UConn: Joe D's Notebook

UConn: Joe D's Notebook http://wtic.com Sun, 5 Jul 2009 09:38:52 EDT en-us WHO'LL STOP THE RAIN Clearwater, FL. Ok, I am channeling one of the greatest songs by CCR (Credence Clearwater Revival) to describe the desperate straits we are in at the Big East Baseball Championship.  This part of Florida hadn't seen rain for a month and now, they are making up for it all in a week. Unfortunately, it's the week that the conference baseball tournament came to Bright House Field. There Thu, 21 May 2009 19:35:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=4042947 THE END DETROIT- Not many natives of Husky Nation left in Detroit. The UConn Huskies flew home at 1 today after last night's disappointing 82-73 loss to Michigan State in the Final Four. I would imagine most of the fans have flown the coop with only the real basketball diehards hanging around for the Spartans and North Carolina  tomorrow night for the National Championship. Michigan State Sun, 5 Apr 2009 18:21:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3779508 GAME DAY........ FINALLY DETROIT- 9:20AM-- A relatively quiet morning on Radio Row @ Cobo Center.. Us, Cleveland, Miami and 1050 In New York rolling, or ready to roll. Bob Joyce is at KMOX in St Louis as we do a special edition of SportsTalk, getting the juices flowing  for what is a huge weekend for college basketball in our state. You have read all the stories about how it seems like the Huskies are talked Sat, 4 Apr 2009 10:06:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3777556 HEADING OUT TO MOTOWN Truth be told, there is no music I love more than the Motown Sound. Four Tops, Temptations, Smokey Robinson, it is all terrific... And there is nowhere I would rather be this weekend that Motown, AKA Detroit for the Final Four. Getting to go to the Crown Jewel of College Basketball is always special.  I talked with my colleague from Villanova, Ryan Fannon who has attended Final Thu, 2 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3769086 TAMING THE TIGERS GLENDALE,AZ- The press conferences the day between the Sweet 16 and Elite 8 were endless. The five starters and the coach on the dais, then only the coach for another half hour while the players go to the "breakout" rooms for one on ones.. Both teams with the media for an hour. But Friday was interesting to watch the two teams in the spotlight. Missouri seemed loose, excited to try Sat, 28 Mar 2009 10:37:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3740995 BACK TO B'BALL GLENDALE, AZ- At 4:07 Mountain Standard Time this afternoon, the talk about recruiting violations will be put on hold. The focus will be on basketball for the UConn Huskies, specifically the NCAA Western Regional Semis against Purdue. Matt Painter's team stumbled down the stretch, losing 3 of their last 4 but then ko'd Penn State, Illinois and Ohio State to win their first Big Ten Thu, 26 Mar 2009 12:31:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3731959 A DAY UNLIKE ANY OTHER GLENDALE AZ.- Needless to say, no one expected this type of day when our heads hit the pillow last night in Arizona. It was turned upside down by the Yahoo Sports report about alleged recruiting violations in the UConn men's program surrounding the recruitment of Nate Miles. From the time the story broke around 10 eastern until late at nght, it is all that anyone who covers the program talked Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:42:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3728124 GO WEST, YOUNG MEN To paraphrase Horace Greeley (a terrific point guard in the 1800's) , the UConn Huskies head to the desert on Tuesday to prepare for the Sweet 16 of the West Regionals... Awaiting them, the Purdue Boilermakers, who survived an upset bid by Northern Iowa and then beat Washington in Portland, not an easy accomplishment. They won the Big 10 tournament title, finished tied for second in the regular Mon, 23 Mar 2009 17:38:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3713932 A FULL PHILLY AFTERNOON PHILADEDLPHIA:  Needless to say it was a full afternoon at the Wachovia Center.It was during the first half of the Texas A&M-BYU game that I learned that Jim Calhoun wouldn't be coaching today. You have heard the story by now and the best wish is that Jim spends a restful night in the hospital and comes out on Friday. The game started slowly for UConn but once they got things headed Thu, 19 Mar 2009 21:58:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3698265 CHIT- CHATT PHILADELPHIA- It doesn't feel like a week since the epic 6 overtime game with Syracuse, things happen quickly once the field of 65 is announced for the NCAA tournament. And today, it's time for UConn to get back in the pool as they play Chattanooga. The Mocs showed respect for UConn during yesterdays pre game press conferences, but certainly no fear. Nor should they after a pre conference Thu, 19 Mar 2009 07:58:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3695384 THE WAIT IS ON! It's less than 24 hours before the NCAA pairings are announced (6 pm on