19 Miami-FL (1-0)
UAB (0-1) vs. NC State (0-1)
#7 UConn (1-0) vs. #21 UCF (1-0)
Rice (1-0) vs. North Carolina (1-0)
Penn State (0-1) vs. #13 Pitt (1-0)
Western Michigan (1-0) vs. #14 Syracuse (1-0)
Wake Forest (1-0) vs. UL Monroe (1-0)
#4 Wisconsin (1-0) vs. Virginia Tech (1-0)
Charlotte vs. Duke (1-0)

My mind is definitely churning... If I were you I would go check up on my BG thread right about now

Again, it's a pleasure to have you back posting again RT!

Solid win to start the campaign. The six sacks is definitely concerning, but maybe it's just the case of one of those games where the team just finds it hard to get up for. The true test will be next week as to the real mettle of your team, so at least you can be happy in the just overall solid performance on both sides of the ball. No turnovers is always a good statline to see as well.

Lack of motivation could very well be the case - add on the fact that UNLV definitely had some extra motivation considering their head coach is a UConn alum and they really had nothing to lose.

Nevertheless, it's frustrating knowing that without Ricciardi's perfect day kicking, we might have lost. We have wayyyyy too much offensive talent to not finish drives and put up 40+ points/game (FOUR 90+ overall wide receivers!?!??), nor can we get away with it against better teams moving forward. Good point with the no turnovers, though, that's a good sign and especially so for Jordan Brown. I'm hopeful that this game was just a treatable blemish and not a wart or something worse.

You're right saying that next week and even Week 4's game against Houston will tell us a lot about our team. Two solid out of conference opponents who are former conference rivals of ours, not to mention two squads that are around the Top 25 annually. Immediately after Houston, we travel to Clemson, and they're a team that looks a lot better than when we played them last. Two good games and I'll be a happy camper with the ACC slate looming.

Thanks as always for the comments!

[thesportsguru11]

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

Week 2 Headlines

MAC OC’s Sorensen, Crenshaw pull massive Power 5 upsets; EMU, Illinois dominate CAC matchups


HC Quinn Shea (thesportsguru11): L (0-1), 14-21 vs. #13 Tennessee (1-0)

C. Corder: 8-21, 159 yds, TD, rush TD
B. Baggarly: 15 rush,110 yds
Q. Barrett: 5 rec, 47 yds
D. Rossland: 10 tckl (3 TFL), sack

Next Week: @ Washington State (1-0) CAC GAME!

HC Kaelyn Willingham (kswgrad2012): W (1-0), 37-28 vs. UTSA (0-1)

B. Lofton: 7-15, 98 yds, 16 rush, 61 yds, 2 TD
B. Pittman: 32 rush, 170 yds, TD
J. Martin: 11 tckl (4 TFL), 2 sacks
V. Faison: 4 tckl (2 TFL), sack

Next Week: vs. USC (0-1) CAC GAME!

HC Foxke Brihay (nofx94): W (1-0), 48-26 vs. Arkansas (0-1)

M. Miles Jr: 14-18, 181 yds, 2 TD, 22 rush, 161 yds, 2 TD
B. Brooks: 23 rush, 101 yds, TD
B. Bower: 5 rec, 40 yds, TD
T. Dockett: 11 tckl (TFL)
W. Gonzalez: 6 tckl (5 TFL), 2 sacks

Next Week: vs. Central Michigan (1-0) CAC GAME!

HC Dale Miller (glunsford): L (0-2), 14-37 vs. Rice (1-0)

B. Gordon Jr.: 8-15, 140 yds, TD
A. McQueen: 5 rec, 98 yds, TD
R. Mark: 12 tckl (TFL)
M. Wagner: 10 tckl (3 TFL), .5 sack
C. Palmer: 7 tckl (2 TFL), sack

Next Week: @ San Jose State (0-1)

HC Bob Trebell (DrGravyBoat): W (1-0), 28-0 vs. UC-Davis

M. Terrell: 19-39, 351 yds, 3 TD
T. Kloss: 12 rush, 64 yds, TD
J. Carpenter: 13 rec, 259 yds, 2 TD
A. Thompson: 12 tckl (3 TFL), sack
J. Zoriak: 7 tckl (2 TFL), sack, INT
B. Alston: 2 sacks
J. Rivera: 2 INT

