UConn Football

Every preseason Top 25 college football poll has one trending topic.  The Big East Conference has received an extremely raw deal from the media.  In most cases, it isn't until the late teens that a Big East team appears.

In the Sporting News Preseason Top 100 out today, the first Big East team is Pittsburgh at 19.  That is followed by West Virginia at 24.

Other than that, there are no Big East teams to be found in the Top 25.  This isn't the only poll, either.  It should be interesting to see where the AP and ESPN Polls weigh in on the current situation.

Personally, ever since Miami, Virginia Tech, and Boston College moved to the ACC, the Big East football perception of contending as a power conference was shattered. 

It takes a long time to build a respectable conference and when those three teams bolted there was a power shift.  For whatever reason, the people who vote in these polls love to downgrade Big East teams.

Cincinnati, who didn't lose a game last season until the Sugar Bowl is nowhere to be found in most preseason polls.  Yeah so they lost Tony Pike and Brian Kelly.  The Bearcats are going to be a talented team once again this season.

Rutgers continues to improve and Greg Schiano has done a fabulous job at getting top recruits in New Jersey who want to go to a state school and contribute right away.

Connecticut who Sporting-news has ranked 28 could very well compete for this year's Big East title.  Randy Edsall has built UConn from nothing and continues to develop players year after year.

The job he has done at Storrs is one of best building jobs ever in college football.  Yet, the polls seem to see it otherwise.

Even Skip Holtz is now coaching at South Florida.  He is willing and ready to give it all he has to transcending this team into a football program that can compete with Miami, Florida, and Florida State.

Then there is Louisville and Syracuse.  Well both of those teams are probably not moving out of the cellar of the Big East anytime soon.  Unless there is a magnificent turnaround I don't see it happening.

The Big East has two of the strongest running backs in the country in Dion Lewis and Noel Devine.  Jordan Todman is another tailback that has the explosion to run for over 1300 yards this season.

Big East football has had a hard time lately when it comes to competing with the SEC, Big Ten, or Big Twelve.

The bottom-line is viewers want to see the Big East win against tough non-conference opponents.

They want to see South Florida beat Miami.

They want to see UConn go into Michigan and beat the Wolverines.

How about Cincinnati who has a chance to play Oklahoma in Norman.

These center-stage games will give the Big East a chance to get back some of its respect.

Until then there is going to be little attention to a team such as UConn.  Once they go out there and win football games and prove they are for real, it is then a different story.

UConn Wide Receivers are going to need to step their games up in 2010 to help translate offensive success through the air.  Quarterback Zach Frazer has put on some muscle, and speed over the off-season, and his arm when accurate can be a force.

Two players that are expected to have major impacts on the UConn offense is two men with the last name Moore.  No relations, but one attribute both these wide-outs have is the ability to catch a football.

Junior Kashif Moore had 22 receptions for 370 yards, and three touchdowns last season.  He was very close with teammate Jasper Howard, and his death really had an impact on how he played on the football.

Isiah Moore another Junior had 24 receptions, 286 yards and, one touchdown.  He came on the scene, and contributed when called upon.  His size, and athleticism is what posed problems for opponents secondary.

Tight End Ryan Griffin is a player to keep your eye on this season.  He had 23 receptions for 272 yards last season, but wasn't utilized as much as he should have been.

With another year under his belt in this offense, Griffin who stands at 6'5" , and has some speed should create problems for opposing linebackers.

A wide receiver to keep your eye on is Mike Smith.  He is an absolute burner who is yet to have the opportunity to show of his skills.  Let me tell you, this is the year for the Junior from Texas to shine.

He had a phenomenal spring game, but remember the name when UConn opens the season in September.  He could been the difference-maker in UConn's success in  passing the football.

Another thing to keep in mind is this is Offensive Coordinator Joe Moorhead's second season.  It was a transition last year as UConn mixed up the run and pass.  As the playbook changes, and players get more reps UConn could have one potent offense.

The offensive line returns one of the best groups in the country.  They are going to give Frazer plenty of time to throw the football, and if these receivers are able to get open, it could become a clinic focusing on picking apart opposing defenses.

This wide receiving group can do it all.  Whether it is running a go-route down the field, or a quick slant to pick up the first down.