WTIC-NewsTalk 1080 and WTIC.com). The debate continues concerning whether UConn is a #1 seed. With Michigan State getting waffled by Ohio State, I would say the Huskies are a lock for a #1. Yes, they have lost three times in the last four weeks. Yes, they are not the same team without Jerome Dyson (just like Carolina Sat, 14 Mar 2009 18:32:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3670130 ON BROADWAY NEW YORK CITY- Finally, by the time eleven teams will have already been eliminated from the 2009 Big East tournament, the UConn Huskies take the floor tonite. And really, who else did you expect to see on the other side but Syracuse. The Orange have sent the Huskies home in three of the last four tournaments and come in off a solid win against Seton Hall. The game was tight until a couple of Thu, 12 Mar 2009 10:43:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3659714 BIG SATURDAY Here is how you can tell Saturday's UConn- Pittsburgh game is a big one. Thursday's media availability after practice had what must have been the largest turnout of the season. All of the beat writers, three TV stations, columnists, writers from NBC Sports and the New York Daily News, and even the flagship radio station (which doesn't normally get out to practice). All looking for the Fri, 6 Mar 2009 10:00:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3630164 REST..... AND REFLECT A week of rest for the UConn men as they get ready for the regular season finale at Pittsburgh (11:30 AM Saturday on WTIC). Wins over Marquette (best of the year) and Notre Dame (they did what they had to do) have the Huskies in postition to do what they set out to do before every season, win the Big East Regular Season title. That is ALWAYS one goal, not the only goal but a very important Mon, 2 Mar 2009 16:34:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3604963 THE 800 CLUB Milwaukee:  Hello from the home of the Brewers and the fictitious Shotz Brewery (employer of Laverne DeFazio and Shirley Feeney). Tonight, amidst all the hubub created by (more later).... , UConn takes on Marquette. It has the potential to be one of the best games of the season at what should be a rowdy Bradley Center. Most games, UConn goes in with an experience advantage. Not Wed, 25 Feb 2009 09:01:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3579001 BIG MONDAY The biggest Monday is the last Monday of the season, when the national championship game is played in Detroit. Tonite is a Big Monday, UConn and PIttsburgh at the XL Center. Anytime you get two top five teams locking horns, it's special. When they are the top two ranked teams in their conference ,it's something extra special. Pittsburgh has won five straight by scoring the ball. DeJuan Mon, 16 Feb 2009 14:09:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3530366 THE REAL DEAL UConn's first game without Jerome Dyson wasn't smooth,except for one regal man in the middle. The 62-54 win over Seton Hall featured lots of up and down moments but in the end, the better team won because it had the best player on the floor. Hasheem Thabeet was simply magnificent, 25 points, 20 rebounds and at least nine blocks. Jim Calhoun thinks there might have been several more but we'll Sun, 15 Feb 2009 19:50:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3525532 DIRTY DOZEN UConn's 12th straight win required them to get down and dirty against Syracuse. Not in an illegal way, just having to fight and scrap and claw to get past the Orange. The 63-49 margin wasn't indicative of how hard the Huskies had to work for most of the 40 minutes. Again, most of the post game plaudits were centered around the center, Hasheem Thabeet. More and more people are coming to Thu, 12 Feb 2009 10:42:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3512886 ORIGINAL 7 Tonite, it's back to the Big East with two of the Original 7 schools locking horns at UConn. It's ironic that even when UConn was struggling with it's Big East pedigree in the early 80's and Syracuse was among the league's best teams, the Huskies always  found ways to beat the Orange(men, in those days). Syracuse longest winning streak against UConn was only four games. Okay, enough of Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:27:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3506316 HAIL TO THE VICTORS! If you chose Michigan's fight song "Hail to the Victors" as the best in college sports, not many people would argue with you. Some might choose USC's, some Texas, others Tennessee. But in this case. "Hail to the Victors" is a salute to the UConn men for their hard fought Gampel win over Michigan on Saturday night at Gampel. It was exactly the type of game you would expect Sun, 8 Feb 2009 16:29:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3486931 VnICTORY AT THE 'VILLE LOUISVILLE:  Now  THAT was  impressive! UConn took apart Louisville in a fashion that not even the most ardent Huskies supporter could have expected. The 68-51 final score was indicative of just how good UConn performed in their first game as the #1 ranked team in the country. The