"The expectation is to win every football game." Diaco

[Husky25]

You wouldn't have worry about players quiting on the coach if Saban were in Storrs last year. Saban would have quit on the team himself.

 

[freescooter]

If you think anyone..anyone.. Would have won first year with this group.. A terrible team who lost 9 starters, 6 lineman and 2 NFL draft picks..... Who was terrible the year before.....your intelligence may be below standards

If you don't think we had the horses to beat SMU Army and maybe one of Tulane and USF, well I don't know what to say.
not saying we should have beaten BYU for heavens sake, but it's hardly demanding the impossible to say we should beat Army. After all, Yale managed to find a way. Or did you think we didn't have the horses to compete with an Ivy League also ran?

 

[Dooley]

[QUOTE="whaler11, post: 1385138, member: 676"Y'all are on the same team - the solution is simple: We should follow Dooley's lead and just bash Dez. #teamsilver[/QUOTE]

#teamsilver #teamduffy #anybodybutdez #hashtag

 

[huskymedic]

Yale managed to find a way. Or did you think we didn't have the horses to compete with an Ivy League also ran?

Yale also had the number 1 offense in FCS last year, while we all know where UConn stood in FBS.

In hindsight - Yale would have probably beat UConn last year.

 

[Jimmy Serrano]

Yes, I think Saban would not have much of an impact with that roster. If Diaco had to sacrifice a few games to see what he had (and it wasn't much thanks to his predecessor) then so be it. No matter what he did we were not beating Boise or BYU.

I promise this is my last post on the topic, because it's clear that you, sportsart and a few others do not understand my position.

For the 7,541st time, my criticism of Diaco is not, and never has been, about the number of wins he put up last year. You can continue to mischaracterize my opinion (as sportsart has done) all you want, but I've repeatedly stated that I didn't think we had the horses last, that the program was in shambles, and that I still think Diaco can become a good coach here. I maintain that stance. But none of that absolves him of some of the mind boggling things he did last year. I'm not going to beat the dead horse and list all of my criticisms, but I'm hopeful that he's learned from last year. He had a rough first year, and you can make all the excuses you want for him (you played sports!) but I won't. As many times as you guys claim that players are willing to run through a wall for him based on tweets from the players, my eyes told me a different story the last 3 games of the season.

I'm moving on, because it's a new season. But I'd advise that if you don't want to hear my opinions of Diaco's performance last year, than don't troll me and throw out bait.

 

[Jimmy Serrano]

If you think anyone..anyone.. Would have won first year with this group.. A terrible team who lost 9 starters, 6 lineman and 2 NFL draft picks..... Who was terrible the year before.....your intelligence may be below standards

Another guy who gets off on mischaracterizing other people's position only to argue against said false position and claim superior intelligence. On this board we call this "going full Nelson".

 

[Duncan Idaho]

I disagree, the most competitive we looked to me was against BYU and East Carolina. Against teams like Tulane, etc. Not so much. Did you forget the opening sequence on D vs. Tulane? We scrapped most of the offensive playbook against USF.

Whatever. I'm excited about another football season, but my optimism is very, very cautious.

Boise I thought was the best. Stonybrook the worst game especially with that much season left. I am hopeful that we have swallowed the bitter pill that will make us better and Diaco doesn't turn out to be another George McClellan. I hope you and everyone get something positive out of this season.
Edit: Cincy noncompetative

 

[SonsOfNutmeg]

"The team that was voted to finish last we're going to go undefeated and go to the playoffs and win the national championship. Yeah. That's the answer." -- THIS is the kind of moxie that we've needed from our head football coach and this program for years. Just glad Diaco is here. It will take time, but this entire program will get better each year under HCBD. I think in his first year, considering the dumpster fire that FHCPP and GDL left for him in Storrs, and the under estimation of the work that needed to be done to re-build the program and bring it up to 2015 D1 FBS football standards, and the fact that there wasn't really enough time to recruit his own guys, AND that there may have been issues with assimulating/changing cultures inside that locker room... it was a miricle that we were able to post 2 victories last season!

That being siad, I think we need to go 6-6 this year and go bowling to try and make a strong reason why UConn deserves to be back in the national CR conversation again (not to make this all about CR, but). Winning takes care of so much, season ticket sales, recruiting, national TV coverage, national interest and media attention. ALL things that UConn desperatly needs right now, and what Diaco is trying to cultivate. #TrustInDiaco

 

[DoctorWho85]

I think blame goes all around both players and staff for last year. But I'm trying to being optimistic, so a lot of the young players got a lot of in game experience last year. Will this translate into contending for a championship in the AAC? It might, but I fully believe that we are going to look a heck of a lot better this year than last even if it doesn't turn into a lot of wins. Honestly, I think we'll look, at the bare minimum, competitive in every game.

 

[Dooley]

It was absolutely a stupid question and a stupid question to press Diaco into answering. I, for one, am happy that he gave Dez the business for asking it (repeatedly).

It's a new season with a new slate. Last year saw some very interesting (read: dumb) coaching decisions, but that was last year and I am willing to write it off as part of the "Practice Season" that we were all told is part of the rebuilding process. I expect better decision making this season because the rhetoric has seemingly shifted from "practice" to "winning". There are no more partners in our rebuilding process, only opponents who are standing in our way of complete program restoration. Are we going to win every game? Most certainly not. But my expectation for this year is that, if we go down, we go down swinging. That means no more maddening QB rotation in the middle of a productive drive. No more shelving all passing plays (and offensive balance) over fears of injury or rain. No more punting on 4th-and-1 on SMU's 39 yard line. I can accept losing this year if we try to win, not when we're trying not to lose.

 

[Excalibur]

Nobody has completely given up on him.

This is simply not a correct statement. Not for you personally, but there are plenty of people on this board who not only have given up on him but gave up on him after 4 games last year.

 

[Jimmy Serrano]

This is simply not a correct statement. Not for you personally, but there are plenty of people on this board who not only have given up on him but gave up on him after 4 games last year.

Fair enough. Friggin lawyers.

 

[freescooter]

Yale also had the number 1 offense in FCS last year, while we all know where UConn stood in FBS.

In hindsight - Yale would have probably beat UConn last year.

This has reached the point of ridiculous now. And if our players were so bad that we'd have lost to an Ivy League also ran what the heck makes you think we suddenly have the horses to compete with any 1A program now? What did we do, engineer a trade with San Diego State or something? 75% of last year's debacle is on the coaches . That needs to change in a huge way this year just to be a bad team.

 

[huskymedic]

Yale also had the number 1 offense in FCS last year, while we all know where UConn stood in FBS.

In hindsight - Yale would have probably beat UConn last year.

This has reached the point of ridiculous now. And if our players were so bad that we'd have lost to an Ivy League also ran what the heck makes you think we suddenly have the horses to compete with any 1A program now? What did we do, engineer a trade with San Diego State or something? 75% of last year's debacle is on the coaches . That needs to change in a huge way this year just to be a bad team.

My point was the "Ivy League also ran" had a much more potent offense than UConn did LAST YEAR. Just having "better athletes" on the field does not always equate to wins.

A year's more experience on the field and on the sidelines as a staff makes a big difference.

 

[Bubba1957]

Boise I thought was the best. Stonybrook the worst game especially with that much season left. I am hopeful that we have swallowed the bitter pill that will make us better and Diaco doesn't turn out to be another George McClellan. I hope you and everyone get something positive out of this season.
Edit: Cincy noncompetative

Not to go off topic but I like the McCellan reference. He was a Jersey guy too. Much prefer US Grant who had roots in Windsor and was more of a win by any means guy.

 

[weyuo]

Why, you think Nick Saban could have won with that team? That's ridiculous

Nick Saban would have found a way to win that USF game.

 

[SubbaBub]

Nick Saban would have found a way to win that USF game.

USF, Army, and SMU are the big dents to Bob's cred. Can't have a repeat of that. Though it's hard to give any kind of pass for losing to Tulane or a 3 pt win vs Stony Brook.

 

[EJHarrington]

I promise this is my last post on the topic, because it's clear that you, sportsart and a few others do not understand my position.

For the 7,541st time, my criticism of Diaco is not, and never has been, about the number of wins he put up last year. You can continue to mischaracterize my opinion (as sportsart has done) all you want, but I've repeatedly stated that I didn't think we had the horses last, that the program was in shambles, and that I still think Diaco can become a good coach here. I maintain that stance. But none of that absolves him of some of the mind boggling things he did last year. I'm not going to beat the dead horse and list all of my criticisms, but I'm hopeful that he's learned from last year. He had a rough first year, and you can make all the excuses you want for him (you played sports!) but I won't. As many times as you guys claim that players are willing to run through a wall for him based on tweets from the players, my eyes told me a different story the last 3 games of the season.

I'm moving on, because it's a new season. But I'd advise that if you don't want to hear my opinions of Diaco's performance last year, than don't troll me and throw out bait.[/QU

Jimmy Serrano - I made a post in support of Coach Diaco and his attitude they can win every game this year. It was not in response to any one of your, or anyone else's, posts. YOU responded to MY post so if either of us was trolling it is you. It was not about you or your criticism and I did not mischaracterize anything. BTW, I don't know sportsart or any other poster on this board, including you. I'm just a hardcore fan and I don't want anything to do with online drama.

I agree with much of what you say above but I also stand by my original (and subsequent) posts.

 

[Jimmy Serrano]

Jimmy Serrano - I made a post in support of Coach Diaco and his attitude they can win every game this year. It was not in response to any one of your, or anyone else's, posts. YOU responded to MY post so if either of us was trolling it is you. It was not about you or your criticism and I did not mischaracterize anything. BTW, I don't know sportsart or any other poster on this board, including you. I'm just a hardcore fan and I don't want anything to do with online drama.