Their production is an important part to setting up the run, and keep opposing secondaries on their heels.

UConn Wide Receivers are prepared to deliver on offense in a big way.

They were successful last season scoring over 400 points.  If they have some shootouts this season, look for the wide receivers to produce in bunches.

One thing that remains the same in UConn Country is Randy Edsall's dedication and commitment to making UConn football a big-time program.  This is the year that Edsall has his team ready to make that leap.

There are a few items that Coach Edsall is yet to accomplish here at Storrs. 

First and foremost UConn has never beaten West Virginia.

What better way than getting them at home on October 29 a Thursday night.  This is a game that all UConn fans should have circled on the calendar.

UConn has never won a Big East title outright. In 2007 they were co-champions and lost in the Meinke Car Care Bowl. 

The way the schedule sets up, they have the three toughest conference teams at home.

Pittsburgh, West Virginia, and Cincinnati all come to The Rent.  UConn has always been a strong home team. If they continue that trend this season it could be a memorable year for this football program.

What remains constant through all of this is Randy Edsall. 

He is one of the longest tenured coaches in all of College Football and is proud of that fact. There hasn't been a program that has put up an offer to tempt Edsall to leave.

Not his alma mater Syracuse or Georgia Tech.  Big time schools who put all their emphasis on winning.

Last year's fatal stabbing death of Jasper Howard really brought this team together as a family.  Edsall said his team was always close but this tragic event formed an unbreakable bond.

UConn finished the season riding a four-game winning streak. 

It is going to need that success and be able to pull out the close games that matter when the goal is to win the Big East and go to a Bowl Championship Series game.

Edsall and the Huskies are currently ranked in various college previews as a Top 25 team headed into the beginning of the season. 

UConn has only been ranked a couple of times in the history of the program, but Edsall believes this team could continue winning building its resume in the ranks of College Football.

Opening the season at Ann Arbor against Michigan will give UConn another opportunity to prove why it deserves to be part of the Top 25.

Edsall would love to beat his friend and former rival Rich Rodriguez.  He never did while Rich Rod was at West Virginia and that would send a message to all of their competitors in the Big East Conference.

There's no doubt in my mind that Randy Edsall puts everything he has each and every day into this UConn team.  He strives for greatness and wants nothing more then to see his team succeed.

As he stands tall with a core group of players returning, this team expects to win.  The goals have to be set high, higher than they have ever been set before.

Randy Edsall realizes the potential the 2010 UConn football team has. 

Now is the time that all the preparation and work is needed to pay off come September.

Randy Edsall's UConn team was so close last year, losing only five games by a combined 15 points. Execution is what Edsall always preaches when it comes to winning football games.

Last season, UConn football lost more than just games when cornerback Jasper Howard was murdered in October. This struck the UConn community and it put everything into perspective.

Throughout the entire process Coach Edsall stood tall and really was there to help his players and himself get through the tough times, which included an emotional game at West Virginia followed by the funeral services.

UConn finished the season strong, winning four straight and entering the 2010 season ready to make a run at the Big East title. Coach Edsall has made a commitment since day one of his tenure, and made it clear that he wants to see this university play in a BCS Bowl Game.

Year after year, there has been much speculation that a big-time program would come in and offer Edsall a contract he couldn't refuse. That hasn't happened yet because Edsall is dedicated to delivering on his promise.

That commitment could become a reality in 2010. UConn returns 16 starters led by quarterback Zach Frazer, running back Jordan Todman, and linebacker Lawrence Wilson.

The Big East is wide open entering this season, and any number of teams—whether it be Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, or West Virginia—could be fighting with UConn towards the season's end for the BCS bid.

Edsall is known for his strong defensive knowledge and knows in order to be one of the best teams in the country every area of the team has to know its role on game day. 

He is entering his 12th season as head coach and has guided UConn to straight three bowl games over the last three years. Over that span, UConn football has gone 25-14.

Headed into this season, many different magazines have UConn as part of the their top 25. Why not? UConn football has made big strides over the years and has the talent and pieces in place to have a season to remember.

UConn has never won double digit games in a season. Winning 10 games is hard to do in college football, but with the competition and schedule presented to UConn, this is the year it could happen.

Edsall has worked day and night to transition UConn into more than just a basketball school. He is getting there, but winning a Big East title outright, and going to BCS Bowl would be the icing on the cake.