Cardinals brought lots of energy early, jumping out to a 14-9 lead.But them, the Huskies went on a Mon, 2 Feb 2009 23:42:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3453441 THE TOP DOGS LOUISVILLE- By the time UConn take the court @ Freedom Hall tonite against Louisville, they will be the Number One ranked team in the country. Are they the best team? Who knows, that's why they have the NCAA tournament. . It seems that most experts agree that they aren't the best team but the way the rankings work, they will be #1 for the 8th different time in school history. Just think Mon, 2 Feb 2009 08:21:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3450119 MIDWEST MUSINGS ROSEMONT,ILLINOIS-  Ok, having been here (meaning suburban Chicago) since Sunday afternoon, I, like the natives are Blaggo'd out! Today, the story of disgraced Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was on Page 22 of the Tribune (which is now a tabloid) and Page 18 of the Sun-Times. The TV stations didn't lead with it on their 11 AM News (don't forget, everything is an hour earlier out Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:11:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3427407 IRISH STEW SOUTH BEND, INDIANA- Sunday morning @ 12:35.    If you are a UConn fan, it was a great night for the Huskies. The 69-61 win at Notre Dame ended the Irish 45 game home winning streak, their 20 game Big East home winning streak and established the Huskies as one of the nation's best team. It also established this team's identidy. We have been wondering all year what it was. Well Sun, 25 Jan 2009 00:43:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3407593 SOUTH BEND SHOWDOWN SOUTH BEND- If you watched College GameDay, you got an idea of what kind of reception UConn will receive tonite at the Joyce Athletic Center when they try to snap Notre Dame's 45 game home court winning streak. It was loud,raucous, their were signs that went the tired old laptop route and it was a small sample of what the Huskies face tonite. But Hall of Famer Bob Knight had it right after Sat, 24 Jan 2009 12:19:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3406739 THE PRICE WAS RIGHT With apologies to Drew Carey and of course Bob Barker, the Price was right for UConn last night or the Huskies winning streak would have ended at 5. A.J. Price was brilliant in UConn's 89-83 XL Center win over Villanova. It wasn't just his 29 points, 20 in the first half when he singlehandedly kept UConn in the game. It was the aggresive way that he played, the exuberance that he played Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:23:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3398651 A HISTORIC DAY What I would have given to be able to be in Washington today for the inauguration of President Barack Obama. But since I don't think I would have had the VIP seats of Jim Calhoun, sitting in front of the television was the next best thing. Watching the departure to the church , the arrival at the White House, the entire inauguration ceremony, walking President and Mrs.Bush to the helicopter Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:59:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3385789 ENTER "THE HALL" The last time we saw UConn at the XL Center, it was their forgettable lose to Georgetown...Since they, they have reeled off four straight wins over three teams that will all play on Tuesday in the Big East tournament and a good West Virginia team. There are still questions surrounding this group like A)- Who takes the big shot, will it be A.J.Price, Jerome Dyson or someone else. B)- Will Sun, 18 Jan 2009 09:53:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3372992 UC-UC CINCINNATI- It's a rainy Saturday in the Queen City, six hours before UConn and Cincinnati tee it up for the only time this season. Last year's two games were memorable, the one here included a UConn comeback from 74-62 in the second half and the season finale was a game that UConn led at one point 36-5. I don't think today will be 36-5 but I think it has a better chance to be that tha Sat, 10 Jan 2009 10:47:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3333654 MAYOR MIKE I don't remember the first time I met Michael P.Peters. I'm sure it was after I came to WTIC in May of 1992. I'm sure it included us talking about being alumni of St. Augustine's School and South Catholic High School. Whenever it was, it was one of the luckiest days of my life. Because I came in contact with one of the best people I have ever met. To know Mayor Mike was to love him. His zest Thu, 8 Jan 2009 18:00:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3325549 VICTORY BY TKO MORGANTOWN- UConn's 61-55 win over West Virginia was a good old fashioned Big East version of rock em-sock em robots.