dw4uconn

Thanks FLANITLION, I really didn't want to see you be disquailified from the contest I can lay myself down, but  am much too hyper to stay there. Uconn in 7 days!!!! OH MY!! DW

1) Penn State 2) 48-0 3) 99 yds 4) A. Hall (with 10 yards recieving -less than 50 rushing) USF is going to make PSU actually look good on the offensive side of the ball. Reality will set in unfortunately for the Nitts once they play the top Big Ten 10. I am not expecting USF to win more than a couple games this year and PSU is just going to be an early wake call for all you dreamers. Quoting a PSU fan: "Wow, it's good to see strong fan support, but if I was trying to win a contest, I'd be a little more realistic in my prediction: How can you possibly think that USF can put up more than 21 points against the PSU Defense when no one did it on us last year? 13 of you think USF is going to win versus 5 that predict a loss. I always want my team to win, but trust me, for a prediction contest, I've got my team losing 5 games this year. I hate to have to do it, but I'm realistic. Best of luck to you. I think you'll need it on 9/3. " Now that is what I'd expect from a Nitt. Did the guy answer any of Bulliever's questions? Just like them Big Ten teams to NOT to play by the rules. And did he even make a prediction? I don't believe he did He says he THINKS PSU will lose 5? Then which 5 are those? I really would like TO KNOW!! Is USF one of the 5 or NOT ????? ;D Sorry guys, I just don't think USF is ready for playing BCS competition. I predict a long season for you all. No one hopes that I am wrong more than me. I really do hope I am wrong. I will be rooting hard for the Bulls despite my prediction, but I had to make the prediction I made because I REALLY WANT TO WIN THIS CONTEST !!! DW

'>http://www.courant.com/sports/college/hc-ucfoot0816.artaug16,0,5339681.story?coll=hc-headlines-sports-college Neck Injury Ends Freshman's Career August 16, 2005 By TERRY PRICE, Courant Staff Writer STORRS -- The promising career of UConn freshman center Joe Akers is over because of a neck injury. Akers, in consultation with the school's medical staff, has decided to leave football because of a condition that has caused reduced spinal fluid between his fourth and sixth vertebrae. ADVERTISEMENT The condition was discovered through an MRI after Akers injured his neck in a collision with another player in practice last Tuesday. It was not detected when Akers injured the same spinal area Dec. 4 in a Maryland high school championship game. Akers returned home to Hereford, Md., where he made the decision with his family. "I might not get badly injured if I went back out there," Akers said, "but there was no guarantee that I wouldn't." Akers said he was told by doctors he may have been born with the problem. Akers' family said he will not lose his scholarship, and he is expected to continue his education at UConn. Akers, 6 feet 1, 296 pounds, was a three-time Maryland All-State selection. Because of early graduation, he enrolled at UConn in January and received medical clearance to participate in spring practice. He played with the first team offense for much of the spring, but redshirt freshman Trey Tonsing ended the monthlong practice period as starting center. Coach Randy Edsall, while explaining Akers' absence Monday, strongly suggested Akers would not return to football. He said he wanted to let Akers make a decision before UConn made any announcement. Edsall could not be reached Monday night. Akers was expected to contend for a starting position, and his absence leaves the Huskies thin at center. Former defensive lineman Keith Gray has switched to center and worked with the second team Monday. Freshman Alex LeMagdelaine would have been next in line, but he was shifted to guard after Brian Kersmanc experienced hamstring tightness. UConn would like to redshirt LeMagdelaine this season. Edsall said Gray (6-2, 271) has the strength and size to make a good center. "He's smart," Edsall said. "He can adapt, and we'll keep working with him." Two At Camp Rell Cornerback Tyvon Branch and strong safety Marvin Taylor were also missing from practice. They were at Camp Rell in Niantic, performing court-ordered community service for their involvement in a pellet gun shooting in May. Branch and Taylor will not rejoin the team until Friday, Edsall said. They are staying overnight at the camp, working as counselors for troubled children. Edsall said the players would lose ground while missing four days of practice and would have to earn back their spots. "We felt this situation would be very good because they're going to lose something that is important to them in terms of football," he said. "I also want them to maybe make a difference in the lives of the people they're working with and teach them something about the mistake they made." The charge against Taylor and Branch - possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle - will be dropped provided they have no further problems with the law and complete their community service. Taylor must perform 100 hours, Branch 50. Branch had been working with the second-team defense. Taylor had been on the third team. Deleston Moves Up Redshirt freshman Dahna Deleston of East Hartford has moved ahead of Allan Barnes at strong safety and sophomore defensive end Dan Davis has jumped ahead of Jason Ward at defensive end. ... Freshman cornerback Jimmy McClam worked as the nickel back with the first defense. ... Edsall on punter Shane Hussar: "He has without a doubt outdistanced himself from Chris Pavasaris."