The time is now for UConn football. Let's see if the Huskies live up to the hype and expectations that everybody has for them.

Coach Edsall will have his players ready to do exactly that.

One thing that is almost a guarantee with UConn football is the ability to run the ball against its opponents. They play smash-mouth football where the running backs are very important parts of picking up first downs and putting points on the board.

The UConn starter this year heading into the Fall is Junior, Jordan Todman.  Todman who is a powerful 5'9 190 lbs really packs a punch behind his frame. Last year, while splitting time with Andre Dixon, he ran for 1,188 yards and scored 14 touchdowns.

Todman emerged as a quick hitter, a tailback that would hit the hole and run with it.  His breakout speed and strength is what helped him run down field and gain yards on the grounds.

His best game last season was on the road at Cincinnati where he rushed for 162 yards on 26 carries and scored a career high four touchdowns. Todman, against the Big East champion Bearcats, never stopped competing, and it was his success on the ground that kept UConn in the game.

That type of success needs to be replicated this season if UConn hopes to emerge as a contender for a Bowl game. UConn has too much invested in the running game for them to throw it through the air forty times a game.

The monstrous offensive line is put in place to open big holes that hopefully, Todman and company can run through and straight up the field. As a freshman playing behind first round pick Donald Brown, Todman averaged 6.3 yards a carry. An outstanding output for a freshman.

As his carries increased, Todman still remained at a remarkable 5.1 yards a carry.  There's no slowing him down, and he loves having the football in his hands. He has also been used as an electric kickoff returner in the past.

Todman caught 21 passes out of the backfield last season and can be used as a part in the passing game. It's these dimensions that make him an even bigger part of the offense.

Right behind him waiting for carries is red-shirt junior Robbie Frey, Kelmetrius Wylie a red-shirt freshman, and Jonathan Jean-Louis a senior who used to play linebacker.

At the same time, the big wild-card in the backfield is D.J. Shoemate a USC transfer who will be eligible this season and has expressed interest to play tailback.

Edsall has different choices all across the board, but it is clear that Todman is the starter and his explosiveness is crucial to UConn winning football games.

When the Huskies run the football effectively they are tough to beat. Jordan Todman is the guy that has to carry the load this season. He's up for the task and out to prove people what type of football player this kid from North Dartmouth, Massachusetts is.

From what he has shown the past two seasons, it is his time to deliver for this UConn offense. 

The 2010 UConn Football squad is focused on one main goal, winning each and every game one step at a time.

Their opener will be against one of the most hostile crowds in all of America: Ann Arbor, Michigan in the renovated big house that holds just under 110,000 fans. 

Now that's a lot of screaming blue and yellow Wolverine fans surrounding you from every angle.

Randy Edsall has never beat Rich Rodriguez but that changes this year. 

Ever since Rich Rod bolted West Virginia, this UConn program had remained under the radar as a steadily improving program, while Michigan has regressed significantly.

Heading into the game Michigan is going to be favored. 

That's expected, but what many people in America don't realize is the talent and athleticism this UConn team is equipped with.

Zach Frazer is going to have to take advantage of Michigan's suspect secondary early and often.  Look for Kashif Moore and Mike Smith to be the two main targets on the outside.

Watch out for Ryan Griffin at tight end, standing at 6'5 he can be utilized as a blocker and receiver.  He is a matchup problem for any linebacker.

The real battle that could decide the game is inside the trenches. 

UConn's offensive line is widely unknown but with most guys weighing around 300 lbs it is one of the biggest in the country.

Michigan's defensive line anchored by Mike Martin and William Campbell are going to have to stop the run.  If they can do that, it limits what UConn can do offensively. 

Especially because Frazer is a much more efficient pocket passer then some quarterbacks that can throw it up forty plus times a game.  If UConn is put in that position then chances are they won't win the game.

UConn is going to win this game because of their ability to run the ball. 

Jordan Todman is expected to be the starter at running back and is aiming for 1300 yards rushing after a solid sophomore season.

Todman continues to improve and with the addition of transfer DJ Shoemate along with Wylie and Robbie Frey, UConn has a lot of options when it comes to running the football.

Randy Edsall's gameplan to win football games involves two main ingredients: running the football and preventing teams from getting big plays downfield.

