PFF rankings - interesting

[Exit 4]

You seem stuck on who does or doesn’t get credit.

Chief, irony alert.

Glad to see casual football fans are starting to get it. Let us know if there is more you need help with. Welcome back to UConn football.

Could you imagine this board if everyone posted with a bizarre air of self aggrandizement?

 

[Chief00]

Anyone who thinks the "pivot" wasn't so closely timed as to our independence isn't paying attention. Better schedule, less negative recruiting - this isn't rocket science.

Anyone clueless enough to lecture football fans on 11:11 kickoffs, and then claiming we all don't know what we're talking about when proving him wrong, should probably stop lecturing.

Back in second grade, Chief was taught if the game is on TV live at 12:11pm EST, the kickoff time in Missouri is 11:11am CST. Fire that teacher? I think not.

 

[Exit 4]

You seem stuck on who does or doesn’t get credit. That’s never been Chief’s style and it’s not how things get done. Chief always takes the approach of crediting the staff and players.

I have only brought Corey's name up in response to you. You are the poster that has tried to steer this discussion to Corey over and over again. Do I really need to go flag the posts for you?

The only thing I am fixated on his correcting this nonsense that you started a few weeks ago insinuating that the staff had learned from Hurley how to recruit.

Have you ever paused to consider that a program with 85 scholarship players and about 20 walk ons has a ton more insiders than the little basketball world? You can't post as much nonsense here.

 

[pepband99]

Back in second grade, Chief was taught if the game is on TV live at 12:11pm EST, the kickoff time in Missouri is 11:11am CST. Fire that teacher? I think not.

My god, you still don't get it. The game you're infamous for being 10000000% wrong on was in East Hartford. You can't wiggle out of this - you were flat out stupidly wrong, and STILL refuse to admit it. Amazing.

 

[Pudge]

I think Exit 4 left off one key component ... and it is the Money Ball component that seems to be in every sport.

In the back closet, the analyst is working to the bone. Ryan Steinberg. He has been with Randy Edsall ... and around Corey ... for 12-15 years. With Petrarca, Chapman, Carrezola, Bahr ... and Coach Mike Z. That's the totally different element than 2004. Steinberg - I think - is vetting tons of video and keeping the relationship medium open throughout areas that we recruit. Coordinating with the 4 - 6 younger coaches (not to say that vet players aren't a big part) ... and off we go. Corey Edsall the star? I bet internally they know that Aaron Smith & Dottin-Carter & Weiss have cred. But this is all about the better Team through analytics of Billy Beane too.

 

[Exit 4]

I think Exit 4 left off one key component ... and it is the Money Ball component that seems to be in every sport.

In the back closet, the analyst is working to the bone. Ryan Steinberg. He has been with Randy Edsall ... and around Corey ... for 12-15 years. With Petrarca, Chapman, Carrezola, Bahr ... and Coach Mike Z. That's the totally different element than 2004. Steinberg - I think - is vetting tons of video and keeping the relationship medium open throughout areas that we recruit. Coordinating with the 4 - 6 younger coaches (not to say that vet players aren't a big part) ... and off we go. Corey Edsall the star? I bet internally they know that Aaron Smith & Dottin-Carter & Weiss have cred. But this is all about the better Team through analytics of Billy Beane too.

Hey man, don't put me in the camp of giving anyone short credit. They are all getting it done.

 

[Pudge]

hmmm ...

It was an addition to your list; not criticism

 

[noeynox]

@Chief00 was The Blaze Pizza strategy passed on from Ollie to Hurley? Maybe Hurley passed the napkin to Corey and Edsall. Ill hang up and listen. Thanks.

 

[Hornet22]

Again, I have cited the current players helping recruiting and the process you cite is well known and nothing new. It’s not driving the change in results because it’s what we have been doing. Are we doing it marginally better now that some of the disgruntled players have left, sure thing. But, all these recruits talk about Corey building a daily communication relationship early on as one of the key factors. The Official Visit while important is really more of a closing than anything resembling a grand “Pivot”. By the visit the relationships have already been established. While some of the old, tried and true principles of recruiting remain unchanged; using a 1980’s - 1990’s approached without significant change is doomed to failure.
Again, my one best argument in support of my position, is: Look at the results and who is cited by the customers (recruits) as driving them?
As for my putting the pay raise issue up front and center. I am doing it for two reasons: 1) It is deserved. 2) Due to the hangover from The Ethics Commission, realistically it must be done organically and can not be initiated through the usual process. I encourage everyone to support it, rather than running Corey down or minimizing the great value he has added.
I recognize there are more than a few traditionalists on this board who think things were fine the way things were with just some work harder or incremental improvement tweaks necessary. No disrespect to anyone, but the change we needed was much more significant. Again, Chief hasn’t taken any credit for this change. In fact, I have stated to give it all to the staff/players. When things are successful there’s plenty of credit to go around and be shared.
Now back to the pay raise. It’s time and well deserved.

