Utah State Post Game Thread

[Chief00]

You can see the budget issue in the football game yesterday. They don’t have any money to spend on assistant coaches - hence a guy doesn’t get blocked or touched on an extra point.

 

[UConn2SF]

Props to Roberson for giving his team a chance to win/tie this game, and for playing with some fire and heart, something that was sorely lacking in his previous 2 starts. He was able to engineer 5 scoring drives, 3 of 80 or more yards (80, 27, 48, 88, 55, and 85), and 3 in the 4th quarter in a tight game. He was also able to overcome very bad avg starting field position (our own 22), throwing an INT on the first drive of the game, multiple bad snaps, and some poor decisions/throws to give his team a fighting chance. I hope him and the offense can build from this performance.

 

[noeynox]

You can see the budget issue in the football game yesterday. They don’t have any money to spend on assistant coaches - hence a guy doesn’t get blocked or touched on an extra point.

Is this for real? This is the lamest excuse for lack of accountability in the history of the boneyard. We don't have the resources to properly execute blocking on an extra point y'all.

What i saw was a former starter on offense that has lost his spot, and goes out on the EP team and gives a half ass effort of a blocking attempt.

Mora needs to stop being a nice guy, finding spots for what seems to be sulking players. Really identify who isn't giving max effort and sit them.

 

[Dezoworld]

They didn't give up for a stretch they gave up and stop playing. They thought that 17-0 lead was enough for a win

 

[UConnJim]

Is this for real? This is the lamest excuse for lack of accountability in the history of the boneyard. We don't have the resources to properly execute blocking on an extra point y'all.

What i saw was a former starter on offense that has lost his spot, and goes out on the EP team and gives a half ass effort of a blocking attempt.

Mora needs to stop being a nice guy, finding spots for what seems to be sulking players. Really identify who isn't giving max effort and sit them.

I rewatched each of Utah State's kick defense. They really set up that blocked kick during the game. They always went with a 6/4 line and rotated the guys on the ends a couple of times. #6 was lined up mostly on their right side all game, and he didn't try to block kicks. In fact sometimes the outside man on his side was passive. Then they moved #6 to their left side and he tried to block a FG and if you watch the replay, he was almost successful. It looked like they tried to surprise that side of UConn's line and they were. For the extra point, they moved #6 back to their right side and the three end guys on that side rushed aggressively using the same technique they almost blocked the FG. Again, their aggressive rush seemed to surprise UConn as they had been more passive earlier in the game. It was #6's 4th blocked kick of his career and I thought it was great coaching as they changed their personnel and rushing approaches multiple times.

I noticed that Utah State has more analysts and grad assistants than UConn including a Senior Special Teams Analyst. So, Utah State is devoting more coaching resources to Special Teams than UConn.

Unfortunately, the reality is that UConn does not have a financial advantage versus most of our opponents and I think that matters. That really wasn't the case 10 to 15 years ago, but it is now. I do think we need to spend more money on coaching.

 

[huskymedic]

 

[huskymedic]

 

[huskymedic]

 

[storrsroars]

Jelani Stafford is the Shohei Ohtani of college football.

 

[RSTuthill]

Too early to say AD whiffed on another critical decision. Mora needs to deliver next year and he’s going to have to do a hell of a lot better recruiting and in the transfer portal. UConn should be hitting up the insurance companies, Pfizer, Gengras, Hoffman, EB, UI, the Fairfield hedge funds for NIL deals for players. There should be a bankroll of a couple million a year. But, this requires Storrs people with motivation to help facilitate.

I am curious. do you have any evidence this isn't being done now. Because from what I have seen, UConn has been almost zealous in their fund raising. Keep in mind, UConn started very very late in the FBS game. And a further headwind is that their BB programs are so good. Tough to make headway for FB when everyone is in LOVE with the two BB programs.

 

[ATLDYKA]

He played basically a whole game against Iowa when their QB1 got injured and looked like trash while surrounded by a ton of talent. Most PSU fans think that game was what gone him shown the door at the end of the season.

I do still think he has potential to be serviceable at the level UConn needs, but he had a legit shot at Penn State to prove himself.

Wow, my bad, a whole game, that's tons of experience I forgot.

 

[RSTuthill]

Jelani Stafford is the Shohei Ohtani of college football.

I am totally AMAZED at his agility for a guy that big. He dives into the LOS, nothing there, takes half a step back and sideways and bulls his way to the first down plus a yard.