I agree with much of what you say above but I also stand by my original (and subsequent) posts.

I love Diaco's attitude. All the trolls and naysayers can pound sand. Whether they go 13-0 or not, Diaco is installing a winning attitude and is not afraid to shake things up. After having a zombie at coach for three years, the players were out of shape, mentally soft, and expected to lose. It was pathetic and I was embarrassed for the players. When losing stops hurting a program is in trouble. Now if they lose, it will hurt because they expect to win and they will hold each other accountable.

I question whether the naysayers / trolls / critics ever played sports seriously because they clearly don't understand the mentality it takes to be a winner.

- EJHarrington

 

[EJHarrington]

I love Diaco's attitude. All the trolls and naysayers can pound sand. Whether they go 13-0 or not, Diaco is installing a winning attitude and is not afraid to shake things up. After having a zombie at coach for three years, the players were out of shape, mentally soft, and expected to lose. It was pathetic and I was embarrassed for the players. When losing stops hurting a program is in trouble. Now if they lose, it will hurt because they expect to win and they will hold each other accountable.

I question whether the naysayers / trolls / critics ever played sports seriously because they clearly don't understand the mentality it takes to be a winner.

- EJHarrington

...and somehow I was referring to Jimmy Serrano???

 

[UConnDan97]

Diaco made many mistakes last year. Anyone who argues to the contrary is just arguing with their heart, not their head or their eyes. And I'm one of the most positive guys in the room.

Having said all that; we are going to punch some people in #@king mouth this year! Diaco will be better. The team will be better. I will be better. BOOM!!!

Pride. Heart. UConn.
#DezcantstopUConnfromundefeatedseason

 

[freescooter]

My point was the "Ivy League also ran" had a much more potent offense than UConn did LAST YEAR. Just having "better athletes" on the field does not always equate to wins.

A year's more experience on the field and on the sidelines as a staff makes a big difference.

It was the Ivy League. Wesleyan had a great offense too. Glad we didn't have to play them last year. This is like the guy who plays tic tac toe againt a chicken in Chinatown and loses. All kinds of excuses... The chicken got to go first. The chicken plays all the time. So what? It was a chicken! We lost to Army. And SMU who people were calling the worst team in the country. Good grief. There is no excuse for those losses. None!

 

[huskymedic]

There is no excuse for those losses. None!

Okay sunshine, I'm wrong, you're right, you win... Here's your prize.

 

[huskysupporter]

The only thing I am clinging to is the hope, as Huskymedic mentioned, that a year of experience will help tremendously.

I guess the major thing I am hoping helps is another year in a first class weight program. Bigger, stronger, faster is my hope.

I also hope Coach D looks back on his many mistakes last season and learns from them.

We will find out shortly.

 

[J187Money]

It was the Ivy League. Wesleyan had a great offense too. Glad we didn't have to play them last year. This is like the guy who plays tic tac toe againt a chicken in Chinatown and loses. All kinds of excuses... The chicken got to go first. The chicken plays all the time. So what? It was a chicken! We lost to Army. And SMU who people were calling the worst team in the country. Good grief. There is no excuse for those losses. None!

Classic! Lmfao.

 

[Srqhusky]

The hcbd has admitted he made mistakes last year and is learning on the job. He grew as a person. This is good enough for me. We all scratched out head last year and his learning curve is what gave us the preseason we had to endure. Given that the guy is a winner and has a winning attitude and he will right the ship

 

[FfldCntyFan]

This is like the guy who plays tic tac toe againt a chicken in Chinatown and loses. All kinds of excuses... The chicken got to go first. The chicken plays all the time. So what? It was a chicken!]

Have you ever beaten that chicken? Unless you have I don't see how that can be an appropriate analogy.

One reality is that we seemed to find new ways to hand the ball over to our opponents every game. I don't know how much of our lack of ball security can be blamed on a first year head coach but I am willing to give him a bit of time with the personnel before stating that he failed in correcting the problem.

I will make a deal with you however, if you ever feel up for the challenge to take on the chicken, I'll pay for it, I'll bet $500 on you and if you win you can keep the $500.

 

[BNich]

How many more days? Sick of hearing all the whining and it's only August!

 

[freescooter]

Have you ever beaten that chicken? Unless you have I don't see how that can be an appropriate analogy.

One reality is that we seemed to find new ways to hand the ball over to our opponents every game. I don't know how much of our lack of ball security can be blamed on a first year head coach but I am willing to give him a bit of time with the personnel before stating that he failed in correcting the problem.

I will make a deal with you however, if you ever feel up for the challenge to take on the chicken, I'll pay for it, I'll bet $500 on you and if you win you can keep the $500.

I take it you lost

 

[RedStickHusky]

A lot of angst in here as the normal anticipation of a new season is tempered with recent reality. Personally, I'm looking at 12 opportunities to go 1 - 0... we can add them up at the end of the year.