So who starts at QB next week?

[whaler11]

If you make the decision solely on the results, not the underlying performance, of Thursday then there really isn't an argument. As the Head Coach, Randy has to first decide if making the decision in that manner is in the best interest of the season. This should not be about future seasons. After six seasons of "next year," that should be universally agreed upon by everyone.

As a management exercise, this is not a decision that is easily made. You have to weigh your long term evaluations vs. a singular though critical test. You have to look at how it will affect the rest of the team. Buy-in from the players matters a lot. Randy's explanation will matter a lot. Diaco would have screwed it up royally so, we at least we have that going for us.

For me it comes down to whether you think Pindell is better than the results indicated. If so, then you give him another start knowing that the next change would be permanent. If you saw things that indicate that he isn't head and shoulders better than Sherriffs, then you make the change and tell the team that performance under the lights matters and that you perform or risk your spot.

Other than the fumble, the red flag that I saw with my untrained eye is that Pindell's arm strength on the out and flat routes looked suspect. The balls seemed to take a long time to get there.

Maybe it's not easy to pick but the criteria is simple: Who gives the best chance of winning Saturday.

If you don't do that you put your leadership in question with 100 other players.

 

[uconnfan68]

Bad fumble, totally one-dimensional because of the running game. That's the 1st 3 quarters of offense in a nutshell. For whatever reason the line started run blocking when shirreffs came into the game and everything opened up.

They started run-blocking when BS came in, even though he was calling pass plays. No wonder everything clicked.

 

[sportsart]

They started run-blocking when BS came in, even though he was calling pass plays. No wonder everything clicked.

I dont think people are factoring in how tired HC must have been in the 4th quarter.

The OL didn't just happen to remember how to block. The conditioning of our offense from practicing the hurry up was obvious to me.

That said, BS made some good choices and with Hopkins able to run, things clicked.

 

[noeynox]

After watching that on replay, Pindell got hit a lot. I think he was replaced more due to body language/ slumping shoulders. If he is going to play here, he is going to have to roll with the punches and understand he will get hit a lot. It's one thing you don't have any questions about with Bryant. He has taken pounding here. The beating he took at ECU last year was borderline criminal.

 

[JustSaying]

The moment Shireffs got in the game, the body language of the team dramatically changed. He brought positive energy, leadership and a game winning mentality to an otherwise frustrated and beaten down squad. When a team believes they can succeed, more games are won and the game play is always better across the board.

 

[freescooter]

I'm getting a little tired of the "tired Holy Cross" squad trope too. Sherriffs made better callschecked off and made adjustments and you could see the physical change in the Huskies when he came in. People seem to come up with every excuse in the book for Pindell and to denigrate Sherriff's performance. The reality is that he came into a very difficult situation down 13 with a quarter to play and he rallied a beaten team, a team that was going nowhere and drove to 3 quick scores for the win. The team looked totally different when he took over and did what they couldn't do for 3 quarters. It wasn't because the Cross got tired or any other nonsense. It was because he was in total control and made plays and inspired confidence in his teammates.

 

[Confident Carl]

I have to go back and watch the game on my DVR to see it all more clearly.

My hunch is that pindell didn't have full command of the plays or setting the o line or something because the team did seem to respond better to Sherriffs. Also, Pindell seemed nervous too and never settled in.

I would tell Pindell this is your team, but we are going to go with Sherriffs this week to give you extra time to master the offense. I would tell him get ready for week three.

After I watch the game tonight/tomorrow I may change my mind, but that is what I am thinking this morning.

Assuming Sherriffs starts and we upset the 19th ranked team in the country then I would think it will be difficult for Pindell to get the start against Virginia.

I like Pindell and can see that he is talented. He did a lot of good things. If BS flattens out and doesn't move the offense, Pindell will get a chance to prove himself. I just think that Randy and Rhett will reward Sherriffs for a. Job well done.

 

[JSM1970]

Who cares. It was against a bad FCS team.

Shireffs is awful, ask NCST. Go watch the Beef o Brady Bowl tape, or Syracuse or a bunch of other games. How many games did they win last year with much better O weapons?

