UConn is going Bowling > Wasabi Fenway Bowl v. Army (Saturday 12/27/25 @2:15 on ESPN)

[Blades]

It may showcase some future stars, next years quarterback ???

 

[temery]

Can I assume that not one player at army is going to opt out of playing

 

[Scoe]

No one is going to think the program is less healthy or strong because of Wasabi Bowl. It may showcase some future stars, next years quarterback, any number of positives. The outcome is irrelevant, it's not what we do, its what we do with it. Candle comes out swinging after Christmas.

Would still like to win this game though. This mentality of who cares about this game is a very poor reflection on society and on gaining lifelong values.

I just can't support the message that voluntarily being inactive is the right thing to do. I don't think the outcome is end all be all but this non chalant mentality to this bowl game just bothers me.

 

[BRS24]

Can I assume that not one player at army is going to opt out of playing

Good question, and I'm not sure that they are able to do so? The military academies are just different, and although there may be a few players that have professional aspirations, there would probably be some unseen repercussions if they said no thanks to a bowl game. Then again, if a player refuses, they may just chalk it up to an "injury" and handle things internally. Many many years ago, my husband was involved in something at USNA. Totally legit, and yet they made his last year hell. He should have flunked out but they wouldn't let him, as they could not ever admit that they were wrong. That's a beer and wings story.

 

[KryHavok]

Before people get excited (too late) that St. Nick will be coming down the chimney to lead the way for us, the chatter right now is that he likely won't play in the bowl. So like the great wise monkey said:

 

[BeatNavy]

Good question, and I'm not sure that they are able to do so? The military academies are just different, and although there may be a few players that have professional aspirations, there would probably be some unseen repercussions if they said no thanks to a bowl game. Then again, if a player refuses, they may just chalk it up to an "injury" and handle things internally. Many many years ago, my husband was involved in something at USNA. Totally legit, and yet they made his last year hell. He should have flunked out but they wouldn't let him, as they could not ever admit that they were wrong. That's a beer and wings story.

They could opt out, but I can't see any senior doing it.

Juniors and below could opt out, but wouldn't be welcome back to the team in the spring. Juniors have incurred a post-graduation commitment, and it's hard to picture a junior who has been in the football program for three years opting to not play football as a senior.

Sophomores and freshmen could opt out to enter the portal, but we don't have any major contributors from those two classes.

 

[Husky92]

Before people get excited (too late) that St. Nick will be coming down the chimney to lead the way for us, the chatter right now is that he likely won't play in the bowl. So like the great wise monkey said:
View attachment 114635

Care to shed some light, then?

Joe’s apparently out…
You’re saying all indications are Nick is out…
McDonald had a cast on his throwing hand most of the season..
Farrar entered the portal (if I recall correctly)…

That leaves…Tyler Smith from Fairfield Prep??

 

[CL82]

Before people get excited (too late) that St. Nick will be coming down the chimney to lead the way for us, the chatter right now is that he likely won't play in the bowl. So like the great wise monkey said:
View attachment 114635

Source? This would be disappointing, if true.

 

[cullaville]

Good question, and I'm not sure that they are able to do so? The military academies are just different, and although there may be a few players that have professional aspirations, there would probably be some unseen repercussions if they said no thanks to a bowl game. Then again, if a player refuses, they may just chalk it up to an "injury" and handle things internally. Many many years ago, my husband was involved in something at USNA. Totally legit, and yet they made his last year hell. He should have flunked out but they wouldn't let him, as they could not ever admit that they were wrong. That's a beer and wings story.

I don't think it is a question off can they but will they They believe in the team mentality and commitment to team members and fellow cadets. Even though on Saturday while on the field Army and Navy both wanted beat the other team they have the utmost respect for each other and even though they are at different academies they realize they have the same work ethic and commitment to serve after graduation.

You can feel the respect shown for each other by the way they line up for the opponents alma mater song after the game win or lose.

Whether Uconn wins or loses (and am hoping for a Uconn win) the Fenway Bowl I hope the teams show Army the respect they deserve and stay on the field for the Army alma mater song.

ALL fans going to the game should stay until the Army alma mater is sung to support these players and cadets and their commitment to serve after graduation.

 

[Tdaley]

Care to shed some light, then?

Joe’s apparently out…
You’re saying all indications are Nick is out…
McDonald had a cast on his throwing hand most of the season..
Farrar entered the portal (if I recall correctly)…

That leaves…Tyler Smith from Fairfield Prep??

I didn’t see that Farrar indicated that he was going to entered the portal. My guess he will start in the bowl game for us.

 

[AllHusky]

why would evers be in the portal? Candle meet with him? I was excited to see what he could do, looked suspiciously good in limited action.