http://connecticut.scout.com/2/424430.html By Mark Mancini Date: Aug 15, 2005 Joe Akers, a freshman center who enrolled in January to get the jump on the 2005 season, suffered a concussion during a scrimmage Saturday in Storrs. Akers also was knocked unconscious during the state championship game while playing for Hereford High in Maryland last December, and the succession of head injuries may bring his promising football career to a premature end. Joe Akers’ career with the UConn football team may be over before it even began. Akers, a freshman center who enrolled in January to get the jump on the 2005 season, suffered a concussion during a scrimmage Saturday in Storrs. Akers also was knocked unconscious during the state championship game while playing for Hereford High in Maryland last December, and the succession of head injuries may bring his promising football career to a premature end. UConn head coach Randy Edsall said Monday morning that Akers had gone home to Reisterstown, Md., for more medical tests at nearby Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. Edsall said the Akers family would discuss the situation internally, then meet with the UConn medical staff Friday to decide Akers’ future. Edsall said it’s “a possibility†that Akers’ career is over. “First and foremost is his health,†Edsall said. Akers was the first player in Maryland high school history to be named all-state three times. He was the No. 2 center in camp behind redshirt freshman Trey Tonsing at the time of his injury. “I’ve talked to Joe and his mother and told them what my thoughts were right now,†Edsall said. “I said, ‘But let’s just get all the information,’ and then I want them as a family to sit down and talk, so that when they get back here, they’ll talk to the doctors here, and then I’ll talk to them again and we’ll see what direction we go in. Like I told his mother, my main concern first and foremost is the health of Joe Akers more than anything else.†With Akers out, redshirt freshman Keith Gray has moved from defensive end to center.

Joe appears to have suffered a concussion today in practice and is under going tests. Uconn is very high on this young man that graduated from highschool after 3 1/2 years so he could get an early start at Uconn. He enrolled last Spring and was challenging for a starting position at guard or center. This is a potential huge loss to the Huskies. More importantly, let's hope the young man is okay. He has already had one severe concussion. This time, it could mean playing football is over for him. I'll let you guys know if I hear more. DW

Brockington lead the BE in rushing yards and yards per carry last year as a sophmore. He was second in total all purpose yards.  Still, Caulley is even better. Brockington rushed for 1,200 yards against better competition. He was the only player in the BE to average over 100 yards rushing per game. Still, Caulley is better. Against Pitt last year, Hall gained 85 yards with 15 carries. Not bad. However, Brockington gained 185 yards on 31 carries and he was the #1 reason that Uconn won their biggest game ever.  Brockington was key for Uconn last year and he will be expected to play a large role for Uconn this year.  Still, Caulley is better.  Since Uconn has two quality backs, it will be hard for either of these backs to compare statistically to Hall this year.  So what does Hall have that either Caulley or Brockington doesn't?  Well for one, Hall is rated by ESPN as a top 5 back. Woopy!! Let's see how he holds up in the BE.  He is a strong runner, but he will be running into a brick wall. Also, he will have to learn to be more of a pass option, as whether you like it or not, USF is going to be forced to put the ball in the air if they stand any chance of winning.  Hall's stats will suffer as a result.  You all will see DW

Look at this talk from one fellow cellar dweller to the other. Surprise? Uconn is epected to be only slightly better than USF this year. The only insult was putting Rutgers in the 6th slot ahead of only USF and Cincy. In my opinion, the only surprise this year is that Rutgers could be BCS bowl bound. They are that close!!!! of course that is just my opinion. Just the same, Rutgers going to a BCS bowl game is absolutely absrd!!! That just what I think of USF chances of finishing better than 7th place in the BE. Talk about people soon to get a surprise? Hopefully USF will get pinched early so you all don't get your hopes up so high that it hurts too much when you fall. In the mean time ... keep dreamin :: DW

Nope, I didn't imply that at all. We have 3 VERY GOOD backs and you have one.  Your one "great" back is going to find that shining in the Big East will be far more difficult then it was in CUSA .... where defense has yet to be invented I'll have to check Hall's stats to see who he has piled the yards on. If I remember, I watched USF vs UAB last year and Hall had a huge game (two long TD runs), but that was UAB. He will not have a big day like that against bigger and faster defensives in the BE.  Hall will fair no better, perhaps worse, then either of Uconn's top 2 backs.  Just like you all think joining the BE is such a great thing, you are soon to find out that your back is no beter than many other backs in the BE. DW

Velcro, Where did I say we had three top five backs. I said we have three backs as good as your Hall. