USU Post Game thoughts/Analysis

[Guru13]

The offense never reached the red zone after the first quarter. Not the end zone the red zone (20 yard line).

The UConn team that ended this game was much worse than than the team that started the game. The team that started the game could have won. The team that finished the game had no chance.

Mora has his work cut out for him. He was dealt a very bad hand on Saturday. At this point the QB situation actually looks worse than last year. On the upside, the running game is much better. On defense it's okay to play a soft zone if you can pressure the QB. Again, Mora will have to sharpen his pencil and figure something out because the Utah State QB played in a clean pocket all game.

They have enough to beat Central, duh. But there is much work to be done. The hardest part will be learning to win. They haven't experienced success for a long time. Even when things were going well against USU, they were making losing plays. They are not good enough to overcome helping the opponents. Get to 1-1 and keep grinding.

you’re point on. I wanna see our dbs challenge the wr’s up the line, unless our dbs are not as physical as I thought they were

 

[hardcorehusky]

I watched Maine kill UMass last year. The offense I saw yesterday was pretty close to that offense. It was a running offense that caused the D to load the box and then go over the top. But there were screens. Charlton will work with ZT and get the passing game more down the field.

 

[kemba]

Pass protection wasn’t bad except for the RT getting blown off the edge, we gave up no sacks and not a lot of qb hits. There was one play were ZT had a lot of time to throw the ball but I guess he didn’t see the receiver. Our o-line did a good job of controlling the trenches. The team who makes the least mistakes wins the game, unfortunately for us ZT was playing against a really good team. TQ would’ve done better since he played in tougher situations before.

We also ran screens and quick hitters almost all game so that helps prevent sacks.

I agree there’s adjustments that can be made to fix the areas of where the pressure was getting in

 

[Slick]

Yes, and one is coming off a severe knee injury last year. What players on our roster used to be QB's in high school? I know Rosa is one, anyone else?

Is it too late to add a QB to the roster? It is still August, isn't Micah Leon still looking for a landing spot?

No Micah Leon !!!

 

[huskymedic]

 

[Chin Diesel]

I've got a feeling we may see some Dayne Shor vs CCSU

At what position?

 

[HuskyNan]

I’m in an airport having lunch before my flight. The restaurant has a tv turned onto a high school game replay on ESPN. During a time out, they showed highlights of the UConn-USU game, noted that the Huskies still had a chance to win late in the game, and declared UConn may be turning things around

 

[uconnfan68]

At what position?

RT

 

[Jimdish255]

Spot on analysis. Would had Chatelton’s play calling was weak. That last pick was 50% bad play calling. They were fully aware we would throw horizontally and it was just a matter of time. The screen plays are a disaster and need to be used judiciously. Once Utah understood we were running counter flows, they adjusted. Nick didn’t. Zion is no where near CFB ready. Happy feet, poor decisions, poor mechanics with low release. balls batted down. He looked like an undisciplined HS QB trying to use his athleticism to beat his opponent, but it ain’t high school and it doesn’t fly. All that said, the team looks like a credible football team. Expect teams to load the box until we can show we can develop a passing game.

If you thought Zergiotis wasn't up to the task you shouldn't be thumbs down on this summary. It's not a sin for a Freshman not to be ready and doesn't mean he can't develop into a productive starter. What it means is the coaches need to do a realistic evaluation and keep an open mind to the possibility that another guy on the roster is more ready at this point. This can not be a throw away season based on anyone's potential, upside or reputation coming in. Nothing has been earned yet.

 

[MilliniumPrince]

Turner looked gassed on that entire last possession. I believe that was the reason he went down untouched on his precious reception. It also caused him to run a terrible route that lead to the final INT. Between burning through a ton of first game nervous jitters and the altitude...it sucks, but it is understandable.

 

[RSTuthill]

I hear you, but we don’t know what the coaches are seeing in practice. I have confidence in the staff and if they think playing a true freshman gave us the best opportunity to win, I have to believe that there’s a reason for it.

Yup, true, agree; but the imminence of execution sharpens the mind -- which is why some people play much better that they practice. Games, where poise is FAR more important, are much different than the practice field.

 

[businesslawyer]

I watched Maine kill UMass last year. The offense I saw yesterday was pretty close to that offense. It was a running offense that caused the D to load the box and then go over the top. But there were screens. Charlton will work with ZT and get the passing game more down the field.

People rightfully wonder if I have a life. And I guaranty you I didn’t once consider watching Maine play UMass.

 

[FfldCntyFan]

I’ll do a 241 later today or tonight. But until they were able to play 9 in the box, the running game was really encouraging. As was the effort and determination.

Of greater importance: will you be in 241 next Saturday?

 

[businesslawyer]

Of greater importance: will you be in 241 next Saturday?

Absolutely.

 

[BlueandOG]

The way I look at it, there’s no one on this board who would’ve thought before the game we’d be down just 4 pts in the 4th - especially knowing both Roberson and Marion would be injured in the 1st quarter. This shows the resiliency and dog culture Mora has instilled into this program.

