2022 Season Preview

[ktuck911]

How can you possibly make that statement? Do you have any data? There are any number of teams in the schedule who have the potential to do that. I sure hope you are right but I wouldn't bet the farm on it.

It's a gut feeling. Should've posted it that way. We've made a lot of changes indeed but this time it looks a lot different. We have guys coming in from the portal that are a little better than years past, not a bunch of 1st year kids still growing into their bodies. The biggest change we mustn't discount is we have a staff full of proven commodities. Our staff was a joke before. No disrespect to the previous coaches, but it's concerning when you have guys learning on the job full-time when they've never coached those spots (OC, QB coaches,, even RB coach in particular) at this level (they probably did a small high school program) and our program has aspirations (along with the facilities) to ascend the FBS ranks. We had zero shot at getting the commits we've picked up over last 9 months if we had that old staff...Zero....sad stuff. We should see marked improvement...
Time for a little more cautious optimism instead of the same old same old... the "bigger, faster, stronger" motto is out the door. We have a lot more to work with all around now....

 

[LoyalFanCT]

I have Ball State, Central Connecticut, UMass, and FIU as W's....

Cuse and BC as "possibles"...

The rest..could be a W in there.

That is six, means bowl game!!

 

[ZooCougar]

I guess that my point is that you have no data that say it won't turn out the way those guys predict -- one win and 129th. The two best players are gone from a 1-11 team. There has been huge turnover, and that MIGHT be a good thing or it might not be, you don't know. Neither do I. I am on record several times now predicting 3 wins. But it is probably more likely to be 2 wins than 4 to be quite frank. The situation is exactly what is was in the fortnight leading up to Fresno State when people were screaming about bigger stronger faster. Making all these predictions of going to bowls and how much UConn was gonna win by. Then we saw their two deep and compared it to UConn's and it slowly began to dawn on the UConn faithful. Not gonna be a cake walk. Thats fine. As I said, it's a big tent. But those who predict otherwise are not casting negativity or shade. They are merely making a considered prediction.

Btw, 3 wins would be a solid accomplishment this year. A bar at that height is not too low. And if 3-9 actually happens, we should all be grateful and say the turnaround has begun.

Keep moving those goalposts Tuthill

 

[UCFBfan]

“Per article DISCLAIMER: “This is not a preseason 131 ranking of teams going into the season. Instead, this ranking takes into account where we project teams to finish after the national championship in January. Athlon Sports projects where every team will finish in the final rankings at the conclusion of the upcoming season”


-> 129. UConn - The Huskies are just 4-32 over their last three seasons (did not play in 2020), and with a ’22 slate featuring four Power 5 opponents along with tough matchups against Utah State, Fresno State, Liberty and Army, there’s no easy fix for new coach Jim Mora. New play-caller Nick Charlton inherits an offense that averaged 15.8 points a game last season and only 4.04 yards per snap. Two transfers – Cale Millen (Northern Arizona) and Ta’Quan Roberson (Penn State) – are the front-runners to start at quarterback. If the staff can solidify the line (40 sacks allowed in ’21), and the quarterback play is better, UConn has capable skill talent to generate overall improvement. Nathan Carter (578 yards) and junior college transfer Will Knight anchor the backfield, with Keelan Marion, Cameron Ross, Nigel Fitzgerald and Kevens Clercius headlining a solid receiving corps. The Huskies allowed 38.5 points a game and finished ’21 by giving up 40-plus points to each of their last four opponents. Replacing lineman Travis Jones won’t be easy, but Mora and coordinator Lou Spanos added a couple of talented transfers – including former Kentucky linebacker Marquez Bembry – to give the defense a boost. The return of linebacker Jackson Mitchell (120 tackles) is another reason of optimism for UConn this fall. <-

Interesting that for QBs they mention Millen as one of the two. Roberson I expect to be mentioned but I feel like we haven't heard a peep about Millen. Seemed like he was a ghost because of his absence in the Spring and all the talk of the other QBs.

Just found it interesting that he's the one listed. Maybe they just saw that he was the only other QB with experience?

 

[ktuck911]

Interesting that for QBs they mention Millen as one of the two. Roberson I expect to be mentioned but I feel like we haven't heard a peep about Millen. Seemed like he was a ghost because of his absence in the Spring and all the talk of the other QBs.

Just found it interesting that he's the one listed. Maybe they just saw that he was the only other QB with experience?