Next Week: @ Idaho (1-0)

HC Sam Freday (RoundingThird): L (0-1), 21-36 vs. #10 UConn (1-0)

R. Garrett: 29-47, 361 yds, 3 TD
Q. Terrell: 14 rush, 58 yds
C. Williams: 7 rec, 58 yds
B. Darby 4 rec, 101 yds, TD
D. Ewing: 9 tckl (2 TFL), sack

Next Week: @ Oklahoma State (1-0)

HC Connor Turley (convict38): BYE (0-0)

Next Week: @ Bowling Green (1-1) CAC GAME!

HC William Brooks (TheOtherPotterGuy): L (1-1), 14-21 vs. Missouri (1-0)

L. Drybeck: 17-46, 177 yds, TD
D. Coley: 12 rush, 78 yds
E. West: 6 rec, 53 yds
J. Duggan: 3 rec, 29 yds, TD
I. Day: 8 tckl (2 TFL), sack

Next Week: BYE

HC Caleb Henderson (NewscasterNews4): W (1-0), 52-24 vs. Mid Tenn. St. (0-1) CAC WIN!

F. Brady: 21-39, 382 yds, 4 TD, rush TD
G. Farley Jr: 9 rush, 108 yds, TD
B. Motley: 8 rec, 144 yds, 2 TD
B. Boyd: 7 rec, 115 yds, 2 TD
R. Bosworth: 6 tckl, INT
M. Smith: 4 tckl, INT return TD

Next Week: @ South Alabama (2-0) CAC GAME!

OC Brian Woodard (mattynokes): L (0-1), 24-45 vs. #17 BYU (1-0)

J. Duvont: 18-40, 266 yds, 3 TD, 21 rush, 114 yds
B. Witherspoon: 5 rec, 85 yds, TD
Y. Pither: 5 rec, 75 yds, TD

Next Week: vs. Kentucky (0-1)

OC Jordan James (HARLEE23): W (1-0), 20-17 vs. San Jose State (0-1)

D. Nicholas: 12-26, 174 yds, TD
D. Galloway: 15 rush, 43 yds
B. Jones: 5 rush, 35 yds, TD
K. Davidson: 6 rec, 90 yds

Next Week: @ UL Monroe (1-0)

DC Brennan Smith (bryan3169) W (1-0), 31-24 vs. James Madison

B. Felder: 9 tckl (3 TFL), sack
T. Dunn: 6 tckl (2 TFL), sack
G. Spiller: INT

Next Week: vs. FCS

OC Tyrell Coley (Knickerbocker91): L (0-1), 16-21 vs. West Virginia (1-0)

X. Browne: 7-24, 132 yds
T. Ardois: 12 rush, 65 yds, TD
W. Shuman: 5 rec, 96 yds
B. Tangier: 2 rec, 36 yds

Next Week: BYE

DC Xavier Stephenson (young22): W (1-0), 31-14 vs. Temple (0-1) CAC WIN!

B. Lorn: 6 tckl
B. Siler: 5 tckl (4 TFL), 1.5 sacks
S. Meredith: 4 tckl (2 TFL), sack

Next Week: @ Missouri (1-0)

OC Ricky Jacobsen (slicknick3822): L (0-1), 23-35 vs. Miami-OH (1-0)

G. Saulsberry: 5-11, 83 yds, TD
C. Townsend: 16 rush, 109 yds, TD
T. Hill: 6 rec, 122 yds, TD
J. Browner: 3 rec, TD

Next Week: @ #23 Iowa (1-0)

OC Emmett Nama (BookWork123): W (1-0), 34-24 vs. Buffalo (0-1) CAC WIN!

A. Houk: 15-30, 271 yds, 2 TD
N. Sharp: 19 rush, 103 yds, 2 TD
J. Vincent: 6 rec, 117 yds, TD
E. MacLean: 6 rec, 134 yds

Next Week: vs. UNLV (0-1) CAC GAME!