In all of UConn's losses last season the big plays were crucial down the stretch.

Home losses against UNC and Rutgers involved a holding in the endzone and an 80 yard touchdown strike with seconds remaining.

Cincinnati continually lit up UConn through the air and a failed two point conversion ended up being the difference.  Not to mention Noel Devines 61 yard screen pass that set up the game winning touchdown at West Virginia.

This team has and knows how to compete with the best football programs in America. 

Whether it is Tate Forcier or Denard Robinson, UConn needs to key in on the quarterback.  Mobile quarterbacks tend to give UConn linebacker fits.

It will be Lawrence Wilson and Scottie Lutrus jobs to keep an eye on the QB at all times.  If UConn can take away that intangible then they should be able to win the football game.

Not to mention UConn's biggest weakness is it's secondary.  Mainly at safety, Kijuan Dabney who has moved to strong safety can't get beat over the top.  The spring game  displayed awful coverage, which will need to be solved before the season starts.

Jerome Junior will be on the opposite side of him and as a starter last-season he's going to need to improve to shut down the passing games that teams throw at him.

Two players who will need to play like shut-down corners are Bhlidi Reh-Wilson and Dwayne Gratz.  Both are relatively young corners, but the talent is there.  Once they gain more experience they will be able to make up for the loss of Vaughn and McClain.

This is a statement game for UConn football.  Just like it was going into Notre Dame riding a three-game losing streak following the death of a teammate.

In what would have been cornerback Jasper Howard's senior season this team wants to go out on top.  Winning the Big East title and going to a BCS Bowl Game is what it's all about.

It all begins when that football is kicked in the air on September 4th.

Get Ready College Football Fans, it is only 48 day away! 

This has got to be a good feeling for Coach Edsall when a recruit calls as a transfer from the University of Southern California.

A junior fullback DJ Shoemate who was an All-American out of high school, has decided to move east and join the UConn Huskies for the upcoming 2010-2011 football season.  This will definitely make the backfield situation even more interesting.

Currently, Jordan Todman occupies the starting job and Robbie Frey is widely considered as his backup.  Now with Shoemate in the equation you have to think he is going to get some carries once he learns the offense.

"I have much love for the USC," he said. "The school is great, the fans are phenomenal and I'll be a Trojan for life. This was a business decision. When the sanctions came, the opportunity came to go. Playing running back is what my passion is and at UConn I will have an opportunity to play right away and hopefully contribute to an up-and-coming program."

He didn't like the way USC was utilizing him as a wide receiver and fullback early on in his career as a Trojan.  Now with the sanctions looming large over the University, upperclassmen are free to transfer and the penalty of sitting out one year is waived.

He was a four-star recruit out of high school and his natural position is running back.  That is where he hopes to contribute at the University of Connecticut.  Coach Edsall doesn't let any players off-easy and Shoemate is no different.

He is part of a team and will have to earn every down he plays on the field.  You saw what happened to Andre Dixon in the past.  Even highly heralded wideout Dwayne Difton saw limited action this past season.

This could end up being a tremendous addition for UConn.  Although Todman is the starting and Wylie and Frey are considered to be behind him, Shoemate hopes to make an impact with this talented squad.

Who knows maybe he will be willing to make the move to help a weak secondary.  The options are endless with a kid who has these skills, size, and athleticism.

There's a strong chance UConn is ranked to begin the season and they have the potential to win the Big East this season.

Shoemate could be a difference-maker wherever he ends up playing on the field.

The 2010 UConn Huskies are hungry to prove to the rest of the world that they are more than just a basketball school.  After the 2009 season that included the death of Jasper Howard, a star cornerback who was stabbed to death, this team is ready to make a BCS bowl appearance.

Yes, all the pundits and analysts love to hate on the Big East.  They talk about the weak competition and how it is a much weaker conference than the SEC or Big Ten.  Yet, college football's biggest game is decided by the computers.

Sure, the human bowls have some say, but it's what the computers think that matters, and this 2010 UConn team could be in the top 10 of the final BCS computer rankings when all is said and done.

Call me crazy, but this team is not losing many games this year.  Just watch and see how the Huskies open up at the Big House in Ann Arbor when they take on Michigan on September 4th.