More like Millen had a higher ranking coming out of HS, like Roberson did. Plus the pedigree (dad playing QB in the NFL)... Tyler P has more playing experience at this level than he does at this point.

 

[Blades]

That year off was a mistake and RE made that decision which was gutless. My optimistic outlook bought into that they have to get bigger stronger better older with the extra preparation? They were worse. As for the transfers, hope they add improvement but will find out when the season is played.

So true and looking back, all Edsall did was buy himself another years salary at over 1 Mil+ so he didn't have to play games & answer more questions about losing. The other thing that's crazy is the public disdain the old curmudgeon had for guys in the portal, while playing a bunch of FR, who were the exact opposite of what he said he needed to compete. ( bigger, etc....)

Moving forward as you said we'll find out, but at least Mora is making an attempt to get older/developed players. With 41 new members on the roster, and If my counts are correct, 24 are non freshman and 17 that were actually scholarship guys at FBS level programs. FWIW, RE had a grand total of 3, last year.

 

[RSTuthill]

It's a gut feeling. Should've posted it that way. We've made a lot of changes indeed but this time it looks a lot different. We have guys coming in from the portal that are a little better than years past, not a bunch of 1st year kids still growing into their bodies. The biggest change we mustn't discount is we have a staff full of proven commodities. Our staff was a joke before. No disrespect to the previous coaches, but it's concerning when you have guys learning on the job full-time when they've never coached those spots (OC, QB coaches,, even RB coach in particular) at this level (they probably did a small high school program) and our program has aspirations (along with the facilities) to ascend the FBS ranks. We had zero shot at getting the commits we've picked up over last 9 months if we had that old staff...Zero....sad stuff. We should see marked improvement...
Time for a little more cautious optimism instead of the same old same old... the "bigger, faster, stronger" motto is out the door. We have a lot more to work with all around now....

I hope you are right. I am getting the same feeling. But I keep telling myself that the Who were probably right. Won't get fooled again.

 

[RSTuthill]

Keep moving those goalposts Tuthill

Did I ever say something different? I don't think so. But if you can find it, I will retract the post above. Not holding my breath, though.

 

[Jimdish255]

So true and looking back, all Edsall did was buy himself another years salary at over 1 Mil+ so he didn't have to play games & answer more questions about losing. The other thing that's crazy is the public disdain the old curmudgeon had for guys in the portal, while playing a bunch of FR, who were the exact opposite of what he said he needed to compete. ( bigger, etc....)

Moving forward as you said we'll find out, but at least Mora is making an attempt to get older/developed players. With 41 new members on the roster, and If my counts are correct, 24 are non freshman and 17 that were actually scholarship guys at FBS level programs. FWIW, RE had a grand total of 3, last year.

It's a whole new world out there. This time we're actually participating in it.

 

[Incursio007]

I'm relatively optimistic on the season honestly. First time I can say that in a while --- I think winning 4, maybe even 5 games is a real possibility. Gives the program some momentum & cements the decision to go independent as a wise one. I give this staff a lot of credit in that they hit the ground running on the recruiting/transfer portal. Here's hoping that carries over into early season success.

 

[Palatine]

I know Tyler P was exciting to watch. But folks keep glossing over his 49% completion percentage. That will not get it done.

Keeping Spanos was a head scratcher. But the pieces on defense look to be improved.

At this point, everyone's opinion is valid. There is simply not enough data to have confidence in a conclusion. For every positive there is a negative. Despair and hope can both be supported. So, no one knows what we have until we see it. Show me.

I will say this. This is the year we find out the importance of having a competent experienced head coach. Mora has a real track record and a demonstrated history of results. He is an experienced professional. I believe, that will make a dent in the win column.

 

[uconndogs]

My one note of caution is that roughly half this roster has turned over. Assuming we have brought in more talented players then this was absolutely the right thing to do. It's reasonable to be optimistic that we have a more talented roster than we did at the end of last season. With that said, with that much turnover it is going to take time to both identify a two deep and then build experience and cohesion. That will not happen overnight and the schedule is pretty rugged to start the season. Patience, which no fanbase has, would be in order.

 

[Husky68]

I know Tyler P was exciting to watch. But folks keep glossing over his 49% completion percentage. That will not get it done.

Keeping Spanos was a head scratcher. But the pieces on defense look to be improved.

At this point, everyone's opinion is valid. There is simply not enough data to have confidence in a conclusion. For every positive there is a negative. Despair and hope can both be supported. So, no one knows what we have until we see it. Show me.

