2007 Big East Football Prospectus Part 2: Connecticut
3 Comments Published on 6.18.2007 by Brian Harrison
Editor’s Note: This is part two of an eight part series giving analysis of each of the eight teams in the Big East Football Conference, proceeding alphabetically, but ending with Syracuse. A new team will be released each weekday for the next eight days. Feel free to use the comment section to supplement the facts and analysis presented, however my opinions will stand. Enjoy and I hope you are looking forward to the new Big East football season as much as I am. Part one can be found here.
Connecticut
Preview – After two pretty terrible seasons in the Big East Coach Randy Edsall is looking to have his squad win a few more games this year. After a season with the dreaded “two-headed quarterback” system in play, and failure to find consistency other than the running game, UConn looks forward to a season with a semi-competent man behind center in JUCO transfer Tyler Lorenzen, who impressed in the spring. UConn, who has only managed one conference win last year, will look to sophomore RB Donald Brown to carry the load for the Huskies on the ground. He looked great last year filling in for the injured Terry Caulley, gaining excellent stats for the year and averaging 134.6yds in five starts (896yds on 161att, 5.6avg, 7 TD). The rest of the running backs for UConn look like the will produce as well. Their offensive line could show some problems however, as they had a total of nine starters on the line last season, and they lose one of their most experienced guards with graduation. Connecticut’s special teams is a joke, as their top two kickers combined for 5-14 FG. The Huskies have also had a myriad of off field issues, well publicized by this website. This could continue to be a distraction for the squad if they to not get a handle on their players this off season. A bit of advice… do not punch the manager of Wingz Over Storrs outside of the establishment after you use a stolen credit card in front of a cop.
Key Returning Players – RB Donald Brown, WR Terence Jeffers, QB/WR D.J. Hernandez
Key Losses – RB Terry Caulley, QB Matt Bonislawski, G Immanuel Hutcherson
My Thoughts – This new quarterback may cause some problems for teams, bur really this is not the top strength of Connecticut. A team must stop the run to have success against UConn, however I just do not see this team really being in the mix yet again, or for several years to come. Edsall’s clock is ticking loudly in Storrs. With a brand new football complex, and many season ticket holders, UConn’s Athletic Department will be looking for results, rather than excuses. Even with the new facilities, their recruiting class was less than stellar. It is do or die for Edsall, but I have a feeling he will be dead in two years. Look for Connecticut at the bottom of the Big East for another season.
Will We Beat Them? – I usually like our chances versus Connecticut, however once again we find the team traveling to East Hartford to Rentschler Field. The team has traditionally played well against UConn in the Dome, however, when real weather is applied, the team may collapse like a house of cards. If we apply pressure to the QB/RB, manage a few sack lunches and some losses, and generally look sharp on defense, UConn’s confidence will surely be shaken down at the Rent. If we score early we may never look back. I think we can gain a conference win from the U of Conn, and if not, may God have mercy on my soul, as I now live in Connecticut. I’m sure Matt will get grief from his family and friends as well.
Preview – After two pretty terrible seasons in the Big East Coach Randy Edsall is looking to have his squad win a few more games this year. After a season with the dreaded “two-headed quarterback” system in play, and failure to find consistency other than the running game, UConn looks forward to a season with a semi-competent man behind center in JUCO transfer Tyler Lorenzen, who impressed in the spring. UConn, who has only managed one conference win last year, will look to sophomore RB Donald Brown to carry the load for the Huskies on the ground. He looked great last year filling in for the injured Terry Caulley, gaining excellent stats for the year and averaging 134.6yds in five starts (896yds on 161att, 5.6avg, 7 TD). The rest of the running backs for UConn look like the will produce as well. Their offensive line could show some problems however, as they had a total of nine starters on the line last season, and they lose one of their most experienced guards with graduation. Connecticut’s special teams is a joke, as their top two kickers combined for 5-14 FG. The Huskies have also had a myriad of off field issues, well publicized by this website. This could continue to be a distraction for the squad if they to not get a handle on their players this off season. A bit of advice… do not punch the manager of Wingz Over Storrs outside of the establishment after you use a stolen credit card in front of a cop.
Key Returning Players – RB Donald Brown, WR Terence Jeffers, QB/WR D.J. Hernandez
Key Losses – RB Terry Caulley, QB Matt Bonislawski, G Immanuel Hutcherson
My Thoughts – This new quarterback may cause some problems for teams, bur really this is not the top strength of Connecticut. A team must stop the run to have success against UConn, however I just do not see this team really being in the mix yet again, or for several years to come. Edsall’s clock is ticking loudly in Storrs. With a brand new football complex, and many season ticket holders, UConn’s Athletic Department will be looking for results, rather than excuses. Even with the new facilities, their recruiting class was less than stellar. It is do or die for Edsall, but I have a feeling he will be dead in two years. Look for Connecticut at the bottom of the Big East for another season.
Will We Beat Them? – I usually like our chances versus Connecticut, however once again we find the team traveling to East Hartford to Rentschler Field. The team has traditionally played well against UConn in the Dome, however, when real weather is applied, the team may collapse like a house of cards. If we apply pressure to the QB/RB, manage a few sack lunches and some losses, and generally look sharp on defense, UConn’s confidence will surely be shaken down at the Rent. If we score early we may never look back. I think we can gain a conference win from the U of Conn, and if not, may God have mercy on my soul, as I now live in Connecticut. I’m sure Matt will get grief from his family and friends as well.
Update: Notre Dame freshman QB Zach Frazer will be transferring to UConn this fall. After Charlie Wise announced Frazer would not be in the starting QB contention at ND, he looked at several schools and finally decided on heading to UConn over Cincinnati. His father, Dave Frazer said "Zach really feels he can go to UConn and win a Big East title.” While I’m sure he will contend for the starting job, I do not think it is his outright, nor do I think this guy is so good he will instantly make UConn a contender in the Big East. Maybe next year buddy.
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There is nothing I can't stand on this blog more than people that don't put their name on their opinions. Don't post anonymously and I'll leave it up.