(one of the great toys ever invented). Both teams fought for 40 minutes and in the end, it was UConn that came out with the win. Here are my three stars 1)- Stanley Robinson:  I talked with Jim Calhoun on the pre game about the problems with encouraging Sticks to be Wed, 7 Jan 2009 00:38:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3313750 THE FOOTBALL FINALE It's been two days since UConn rallied from 10 down to beat Buffalo in the International Bowl in Toronto. Let's be honest kids, if UConn wasn't its own worst enemy in the first half, they might have won 50-0. They were that dominant over Buffalo. Kudos to the Connecticut defense for hanging in when the offense and special teams were having serious problems holding onto the football. Once that Tue, 6 Jan 2009 00:37:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3307133 ALMOST GAME TIME TORONTO- The festivities for the players are over except the big one, the International Bowl itself. Today, I was one of 750 indivuduals who listed to the Rev. Jesse Jackson, the keynote speaker of the Kickoff Luncheon. He was riveting and was able to draw parallels between sports and racial relations and the way our country has grown. The luncheon also honored the members of the 1958 Buffalo Fri, 2 Jan 2009 17:20:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3295824 ANOTHER CANADIEN SHOCKER Toronto-  The last time I got news like this, I was also in Canada, covering the Whalers 7th game of the 1992 Stanley Cup series against Montreal. I was working at WPOP and heard from friends at the station that three colleagues were being let go.  It was a sad day, even before the Whale lost, what turned out to be their final playoff game ever represeting Hartford. Today, Tue, 30 Dec 2008 16:42:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3283780 SO YOU WANT TO BE IN SHOW BUISNESS 10:14 PST, Sunday, 12-21- There is a lot about my job that makes me think it is one of the best in the entire broadcasting industry.  A Fabulous broadcast partner, terrific technical support people, management people who give a damn about their help, outstanding coaches to work with, athletes who are phenominal to deal with, sports information people who do everything in their power to help</object> Mon, 22 Dec 2008 01:33:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3246922 SENSATIONAL IN SEATTLE SEATTLE:  Jim Calhoun referenced the San Antonio comeback against Duke. Others were in agreement that Saturday's comeback from 11 down in the second half to beat Gonzaga 88-83 in overtime that it was UConn's best win since the national championshp season. You would be hard pressed to disagree. When the Huskies fell behind by double digits with just under 12 minutes to play, there was</object> Sat, 20 Dec 2008 22:15:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3243989 SNOWY IN SEATTLE Greetngs from the snowy, slippery Pacific Northwest. Everyone, and I mean everyone, who made it out here had some sort of delay but as of  330 PST (630 where you are) on Friday, everyone was accounted for and present. UConn practiced from 11-1 Pacific time @ Key Arena, former home to Ray Allen and the Seattle Super Sonics and still home to Sue Bird and the Seattle Storm. Former Seton Hall</object> Fri, 19 Dec 2008 18:33:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3241642 STONY END You have probably read by now that Jim Calhoun wasn't very happy with the Huskies defense against Stony Brook. No surprise there. The first game after exams is usually reminiscent of a tooth extraction and parts of the game against the Seawolves was no different... But I thought the last 15 minutes or so were pretty good for the Huskies. But the opoosition gets much, much tougher starting</object> Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:18:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3220521 THE DONALD... AND FRIENDS The Big East Coaches got it right. There was no more valuable offensive player in the league this season than Donald Brown and today, "The Donald" was named Big East Offensive Player of the Year. His numbers are staggering, leading the nation in rushing. The way Brown has run this season is equally impressive. 9 games with 100 yards or more, his long TD runs, it was his year. Brown</object> Wed, 10 Dec 2008 15:59:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3191344 THE END OF THE ROAD (for now) It was not the way any of the UConn Huskies wanted the 19 seniors who were playing their final home game at Rentschler Field to go out. A demoralizing, disappointing 34-10 loss to Pittsburgh that ends the regular season at 7-5. The momenteum in this game changed suddenly. Pitt, impotent offensively in the first half, got a 67 yard, 6 play drive on their first possesion of the third quarter to</object> Sat, 6 Dec 2008 22:02:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3169189 TWO FER FRIDAY It's not Two Fer Tuesday but the Notebook version, combining blogs on Thursday's basketball game and Saturday's football game. The basketball team escaped with their unbeaten record in Buffalo. If not for Hasheem Thabeet, the game wouldn't have been close. Jeff Adrien also played well but this night belonged to the Big Fella. His numbers were impressive but it was his impressive presence in</object> Fri, 5 Dec 2008 17:05:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3166581 