I will say this. This is the year we find out the importance of having a competent experienced head coach. Mora has a real track record and a demonstrated history of results. He is an experienced professional. I believe, that will make a dent in the win column.

One win is not valid.

 

[Palatine]

My one note of caution is that roughly half this roster has turned over. Assuming we have brought in more talented players then this was absolutely the right thing to do. It's reasonable to be optimistic that we have a more talented roster than we did at the end of last season. With that said, with that much turnover it is going to take time to both identify a two deep and then build experience and cohesion. That will not happen overnight and the schedule is pretty rugged to start the season. Patience, which no fanbase has, would be in order.

Your post is true. But consider this. Because of the portal, significant turnover is the norm rather than the exception. Many of the teams we will be playing are in the same boat as us. They will be searching for an identity and will trying to bring find cohesion between new pieces. My guess is that sloppy play will be endemic during the early season in college football. It is as much of an opportunity as a problem.

 

[gopher2]

I just hope this team has enough confidence and swag to weather the first half of the season which will likely find us at 1-5 with some blowout losses. If they can maintain their confidence through the hard times and keep showing up with a chip on their shoulder, like Edsall's first 6-6 team, it should result in several wins down the stretch. I loved that 6-6 Edsall team. It was exciting to watch them develop and to play the way they did, never quiting regardless of the score.

 

[CL82]

We’re bowling this year.

 

[uconndogs]

Your post is true. But consider this. Because of the portal, significant turnover is the norm rather than the exception. Many of the teams we will be playing are in the same boat as us. They will be searching for an identity and will trying to bring find cohesion between new pieces. My guess is that sloppy play will be endemic during the early season in college football. It is as much of an opportunity as a problem.

I agree with all that. My sense is that we've seen more change and turnover than most. But, I totally get that the transfer portal has changed college football dramatically and will drive a certain amount of systemic turnover.

Keeping the locker room together early in the season when there will inevitably be some rough sledding will be key.

Hopefully Mora is the guy.

 

[giddyup]

I know Tyler P was exciting to watch. But folks keep glossing over his 49% completion percentage. That will not get it done.

Keeping Spanos was a head scratcher. But the pieces on defense look to be improved.

At this point, everyone's opinion is valid. There is simply not enough data to have confidence in a conclusion. For every positive there is a negative. Despair and hope can both be supported. So, no one knows what we have until we see it. Show me.

I will say this. This is the year we find out the importance of having a competent experienced head coach. Mora has a real track record and a demonstrated history of results. He is an experienced professional. I believe, that will make a dent in the win column.

Keeping Spanos was Mora’s one move IMO. Can’t keep the stink of losing in the locker room, even if he is beloved. He’s probably beloved for embracing the “you tried your best and that’s o.k.” philosophy

 

[huskymedic]

Keeping Spanos was Mora’s one move IMO. Can’t keep the stink of losing in the locker room, even if he is beloved.

… or Mora trusted him/knew his coaching capabilities after their time together @ UCLA. Mora’s not a newbie, he gets the benefit of doubt there in my mind.

 

[Bongo Fury]

I know Tyler P was exciting to watch. But folks keep glossing over his 49% completion percentage. That will not get it done.

Keeping Spanos was a head scratcher. But the pieces on defense look to be improved.

At this point, everyone's opinion is valid. There is simply not enough data to have confidence in a conclusion. For every positive there is a negative. Despair and hope can both be supported. So, no one knows what we have until we see it. Show me.

I will say this. This is the year we find out the importance of having a competent experienced head coach. Mora has a real track record and a demonstrated history of results. He is an experienced professional. I believe, that will make a dent in the win column.

I don’t think the completion % tells the complete story. TP moved the ball better than the others either completions for first downs or he or others running. Guessing he got sacked less and some of those Incompletions were throwaways. Don’t know if he’ll play again but he definitely exceeded expectations coming into last year and provided hope.

 

[Bubba1957]

I’m not concerned about the turnover and all the new players. It needed to happen. They are new to each other but not the game. Lining up next to someone who does their job makes everyone better.
We will not face a team with a better coach than Mora. Don’t need to wait and see to know that is true. This will not be an incremental improvement. They will win more than lose (I sure hope!)

 

[CL82]

I don’t think the completion % tells the complete story. Tyler Phommachanh moved the ball better than the others either completions for first downs or he or others running. Guessing he got sacked less and some of those Incompletions were throwaways. Don’t know if he’ll play again but he definitely exceeded expectations coming into last year and provided hope.