 

[BlueandOG]

When I read statements like this, I become mad. UConn used to pay competitive salaries 10 years ago, but not anymore. How many teams on UConn's schedule this year do you think UConn pays their assistants more than? 5, Georgia State, FIU, Sacred Heart, James Madison and UMass. And the assistant coaching pools at FIU and Georgia State are 20% and 10% less than UConn and UMass is about 25% less. We do not have a spending advantage on our competition.

UConn has a $80 million+ athletic department budget and we can't find $500k to $1 million more to put into football coaching salaries? Football is UConn's biggest revenue opportunity, but you need to invest to deliver results. And, for those who say you want to see results first, football is not basketball as you can turn around a basketball program in year with a good coach and a couple of players. Turning around football is more complicated.

I totally agree with this. Football is an investment in the university. Success in revenue sports boosts the entire school. UCONN is an example of this thanks to hoops. Invest in football and the university will benefit.

 

[HCCForever]

Jelani Stafford is the Shohei Ohtani of college football.

Can he block on special teams?

 

[Nostical]

I was going to write a synopsis as negative and far ranging as the rest of you —touching on bad play, poor coaching technique, bad coaching decisions, poor recruiting, transfer portal mishaps, a too small endowment, more funding needed for coaches and NIL, it’s the coaching, no it’s the roster, no it’s inept players making bonehead plays, etc, etc.,….till I realized that if we had one better push on 4th down, or one run by TR when the field was open, or one measly extra point and an OT win, none of those negative comments would have flowed from any of you.
So instead I’ll say I saw progress with the offense, Roberson gaining confidence, Edwards showing up at RB, receivers catching and Charlton calling a better game.
Now let’s take those encouraging signs on offense, shore up the D, practice snapping the ball and blocking on kicks, head down to Houston and beat Rice.

 

[Dizzy21]

One really positive thing is that it looked like when Cam Edwards ran, he just hit the hole straight up the field and it became apparent the OLine was blocking well. Felt like Houston especially, would sit and think and it would look like the line was totally collapsed on him and he had to be slippery to get the yards. Rosa was a mix between the two. Cam running looked like we can actually pound the rock at will going forward. Could be that the OLine changed something or the play calls were changed or the DLine sucked, but it definitely felt different that the first 4 games.

 

[Chief00]

Is this for real? This is the lamest excuse for lack of accountability in the history of the boneyard. We don't have the resources to properly execute blocking on an extra point y'all.

What i saw was a former starter on offense that has lost his spot, and goes out on the EP team and gives a half ass effort of a blocking attempt.

Mora needs to stop being a nice guy, finding spots for what seems to be sulking players. Really p lol identify who isn't giving max effort and sit them.

If you don’t think it is a problem, you haven’t watched any of this season’s games. I will spare you the list of mental mistakes, bad technique or just indiscipline sloppiness. The folks who have watched the games, know what I am referring to. The idea that a head coach can be that and the Defensive Coordinator and then coach up inexperience coaches is a big ask.
I do agree effort and the propensity to transfer is an issue too, and good assistant coaches would address these issues before it is too late.
As in any business we need to pay competitively and currently we are not.

 

[Chief00]

He’s not on a shoestring budget. You have no idea what you are talking about.

He is.

 

[noeynox]

If you don’t think it is a problem, you haven’t watched any of this season’s games. I will spare you the list of mental mistakes, bad technique or just indiscipline sloppiness. The folks who have watched the games, know what I am referring to. The idea that a head coach can be that and the Defensive Coordinator and then coach up inexperience coaches is a big ask.
I do agree effort and the propensity to transfer is an issue too, and good assistant coaches would address these issues before it is too late.
As in any business we need to pay competitively and currently we are not.

I've said we've had issues with coaches pay, especially assistant coaches for years on this board. But we are talking about blocking on an extra point. Another like @Palatine pointed is snapping the football. To think that those are issues because we don't have enough analysts seems silly. Players have to know their assignments and execute basics. Sometimes lack of effort shows itself on plays.

 

[jdb50]

This stings a bit but sometimes the truth hurts:

“The whole game we kind of figured out that the right side was their weak link on the block, field goals and PAT and so when the time was right we called a block,” Larsen said. “It just happened and was a perfect scheme.”

Any win is a win right now for Utah State — including the thrilling yet ugly victory over UConn

This right here is very telling on what coaching staffs that are beating us are doing to win the games. We have a lot of young assistants. In game adjustments matter. The fact Utah St evaluating in game to learn this and not just from film allowed them to get the block and beat us. Our special teams have been in rough shape for years. Our staff did not have the PAT team ready. Georgia State ran their QB up the middle untouched for a TD due to knowing how we would lineup. These late in the half passing TDs are not an accident. College players on an extra point blocking assignment should know which gap is the priority to cover when they lineup. In addition the amount of penalties we are committing is an abomination.

