Last 6 games - perfect schedule to maximize our chances

[huskypantz]

The schedule really gives us the best case scenario to push for a bowl game. I don't think we could have drawn this up any better.

* Of the three toughest remaining opponents (Cincy, Temple, Houston), we play 2 on the road. These are games we are expected to lose, so it's better to save the home field advantage for mid-tier opponents.
* Of those three schools, we have Houston at home on Nov 21. There is a 20+ degree weather difference between Houston and East Hartford when they visit us. If it's a night game, it could be downright cold. Small advantage, but advantage to UConn.
* Of the three games against mid-tier AAC opponents, we get 2 at home. USF and ECU will both be challenging but winnable, especially with home field. The night game against ECU could even spark a rowdy crowd if we can pull off at least one win in our next two games.
* Aside from UCF, the worst team on the schedule was Tulane. We get them on the road. So our second most winnable AAC game is also another road game.

 

[Redding Husky]

5-7. Wins against Tulane and either ECU or USF.

If the football gods are gracious, 6-6 and a bowl.

 

[sub legacy]

I think they have a chance to get 3 or 4 more wins and get into a bowl game.

 

[coachcap]

Tempering the enthusiasm a moment: ECU put on a better show than us in Provo last night before losing. USF just got off the losing schneid by beating the FRUIT 45-24. Next Saturday will be interesting.

 

[Redding Husky]

Tempering the enthusiasm a moment: ECU put on a better show than us in Provo last night before losing. USF just got off the losing schneid by beating the FRUIT 45-24. Next Saturday will be interesting.

I think ECU played against BYU's 3rd QB late in the game.

But they looked better in Provo than we did.

 

[weyuo]

UConn can't have the amount of penalties vs USF that they did against UCF. They have to clean up the act if they want to bowl this year. But..... they had a convincing win so they know what that feels like now. Baby steps.

 

[huskypantz]

If the o-line can execute and we limit our mistakes we should have a solid shot at 2-4 more wins. Feels so much better than last year.

 

[Doggie Style]

If Shirreffs is as accurate moving forward as he was yesterday, we have a very strong shot at at least three more wins and sniffing a bowl. His passing opened up a ton of lanes for Newsome and our other backs because he kept the UCF defense whole. Sherriffs' accuracy made a huge difference compared to the first few games. If he continues to improve, our defense is good enough to keep us in the game. In addition, I'm optimistic with the way our special team units have shown considerable improvement which also helps considerably. I'm not ready to jump on the "we can win the conference" folks after we went 2-0, but 500 is a real its possibility and that would be HUGE for us!

 

[ConnHuskBask]

I think if we win next week at home vs USF, then we can realistically talk about and hope for a bowl bid.

I don't see us getting to 6 wins unless we beat USF.

I don't see us stealing two games from the following: at Cinci, ECU, Houston, at Temple

 

[UConnTrumbull]

Seems like every year we have one surprise win. I'm gonna say it's Houston in late November. Especially if we're sitting on 5 wins with 2 to play.

 

[junglehusky]

I think if we win next week at home vs USF, then we can realistically talk about and hope for a bowl bid.

I don't see us getting to 6 wins unless we beat USF.

I don't see us stealing two games from the following: at Cinci, ECU, Houston, at Temple

Right now I agree. If we win convincingly vs. USF I might revise upwards a bit. Of course, it's also possible we win handle USF unexpectedly knock off Cinci and then stub our toe in the next 2 games after that (ECU, @Tulane). The team is coming together and getting some more experience but still doesn't have quite the depth at all units, and winning instinct that veteran-laden teams have. We aren't immune from mistakes as we've seen in multiple games this season and I'm sure it'll be an ongoing theme to cut down #thingsthatcauselosing. If the team is successful in this and avoids injuries, a bowl game is reachable.

 

[ASweet3781]

I agree with the breakdown. USF and Tulane are really must wins if we have any hope to get to 6 wins. ECU at home seemingly the other best shot.

I wouldn't totally rule out Houston and Temple. Temple did almost lose to UMass. Houston's best win a 3 pt win at Louisville and only beat Tulsa 38-24. Perhaps in cold weather and some help...

I've given up ever winning a game out in Cincinnati.

 

[Dooley]

I agree with the breakdown. USF and Tulane are really must wins if we have any hope to get to 6 wins. ECU at home seemingly the other best shot.

I wouldn't totally rule out Houston and Temple. Temple did almost lose to UMass. Houston's best win a 3 pt win at Louisville and only beat Tulsa 38-24. Perhaps in cold weather and some help...

I've given up ever winning a game out in Cincinnati.

So do I, but I hope our guys just take the ol' boring "one game at a time" approach. USF is a MUST win. Would be great if we we had a Homecoming Game sellout (or damn close) and raucous atmosphere for our guys.

I'd put USF, Tulane and ECU in the class of games that UConn can win. I'd say Houston is a 50/50 game now if the temps are cold, windy (hopefully snow/freezing rain!) which is MUCH better than what I would have said in August. I'm hoping that UConn fans are buying up these $5 tickets for the Temple game and planning to keep that Thanksgiving Saturday open. Would be huge to get big support down there for a game that UConn might need to get into a bowl game.

I am convinced that we will never beat Cincinnati ever again. They just have our number. Time to call a spade a spade.

 

[BugsyCT]

USF looks much improved this year. Some good athletes on that team. Next week will be a heckuva battle and should be a good atmosphere at the Rent for homecoming. We've lost our last 3 to them so maybe we're due for a win in what is always a close game with them.

Cincy is always a house of horrors for us, but I'm not writing off pulling off an upset there. Our D has kept us in every game (except Navy, which is a nightmare to defend, although we had our chances to make it a game in the 2nd half).

ECU is playing good football despite the close loss yesterday at BYU. They'll be tough to beat, but again, I like our chances in a night game at the Rent.

If we stay consistent, we should be able to handle Tulane.

Houston's really good, so at the Rent we'll need the crowd and late November New England weather would help.

I think Temple will be rough - they're very good on D and our OL will have to play out of their minds to give us any shot.

6 wins and bowl eligibility is definitely doable. Next week is a huge game. If they keep playing well their confidence will only grow. Yesterday was a big step for this young team.