Play Pindell, plan beyond this year.

Who cares if they win 2, 3 vs 5 games this year, let's try and get back to something respectable next year.

My guess is they start Pindell, are ready to switch out and then depending on BS would name him after that.

I'll shut down if they name BS, just can't stand him or his game.

The moment Shireffs got in the game, the body language of the team dramatically changed. He brought positive energy, leadership and a game winning mentality to an otherwise frustrated and beaten down squad. When a team believes they can succeed, more games are won and the game play is always better across the board.

 

[huskymedic]

Geez - now I don't know who I want the coaches to start more:

Pindell to see UConnNick implode or Shirreffs to see JSM1970 meltdown.

Tough call for board sanity...

 

[businesslawyer]

Who cares. It was against a bad FCS team.

Shireffs is awful, ask NCST. Go watch the Beef o Brady Bowl tape, or Syracuse or a bunch of other games. How many games did they win last year with much better O weapons?

Play Pindell, plan beyond this year.

Who cares if they win 2, 3 vs 5 games this year, let's try and get back to something respectable next year.

My guess is they start Pindell, are ready to switch out and then depending on BS would name him after that.

I'll shut down if they name BS, just can't stand him or his game.

Does you shutting down mean you will go away for good? Because if that's the case, I rescind my statement that I'm neutral on who starts and trust the staff. I vote for BS starting and you going away.

 

[BlueMAB]

Does you shutting down mean you will go away for good? Because if that's the case, I rescind my statement that I'm neutral on who starts and trust the staff. I vote for BS starting and you going away.

+1

He's an obvious troll. Complained about the TD throw being a bad throw, responded to everyone who challenged him except the one post that provided video evidence he was lying.

 

[JSM1970]

Yes, on the football board.

Am I still aloud to go to the recruiting board and make sarcastic comments on recruits that we beat out Sacared Heart, CCSU, Fordham, Stony Brook, etc.?

Does you shutting down mean you will go away for good? Because if that's the case, I rescind my statement that I'm neutral on who starts and trust the staff. I vote for BS starting and you going away.

 

[JSM1970]

No way. That other post was awful. How could the throw be to the cone if the receiver had to turn his whole body while in bounds to make the catch?

If the throw was to the cone he would have reached out and not back.

Get lost clown.

+1

He's an obvious troll. Complained about the TD throw being a bad throw, responded to everyone who challenged him except the one post that provided video evidence he was lying.

 

[fgbrault]

Who cares. It was against a bad FCS team.

Shireffs is awful, ask NCST. Go watch the Beef o Brady Bowl tape, or Syracuse or a bunch of other games. How many games did they win last year with much better O weapons?

Play Pindell, plan beyond this year.

Who cares if they win 2, 3 vs 5 games this year, let's try and get back to something respectable next year.

My guess is they start Pindell, are ready to switch out and then depending on BS would name him after that.

I'll shut down if they name BS, just can't stand him or his game.

The difference is if Edsall does not go with the quarterback he believes will give the team its best chance the players will sense that he is not coaching to win and it will be catching. Diaco - all over again.

 

[businesslawyer]

Yes, on the football board.

Am I still aloud to go to the recruiting board and make sarcastic comments on recruits that we beat out Sacared Heart, CCSU, Fordham, Stony Brook, etc.?

Am I still allowed to point out the obvious -- that every board you participate in woud be a better place, with people happier to participate, without your constant snide negativism?

You are entitled to your opinions. I am entitled to believe the Boneyard would be a much better place if we lost you.

 

[jostar1]

The moment Shireffs got in the game, the body language of the team dramatically changed. He brought positive energy, leadership and a game winning mentality to an otherwise frustrated and beaten down squad. When a team believes they can succeed, more games are won and the game play is always better across the board.

"The young legs belong to redshirt freshman running back Nate Hopkins, whose debut was nothing short of spectacular, with 130 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries, the first UConn back to rush for 100 yards in his first game since Lyle McCombs in 2011.