…and if it weren’t for that awful PI call we could’ve had a chance for the W.

Certainly encouraged, and although the injuries suck, this is a new beginning for UConn football and I’m very excited for the future!

I disagree. I had us undefeated this season and thought we would be stomping their guts out in the 4th. I've updated my prediction to 11-1.

 

[hardcorehusky]

People rightfully wonder if I have a life. And I guaranty you I didn’t once consider watching Maine play UMass.

Scouting. It was the week after our debacle against UMass and wanted to see Xavier Scott and the Maine offense

 

[Woof 101]

Look, given the better way UConn played Saturday over last year (the last 10 years) UConn could still come up with six wins in regular season. Central, Syracuse, FIU, Ball State, UMass and Liberty are all winnable. Six wins means a bowl game. Let's go Huskies!

No attack @LoyalFanCT as I am one myself, but just what bowl could we make with the wins you predict. I want these and more but have no interest in a bowl that has no attendance and a payout that puts the school further in debt. There are 5 / 7 teams that would get a look before us to fill the over populated bowl scene. This due to conference affiliation and strength of schedule. I hate it but just a fact, UConn most likely has to win at least eight games to see a bowl. Again just the realist I am no attack ...

I hear you, but we don’t know what the coaches are seeing in practice. I have confidence in the staff and if they think playing a true freshman gave us the best opportunity to win, I have to believe that there’s a reason for it.

Badda bing, badda boom and there it is... Eloquent and polite way to explain to the arm chair / couch coaches. As much as one would like to second guess, without access to what is happening in practice or the workout room we have no clue. In the coaching staff we have to trust, so far I am very impressed for the first time in a decade.

 

[huskymedic]

There are 5 / 7 teams that would get a look before us to fill the over populated bowl scene. This due to conference affiliation and strength of schedule.

You sure about that??

As recent as last year - I believe the policy was that all eligible 6-6 teams must be given a postseason berth first before any team under .500 can be considered (5-7).

I’m not saying that if UConn is 6-6 they will be selected for a Bowl Game - just that based on previous years, a 6-6 team gets preference over any 5-7 team.

Heck, I think they even added a bowl game to accommodate 6-6 teams.

(…. And it’s batschlitz crazy to be discussing bowls @ 0-1 and I just slapped myself)

 

[Rumrunner]

My biggest surprise from the QB play of Zion was how few yards he got with his legs. I expected a more mobile, grab a couple of yards when coverage breaks down type of player. At 5'11" that's a skill for that size of a QB to have. But he might have been told to do no running and throw the ball away, so who knows? We were told by Mora in pre-season that Millen is the fastest of the QB's. At first, I thought he's just saying that to have something positive to say about all the QB's. But maybe it's true. I also hope that that sideways release gets corrected. At times you need to throw like that, but when it was employed, it was usually unnecessary. The good news is he's a true freshman, which means fast-foward to his senior year, leading UConn to a St. Thomas-like 12-0 record...

 

[ScottVib]

As recent as last year - I believe the policy was that all eligible 6-6 teams must be given a postseason berth first before any team under .500 can be considered (5-7).

I’m not saying that if UConn is 6-6 they will be selected for a Bowl Game - just that based on previous years, a 6-6 team gets preference over any 5-7 team.

Beyond that I believe the rule reads that 5-7 teams are invited based on APR rankings.

 

[LoyalFanCT]

No attack @LoyalFanCT as I am one myself, but just what bowl could we make with the wins you predict. I want these and more but have no interest in a bowl that has no attendance and a payout that puts the school further in debt. There are 5 / 7 teams that would get a look before us to fill the over populated bowl scene. This due to conference affiliation and strength of schedule. I hate it but just a fact, UConn most likely has to win at least eight games to see a bowl. Again just the realist I am no attack ...


Badda bing, badda boom and there it is... Eloquent and polite way to explain to the arm chair / couch coaches. As much as one would like to second guess, without access to what is happening in practice or the workout room we have no clue. In the coaching staff we have to trust, so far I am very impressed for the first time in a decade.

What about LendingTree Bowl or Liberty Bowl? Didn't independent teams recently play in both?

 

[RSTuthill]

Not to worry, we have at least another year before UConn fans have to start worrying about a bowl invite. And probably two, the portal notwithstanding.

Of more immediate concern is how to salvage this season apparently without a passing game. If that equation cannot be solved, it will be a looooong season. And if Puma is a no go this year, then who is gonna take on the QB3 role? Time to give Rosa some snaps with the two's or players not on the depth chart? Time to be working hard on CM's passing if he is QB2 -- or will he be the Scott McCummings of this decade limited only to a wildcat role?

It should be a very interesting game on Saturday. So many opportunities to do various developmental things, and yet winning convincingly has to be the first priority.

 

[huskymedic]

 

[Woof 101]

What about LendingTree Bowl or Liberty Bowl? Didn't independent teams recently play in both?

Not sure but I did find this.

