Post Spring Game Analysis - Post Here

[uchusky]

About the marketing fail:

Maybe our director of marketing's stepping down on THU to take an assistant AD gig at Maryland had something to do with some of the FUBAR on display today, I dunno. But the lack of new-logo gear for sale, minimal signage, deplorable field conditions, etc.? Sorry, but that's an institutional issue.

Bluntly put, UConn's PR and Marketing never made it out of the Yankee Conference with the FB team. Never.

I'll state this to Warde's face if I ever get to meet him: UConn needs to just forget about making money for awhile, and just concentrate on making FANS. Treat the fan base right on the front end, and watch how big the ROI will kick in down the road. And if it were just about winning, we'd be golden already. Instead, we got today's experience.

I'm buying season tickets this week - I'm already True Blue so I don't know any better. But my boys? They just wanted to go home as fast as they could today. They were thoroughly unimpressed with UConn football, and THAT is the problem.

The good news is that it's still fixable. Problem is, do we have the right leadership in the AD to fix it?...


Sent from my BlackBerry Z10 using Tapatalk 2

+1000 The marketing and PR from this AD is atrocious, particularly when it comes to football.

 

[Dooley]

Did anyone else see this? It was later in the game around midfield, after the play was blown dead somehow Vann ended up on the turf in the Indian-style sitting position. That's unique enough. But then he just stood right up without using his arms. It was quick, but then it hit me,. That feat can't be that easy, right?

Yes! I saw it and commented about it to my brother actually. He saw it too. Amazing strength and agility. It may have been after he had an INT go through his hands, then slid down to the turf on his back in disgust (?). But yes, I know exactly what you're talking about. He was in Indian-style sitting position and used his legs to stand up in less than a second, without using any hands or anything for balance. It would take me MUCH longer to just get INTO an Indian-style sitting position!!

 

[huskymedic]

Yes! I saw it and commented about it to my brother actually. He saw it too. Amazing strength and agility. It may have been after he had an INT go through his hands, then slid down to the turf on his back in disgust (?). But yes, I know exactly what you're talking about. He was in Indian-style sitting position and used his legs to stand up in less than a second, without using any hands or anything for balance. It would take me MUCH longer to just get INTO an Indian-style sitting position!!

With my sport scarred knees, if I ended up in an Indian style sitting position - I'm not getting up period.

 

[uconnkelly]

Heard on the radio "pre-game" show that the grass on the playing field and team portions of the sidelines will be removed and replaced with new sod this week. The grass will have a chance to get established before a men's soccer doubleheader in July, then reworked for the football season. When we were on the field after the game I was surprised by how much sand was there--the 40 yard line was more beach-y than turf-y.

Scrimmage was a chance to watch individual players and get an inkling into the coaching changes. Definitely a work in progress. Big crowd "ooh" for Dalton Gifford's loud hit in the last "quarter." "Big" being a relative term--it was an embarrassing showing today.

First chance to talk to Warde Manuel. Kudos to him for OOC schedule additions, events like today's post-game "meet and greet" on field. Asked what's up with UCONN radio "network", which doesn't provide good signal strength in southern and western CT. He agreed, shared that he lost the signal on the way to a meeting in NY. We'll see what happens with that. Talked with coach Weist, too; great energy and intensity. Resisted the urge to trip GDL.

Football hibernation begins...see y'all in August!

 

[huskymedic]

Heard on the radio "pre-game" show that the grass on the playing field and team portions of the sidelines will be removed and replaced with new sod this week. The grass will have a chance to get established before a men's soccer doubleheader in July, then reworked for the football season. When we were on the field after the game I was surprised by how much sand was there--the 40 yard line was more beach-y than turf-y!

Ahhhh.... Makes sense. Thanks Kelly!

 

[formerlurker]

With my sport scarred knees, if I ended up in an Indian style sitting position - I'm not getting up period.

You're smarter than me, Medic. I'm drunk and just tucked my right leg in trying to sit Indian-style.

I'm afraid to look but I either myself or have some sort of taint tear.

 

[nelsonmuntz]

I have to say that I agree with Whaler. I feel like this was the least amount of effort that the university has put into this thing in a long time, from all fronts. I will never miss a spring game, because I can't remember the last one that I've missed, but this one had the feel of "Why am I here?" (and that's coming from ME!!!...Mr. 13-0...)