 

[Dove]

Can he block on special teams?

Apparently not.

 

[Tdaley]

One really positive thing is that it looked like when Cam Edwards ran, he just hit the hole straight up the field and it became apparent the OLine was blocking well. Felt like Houston especially, would sit and think and it would look like the line was totally collapsed on him and he had to be slippery to get the yards. Rosa was a mix between the two. Cam running looked like we can actually pound the rock at will going forward. Could be that the OLine changed something or the play calls were changed or the DLine sucked, but it definitely felt different that the first 4 games.

No doubt that Cam Edwards is a more of a north/south runner than Houston was. I think he provides us with a great change of pace when he comes in for Victor. Both Edwards and Rosa ran the ball well on Saturday.

 

[Chief00]

I've said we've had issues with coaches pay, especially assistant coaches for years on this board. But we are talking about blocking on an extra point. Another like @Palatine pointed is snapping the football. To think that those are issues because we don't have enough analysts seems silly. Players have to know their assignments and execute basics. Sometimes lack of effort shows itself on plays.

I don’t intend to take responsibility from tbe players but that coaching up thing doesn’t appear to be happening enough.

 

[SuperHuski]

@ZooCougar I think this helps prove your point.

We spent quite a bit of money relative to G5 schools, especially on the Head Coach and Coordinator side. The P5 side of the fence is different story. Kansas is one of the "poorer" P5 schools and they spent 5.5M on head coach + assistants. So I guess it's all relative.

Data is from USA Today database. These are 2022 numbers. Will have 2023 numbers in Dec. Massey ranks are from 2023.

 

[Chin Diesel]

One really positive thing is that it looked like when Cam Edwards ran, he just hit the hole straight up the field and it became apparent the OLine was blocking well. Felt like Houston especially, would sit and think and it would look like the line was totally collapsed on him and he had to be slippery to get the yards. Rosa was a mix between the two. Cam running looked like we can actually pound the rock at will going forward. Could be that the OLine changed something or the play calls were changed or the DLine sucked, but it definitely felt different that the first 4 games.

The combination of Rosa and Edwards is a nice outcome from the game.

Two RB's of close to ideal size who hit holes and fall forward when they are tackled.

 

[uconnric]

This program is bad. Top to bottom, it’s a disaster. Nothing will change because those in charge refuse to do anything meaningful.

I’m out for the rest of the season. I just can’t do it anymore. Respect for those who can; you are more dedicated fans than me.

Thanks troll

 

[Duncan Idaho]

@ZooCougar I think this helps prove your point.

View attachment 91772

We spent quite a bit of money relative to G5 schools, especially on the Head Coach and Coordinator side. The P5 side of the fence is different story. Kansas is one of the "poorer" P5 schools and they spent 5.5M on head coach + assistants. So I guess it's all relative.

Data is from USA Today database. These are 2022 numbers. Will have 2023 numbers in Dec. Massey ranks are from 2023.

AAC should be our peer group within G5

 

[UCTitleTown]

I don't feel so bad after watching how UCF just lost to Baylor. That's even more brutal

Forget winning, the year we can even hang within 14 to 21 of Baylor in a game I'll do cartwheels.

 

[Hoophound]

We needed to lose Houston to see Edwards and Stafford. That’s a great trade off. It was also great to see Cam Ross play a big role. We have some weapons in Ross, Edwards, Rosa, Joly, Stafford, Truckman and Clercius. I’m sure I’m forgetting a couple of others. There’s some talent, let’s keep getting them the ball. It’s something to build on IF the staff recognizes what works and keeps doing it.

 

[maple]

Thanks troll

Sure, buddy.

I’ve been been a diehard UConn fan since childhood. I support every single UConn team and want them all to be successful. I watch games, I buy merch, I’ve followed this team when they were having 1 win seasons and hoping that next year they could turn it around.

Like everyone else, I am extremely frustrated with how much this program has dipped from last year, not to mention the last decade of bottom of the barrel results. I don’t expect UConn to be winning the national title or even making the CFB but come on, the fact that they are once again an absolute joke is completely inexcusable.

Watching them play this season has been an exhausting experience. Please, I would LOVE to eat my words. I’m begging for Mora to turn it around. I just don’t see it happening and I’m tired of watching another disappointing season.

And yet I’ll still probably be back for next week’s game because despite everything I actually like UConn and want them to win.