“I’m excited, but more excited that we won,” Hopkins said. “It was nice going from being redshirted to playing a significant amount. This is the kind of thing you dream about not only all last year, but even right before the game. It was a blessing to be out there.”

Hopkins is no stranger to big games, having rushed for 2,841 yards and 26 TDs in high school. But this was a different world. He was glad to have Shirreffs at helm of the comeback.

“When Bryant is in the game, he’s real relaxed and calm, someone you can follow easily,” Hopkins said. “He’s been a starter here before, so it’s easy to get behind him. He cares a lot about the program.”

 

[Walker11]

Am I still allowed to point out the obvious -- that every board you participate in woud be a better place, with people happier to participate, without your constant snide negativism?

You are entitled to your opinions. I am entitled to believe the Boneyard would be a much better place if we lost you.

If his online schtick is anything like his actual self, you could replace board with just about anything.

 

[businesslawyer]

Honestly, you are on the top of that list. You are miserable.

I know you like alternative facts, but the facts are you get about .25 likes per post and I get approximately 7 times that. Go away. Or at least be smart enough to know that almost everyone would like you to do so.

 

[formerlurker]

We're counting likes now when we don't agree with someone? I'm no JSM fan but if that's the strength of your re-buttal I see an issue.

 

[UConnNick]

"The young legs belong to redshirt freshman running back Nate Hopkins, whose debut was nothing short of spectacular, with 130 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries, the first UConn back to rush for 100 yards in his first game since Lyle McCombs in 2011.

“I’m excited, but more excited that we won,” Hopkins said. “It was nice going from being redshirted to playing a significant amount. This is the kind of thing you dream about not only all last year, but even right before the game. It was a blessing to be out there.”

Hopkins is no stranger to big games, having rushed for 2,841 yards and 26 TDs in high school. But this was a different world. He was glad to have Shirreffs at helm of the comeback.

“When Bryant is in the game, he’s real relaxed and calm, someone you can follow easily,” Hopkins said. “He’s been a starter here before, so it’s easy to get behind him. He cares a lot about the program.”

This quote from Hopkins says it all. I know Edsall despises QB controversies, I'm sure largely because it can split the team into two opposing camps, just like it does here. That cannot be good for team chemistry, and the coaching staff doesn't want the team deciding who the starter should be.

 

[JSM1970]

Ok, thanks.

I still can't believe anyone thinks winning 3 vs. say 4-5 games matters if we have absolutely no QB with any experience ready to play next year.

BS is not good enough to make this a 7-8 win team.

I would play Pindell or someone else.

I know you like alternative facts, but the facts are you get about .25 likes per post and I get approximately 7 times that. Go away. Or at least be smart enough to know that almost everyone would like you to do so.

 

[JustSaying]

Who cares. It was against a bad FCS team.

Shireffs is awful, ask NCST. Go watch the Beef o Brady Bowl tape, or Syracuse or a bunch of other games. How many games did they win last year with much better O weapons?

Play Pindell, plan beyond this year.

Who cares if they win 2, 3 vs 5 games this year, let's try and get back to something respectable next year.

My guess is they start Pindell, are ready to switch out and then depending on BS would name him after that.

I'll shut down if they name BS, just can't stand him or his game.

Hmmm. A bad FCS team who actually looked pretty good for almost three quarters as they were were kicking our butts. A win is a win and fact is, without BS we would have surely lost against that "bad FCS team."

Maybe BS has worked especially hard and made improvements since last year? Perhaps being a Senior has given him the maturity, wisdom and experience to do a much better job than in years past. He certainly far exceeded anyone's expectations on Thursday night, didn't he?

Also important to note, is that when BS was on the sidelines he was encouraging and supporting his teammates even though chances were great he'd see any playing time at all. Likewise, when Pindell left the game he sat off by himself looking very unhappy and dejected. I might feel differently if Pindell had been on his feet encouraging BS and the rest of the team during the 4th quarter. But that's not what I observed.

Bottom line, the starting QB needs to be a TEAM player.

 

[EdgewoodNHV]

Who cares if they win 2, 3 vs 5 games this year, let's try and get back to something respectable next year.

