Sio Moore predicts a great season

[businesslawyer]

Dude, learn the definition of context and read the post by BL I was responding to. I was responding to BL's rediculous assertion that the 2011 team was "roughly as talented" as the 2010 team. It clearly was not and the drop off from Todman to McCombs is the strongest example of that (as your stats show) so I used it in rebuttal to BL. McCombs was a redshirt freshmen last year of course he wasn't as talented as Todman. Somehow BL thinks he "roughly" was.

McCombs was solid last year and better then expected, but he needs to improve alot to ever be held in the same regard as Todman, Brown, Cauley and even Dixon. Thats not a knock just a fact. Not only could he not break a tackle in 2011 but he could not take a long run to the house without getting gassed and falling over himself. I look forward to see him do it in 2012, 2013 and 2014. I'll be rooting for him just like you.

Why is it that everyone gets to take shots at McEntee for his shortcomings but if you point out some facts about McCombs game everyone gets riled up?

Oh stop it. Having roughly the same amount of talent up and down the roster is not a statement that we are roughly the same at each and every position. We were stronger at every position that a starter came back with more strength and experience. We were weaker at some where we lost very good starters.

Of course, I've made some attempt to look at the entire team and use numbers. You feel free to just point at specific positions and ignore the other 82 or so roster spots.

 

[Duncan Idaho]

Dude, learn the definition of context and read the post by BL I was responding to. I was responding to BL's rediculous assertion that the 2011 team was "roughly as talented" as the 2010 team. It clearly was not and the drop off from Todman to McCombs is the strongest example of that (as your stats show) so I used it in rebuttal to BL. McCombs was a redshirt freshmen last year of course he wasn't as talented as Todman. Somehow BL thinks he "roughly" was.

McCombs was solid last year and better then expected, but he needs to improve alot to ever be held in the same regard as Todman, Brown, Cauley and even Dixon. Thats not a knock just a fact. Not only could he not break a tackle in 2011 but he could not take a long run to the house without getting gassed and falling over himself. I look forward to see him do it in 2012, 2013 and 2014. I'll be rooting for him just like you.

Why is it that everyone gets to take shots at McEntee for his shortcomings but if you point out some facts about McCombs game everyone gets riled up?

Because he was suppose to share the reps with Shoemate last year. Because he is 165 lbs without blazing speed. Because his efforts garnered all conference and all-american honors last year and Doak Walker consideration this year. And he did it behind an offensive line that admittedly didn't know who to block. Its tough to criticize yeoman effort and accomplishment like that. If he gets beat out by someone else than we can consider the team fortunate for the quality of depth

 

[Jimmy Serrano]

It's not a knock on McCombs to say he isn't Todman, Cauley, Brown, etc. But it's not fair to compare him to those guys either.

McCombs surpassed expectations by every measurable benchmark. The only thing that concerns me about the RB position this year is the lack of depth behind McCombs.

Here's the keys to this year.....the OL stays healthy and is more accustomed to the DeLeone's blocking schemes......Whitmer is an upgrade at the QB position.....the WR's, as a whole, play better......whoever kicks (Christen or Puyol) does a credible job replacing Teggart......and it could be a very fun year. If none of those things happen we are looking at 4 or 5 wins. If they all happen we could win 10. If a few of these things happen (probably the most likely) we are somewhere in between.

 

[metsfan2323]

And he did it behind an offensive line that admittedly didn't know who to block.

I'm not buying this. McCombs had plenty of open lanes last year, maybe even more then Todman had the previous year because DeLeone's offense was more creative and varied and kept the defense on their heals. Playing with McCummings also helps because the Linebackers have to wait an extra count before attacking the runner. Todman had to run out of the vanilla inside handoff offense which can be effective when the QB can run (Lorenzen), but Frazer was never a running threat.

I rewatched all the games last night. McCombs is better then I thought. He should be getting Heisman consideration. I don't know how I missed it.

and BL is right, we didn't have a talent drop off last year.

I have determined we went 5-6 because of the coaching. Edsall would have had the team in a bowl game running the inside hand off with Michael Box. My apologies to everyone for being so wrong yesterday. I had a bad day.