Guy, the approach has been the same since Randy and Co returned. You know what that approach is? ONE UNIFIED MESSAGE. Like I stated in an earlier post Randy has all coaches and players singing the same song right now. He got rid of the coaches and players either actively or passively that weren’t going to show solidarity when wooing recruits and their families.

You’d be surprised how keenly aware families are at catching differing messages during the process. That’s a huge red flag and unless the kid is making his decision independent of what mom or dad thinks (there a few like that) will put that program at the bottom of the list. Randy has been saying this since his return- heck he even said it in his latest article (paraphrasing) “This is who we are, this is what we have to offer and this is what we can do for you all.” When everyone is singing the same tune it creates the “no bs” air around the program.

UConn has been offering kids in the same areas since Randy returned and the same message has been disseminated. Again, no pivot. Just a domino effect when you get one class of kids and families that believe in your vision and can see how they fit into that.

The only pivot that occurred has been your narratives from two years ago til now. You tried to create an air of instability within the program, mutiny amongst the players and coaches, ineptitude and out of touch nature with Randy and basically surmised that a decent recruit wouldn’t touch this program with a ten foot pole. What you failed to see and should have dubbed this all was The Great Purge….Again, success or failure will always depend on how you develop what you get and that remains to be seen. But stop trying to bs people on this board man. It’s truly unbecoming

 

[billybud]

If there is a major Pivot...it will need to be more than just improving the record from the last two seasons, it will eventually be having winning seasons..and being seen as a good football team.

It will not happen in one year.

But, if there is not steady improvement, momentum gets lost....

The record in 2023 will be the scorecard that will define the Pivot....as a major turning point or not.

 

[Pudge]

Dave Benedict



One guy in our important zip code played bigtime football - Southern Utah - and has been around Auburn and the feeding ground that is football in Long Beach. He bought what Edsall has sketched out ... and has been willing partner. Which ... I will remind our other readers here: Benedict is in the Long Game. Whomever thinks Edsall has a short leash is not thinking reality. Benedict is linked to this Staff.

 

[Waquoit]

Whomever thinks Edsall has a short leash is not thinking reality. Benedict is linked to this Staff.

While once a vocal Edsall critic, I realized a few years back that the best thing for UConn is for Edsall to succeed. It appears to me that he has a plan and is rebuilding the program. Now is not the time to scrap what's been put together. We need wins of course, but I think they are coming.

 

[Hornet22]

While once a vocal Edsall critic, I realized a few years back that the best thing for UConn is for Edsall to succeed. It appears to me that he has a plan and is rebuilding the program. Now is not the time to scrap what's been put together. We need wins of course, but I think they are coming.

Humility and honesty. Love this post Waquoit!! There is nothing wrong with admitting where you once stood and acknowledging a change for the better. We are all rooting for the program and have a wait and see approach. They haven’t played in two seasons so anyone with sense is fully aware that you can’t predict any amount of wins definitively. But I wholeheartedly agree with you- the wins are coming

 

[ConnHuskBask]

I'm not so sure Boyle was mismanaged. He was pretty awful at UConn and he wasn't much better as Eastern Kentucky. Historically awful, actually.

The Packers saw something they liked and developed him into a backup QB.

I don't think it's really indicative of anything.

 

[uconndogs]

While once a vocal Edsall critic, I realized a few years back that the best thing for UConn is for Edsall to succeed. It appears to me that he has a plan and is rebuilding the program. Now is not the time to scrap what's been put together. We need wins of course, but I think they are coming.

Wisdom

 

[ShakyTheMohel]

While once a vocal Edsall critic, I realized a few years back that the best thing for UConn is for Edsall to succeed. It appears to me that he has a plan and is rebuilding the program. Now is not the time to scrap what's been put together. We need wins of course, but I think they are coming.

Also...he provides continuity and he is cheap. He isn't looking for the next gig and he isn't looking fo a big paycheck.

 

[Chief00]

Chief, irony alert.

Glad to see casual football fans are starting to get it. Let us know if there is more you need help with. Welcome back to UConn football.