 

[CTBasketball]

why would evers be in the portal? Candle meet with him? I was excited to see what he could do, looked suspiciously good in limited action.

I don’t think most, if not many, want to play in this bowl game.

 

[BlueandOG]

I don't think it is a question off can they but will they They believe in the team mentality and commitment to team members and fellow cadets. Even though on Saturday while on the field Army and Navy both wanted beat the other team they have the utmost respect for each other and even though they are at different academies they realize they have the same work ethic and commitment to serve after graduation.

You can feel the respect shown for each other by the way they line up for the opponents alma mater song after the game win or lose.

Whether Uconn wins or loses (and am hoping for a Uconn win) the Fenway Bowl I hope the teams show Army the respect they deserve and stay on the field for the Army alma mater song.

ALL fans going to the game should stay until the Army alma mater is sung to support these players and cadets and their commitment to serve after graduation.

I don't know why people fall over themselves for academy students. They are undergraduates like anyone else. Many more young people volunteer to serve in the military and don't go to academies. They are the opposing team and deserve no more or less respect or adulation than any other opponent.

 

[Husky92]

I didn’t see that Farrar indicated that he was going to entered the portal. My guess he will start in the bowl game for us.

Yes. I apparently wasn’t remembering correctly. Looking at Medics portal list, Farrar isn’t listed.

 

[RSTuthill]

Before people get excited (too late) that St. Nick will be coming down the chimney to lead the way for us, the chatter right now is that he likely won't play in the bowl. So like the great wise monkey said:
View attachment 114635

Is there any reliable reporting on this? I asked three AI's this question and all three said to date there has not been reliable reporting.

 

[KryHavok]

Care to shed some light, then?

Joe’s apparently out…
You’re saying all indications are Nick is out…
McDonald had a cast on his throwing hand most of the season..
Farrar entered the portal (if I recall correctly)…

That leaves…Tyler Smith from Fairfield Prep??

Source? This would be disappointing, if true.

Is there any reliable reporting on this? I asked three AI's this question and all three said to date there has not been reliable reporting.

I am merely passing along what I've encountered from sources that are supposedly in tune with the program. Nothing seems definitive, but it sure as tish sounded like Evers ain't suiting up. So Sammis better do his best Santa impression, check his list, and see who's not portaling and opting out.

 

[ShakyTheMohel]

Wow. On Circa, UConn is an 8.5 pt dog.

 

[ScottVib]

Draft Kings has the same. Opened UConn -3.5; now UConn +8.5

 

[EdgewoodNHV]

I mean we're playing without our Star QB or First-Team All American Wide Receiver. Not surprised the odds aren't in our favor.

I'll be there anyway to cheer on whoever shows up.

 

[Scrutineer]

Would still like to win this game though. This mentality of who cares about this game is a very poor reflection on society and on gaining lifelong values.

I just can't support the message that voluntarily being inactive is the right thing to do. I don't think the outcome is end all be all but this non chalant mentality to this bowl game just bothers me.

Could be the defense mechanism of some who believe we have no chance with a depleted roster against a complete roster on an Army team whose offense is tough to beat even when we're at full strength.

 

[Hoophound]

Could be the defense mechanism of some who believe we have no chance with a depleted roster against a complete roster on an Army team whose offense is tough to beat even when we're at full strength.

Yeah, that’s partially it, but it’s also just frustration with the system. We are being disappointed by the system and when it hits your fan base you feel it.

A couple of years ago when FSU was looking like a national champ until their QB went down in their last game, their fans were absolutely pumped. Then they got left out of the playoff because they were a depleted team without their star QB. So, then half their starters or more opted out of the bowl game and they got wrecked. The average fan, including the ones on this board, had no sympathy whatsoever and did not want to hear that their good players didn’t even play. They said FSU was just a paper tiger and “next man up” and all the other cliches. Unrelated most likely, but FSU has had real rough sledding ever since.

We cannot afford that kind of reaction when Army grinds us to dust. Nobody cares that we may not even have a QB for the game if the one remaining guy we have turns an ankle in practice. This is a systematic failure and it looks like it is going to make a mockery of our program at a very bad time.

On top of that, in order to cheer on your team you have to pay a bunch of money and freeze your butt off. Bad timing and unfortunate circumstances all around. The only thing that makes this ok is if tons of crazy UConn fans show up and our remaining guys somehow pull off what could be considered a genuine miracle. I hope it happens but it sure looks like we are about to be a victim of the system.

 

[CTBasketball]

Yeah, that’s partially it, but it’s also just frustration with the system. We are being disappointed by the system and when it hits your fan base you feel it.