When I look at UConn Football, I definitely think, "Here's a program that can afford to lose a year."

We're on life support right now. Just win, baby.

 

[gtcam]

I know you like alternative facts, but the facts are you get about .25 likes per post and I get approximately 7 times that. Go away. Or at least be smart enough to know that almost everyone would like you to do so.

I find this very funny because you are obviously replying to someone I have on ignore!!!

 

[UConnNick]

Hmmm. A bad FCS team who actually looked pretty good for almost three quarters as they were were kicking our butts. A win is a win and fact is, without BS we would have surely lost against that "bad FCS team."

Maybe BS has worked especially hard and made improvements since last year? Perhaps being a Senior has given him the maturity, wisdom and experience to do a much better job than in years past. He certainly far exceeded anyone's expectations on Thursday night, didn't he?

Also important to note, is that when BS was on the sidelines he was encouraging and supporting his teammates even though chances were great he'd see any playing time at all. Likewise, when Pindell left the game he sat off by himself looking very unhappy and dejected. I might feel differently if Pindell had been on his feet encouraging BS and the rest of the team during the 4th quarter. But that's not what I observed.

Bottom line, the starting QB needs to be a TEAM player.

^^^^^^^^^^ Like x 1,000.

It's known as leadership, experience, confidence, the IT factor, the X factor, whatever you want to call it. We will never know what Shirreffs might have been capable of accomplishing during the Fiasco regime if he had the benefit of a coaching staff that had a clue about anything, and a decent OL, two things he's never had. It's likely he's never going to have the decent OL, but at least he may now have a coaching staff that can maximize his effectiveness in spite of the limited abilities of his OL.

 

[sportsart]

We're counting likes now when we don't agree with someone? I'm no JSM fan but if that's the strength of your re-buttal I see an issue.

Please don't feed the troll. I have him on ignore and he still manages to screw up the threads I enjoy reading.

 

[BlueMAB]

@JSM1970

It's a timing play. Shirreffs released the bell before Mayala even began making his turn, in fact it was nearly halfway there as he began making his turn. Mayala turned his body to the inside toward the CB, not the outside toward the cone. Mayala caught the ball on his right hip as he jumped.

The ball was where it was supposed to be, when it was supposed to be. Your argument that the ball was supposed to be thrown at the cone, means both BS AND Mayala made a mistake, and by pure luck he happened to catch the ball just barely outside the defender's reach at just the right moment.

Take a poll, put as many posters as you want on there (but include yours), ask if they had to pick one, which poster would they vote off the island. That'd be you.

 

[ShakyTheMohel]

Yes, on the football board.

Am I still aloud to go to the recruiting board and make sarcastic comments on recruits that we beat out Sacared Heart, CCSU, Fordham, Stony Brook, etc.?

She said "aloud".

 

[JSM1970]

So, everyone universally agreed last year BS wasn't an accurate thrower beyond 10 yards

Now he is suddenly?

I'm not saying he probably is not more prepared to play right now than Pindell, I just don't know the point of winning say 5 games vs. 3 and having no experienced QBs entering next year. I don't think BS and this team can win 7-8 games, so I'd rather see other kids get experience

That's my thought, not sure why that is being a troll vs. a legit opinion? The homerism and lack of basic objectivity is nuts at times

@JSM1970

It's a timing play. Shirreffs released the bell before Mayala even began making his turn, in fact it was nearly halfway there as he began making his turn. Mayala turned his body to the inside toward the CB, not the outside toward the cone. Mayala caught the ball on his right hip as he jumped.

The ball was where it was supposed to be, when it was supposed to be. Your argument that the ball was supposed to be thrown at the cone, means both BS AND Mayala made a mistake, and by pure luck he happened to catch the ball just barely outside the defender's reach at just the right moment.

Take a poll, put as many posters as you want on there (but include yours), ask if they had to pick one, which poster would they vote off the island. That'd be you.

 

[JSM1970]

Yes, a play on words as they say

Allowed

Aloud = saracastic points

She said "aloud".