 

[UConnDan97]

and yet would we be completely shocked if someone surpasses him as the best running back on our team this year?

You are a good poster so I am going to step out of the ring on this one and concede defeat.

I appreciate the compliment, and I enjoy many of your posts as well. The truth is that I would indeed be shocked if someone like Joe Williams or Max DeLorenzo surpasses McCombs this year. Completely and utterly so.

 

[B1GEast]

I appreciate the compliment, and I enjoy many of your posts as well. The truth is that I would indeed be shocked if someone like Joe Williams or Max DeLorenzo surpasses McCombs this year. Completely and utterly so.

I would not be surprised if Williams overtakes McCombs, coach P made it clear he wants one back to be the featured back, I really like McCombs, but he's better suited to a 3rd dowwn back due to his size, at 5'8 166lbs it's hard to last a full season and take thaat kind of punishment. He's a tough kid, he did a great job last season, but I would not be surprised to see Williams take over. Depth is a good is a good problem to have.

 

[Jimmy Serrano]

I would not be surprised if Williams overtakes McCombs, coach P made it clear he wants one back to be the featured back, I really like McCombs, but he's better suited to a 3rd dowwn back due to his size, at 5'8 166lbs it's hard to last a full season and take thaat kind of punishment. He's a tough kid, he did a great job last season, but I would not be surprised to see Williams take over. Depth is a good is a good problem to have.

I'm sorry, but I don't know how you can say this. Are you also expecting Jefferson Ashiru to unseat Sio Moore?

 

[UConnDan97]

I would not be surprised if Williams overtakes McCombs, coach P made it clear he wants one back to be the featured back, I really like McCombs, but he's better suited to a 3rd dowwn back due to his size, at 5'8 166lbs it's hard to last a full season and take thaat kind of punishment. He's a tough kid, he did a great job last season, but I would not be surprised to see Williams take over. Depth is a good is a good problem to have.

The man ran for over 1,200 yards last year, and you think he is going to be the third down back?? Also, aren't most third downs (hopefully) short-yardage affairs, where you would want a bruiser and not a lightweight? I don't understand your ideology on this one...

 

[metsfan2323]

The truth is that I would indeed be shocked if someone like Joe Williams or Max DeLorenzo surpasses McCombs this year. Completely and utterly so.

I don't expect it to happen either, but it has happened. Cornell Brockington had one big year and then fell off the map. I don't remember the specifics of what happened to Cornell, he ended up transferring because of lack of playing time I believe.

and the great Donald Brown was unseated by Dixon in 2007. So it has happened twice. If it can happen to Brown arguably the best running back we have had well then......

one can even say Dixon was unseated by Brown in 2008. Competition makes everyone better. Let the 4 man battle for running back begin.

 

[pj]

I think the team is going to more of a pro-style offense focused on passing so the 3rd down back will be the best receiver. I don't know which back that would be. Size is no obstacle in the passing game if you're coming out of the backfield, there's usually open space on the flanks.

Can't wait to see what Joe Williams and Max DeLorenzo have to offer. But I would be shocked if either has as many carries as McCombs.

 

[UConnDan97]

I don't expect it to happen either, but it has happened. Cornell Brockington had one big year and then fell off the map. I don't remember the specifics of what happened to Cornell, he ended up transferring because of lack of playing time I believe.

and the great Donald Brown was unseated by Dixon in 2007. So it has happened twice. If it can happen to Brown arguably the best running back we have had well then......

one can even say Dixon was unseated by Brown in 2008. Competition makes everyone better. Let the 4 man battle for running back begin.

What are you talking about?? Here are the stats:

2006 - D.B. (161 rushes, 896 yards, 5.6 avg)
2007 - D.B. (170 rushes, 821 yards, 4.8 avg) / A.D. (160 rushes, 809 yards, 5.1 avg)
2008 - D.B. (367 rushes, 2,083 yards, 5.7 avg) / A.D. (9 rushes, 37 yards, 4.1 avg)

Unless my numbers are wrong, Dixon did not "unseat" Brown in 2007. They ran for almost identical numbers, and Brown ran for numbers that were relatively consistent to what he did in 2006. Am I missing something here?

