So did we level up last week?

[RedStickHusky]

What are the chances that last week was a collective 'lights coming on' moment for the team and a harbinger of improved play through the second half of the season. Another strong showing next week and we may have cause to reassess our remaining games. Six games left, some are daunting but arguably none any more so than Mizzou, BYU and Navy. If we can make a mid-season transition from HCBD's 200-level football to 300-level, who knows what doors are opened.

 

[UCFBfan]

While it was great to see us finally stomp someone, I'm still waiting to see it against a team that is a level up in competition. UCF is awful. Like SMU last season and us last season awful. Some of their plays yesterday made me laugh out loud it was bad. Kind of like us last season where instead of laughing, I wanted to cry or throw the tv across the room.

If we win against USF this weekend I'll be ready to start drinking the bowl game possibility kool-aid. If we win with another pounding, I'll be all aboard the bandwagon.

It was a great win but let's not overlook the fact that it was over an abysmal UCF team.

 

[Dooley]

One game at a time. USF USF USF. Our games are always tight and come down to the 4th quarter. We need this one BAAAAAAAD.

 

[Jax Husky]

That UCF team was about as good as the last Pasqueloni team before TJ took over. I'll hold judgment, but we do look so far removed from that team 2 years ago it gives me a lot of hope.

 

[Jimdish255]

I don't expect to see a light-switch moment at this point. It's nice to see the training wheels are off the bike but everybody has a ways to go before we reach our potential as a team. What we are finding on both sides of the ball are some things that work, and some players who can make plays. That and a QB we trust to make good decisions, decent throws and some elusiveness.

A long way to go but a step up from where we were. Just have to keep taking manageable steps and we might get that impressive looking win against a solid conference opponent.

 

[winitall]

What Jimdish said and we have to remember the youth of this team. They have to stop making mental errors that cost them yards as in stupid penalties and things like standing in the endzone when downing the ball. Those are things that cost wins.

 

[RedStickHusky]

All level-headed responses which I appreciate, especially the admonition to take them one at a time - normally a position I like to take myself. I just remember the 09 team catching fire from 4-5 and the '10 team from 3-4. No one saw those runs coming. At any rate, I'm just loving the fact that we still have a season of possibilities at the mid-way point -- it's been a while for that.

 

[SubbaBub]

Leveled up from being an inoperable team to one that beats teams it's supposed to beat, assuming a win Saturday against USF.

Next step is to beat teams that are comparable.

 

[RegisteredUconn]

What Jimdish said and we have to remember the youth of this team. They have to stop making mental errors that cost them yards as in stupid penalties and things like standing in the endzone when downing the ball. Those are things that cost wins.

All valid, important points but in my opinion too subtle, the doily under the coaster when what we need is the table. Our major problem is offensive line blocking. I've seen enough quarterback play, running back play, receiver play, and defensive play that is ready for us to be .500 or better if the o-line could open enough holes and prevent enough sacks/hurries/scrambles to sustain drives, generate points, and keep our defense off the field for sustained periods. What I don't know is how much an o-line can improve during the course of a season. I don't know the answer to that question in general or in particular with respect to this group. But if the answer is "enough" then we play post season.

 

[sportsart]

We were right there with Mizzu and BYU in the 4th quarter, on the road.

Think about last year. I'd say we have moved up a level or two.

If they continue to improve, no game left on the scedule is out of reach.

 

[Confident Carl]

What are the chances that last week was a collective 'lights coming on' moment for the team and a harbinger of improved play through the second half of the season. Another strong showing next week and we may have cause to reassess our remaining games. Six games left, some are daunting but arguably none any more so than Mizzou, BYU and Navy. If we can make a mid-season transition from HCBD's 200-level football to 300-level, who knows what doors are opened.

I expect this team to progress rather than regress. This team has far from peaked.
Even though UCF was bad, Sherriffs, Newsome, Bloom, Meyers, Thomas, Johnson and the entire O Line had fun being on the right side of a blow out! Defense will continue to be solid and should also improve. Special teams too have improved , no further missed PAT's and Newsome's run will further confidense. Still waiting for UCONN's first punt return.

Also, Diaco's emphasis on Nutrician, Strength and Conditioning appear to be paying off. This team seems healthy and void of major injuries at the mid way point in the season. Below is UCONN vs. USF injury report for Saturday.

South Florida
Date Pos Player Injury Status
10/11/15 WR A.J. Legree Foot "?" Saturday vs. Connecticut
10/11/15 WR Alex Mut Undisclosed "?" Saturday vs. Connecticut
10/11/15 LB Josh Black Undisclosed "?" Saturday vs. Connecticut
08/27/15 DB Hassan Childs ACL out for season
08/27/15 WR Stanley Clerveaux ACL

UCONN - NONE
Date Pos Player Injury Status
09/16/15 WR Dhameer Bradley Leg out indefinitely
08/29/15 OL Ryan Crozier Leg out for season

In comparison, check out Rutger's injury report

Rutgers
Date Pos Player Injury Status
10/11/15 TE George Behr Lower Body "?" Saturday vs. Indiana
10/11/15 DB Jarius Adams Upper Body "?" Saturday vs. Indiana
10/11/15 WR Jawuan Harris Lower Body "?" Saturday vs. Indiana
10/11/15 WR John Tsimis Lower Body "?" Saturday vs. Indiana
10/11/15 Backup RB Charles Snorweah Upper Body "?" Saturday vs. Indiana
10/11/15 DB Davon Jacobs Upper Body "?" Saturday vs. Indiana
10/11/15 Backup RB Desmon Peoples Upper Body "?" Saturday vs. Indiana
10/11/15 WR Dontae Owens Lower Body "?" Saturday vs. Indiana
10/11/15 DB Anthony Cioffi Upper Body "?" Saturday vs. Indiana
10/11/15 LB Austin Rosa Lower Body "?" Saturday vs. Indiana
10/11/15 DB Brian Verbitski Lower Body "?" Saturday vs. Indiana
09/26/15 DT Darius Hamilton Lower Body out for season
09/24/15 OL Jacquis Webb Lower Body out for season
09/05/15 DB Nadir Barnwell Dismissed has been dismissed
09/05/15 DB Delon Stephenson Dismissed has been dismissed
09/05/15 DB Razohnn Gross Dismissed has been dismissed
09/05/15 DB Ruhann Peele Dismissed has been dismissed
09/05/15 DB Andre Boggs Dismissed has been dismissed