I went with my kids, but I saw less than a half of football. They had taken down the bounce houses for the kids 30 minutes after play had begun. After that, there was very little for the kids to do. I went to the vendor stand for merchandise, hoping to buy my oldest kid (4 years old) something, like a Jonathan doll or some gear. They had nothing smaller than adult-sized gear. I was told I could get more from the Co-op online. Fantastic.

The "game" that I watched for about 30 to 40 minutes was brutal. Not much energy on the field, and even less in the stands. The band and cheerleaders were giving it the old college try, but everything else about today felt like an open practice that people got to peek into, including Pasqualoni lining up in the "I-Formation" all day. It certainly didn't feel like an event, and there was no juice to the play.

The absolute most that I can say is that Whitmer looked competent and nobody else did. I'm still going to stand behind my "13-0" psychology, but today was a tough day to be at The Rent...

Everything about the day was completely half assed. I get that they won't open all the concession stands for 5k people, but why not at least have signs telling us which ones are open so we don't have to walk half way around the stadium, and then back. Pasqualoni looked annoyed to be there. It really pissed me off when the guy was doing the pass, punt and kick for whatever prize and Pasqualoni just lines the team up in the middle of it. If the scrimmage is going to be that informal, why can't the team wait for the guy to finish?

Since it doesn't matter who wins, why not make it more fun? Why start with trying to run an offense out of your own end zone? Why run that set at all during a scrimmage? Why not do some more fan contests, or keep the bouncies open for a little longer? Why not have a clock showing us when the scrimmage is going to end, so those of us with kids know how long they have to hold out? I must have left 5 minutes before the end of the scrimmage.

I also didn't feel a lot of energy on the field either. Too much jogging. Players didn't drive their legs on tackles. I get that no one wants to get hurt in a scrimmage, but playing at 75% increases the chance of injury, not decreases it.

 

[Huskyforlife]

From my stand point the "game" was fine, but WAY to short. letting people get autographs at the end was a great touch. I enjoyed getting to meet the players and got a picture with phillips. Also like others have mentioned our WRs look pretty good. they just need a better QB throwing to them. Oh and maybe the people that the game would know, but if you went up to mcombs, that guys arms are massive. am almost his height but dang he looks like a mini power back. He definitely has potential with that size and speed, he just needs some more development. Also Scot MC throws a tighter spiral as people have mentioned before. if you want to judge CC there is no way in hell he is ready, Whitmer looked 7 times better. the depth chart will probably go... 1.CW 2. SM 3. CC. although CC seamed like a great kid getting to talk to him. Although it seemed like everyone was so...... lol.

 

[zls44]

The story about the person getting such a response for season-tickets boggles my mind.

UConn should be doing what every team, pro and college, is doing with people who want season tickets nowadays- waiting on them hand and foot, making sure they understand how much their support is appreciated.

I feel like they think that because they've been doing this ten years, because Michigan and MIGHTY MARYLAND are coming this year, that they've got everything figured out.

What they should have done? Apologize profusely for the computer issues, get the person's contact info, and reach out to them first-thing Monday to hammer out specific details on a seat location. Encourage them to sit around several sections, maybe send a ticket rep with them to write down places they liked, then see what's available when the computers work and make it happen. And maybe you promise a new logo t-shirt as a "sorry for the hassle" thing.

But instead, this is what you get. Turning away people who willingly want to buy season tickets for a boring program, with no buzz, that's down A THIRD in season ticket sales over the last few years.

I really think tickets/marketing look at the Spring Game as a chore and inconvenience.

That mentality is the problem. Has been for far too long.

 

[Fishy]

Yes! I saw it and commented about it to my brother actually. He saw it too. Amazing strength and agility. It may have been after he had an INT go through his hands, then slid down to the turf on his back in disgust (?). But yes, I know exactly what you're talking about. He was in Indian-style sitting position and used his legs to stand up in less than a second, without using any hands or anything for balance. It would take me MUCH longer to just get INTO an Indian-style sitting position!!

I just tried or. Or, more accurately, I sat on the floor with a puzzled look on my face until I crawled back over to the couch.

I couldn't even figure out which muscle groups would be involved in such a thing. And even if I had figured that out, I'm certain that I don't possess those muscles. Further, if I had them, I would have torn every single one of them in the effort.

 

[Fishy]

The story about the person getting such a response for season-tickets boggles my mind.

You realize that he basically makes s*** up, right?

 

[zls44]

You realize that he basically makes s*** up, right?

UConn ticketing being a mess isn't exactly new news.

 

[noeynox]

That move would probably require super human strength in the hips and groin. Hurts just thinking about it.

 

[noeynox]

UConn ticketing being a mess isn't exactly new news.

Tell me about it.

 

[formerlurker]

I agree that it was short and there wasn't a lot to analyze, but being able to go onto the field afterwards and to get player autographs was a nice touch. That part certainly was the highlight for me and my son - I was in such a good mood I even shook GDL's hand on the field!

By any chance, after shaking GDL's hand did you suddenly run straight into a wall 2 times, try to throw something at the wall and then kick it before walking away?

 

[jbdphi]

Couple of questions for someone who wasn't able to make the multi-continental commute:
- Is there a replay available anywhere?
- I'm hearing McCummings looked better than Cochrane but according to the journalists, he only completed one pass - is that right?
- Format aside, this whole thing sounds a lot like last year's game where the offense couldn't get much done at all - unfortunately I'm not seeing any reason to be optimistic about our offensive performance this year

For what it's worth, I know lots and lots of people thought our offense was bad because of the playcalling last year. I'm starting to come to the conclusion that our offense was just bad period - playcalling was almost irrelevant. The only time in the past 10 years UConn has had a decent offense was either a) when we had Dan Orlovsky behind center or b) we were able to impose our will in the trenches and run the ball. Neither of those things is happening this year so as much as I want to be optimistic about our chances, I think we're looking at a long season.

Hope I'm wrong.

 

[Nostical]

Not sure if performance flows from confidence or vice versa, but several players said Chandler is very simply the more confident QB. And this may be neither here nor there, but they also said CC is getting better--despite what we saw.

 

[firstnline]

The first thing I liked and only thing I liked was the smell of BBQ'd food pulling into the parking lot. It reminded me of football season, but it stopped there. The University needs to bring business in, NOT chase people away. This whole fiasco with season tickets just irks the crap out of me, and its just that a fiasco. Wouldn't you think they could put up a sign at each entrance that said, WELCOME BACK HUSKY FANS and prominently display the new logo at each entrance. Have a free giveaway at least to all the kids.

I think they knew ahead of time that the turnout would be very low and 3000 people there would be a very generous estimate. And last but not least our local media coverage was embarrassing and horrific as usual. If we are ever going to be a big time player we desperately need the media coverage.

 

[outsidethebox]

You realize that he basically makes s*** up, right?

I was also at game and went up to ticket venue. I have 2 season tickets in 131 and wanted to buy a third and if it was possible to get them together or at least near me. He told me he could not help me but call ticket office on Monday. Not much help at all.

 

[whaler11]

You realize that he basically makes s*** up, right?

I accidentally had a conversation with two guys selling tickets because they were working out of a concession stand. It was a pretty half-a**ed looking operation - since I thought they may have been to sell.

 

[whaler11]

Very telling is the lack of any interest or commenting here. I've been to
every spring game since like 2001 save the night game in 2011. I've had some great times and I can't remember one like yesterday where I honestly could have just left at any point and not given a damn about what I missed.

If me and the other obsessive diehards around places like this are being lost some... where are the casual fans going to be?

 

[rich1122]

Was Joe Williams #21 held out intentionally? I did not see him either with pads or without pads. Was he really #26 in disguise? Kind of a grassy knoll theory I suppose.

Did anybody actually see him yesterday?

 

[bigAbruns]

The defense looks to be pretty good, especially once the injured starters get in there. Coach Hughes was energetic, and the defense was pretty energetic as well. I liked the siz of the DL, they look to be bigger and more physical, which will hopefully allow for the LBs to fly around. The offense looked pretty bad. Whitmer was by far the best QB out there. He had an average day at best, but he's confident which is what this team needs. Cochran and McCummings weren't that great. Cochran did have that one good 50+ yard pass play and that came after a handful of INTs and poorly thrown passes. I didn't like what I saw from the OL and the running game. Seemed like half of the runs were out of the shotgun....I hate that shotgun handoff crap. What really got me was the offense makes it down to the 1 yard line and they go into that shotgun, hand the ball off and lose 2 yards on the play. That set up the FG from the 1.