The LendingTree Bowl will match up teams from the Mid-America Conference, the Sun Belt Conference and Conference USA.
Found this on Liberty ...
The bowl has multiple conference and team tie-ins for the 2020 through 2025 seasons. Both the SEC and ACC announced bowl lineups for those years that did not include the Independence Bowl.[5] In January 2020, the bowl announced a six-year sequence of games that will feature an independent program (either Army or BYU) against a team from either the Pac-12, Conference USA (C-USA), or the American Athletic Conference (The American), as shown in the table.[6] This is likely to change, however, since BYU is scheduled to join the Big 12 Conference for the 2023-24 school year and will not keep their football independence as a result.

@huskymedic

You sure about that??

As recent as last year - I believe the policy was that all eligible 6-6 teams must be given a postseason berth first before any team under .500 can be considered (5-7).

Not sure about anything these days, just my opinion with all due respect to all you bring to this forum. I thought and know all 6-6 teams must be considered but not sure of independents. Last year both Auburn and LSU were bowl invites at 6-6. Just my opinion unless we beat some highly ranked teams and go above and beyond what is expected we see no bowl without a tie in.
Agree with you way too much to talk about this early in the new season / regime. Thank you for slapping yourself and reminding me to do so.

 

[Stinger92860]

I watched Maine kill UMass last year. The offense I saw yesterday was pretty close to that offense. It was a running offense that caused the D to load the box and then go over the top. But there were screens. Charlton will work with ZT and get the passing game more down the field.

With 9 in the box, the injuries at WR, and a true freshman QB, I think you are going to see more quick passes rather than going down field. This is when guys like Houston, Brewton, and maybe Rosa can do some damage.

With ZT is it possible that they will ask him to think pass first and only run when its wide open? We lose ZT and if PT is not ready we are down to one QB very early in the season. If Steve stayed he may have been #2, played and won that game. However, I don‘t believe he is the #1 at GState so who knows.

On Defense, are any of our freshman edge rushers that can make a difference? I think I know the answer to that, if we had one I think he plays.

 

[Coach J]

Some other positive below the radar developments I saw Saturday:

1. JM has more then adequately filled the kicker and punting jobs that should be important factors in our success this year. People will joke about this, but imagine if we had a subpar kicker or a punter who could not flip the field for us, especially with the offensive injuries we have had.

2. Robert Burns was an absolute demon on punt coverage.

3. RT pass protection struggles none withstanding the OL is light years ahead of last year's line which had an NFL player on it.

4. Tackling from our secondary is in another universe compared to last year.

5. I think a PI call was warranted on ZT first downfield attempt to Kevens Clercius and if it was that could have definitely changed the outcome of the game. BTW, KC had an excellent downfield block on the 2nd Q Russell Dixon reception springing him for extra yardage.

6. The staff seems up to the task, especially dealing with Spanos absence.

All that being said DL help should be a top portal priority this off season. Imagine how good the D would have looked had Travis Jones decided to come back for another year instead of the NFL. Also having only 3 QBs remaining on the roster is a little worrisome so early in the season.

 

[Stinger92860]

All that being said DL help should be a top portal priority this off season. Imagine how good the D would have looked had Travis Jones decided to come back for another year instead of the NFL. Also having only 3 QBs remaining on the roster is a little worrisome so early in the season.

Kevon would have also made a huge positive difference.

 

[LoyalFanCT]

Not sure but I did find this.

The LendingTree Bowl will match up teams from the Mid-America Conference, the Sun Belt Conference and Conference USA.
Found this on Liberty ...
The bowl has multiple conference and team tie-ins for the 2020 through 2025 seasons. Both the SEC and ACC announced bowl lineups for those years that did not include the Independence Bowl.[5] In January 2020, the bowl announced a six-year sequence of games that will feature an independent program (either Army or BYU) against a team from either the Pac-12, Conference USA (C-USA), or the American Athletic Conference (The American), as shown in the table.[6] This is likely to change, however, since BYU is scheduled to join the Big 12 Conference for the 2023-24 school year and will not keep their football independence as a result.

@huskymedic

Not sure about anything these days, just my opinion with all due respect to all you bring to this forum. I thought and know all 6-6 teams must be considered but not sure of independents. Last year both Auburn and LSU were bowl invites at 6-6. Just my opinion unless we beat some highly ranked teams and go above and beyond what is expected we see no bowl without a tie in.
Agree with you way too much to talk about this early in the new season / regime. Thank you for slapping yourself and reminding me to do so.

2021 Lending Tree Bowl was Eastern Michigan and Liberty. 2020 Liberty Bowl was West Virginia and Army. Those are two independents. Also, New Mexico Bowl has gone outside of tie-in conferences to select a team. Houston recently played in that bowl.

 

[Duncan Idaho]

Kevon would have also made a huge positive difference.

As some have mentioned elsewhere, Bonner USU's Qb got the ball quickly also.

 

[Punkbo]

Kevon would have also made a huge positive difference.

Agree. Along with the Cam Ross injury, Kevon’s absence was the most disappointing news of the pre-season. Does anyone have any good insight into his situation?