 

[businesslawyer]

What are you talking about?? Here are the stats:

2006 - D.B. (161 rushes, 896 yards, 5.6 avg)
2007 - D.B. (170 rushes, 821 yards, 4.8 avg) / A.D. (160 rushes, 809 yards, 5.1 avg)
2008 - D.B. (367 rushes, 2,083 yards, 5.7 avg) / A.D. (9 rushes, 37 yards, 4.1 avg)

Unless my numbers are wrong, Dixon did not "unseat" Brown in 2007. They ran for almost identical numbers, and Brown ran for numbers that were relatively consistent to what he did in 2006. Am I missing something here?

Yes. Brown's numbers in '06 were in the last few games after Terry Caulley got hurt. Brown's first two games as a starter he broke 200 yards each time. So he wasn't a "shared starter" in '06 -- he was the 2d half of the year starter who was a star. In '07, Brown started as the man, got every carry the first few games, and then got fewer and fewer carries as the season wore on. By the end of the regular season, he had gone from clearly being the "#1 back to clearly being the #2 back (although he reemerged in the Bowl in Charlotte). Brown and Dixon in '07 were never sharing the position the way Dixon and Todman did in '09.

 

[UConnDan97]

Yes. Brown's numbers in '06 were in the last few games after Terry Caulley got hurt. Brown's first two games as a starter he broke 200 yards each time. So he wasn't a "shared starter" in '06 -- he was the 2d half of the year starter who was a star. In '07, Brown started as the man, got every carry the first few games, and then got fewer and fewer carries as the season wore on. By the end of the regular season, he had gone from clearly being the "#1 back to clearly being the #2 back (although he reemerged in the Bowl in Charlotte). Brown and Dixon in '07 were never sharing the position the way Dixon and Todman did in '09.

The numbers tell a different story, Biz. Here is the game by game yardage for both runners in the order that the games were played:

Duke - DB 99, AD N/A
Maine - DB 87, AD N/A
Temple - DB 54, AD 129
Pitt - DB 53, AD 20
Akron - DB 65, AD 116
UVA - DB N/A, AD 63
'Ville - DB 8, AD 115
USF - DB 1, AD 167
Rutgers - DB 154, AD 35
Cincy - DB 0, AD 35
Cuse - DB 99, AD 62
WVU - DB 129, AD 67
WF (bowl) - DB 72, AD 24

So unless you are referring only to the three game period of UVA / Ville / USF as the point where Donald Brown was "unseated", the numbers don't support your story. He came right back and ripped Rutgers for 154 after that three game period, and was the leading rusher for our team 3 out of the following 4 games after that. Again.....am I missing something?

Addendum: I pulled the stats from the UConn media guide, listed here;

http://www.uconnhuskies.com/datadump/MFootball/2009/Media Guide/5/Recaps.pdf

 

[businesslawyer]

The numbers tell a different story, Biz. Here is the game by game yardage for both runners in the order that the games were played:

Duke - DB 99, AD N/A
Maine - DB 87, AD N/A
Temple - DB 54, AD 129
Pitt - DB 53, AD 20
Akron - DB 65, AD 116
UVA - DB N/A, AD 63
'Ville - DB 8, AD 115
USF - DB 1, AD 167
Rutgers - DB 154, AD 35
Cincy - DB 0, AD 35
Cuse - DB 99, AD 62
WVU - DB 129, AD 67
WF (bowl) - DB 72, AD 24

So unless you are referring only to the three game period of UVA / Ville / USF as the point where Donald Brown was "unseated", the numbers don't support your story. He came right back and ripped Rutgers for 154 after that three game period, and was the leading rusher for our team 3 out of the following 4 games after that. Again.....am I missing something?

I guess I am remembering the three game stretch and didn't remember the period between then and the bowl. Thank you for the legwork.

 

[UConnDan97]

I guess I am remembering the three game stretch and didn't remember the period between then and the bowl. Thank you for the legwork.

No worries. I'm not even sure that it's all that important if we go back to the overall discussion, which is that I would be shocked if McCombs is supplanted by any of our young running backs. And if he is, it must mean that they are great!