DC Bud Kilmer Jr. (xboxxerx): W (1-0), 34-22 vs. SE Missouri State

A. Freeney: 10 tckl (TFL)
G. Plunkett: 5 tckl
C. Boyer: 4 tckl (TFL)
J. Clark: 4 tckl (2 TFL), sack

Next Week: @ USF (1-0)

OC Matthew King (ThaBoss18): W (1-0), 52-7 vs. Tennessee Tech

L. Armstrong: 14-18, 242 yds, TD, rush TD
A. Zaxby: 16 rush, 52 yds, 2 TD
J. James: 13 rush, 42 yds, 2 TD
M. Greene: 6 rec, 80 yds, TD

Next Week: @ MTSU (0-1) CAC GAME!

OC Ryan Sorbera (YaBoySorbs): L (0-1), 14-31 vs. Illinois (1-0) CAC LOSS!

S. Safanarian: 11-22, 109 yds, 2 TD
M. Rutledge: 14 rush, 73 yds
J. Johnson: 3 rec, TD

Next Week: vs. #11 Tennessee (1-0)

OC Equanimeous St. Brown Sr. (TheRosterMaster): L (0-1), 24-52 vs. Eastern Michigan (1-0) CAC LOSS!

K. Tretter: 11-37, 127 yds
R. Scott: 12 rush, 137 yds, TD
B. Miller: 5 rec, 52 yds

Next Week: vs. Memphis (1-0) CAC GAME!

OC J.J. Mac (RedRaider10): W (1-0), 36-10 vs. Sam Houston State

F. Garcia: 9-24, 118 yds, TD, rush TD
P. Robinson: 29 rush, 183 yds, TD
A. Carter: 4 rec, 29 yds

Next Week: vs. New Mexico State (0-1)

OC Trent Davis (UKWildcat999): L (0-1), 27-30 vs. #14 Pitt (1-0)

B. Carter: 14-26, 180 yds, TD
T. Adaloupe: 11 rush, 55 yds, 2 TD
N. Thomas: 2 rec, 65 yds
M. Lyles: Rec TD

Next Week: @ Purdue (1-0)

OC Frankie Francisco (BigPlayJ1220): L (0-1), 16-42 vs. Purdue (1-0)

D. Lake: 14-21, 134 yds, 24 rush, 103 yds, 2 TD
L. Smith: 11 rush, 64 yds
D. Silva: 7 rec, 49 yds

Next Week: vs. Boston College (1-1)

OC Brian Grant (LadiesAndEdelman): BYE (0-0)

Next Week: vs. Fresno State (1-0)

OC Richard Harrison (itsbigmike): W (1-0), 41-34 (OT) vs. Air Force (0-1)

A. Jefferson: 18-30, 244 yds, 4 TD
M. Massey: 16 rush, 56 yds, TD
B. Andrews: 5 rec, 94 yds, TD
L. Reynolds: 3 rec, 57 yds, TD

Next Week: vs. #14 Syracuse (1-0)

OC Max Crenshaw (whughes): W (1-0), 20-14 vs. Georgia (0-1)

R. Hodge: 5-18, 51 yds, rush TD
D. Johnson: 12 rush, 87 yds
W. White: 6 rec, 54 yds

Next Week: @ Arizona State (1-0) CAC GAME!

OC Ryan Malloy (FootballFanatik): L (0-1), 24-34 vs. Oklahoma State (1-0) CAC LOSS!

K. Lamoreaux: 17-30, 290 yds, TD
J. Hill-Hawley: 17 rush, 57 yds, 2 TD
L.McCutcheon: 6 rec, 151 yds, TD

Next Week: BYE

OC Theron Sorensen (ronnysauce): W (1-1), 31-21 vs. #4 Michigan State (0-1)

A. Jafar: 3-6, 31 yds (three QBs played)
S. Bolen: 23 rush, 125 yds, 2 TD
K. Momoh: 9 rush, 48 yds, 2 TD
J. Thomas: 5 rec, 59 yds

Next Week: vs. Baylor (0-0) CAC GAME!