Could you imagine this board if everyone posted with a bizarre air of self aggrandizement?

You are totally out of step with the current state of the team and staff. It’s almost humorous. You are stuck in a time warp.

 

[Exit 4]

You are totally out of step with the current state of the team and staff. It’s almost humorous.

You are a slow causal fan- but you’ll get there buddy! Keep reading - absorb! Upgrading yourself from casual to insightful takes time. It’s a process.

 

[freescooter]

Dave Benedict



One guy in our important zip code played bigtime football - Southern Utah - and has been around Auburn and the feeding ground that is football in Long Beach. He bought what Edsall has sketched out ... and has been willing partner. Which ... I will remind our other readers here: Benedict is in the Long Game. Whomever thinks Edsall has a short leash is not thinking reality. Benedict is linked to this Staff.

This. I’ve believed from the beginning that ADDave and Edsall agreed that this wasn’t a quick fix situation. It was a long process. Step one was upgrading talent. Edsall basically played the first 2 years trying to replace upper classmen. But since you can’t dump 35 guys, it had to be done methodically. Oh, I’m sure there were a few guys who left that he’d like to have kept, but for the most part all the transfers out were part of the strategy.

 

[Hornet22]

You are totally out of step with the current state of the team and staff. It’s almost humorous. You are stuck in a time warp.

Wow, I just noticed the “dislike” option. Refreshing

 

[pepband99]

This. I’ve believed from the beginning that ADDave and Edsall agreed that this wasn’t a quick fix situation. It was a long process. Step one was upgrading talent. Edsall basically played the first 2 years trying to replace upper classmen. But since you can’t dump 35 guys, it had to be done methodically. Oh, I’m sure there were a few guys who left that he’d like to have kept, but for the most part all the transfers out were part of the strategy.

It's like any other hire/fire scenario - show me the better alternative, otherwise, pipe down.

A combo of cheap, known, and a bridge to the best parts of our past is hard to beat, at present. Edsall isn't going to reinvent football, but for a school representing the land of steady habits, it makes sense.

 

[ConnHuskBask]

It's like any other hire/fire scenario - show me the better alternative, otherwise, pipe down.

A combo of cheap, known, and a bridge to the best parts of our past is hard to beat, at present. Edsall isn't going to reinvent football, but for a school representing the land of steady habits, it makes sense.

I don't necessarily disagree, but I also think that under his watch we haven't won a conference game since October 2017. At some point it doesn't matter just how bare the cupboard is, you need results as he's been steering the ship for damn near 5 years now.

Give me continued recruiting success, i.e. kids with majority FBS offers and an overall class rankings of in the 70s/80s, plus Yale/Holy Cross/UMass + another win, and not to look completely outclassed in the majority of our other games, and I think he easily buys himself another year.

 

[Duncan Idaho]

How could you, you're not involved.

No, not taking any credit but its just an attempt to personally attach himself to any success.

 

[Duncan Idaho]

I'm not so sure Boyle was mismanaged. He was pretty awful at UConn and he wasn't much better as Eastern Kentucky. Historically awful, actually.

The Packers saw something they liked and developed him into a backup QB.

I don't think it's really indicative of anything.

Yeah 6' 4", 230 lbs, does look good throwing the ball. Enough for a look. Congrats to him for winning the back up comp.

 

[Chin Diesel]

Dave Benedict



One guy in our important zip code played bigtime football - Southern Utah - and has been around Auburn and the feeding ground that is football in Long Beach. He bought what Edsall has sketched out ... and has been willing partner. Which ... I will remind our other readers here: Benedict is in the Long Game. Whomever thinks Edsall has a short leash is not thinking reality. Benedict is linked to this Staff.

Benedict and RE also have the added benefit of knowing a losing football program, if run cleanly and staying out of the news for off the field stuff, won't get an AD fired at UConn. UConn is one of the few BCS football programs where an AD's tenure is not directly linked to on field football performance.

 

[ShakyTheMohel]

I don't necessarily disagree, but I also think that under his watch we haven't won a conference game since October 2017. At some point it doesn't matter just how bare the cupboard is, you need results as he's been steering the ship for damn near 5 years now.

Give me continued recruiting success, i.e. kids with majority FBS offers and an overall class rankings of in the 70s/80s, plus Yale/Holy Cross/UMass + another win, and not to look completely outclassed in the majority of our other games, and I think he easily buys himself another year.