For all injury reports:

http://www.donbest.com/ncaaf/injuries/

 

[RedStickHusky]

Think we actually got about 11 yards on two punt returns vs. UCF - first of the year...

 

[junglehusky]

To use a Diaco-ism, last year we weren't even playing 100 level football, we were taking remedial classes. Now we are in 100 level freshman classes, each week has a quiz and we've gotten some B's, some C's, but no . Hope to see more B's and a few A's to raise the GPA, but would also take a C average (6 wins) if it means we can go on to take 200 level classes next year.

 

[Doggie Style]

I said this on a different thread yesterday but Its worth mentioning again. If Sherriffs is AT LEAST as accurate as he was yesterday, it's going to change a LOT for us moving forward. He stood in the pocket when he needed to and took off when the play called for it. All of that hinged on the great job (comparatively speaking) the O-line did yesterday. Our receivers are still trying to find a way to create space, but yesterday Sherriffs through at least 3 balls in places only our receivers could catch them, and they did! I see this as progress and that makes this a lot more fun to watch. I like the improvement in the line which I mentioned, and Newsome seems to be much more confident with the ball compared to the first few games. Again all good signs. Lastly, our special teams have shown improvement every game and if you think about the impact they had earlier in the season with the on the field decision making process, that's pretty big as well. All I wanted out of this season was consistent improvement and a chance to compete in every game. I feel like we're close right now but there's a ways to go.

 

[Tdaley]

We are starting to see the Verducci's complicated multi-set offense work. Even thought there were plenty of mental mistakes Saturday with illegal motion and receivers not lining up on the line of scrimmage, there is a lot to be optimistic about. Playing Mayala and Mclean instead of Lucas may have caused some of those penalties. We are watching the evolution of an offensive with pass catching tight ends, big wide receivers and an effective running attack. They have a longs ways still to go but I think people are going to be very happy with our offense down the road. The South Florida game will give a us better indicator where our offense today. I know I am very excited!!! GO HUSKIES!!!!

 

[huskeynut]

WOW - a discussion that actually sees the progress we are making! AMAZING!!!!!!

This team is improving week by week. Yes, we have mental and physical mistakes. Yes we have a young team at many skilled positions. But there is positive progress. Each week brings a new wrinkle or two for the offense that our opponents have no idea about. Smart on Verducci's part.

I think many of the players on defense and offense are at Diaco's 200 level and some are approaching the 300 level if not already there. This is good.

Diaco is in year 2 of a rebuild. Yes, it's a rebuild. To be 3 - 3 after 6 games and playing the likes of Mizzou and BYU close is a very good sign. This team doesn't quit. They are better conditioned, no sucking wind in the fourth quarter. And most important - they believe they can win!!!!!!

Its only going to get better!

 

[Sprague03]

WOW - a discussion that actually sees the progress we are making! AMAZING!!!!!!

This team is improving week by week. Yes, we have mental and physical mistakes. Yes we have a young team at many skilled positions. But there is positive progress. Each week brings a new wrinkle or two for the offense that our opponents have no idea about. Smart on Verducci's part.

I think many of the players on defense and offense are at Diaco's 200 level and some are approaching the 300 level if not already there. This is good.

Diaco is in year 2 of a rebuild. Yes, it's a rebuild. To be 3 - 3 after 6 games and playing the likes of Mizzou and BYU close is a very good sign. This team doesn't quit. They are better conditioned, no sucking wind in the fourth quarter. And most important - they believe they can win!!!!!!

Its only going to get better!

I keep forgetting that our offense has only ONE Senior on the 2-Deep. It's primarily all Soph and Freshman starting and there's definitely been an improvement over last year. Really bright future too

 

[BugsyCT]

I expect this team to progress rather than regress. This team has far from peaked.
Even though UCF was bad, Sherriffs, Newsome, Bloom, Meyers, Thomas, Johnson and the entire O Line had fun being on the right side of a blow out! Defense will continue to be solid and should also improve. Special teams too have improved , no further missed PAT's and Newsome's run will further confidense. Still waiting for UCONN's first punt return.

Also, Diaco's emphasis on Nutrician, Strength and Conditioning appear to be paying off. This team seems healthy and void of major injuries at the mid way point in the season. Below is UCONN vs. USF injury report for Saturday.


UCONN - NONE
Date Pos Player Injury Status
09/16/15 WR Dhameer Bradley Leg out indefinitely
08/29/15 OL Ryan Crozier Leg out for season


For all injury reports:

http://www.donbest.com/ncaaf/injuries/

For the most part, we've been very fortunate with lack of injuries thus far. I worry about Shirreffs because of our poor pass protection - seems like he's under duress every play but has done a very good job in scrambling away and converting 3rd and longs. Just hoping we stay healthy the rest of the way (fingers crossed!).

 

[pepband99]

I'm thinking that BS may have had a lights-on moment. The announcers even picked up on it. He had a couple of throws that would have been tuck-and-runs a week or 2 ago. If he keeps that up, but still sprinkles in a run here and there to keep the D honest, it's a great sign.