A couple of years ago when FSU was looking like a national champ until their QB went down in their last game, their fans were absolutely pumped. Then they got left out of the playoff because they were a depleted team without their star QB. So, then half their starters or more opted out of the bowl game and they got wrecked. The average fan, including the ones on this board, had no sympathy whatsoever and did not want to hear that their good players didn’t even play. They said FSU was just a paper tiger and “next man up” and all the other cliches. Unrelated most likely, but FSU has had real rough sledding ever since.

We cannot afford that kind of reaction when Army grinds us to dust. Nobody cares that we may not even have a QB for the game if the one remaining guy we have turns an ankle in practice. This is a systematic failure and it looks like it is going to make a mockery of our program at a very bad time.

On top of that, in order to cheer on your team you have to pay a bunch of money and freeze your butt off. Bad timing and unfortunate circumstances all around. The only thing that makes this ok is if tons of crazy UConn fans show up and our remaining guys somehow pull off what could be considered a genuine miracle. I hope it happens but it sure looks like we are about to be a victim of the system.

You’re forgetting the fact that the AD and school knew the risks of accepting this bowl game, yet pursued anyways because it’s local and we’d profit off it.

How much money would you pay for a 10th win? The school would rather get paid $1M, willingly know half our best players will opt out, and lose.

 

[Scoe]

Could be the defense mechanism of some who believe we have no chance with a depleted roster against a complete roster on an Army team whose offense is tough to beat even when we're at full strength.

I get how fans feel that way this system just sucks. I was hoping and still hold out hope that our senior leadership has our team focused. Look Mora moved on it's life so move on, you have worked too hard and gone this far to not go all out against Army IMO.

 

[DoctorWho85]

why would evers be in the portal? Candle meet with him? I was excited to see what he could do, looked suspiciously good in limited action.

Evers has a lot of upside, at least to my untrained eye. He's got all the tools, but makes mistakes which I think can be coached to be corrected. No better time to see what Evers than in the bowl game.

 

[huskymedic]

You’re forgetting the fact that the AD and school knew the risks of accepting this bowl game, yet pursued anyways because it’s local and we’d profit off it.

You’ve mentioned this a few times… so now I’m curious which other bowl did UConn officially have an offer from that you are aware of?

 

[Purple Stein]

A year ago at this time there was so much excitement for this very same game. Same site, same date, better time this year. And it's not like we're playing UTEP.

We are not good enough to be this fickle as a fanbase.

 

[CTBasketball]

You’ve mentioned this a few times… so now I’m curious which other bowl did UConn officially have an offer from that you are aware of?

I heard from someone close to the team they had options. I don’t know if that’s true for certain. What I think is reality is the AD pushed hard for Fenway Bowl from the get-go thinking morale would be the same as last year.

 

[FfldCntyFan]

I heard from someone close to the team they had options. I don’t know if that’s true for certain. What I think is reality is the AD pushed hard for Fenway Bowl from the get-go thinking morale would be the same as last year.

I don't doubt for a second that when the bowls started looking into filling out their matchups, a few considered us and likely one or two made a phone call.

As far as whether we had better options than the Fenway Bowl, I imagine that would at best be up for debate.

We could have faced considerably further travel for a lower profile bowl against an opponent that most would complain about if we paid them to come to the Rent.

If we ended up in Myrtle Beach playing Kennesaw St, Frisco playing Ohio U or Montgomery playing Jacksonville St would it have been better?

 

[UConnJim]

I heard from someone close to the team they had options. I don’t know if that’s true for certain. What I think is reality is the AD pushed hard for Fenway Bowl from the get-go thinking morale would be the same as last year.

It appears that the two options were the Boca Raton Bowl on Tuesday December 23rd or the Fenway Bowl on Saturday December 27. Based on rumors of the payout for the Fenway Bowl, UConn will probably make up to $1 million on the bowl vs losing money on the Boca bowl. And, a bowl 2 days before Christmas, where you would probably fly back home on Christmas Eve, is not going to attract fans. There will be more UConn fans in Boston than there would have been in Boca. Besides, the opponent would have been Toledo, which was probably a non-starter since that is where Candle is from. I don't think the location of the bowl resulted in Fagnano and Bell opting out.

 

[CTBasketball]

I don't doubt for a second that when the bowls started looking into filling out their matchups, a few considered us and likely one or two made a phone call.

As far as whether we had better options than the Fenway Bowl, I imagine that would at best be up for debate.

We could have faced considerably further travel for a lower profile bowl against an opponent that most would complain about if we paid them to come to the Rent.

If we ended up in Myrtle Beach playing Kennesaw St, Frisco playing Ohio U or Montgomery playing Jacksonville St would it have been better?

Right. And if the only certain thing these days is the money, you take it. I don’t blame the decision by the AD. But the opt outs are the reality we live with.