SHUFFLED OFF TO BUFFALO AMHERST NY- Shocking, it doesn't snow every day in Buffalo, it just seems that way. Although, there are flurries in the forecast for later and "lake effect" snow tonite. Ok, enough with the weather forecaster impersonation. UConn shot around this morning at Alumni Arena where they will play the University at Buffalo tonite. It's not the pit I imagined, sort of like a mini version of</object> Thu, 4 Dec 2008 15:18:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3159481 THE BEARCATS ARE IN It's official. Cincinnati is the Big East Football Champion and heading to a BCS game. WOW. I didn't see that one coming, especially after UConn beat them up in the second half at the Rent on October 25th. Give them all the credit. Brian Kelly has done a real good job there, but don't forget, most of the players were brought in by Mark D'Antonio before he went to Michigan State.. You would</object> Fri, 28 Nov 2008 16:12:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3129985 NOT A SPECIAL SUNDAY It was a long, quiet ride home for the UConn football team on Sunday Night/Monday morning after their 17-13 loss to South Florida. The Huskies knew, that much like the loss to Rutgers, this was a road win that got away. And again, it was special teams breakdowns that were critical. A long kickoff return by Dontavia Bogan set up a 30 yard touchdown drive on the Bulls first possesion. A short</object> Mon, 24 Nov 2008 15:44:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3109145 THE MARATHON We are well into our Seven Games in Six Days Marathon on WTIC. Last night, a tough win for the Men in the Virgin Islands. First off, good job by Wayno and Phil Chardis on the broadcast. It's not the first time that  "Chards" has been behind the mike and it showed. He gave great insight and analysis. And my broadcast partner of 17 years did a great job on the play by play. There is</object> Sat, 22 Nov 2008 09:39:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3100783 THE WEEKEND WRAPUP Four games in four days on the UConn Radio Network. I will let my friend Bob Joyce give you the lowdown on the womens' opener. Here are some quick thoughts on the three games I broadcast. TAMING THE CATAMOUNTS  - Real solid effort by the big people and Jerome Dyson. If Dyson can play at that level 85-90% of the time, then the Huskies have the chance to be good...real good... Thabeet and</object> Mon, 17 Nov 2008 23:31:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3074233 GAMES, GAMES, GAMES Three games in four days, fun but a lot of homework. I tell people if I had done this much homework when I was at the late, great South Catholic High School...... But enough about that, let's start to look ahead MENS HOOPS v  WESTERN CAROLINA- Larry Hunter is the coach , he coached Ohio when they beat UConn in the Big Island Invitational in 93-94.His team went thru a great deal of</object> Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:13:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3048830 THE HOOP SCOOP One game down, who knows how many to go for the UConn men's basketball team. Their exhibition win over AIC was pretty much what you might expect from a first game. Some good things, some not so good and all in all, 40 minutes to start to work out the kinks. Obviously, it was a dominant night for Hasheem Thabeet against a team without a player taller than 6'7. But what's important to note</object> Thu, 6 Nov 2008 11:58:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=3017645 THE INVASION OF THE MOUTAINEERS It's time for the Huskies biggest game of the season... Now, that's not coachspeak, but instead my honest to goodness opinion that the West Virginia game will be UConn's biggest of the season. We know that the Big East championship almost always goes thru Morgantown. Last year, that trip turned into a nightmare for UConn when WVU scored 42 unanswered points in the second half in a game that</object> Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:49:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2988161 YOUR SIDE OF THE STORY Last night on SportsTalk, I asked people why it was so hard to be in their seats prior to kickoff at the Rent (or the Runway as Chip Malafronte of the Register wants it to be called). A few callers said at the Cincy game, they had issues getting in at one gate, that the process was slow.  