UConn last year went 8-5 and won its last four games, including a win at Notre Dame that cost Charlie Weis his job and then again at the Papa John.com Bowl against South Carolina.

It was a season of adversity, and this team is determined to compete for a Big East title this year.  Head coach Randy Edsall has built this team through the transition from Division I-AA to Division I-A. 

It's a tall order, but he remains committed to winning an outright Big East Championship.

This year's UConn team is loaded.  Yes, they lost the services of Andre Dixon and Marcus Easley on offense, and Lindsey Witten, Robert Vaughn, and Robert McClain in the secondary, but this team brings back depth and talent.

In total, this Huskies team will have 17 starters back at Storrs.

UConn returns four offensive linemen who will be needed to open holes for star running back Jordan Todman and Robbie Frey in the backfield.  The line will also be expected to protect Zach Frazier, who has come out of spring ball as the definite No. 1 QB going into the fall.

Both receiver Kashif Moore, who made some unbelievable catches last season, and big tight end Ryan Griffin are back to produce in UConn's passing game.

The defense is going to be the backbone of this Huskies team.  On the defensive line, Kendall Reyes, Jesse Josephs, and Trevardo Williams will anchor the line when it comes to getting sacks and stuffing holes.

Even the linebacker core remains intact with Scott Lutrus and Lawrence Wilson back and ready to give it a go.  Lutrus battled injuries last season and is finally healthy.  He is looking to have a strong year to attract the attention of scouts at the next level.

The one question mark that remains for this UConn team is its secondary.  Shaky at best, this is the one area where UConn is inexperienced and could cost it in close games.

Jerome Junior and Bhidi-Ray Wilson, who filled in for Howard, will have to be able to shut down the passing game in the open field.  One of the big moves in spring resulted in Kijuan Dabney being moved from linebacker to safety.  It shows the inexperience and worries that the coaches have making the move.

Luckily, the season doesn't start until September, and Edsall's staff will make it a point of emphasis to clear up those problems.  Teams that expect to win all the time won't let mistakes like that cost them football games.

UConn lost five games by a combined 15 points.  It was a season of heartbreaks that was overshadowed by the death of a teammate, a brother, and son.  If that's not motivation and desire to go out there and give it your all, then I don't know what is.

Knock the Big East all you want.  This UConn Huskies team is for real.  When they go into Ann Arbor and leave victorious, take note: This team is winning double-digit games in 2010.

A win at Michigan and there's no reason to think if UConn remains healthy, it is 7-0 headed into the Friday night October 29th game at home with conference rival West Virginia.

This team has the potential to do something special this year.  The BCS better beware of these UConn Huskies.

Let the fire sale begin with Nebraska deciding to make the jump to the Big Ten. This has the potential to forever change the landscape of college athletics. Conference expansion talks are only going to get hotter and let's just say all schools: North, South, East and West will be on the table.

Let me tell you why UConn will indeed end up a member of the Big Ten.

First off, the Pac-10 is going to expand to 16 teams. When it takes the likes of Texas and Oklahoma along with the other big guns from the Big 12, they will have a mega-conference to say the least.

Right now let's say Notre Dame decides to keep their independence. The Big Ten is probably looking at options of 12 or 16 teams, and if they decided to go to 16, UConn is a real possibility.

Say Missouri follows Nebraska to the Big Ten, that still leaves three open spots. Of course if UConn moves it will be a package deal and the four teams could move that bring the most to the table are Syracuse, Rutgers, Pittsburgh and UConn.

This would be a monumental shift in what ultimately could be the death of the Big East. If the Big Ten comes knocking on UConn's door they have to answer and run with the offer as fast as they can.

In the world of College Athletics it is all about the money. UConn would certainly be able to cash-in on the opportunity of joining the Big Ten. These talks have been speculation for the last few months, but Nebraska is now finally the first domino to fall.

Now, I'm sure many of you have never been to UConn country. Let's just say it is not in your ideal area set in the scenic hills of northeastern Connecticut. Storrs is basically a little city in itself where the school is located.

That said, the University of Connecticut has grown into one of the top public universities in all of New England. It has become heavily involved in different areas of research and was just awarded a multi-million dollar expansion and renovation plan for the Health Center located in Farmington.