 

[Jimmy Serrano]

Very telling is the lack of any interest or commenting here. I've been to
every spring game since like 2001 save the night game in 2011. I've had some great times and I can't remember one like yesterday where I honestly could have just left at any point and not given a damn about what I missed.

If me and the other obsessive diehards around places like this are being lost some... where are the casual fans going to be?

This is what I worry about as well. I didn't go because I couldn't get out of other obligations, but I wasn't too upset about it. After reading reports from folks I'm glad I didn't waste. My time. I mean if 97 craps all over the day you know something was amiss. The casual fan will be drawn in for the Michigan game. Other than that? The crowd for Memphis on Dec. 7 has the potential to be a disaster.

 

[huskypantz]

I drove almost 2 hours to the spring game. Normally I would have been pissed about the length but since I brought my 17 month old, there wasn't as much attention paid to the game and we had other business in CT later in the day. I can't believe they closed off access to the club seats this year - last year we were allowed to roam. The offensive line performance was worrisome in that it reminded me of last year's foreshadowing of our o-line/running game. I hate to say that I'm feeling like this team is very similar to the 2012 squad, but that is the case. Oh well - 3+ months until we're talking about preseason practice. Plenty of time to bash the P & D show.

 

[whaler11]

Was Joe Williams #21 held out intentionally? I did not see him either with pads or without pads. Was he really #26 in disguise? Kind of a grassy knoll theory I suppose.

Did anybody actually see him yesterday?

I saw him in his jersey at the autograph session.

The walk-on Brainard looks like he ran for 20 yards at Plymouth State in 2010 and I don't see him on their 2011 roster. He was with UConn in the fall of 2012.

 

[firstnline]

The defense looks to be pretty good, especially once the injured starters get in there. Coach Hughes was energetic, and the defense was pretty energetic as well. I liked the siz of the DL, they look to be bigger and more physical, which will hopefully allow for the LBs to fly around. The offense looked pretty bad. Whitmer was by far the best QB out there. He had an average day at best, but he's confident which is what this team needs. Cochran and McCummings weren't that great. Cochran did have that one good 50+ yard pass play and that came after a handful of INTs and poorly thrown passes. I didn't like what I saw from the OL and the running game. Seemed like half of the runs were out of the shotgun....I hate that shotgun handoff crap. What really got me was the offense makes it down to the 1 yard line and they go into that shotgun, hand the ball off and lose 2 yards on the play. That set up the FG from the 1.

Spot on. The D did look good, and I'll go further they actually showed up. They looked like they played with purpose and enthusiasm. One other positive was a 47 yd field by Bobby Puyol into a stern wind, line drive that split the uprights.

 

[B1GEast]

only winning on the field will cure apathy, I think the fans sre not buying into coach p's claims that things will be different offensively, added with the fact expansion has passed by and we are stuck in a crappy conference and you get all of this negative vibe.

it seems like they should have launched the new unis and logo during the spring game.

 

[whaler11]

I guess he's too hurt to get out to the Rent but Dez wrote a feature on a sporting good salesman that reads like advertising for today's Courant? It really is sad to see what's become of the Courant.

 

[pj]

Yes! I saw it and commented about it to my brother actually. He saw it too. Amazing strength and agility. It may have been after he had an INT go through his hands, then slid down to the turf on his back in disgust (?). But yes, I know exactly what you're talking about. He was in Indian-style sitting position and used his legs to stand up in less than a second, without using any hands or anything for balance. It would take me MUCH longer to just get INTO an Indian-style sitting position!!

This is actually a standard movement used to test strength and flexibility but it is also a skill move -- even excellent athletes have to practice it. The sitting-rising test is a good measure of health. Healthy athletes with practice can sit and rise without any support -- hands or knees. Healthy non-athletes can do it easily with only one support -- one hand or one knee touching the ground. The most supports you need to sit or rise, the more likely you are to die in the near future. See http://cpr.sagepub.com/content/early/2012/12/10/2047487312471759: If you need two supports -- say, a hand and a knee -- to sit and rise, your chance of dying in the next six years is doubled.

Crossing your legs Indian style is the key to getting up without any support -- you can't do it without that -- that is a skill step. Then you need the flexibility to get your body mass over your feet and feet on the ground in that position, and strength to push off the outside of your feet. For guys who can squat twice their body weight, the strength is not an issue.