OC Spanky Westside (Trevor3_2009): W (1-0), 40-10 vs. Lamar

E. Concepcion: 12-23, 237 yds, 3 TD
L. Sedgewick: 27 rush, 165 yds
G. Goodman: 14 rush, 79 yds
J. Landis: 5 rec, 105 yds, 3 TD
A. Coleman: 5 rec, 97 yds

Next Week: vs. LSU (1-1, 0-1)

OC Jerome Baumann (RaiderAid89): W (1-0), 49-10 vs. UAB (0-1)

T. Poland: 20-29, 325 yds, 5 TD
A. Smith: 20 rush, 127 yds, 2 TD
M. Boyd: 9 rec, 153 yds, 2 TD
K. Mitchell: 5 rec, 48 yds, TD

Next Week: vs. #18 Auburn (2-0, 2-0)

OC Brett Favre (hudso3): W (2-0), 21-10 vs. Alabama State

G. Moran: 19-38, 267 yds, TD
B. Jackson: 24 rush, 109 yds, TD
S. Sims: 8 rec, 135 yds, TD

Next Week: vs. Eastern Michigan (1-0) CAC GAME!

OC Laurence Gilbert (Mike7Vinas): L (0-1), 20-33 vs. Alabama A&M

A. Dalton: 9-22, 100 yds, 16 rush, 95 yds
D. Bertrand: 13 rush, 51 yds, TD
R. Burke: 4 rec, 44 yds

Next Week: BYE

[whughes]

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

I have no idea how my guys pulled out that upset over Georgia with those offensive stats. But I’ll take it lol

[thesportsguru11]

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

Guru’s Thoughts:

UCF is a team we’re very familiar with, having played them going on a half dozen times in the last ten seasons. We’ve had varying levels of success against the Knights, but UCF may be beginning a transitional phase. UCF is on their fifth head coach in eight years, and star quarterback Aaron Houston now plays in the NFL. The talent has moved on from the teams that often ran rampant through the post-UConn AAC and made multiple New Year’s Bowl Games.

Though there is less talent on paper as was the case in recent years, UCF still has some good players and a veteran head coach in Kyle Flood. The Knights have a good quarterback in Kyle Fowler and several good wideouts, that group headed by Scottie Thomas and A.J. McDonald. Ryan Grafcheck is a thumper at running back who should pose a nice challenge to the UConn defensive front.

The defense could spell the demise of the Knights against UConn this time, however. There are lots of veterans, but no real playmakers. Damien Bryndale played a role in beating us last year, and will need to have similar success in applying pressure to Jordan Brown and forcing mistakes. Linebacker Keith Salas and corner Devon Branch will need to play good games as well.

Our job will be to throw, to test UCF’s thin secondary with our very deep stable of wideouts and tight ends. Devin Brown should be a key target for us, as he will be matched up often against inexperienced safety Keon Patterson and some slower linebackers.

Past Skirmishes

2022 - UCF dealt UConn their first loss of the season in a hard fought-game. Aaron Houston and Adam Holt each ran for 125 yards and a score as the Knights and then-head coach Connor Turley (CAC: convict38) shredded UConn’s defense.

2017 - UConn escapes Orlando with their national title hopes intact on the strength of a seventeen point rally in the second half, winning on a Mike Miller field goal as time expired. UConn would go on to claim their first national title a few weeks later.

2014 - Deshon Foxx kept UConn in the game with two kick return touchdowns, but the Knights proved too much as UConn fell in overtime and dropped to 2-5 in Bob Diaco’s first season.

--- We have also played UCF in the 2015 and 2016 seasons. Those games can be found in the table of contents under the spoiler for each respective season. I hope to be updating the Table of Contents to the present day very soon. ---

I have no idea how my guys pulled out that upset over Georgia with those offensive stats. But I’ll take it lol

A good defense! I believe CMU scored one offensive touchdown, a defensive one and then two field goals. Georgia has been really up and down throughout the dynasty, but nevertheless great work to beat a Power 5 opponent. The MAC should be pretty competitive this year, so here's hoping that this win can give you some positive momentum!

[jpfine]

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

Wow, crazy that Kyle Flood is still coaching! I mean, I guess it's only 2023, so not that crazy, but I don't think Flood's coaching now irl. Not really a fan of him, though, after he ruined the Rutgers program.... Tear 'em to shreds!

[itsbigmike]

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

Wow, crazy that Kyle Flood is still coaching! I mean, I guess it's only 2023, so not that crazy, but I don't think Flood's coaching now irl. Not really a fan of him, though, after he ruined the Rutgers program.... Tear 'em to shreds!

Kyle Flood is actually an offensive line coach for the Atlanta Falcons, currently.