 

[PUPPY4]

Dude, learn the definition of context and read the post by BL I was responding to. I was responding to BL's rediculous assertion that the 2011 team was "roughly as talented" as the 2010 team. It clearly was not and the drop off from Todman to McCombs is the strongest example of that (as your stats show) so I used it in rebuttal to BL. McCombs was a redshirt freshmen last year of course he wasn't as talented as Todman. Somehow BL thinks he "roughly" was.

McCombs was solid last year and better then expected, but he needs to improve alot to ever be held in the same regard as Todman, Brown, Cauley and even Dixon. Thats not a knock just a fact. Not only could he not break a tackle in 2011 but he could not take a long run to the house without getting gassed and falling over himself. I look forward to see him do it in 2012, 2013 and 2014. I'll be rooting for him just like you.

Why is it that everyone gets to take shots at McEntee for his shortcomings but if you point out some facts about McCombs game everyone gets riled up?

If I tell you that we're going have a starting RB that's 5'8", 166LBS freshman, with no breakaway speed, who can't break a single tackle.
And a QB with a average arm, that cringes under pressure, with no scrambling ability, who will be throwing to receivers who have trouble catching the ball, but has a great youtube video.
And these guys are going to be playing behind an offensive line that has problems pass blocking, and generally is not comfortable with the new run blocking scheme.
And this offense is going to be totally disrepected by every defense in the country, by lining up 10 guys in the box and blitzing off the corners.

BUT!, that 5'8" 166LB back would carry the ball 275 times and run for OVER 1,000yds and be ALL BIGEAST, and ALL AMERICAN.

What would you say?

 

[BlueMAB]

My apologies to everyone for being so wrong yesterday. I had a bad day.

Having another?

 

[BlueMAB]

If I tell you that we're going have a starting RB that's 5'8", 166LBS freshman, with no breakaway speed, who can't break a single tackle.
And a QB with a average arm, that cringes under pressure, with no scrambling ability, who will be throwing to receivers who have trouble catching the ball, but has a great youtube video.
And these guys are going to be playing behind an offensive line that has problems pass blocking, and generally is not comfortable with the new run blocking scheme.
And this offense is going to be totally disrepected by every defense in the country, by lining up 10 guys in the box and blitzing off the corners.

BUT!, that 5'8" 166LB back would carry the ball 275 times and run for OVER 1,000yds and be ALL BIGEAST, and ALL AMERICAN.

What would you say?

That he'll be passed over because the backup is always better.

 

[metsfan2323]

If I tell you that we're going have a starting RB that's 5'8", 166LBS freshman, with no breakaway speed, who can't break a single tackle.
And a QB with a average arm, that cringes under pressure, with no scrambling ability, who will be throwing to receivers who have trouble catching the ball, but has a great youtube video.
And these guys are going to be playing behind an offensive line that has problems pass blocking, and generally is not comfortable with the new run blocking scheme.
And this offense is going to be totally disrepected by every defense in the country, by lining up 10 guys in the box and blitzing off the corners.

You actually just made the point I was trying to make to BL about the talent level fall off from 2010 to 2011. Thanks for the support!

BTW - you just trashed a lot of players there, most of the offense and yet Huskyfandan "likes" your e-mail. You just criticized the offense in a worse way then I was critical of McCombs yesterday. For some reason McCombs is untouchable on this board. I guess he has a lot of friends or people just like to root for little guys. Who is going to come to the defense of McEntee or the O-line or the receivers?

 

[UConnDan97]

For some reason McCombs is untouchable on this board. I guess he has a lot of friends

Yes, he does. Those friends include most media outlets that have him first or second team All Big East and co-favorite to be the Big East top rusher this year. I think that is why people are starting to come down a little hard on your criticism. If every college analyst in the country feels good about McCombs and his abilities, why don't you??