But I would like to hear from more of you. If you have a thought on this subject, email me at</object> Tue, 28 Oct 2008 09:32:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2967835 THE CINCINNATI KID No, I am not refering to former producer extraordinare Bobby Sherwood to wish Coach Randy Edsall good luck in Saturdays' game against Durwood's alma mater. Producer Tyler Komvent didn't put Bobby on the air, saving his job and our senses....Seriously, it's always good to hear from Bobby, who in his time @ TIC made  us all smile a lot...and also did a helluva job. As far as Saturday with</object> Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:38:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2954117 SMOKED ON TOBACCO ROAD There really isn't much to say about Saturday's blowout loss at North Carolina other than to say the better team won. The Tar Heels were superior in every phase of the game. Cameron Sexton played well at quarterback, Shawn Draughn ran well,their defense stuffed UConn and was oportunistic and the special teams dominance was plainly evident. The most disappointing part of the evening had</object> Mon, 6 Oct 2008 10:09:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2854863 ON THE ROAD TO TOBACCO ROAD UConn-North Carolina. You think basketball, either men's or women's....But not Saturday in Chapel Hill. It's football and it has the potential to be one terrific game. UNC is 3-1 and as exciting as the UConn come from behind win in Louisville was for Husky Fans, Carolina had an equally riveting 28-24 win at Miami. And like UConn, the Heels did it with their backup quarterback, Cameron Sexton</object> Thu, 2 Oct 2008 22:25:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2841492 LOUISVILLE-THE DAY AFTER SATURDAY-  Pick a word, any word to describe last nights UConn's win at Louisville and it would probably apply. I'm gonna choose charachter. Down 21-10 with their quarterback and tight end out of the game and their offense going nowhere, UConn bowed its collective necks and took control of the game. It wasn't just the fifth straight win of their first win of the Big East season. It was a</object> Sat, 27 Sep 2008 16:26:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2813578 HUNKERIN DOWN FOR THE BEARS Thursday- It shapes up as an interesting night on Friday @ the Rent. I think alot of people don't know what to make of either UConn or Baylor. And for both tomorrow shapes up as an interesting test. Baylor hasn't left Waco until todays flight of approximately 1,520 miles ENE to East Hartford. Robert Griffin is sure intriguing at quarterback. At a lot of skilled positions, they have athletes</object> Thu, 18 Sep 2008 21:35:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2769214 UVA PREVIEW Friday Afternoon:  Is it going to rain for EVERY UConn football game this season? As I peer out the giant windows in the newsroom, I am thinking that this year is beginning to look like last year in that regard. Weather maven extraordinare Joe Furey is saying MOST of tomorrow nights game with Virginia should be played rain-free....Here's hoping Joe is right!(again...ok,I was payed to say</object> Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:42:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2739615 TEMPLE RECAP Justice denied. That was the verdict at soggy Lincoln Financial Field Saturday afternoon thanks to Donald Brown and a UConn defense that stuffed Temple for the better part of 60 plus minutes. Donald Brown has been terrific in the Huskies first two games. Yesterday, he was a man possessed, especially in overtime after the Connecticut defense held Temple to a field goal. It's hard to envision Sun, 7 Sep 2008 12:33:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2707369 GAME ON THE DAY BEFORE THE OPENER...aka RANDY EDSALL'S 50TH BIRTHDAY... Yes, the head coach of the Huskies hits the big 5-0 today (Wednesday). As he said last night, he probably hasn't celebrated a birthday since he was 12 since that darn football thing kept getting in the way... And it will again Thursday night with the season opener against Hofstra. Much of the media talk (myself included) has been Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:14:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2655053 THE TWO DEEPS So what to make of the first two deep of the football season, the first depth chart for the opener against Hofstra (it starts at 5-30 with the Tailgate Show on WTIC and WTIC.com) a)- Wide Receiver-  There seems to be a perception that not being listed as a first team receiver is some sort of demotion for D.J. Hernandez. Hardly. He is a slot receiver and in many situations, he'll be on the Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:03:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2626521 PRACTICE #1 Randy Edsall says it was a gut feeling and also the result of a lot of thought. Scott Lutrus said he received a text message on Wednesday, Dahna Deleston and Greg Lloyd Jr also got the word on Wednesday. And today, the news at the first practice of the season for the UConn footbal team concerned the decision to return Lutrus to the "Husky" linebacker position, Deleston to strong safety Fri, 1 Aug 2008 22:34:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2520734 BIG EAST MEDIA DAY Newport- Well, Big East Media Day is over and that means another UConn sports season is about to begin. And it is good to be back and letting you inside our coverage of the Huskies. It seemed like there were more media than ever covering this years event. UConn was represented by Randy Edsall, Tyler Lorenzen, D.J.Hernandez, Darius Butler and Cody Brown. These were four guys who enjoy each Tue, 29 Jul 2008 20:19:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=2500076