This. I’m guessing his completion percentage will improve if he’s not running for his life on every down.

 

[Duncan Idaho]

This. I’m guessing his completion percentage will improve if he’s not running for his life on every down.

Qb when Mazzone was here. Even Rose passing against Vanderbilt was a Mazzone leftover. Before and after that nothing very imaginative.

 

[CL82]

Qb when Mazzone was here. Even Rose passing against Vanderbilt was a Mazzone leftover. Before and after that nothing very imaginative.

My assumption is that our quarterback protection is going to look significantly better and, accordingly, our quarterbacks will look significantly better. Likewise, if are offensive line can open up some holes, our running backs will look significantly better. I am, secretly, hopeful that we take a significant leap this year. I’m not, necessarily, predicting a winning season, but I am hopeful that we look much more confident and competent out there.

 

[giddyup]

… or Mora trusted him/knew his coaching capabilities after their time together @ UCLA. Mora’s not a newbie, he gets the benefit of doubt there in my mind.

We shall see.

 

[ZooCougar]

I guess that my point is that you have no data that say it won't turn out the way those guys predict -- one win and 129th. The two best players are gone from a 1-11 team. There has been huge turnover, and that MIGHT be a good thing or it might not be, you don't know. Neither do I. I am on record several times now predicting 3 wins. But it is probably more likely to be 2 wins than 4 to be quite frank. The situation is exactly what is was in the fortnight leading up to Fresno State when people were screaming about bigger stronger faster. Making all these predictions of going to bowls and how much UConn was gonna win by. Then we saw their two deep and compared it to UConn's and it slowly began to dawn on the UConn faithful. Not gonna be a cake walk. Thats fine. As I said, it's a big tent. But those who predict otherwise are not casting negativity or shade. They are merely making a considered prediction.

Btw, 3 wins would be a solid accomplishment this year. A bar at that height is not too low. And if 3-9 actually happens, we should all be grateful and say the turnaround has begun.

I don’t need data to counter their lack of it. Ignoring 90% of the transfers and so should be enough.

 

[RSTuthill]

I don’t need data to counter their lack of it. Ignoring 90% of the transfers and so should be enough.

Not on point. You said that I was moving the goalposts. Sorry, but not one millimeter. But if you can find a post or a laptop that proves I did I will be happy to buy a couple of drinks and withdraw my latest prediction.

 

[ZooCougar]

Not on point. You said that I was moving the goalposts. Sorry, but not one millimeter. But if you can find a post or a laptop that proves I did I will be happy to buy a couple of drinks and withdraw my latest prediction.

Totally on point.

We have a different staff, a new culture, better attitude.

You’re a typical engineer who cannot grasp the human aspect. Go play with your CAD program.

 

[RSTuthill]

Totally on point.

We have a different staff, a new culture, better attitude.

You’re a typical engineer who cannot grasp the human aspect. Go play with your CAD program.

No no no, you are changing the subject. I was responding to your "moving the goal posts" comment. From very early on I predicted 3 wins this year and said it would be a helluva an accomplishment since the two best players from a 1-11 team are gone. That the prediction was essentially a vote of confidence in the new staff. Let's stay on topic, OK? As hard as that might be for you.

I love it when people are so easily swayed to drink the kool aid without the slightest bit of data. Until the first pass attempt (e.g. Mike Beaudry) or the first time Rhode Island snaps the ball (e.g. Ryan Fines) or suddenly when we get a look at the other team's two deep (e.g. Fresno). And suddenly the recognition sets in that the second coming will not be in the person of a UConn Football Husky or that maybe bigger stronger faster was a myth that we all swallowed to keep the proverbial rose colored glasses perched high on our collective noses. But that's OK, it's a big tent.

Go back to reading Proust or doing social work, or whatever it is you do. And I will leave CAD to the engineers and draftsmen that work for me (I wouldn't have a clue how to even open an IGES file anyway).

 

[Stinger92860]

My assumption is that our quarterback protection is going to look significantly better and, accordingly, our quarterbacks will look significantly better. Likewise, if are offensive line can open up some holes, our running backs will look significantly better. I am, secretly, hopeful that we take a significant leap this year. I’m not, necessarily, predicting a winning season, but I am hopeful that we look much more confident and competent out there.

It will certainly look different. I am hoping for better too. If not better, it will be hard for the team to move the ball Consistently.