Just in case you don't believe me, here is Phil Steele's All Big East (notice who is on the first team):

http://www.philsteele.com/Pdf/2012PreseasonHonors/All-BigEast.pdf

 

[metsfan2323]

Yes, he does. Those friends include most media outlets that have him first or second team All Big East and co-favorite to be the Big East top rusher this year. I think that is why people are starting to come down a little hard on your criticism. If every college analyst in the country feels good about McCombs and his abilities, why don't you??

Just in case you don't believe me, here is Phil Steele's All Big East (notice who is on the first team):

http://www.philsteele.com/Pdf/2012PreseasonHonors/All-BigEast.pdf

LOL. I love McCombs! I have his poster on my wall and wear his jersey everyday. Please accept me into the McCombs fan club! I will never say anything bad about him again.

 

[PUPPY4]

You actually just made the point I was trying to make to BL about the talent level fall off from 2010 to 2011. Thanks for the support!

BTW - you just trashed a lot of players there, most of the offense and yet Huskyfandan "likes" your e-mail. You just criticized the offense in a worse way then I was critical of McCombs yesterday. For some reason McCombs is untouchable on this board. I guess he has a lot of friends or people just like to root for little guys. Who is going to come to the defense of McEntee or the O-line or the receivers?

Is it me?

 

[UConnDan97]

LOL. I love McCombs! I have his poster on my wall and wear his jersey everyday. Please accept me into the McCombs fan club! I will never say anything bad about him again.

Wait until you learn the secret handshake!! It's sweet...

 

[pj]

Who is going to come to the defense of McEntee or the O-line or the receivers?

I'll defend this receiver:

 

[Duncan Idaho]

For me, he exceded expectations in spite of his limitations.

 

[UConnDan97]

I'll defend this receiver:

That was one of the most ridiculously good plays I have ever seen by a wide receiver. Ever. Still puts a smile on my face...

 

[Palatine]

That was one of the most ridiculously good plays I have ever seen by a wide receiver. Ever. Still puts a smile on my face...

Great catch, a very enjoyable afternoon in Birmingham.

 

[BlueMAB]

Is it me?

No. He's being childish and deflecting. McCombs is as yet far from the best back we've had. But all things considered, he had an incredible year, and to basically "expect" that he'll be replaced before year's end is a bit outrageous. Sure it could happen, but unlike in past years we haven't seen anything from the backups to expect that to happen. It would be, in any reasonable estimation, shocking.

But he can't defend that because the guys who would replace him haven't yet done a single thing to prove that's a possibility, nevermind a likelihood. So instead he deflects and plays the victim. Kind of sad to watch.

 

[CL82]

Defense will be stronger and not fold down the stretch like they did last year. Expect 4 full quarters from them. Don Brown won't have egg on his face in year 2. The offensive line will determine how this season goes though. If they can open holes for McCombs & Co, plus give Whitmer time to get the ball down the field we'll be just fine. If they are stellar, 10-2, 11-1 and a nice bowl win. If not, well hopefully the D can win a couple unexpected ones for us and keep us close to bowl eligible. I like the fact that Deleon is going to concentrate on the O-line. Also folks, you got to have faith in the coaching staff. They came into this real late in the process last year and were left with whatever Edsall had scraped together. Which, by the way, wasn't a whole hell of a lot especially at the most crucial offensive position...QB. Toddman left a year early. That could have made a huge difference. Frey transferred out. That hurt. The coaches that came in have some serious experience and have seen it all and then some. The whole team(including the remaining assistant coaches) have had a year to digest the new system and I believe a much improved product will take the field.

As another poster stated, the Maryland and NC ST games will give us an early inclination on how this season may end up. If UMass scores I'll be disappointed.

Side note- I wouldn't be completely surprised to see McCombs as the #2 back by season end unless he miraculously adds bulk so that he doesn't get bounced around like a pinball like last year.

Improving our TOP on offense will go a long way toward improving the defense at the close of games. I think this will be a special year for us.

 

[BlueMAB]

That was one of the most ridiculously good plays I have ever seen by a wide receiver. Ever. Still puts a smile on my face...

From our angle we couldn't even see Kashif. We just saw it was a touchdown. IIRC, no replay at the stadium. It wans't until later that night I saw the catch. Still unbelievable. That really set the tone for the day. One of the most enjoyable UConn games ever.