One fair criticism of Edsall is that he didn't have to tear the program completely down in order to build it up. He didn't have to totally disregard on field success for long term gain. It felt like he could have found a way in 2018 to not field what may have been the worst team ever in FBS history. He could have brought in more transfers...or worked harder to not alienate certain Diaco players...and maybe find a way to coach them up instead of coach them out. Work two paths...build for the future while still putting a competent product on the field.

But.... obviously he thought blowing it up was necessary...and maybe it was just in order to build the right culture. But man.... it's been painful.

He really needs to field a competitive team this year...or It won't have been worth it to go through all the pain.

 

[ConnHuskBask]

One fair criticism of Edsall is that he didn't have to tear the program completely down in order to build it up. He didn't have to totally disregard on field success for long term gain. It felt like he could have found a way in 2018 to not field what may have been the worst team ever in FBS history. He could have brought in more transfers...or worked harder to not alienate certain Diaco players...and maybe find a way to coach them up instead of coach them out. Work two paths...build for the future while still putting a competent product on the field.

But.... obviously he thought blowing it up was necessary...and maybe it was just in order to build the right culture. But man.... it's been painful.

He really needs to field a competitive team this year...or It won't have been worth it to go through all the pain.

A program like UConn, especially now with our independence status, should be living in the portal and picking up kids on p5 rosters who aren't seeing the field.

Seems like we only go the transfer route with QBs so the last two decades, and in most cases its worked out pretty well. I'd like to see it used a lot more.

The roster we had was devoid of talent, but in today's landscape there's not many excuses for the records we put up in 2017, 18, 19.

 

[Pudge]

A program like UConn, especially now with our independence status, should be living in the portal and picking up kids on p5 rosters who aren't seeing the field.

Seems like we only go the transfer route with QBs so the last two decades, and in most cases its worked out pretty well. I'd like to see it used a lot more.

The roster we had was devoid of talent, but in today's landscape there's not many excuses for the records we put up in 2017, 18, 19.

This is exactly NOT the philosophy we have - Edsall - nor did Calhoun. Partially - in football - it is because of the region we are in. It is not home of a lot of FBS quality kids 19-23. as has been stated: We would rather develop raw talent and coach them up. Taking DJ Morgan or Diamond - easier because either Weiss or Spanos knew them from relationships in LA. Specific kids? Pre-existing relationships matter. But we have heard, often, that we don't want to take problems or kids running away.

You can argue woulda coulda shoulda. But we ain't. Even the JUCO kids we have taken - not QB - we haven't successfully integrated. Best thing about this argument: it gets proven this year on the field.

I would argue that both UCONN baseball & UCONN hoop do better with incoming transfers; because the athlete needs to be a more skilled producer immediately.

 

[ShakyTheMohel]

A program like UConn, especially now with our independence status, should be living in the portal and picking up kids on p5 rosters who aren't seeing the field.

Seems like we only go the transfer route with QBs so the last two decades, and in most cases its worked out pretty well. I'd like to see it used a lot more.

The roster we had was devoid of talent, but in today's landscape there's not many excuses for the records we put up in 2017, 18, 19.

I think you do that as needed...not as a strategy. They needed any FBS talent in 2018...Edsall decided not to fill the gap with transfers. Which is questionable. But now that he has had a few recruiting classes...and the talent should be better...transfers shouldn't be needed.

 

[ConnHuskBask]

This is exactly NOT the philosophy we have - Edsall - nor did Calhoun. Partially - in football - it is because of the region we are in. It is not home of a lot of FBS quality kids 19-23. as has been stated: We would rather develop raw talent and coach them up. Taking DJ Morgan or Diamond - easier because either Weiss or Spanos knew them from relationships in LA. Specific kids? Pre-existing relationships matter. But we have heard, often, that we don't want to take problems or kids running away.

You can argue woulda coulda shoulda. But we ain't. Even the JUCO kids we have taken - not QB - we haven't successfully integrated. Best thing about this argument: it gets proven this year on the field.

I would argue that both UCONN baseball & UCONN hoop do better with incoming transfers; because the athlete needs to be a more skilled producer immediately.

I think it would be pretty easy to argue that in the context of UConn football, perhaps it may be time to reevaluate our strategy?

How is it that we can only take transfers at QB - likely the hardest position in sports to integrate - and it's a success with Lorenzen, Frazer, hell even Whitmer, Sherriffs, and Pindell.. but we can't take a few more flyers on other positions?

The idea that only "problems" or "kids running away" are transferring is a discredit to a lot of guys just looking for an opportunity to get on the field.