There is a lot of construction going on around the campus as new buildings are built to replace the outdated. UConn is rapidly becoming a state-of-the art 21st century campus in all areas.

Its level within academia is gradually becoming more like that of Michigan, Ohio State or Illinois. The move to the Big Ten is exactly what UConn needs.

For example, look at the location—with respect to television deals it is situated right in-between New York and Boston. It would immediately improve both markets and bring coverage to areas of the Northeast. The exposure is an A+.

UConn currently has the most dominant women's basketball program. Thanks in part to Geno Auriemma the tradition and success he has had at UConn has made him a national figure. It would be great to see UConn bring that toughness and competition out to the Mid-West.

Moving forward, the men's basketball team is only a year removed from a Final Four appearance. Jim Calhoun has two national championships and basically built UConn basketball from scratch.

Having the chance to play Indiana, Michigan State and Ohio State year in and year out would be a great sight to see.

The greatest boon of such a move would belong to the football program. Randy Edsall has been building this UConn program for the last twelve years. If they move to the Big Ten Edsall's spot for the near future would in all likelihood be guaranteed. 

Not to mention UConn football has been very successful in its first ten years against BCS competition. They are no joke, and many analysts are predicting they finish in the top three of the Big East conference this year and should contend for the title.

I for one would love to see this jump happen. Not just as a fan but as a student at the University of Connecticut. When Boston College, Va. Tech and Miami jumped to the ACC, I felt that a piece of the Big East was lost forever.

It is time to move on and disperse into different regions and conferences. Of course there are critics out there that say you can't just disband the Big East and that UConn doesn't bring enough to the table for the Big Ten.

I strongly disagree and believe that UConn will become a member of the Big Ten in the near future as universities all around start to join different conferences.

Stay tuned. It sure is going to get interesting. The BCS conferences are going to see a shift in teams that could do the same damage as an earthquake.

Talk of the Big Ten's expansion has swirled throughout the sports world in 2010, with names like Texas, Rutgers, Pittsburgh, Missouri, and others having been brought up on several occasions.

While arguments can be made for a variety of schools to join the financially attractive and hugely traditional Big Ten, Colin Cowherd said that UConn appears to be the front runner.

The more that I think about UConn in the Big Ten, the more I like it. Let's take a look at some brief details of why.

First of all, Connecticut brings the Northeastern U.S. to the Big Ten.

The New England media market currently focuses on the Big East, and by bringing in one of the top Big East programs in terms of media coverage (ESPN loves local UConn), the Big Ten is a big winner.

That ESPN connection will continue to ensure that the worldwide leader in sports continues to talk Big Ten regularly, thus resulting in increased brand awareness, added Big Ten merchandise sales , and more.

The second main point is the huge boost that Big Ten basketball would get from the addition of UConn.

Not only would the Huskies move to a competitive but much less top-heavy conference, where they would surely finish in the top four or better annually, the addition would also help attendance at every Big Ten school's basketball games.

Especially in women's basketball, due to the tradition of both the men's and women's basketball programs.

Overall, the UConn addition makes a ton of sense.

If the Big Ten does indeed expand in 2010, and all signs point to expansion being inevitable, UConn may have the best argument.

However, a few of the other teams mentioned in Cory McKnight's July 2007 article "Big Ten to add a 12th team?" include Missouri, Pittsburgh, West Virginia, Rutgers, and Notre Dame.

Despite the geographic logic of Notre Dame's location, the school does not appear to be a major option. I think the other schools make more sense.

Missouri adds a Western presence to the Big Ten's media market.

Having a school two hours from St. Louis makes sense, and it would tap into the Kansas City market as well.

Rutgers brings another upstanding academic institution to join Northwestern and Michigan in the Big Ten, and it would help grow the New York and New Jersey markets.

West Virginia is not a growing market, and the Mountaineers are well-known for their fans' disrespectful antics, so I really do not see them getting into the prized Big Ten.

Pittsburgh brings a solid media market and makes great sense geographically, as well as boasting a solid football program and an even better basketball program.

Overall, there are several good cases and likely a few I have not mentioned.

However, UConn, the more I think about it, seems the best candidate for Big Ten expansion. How will it play out? I guess we will find out in time!

Also be sure to see how the Big Ten's expansion may impact the Big 12 .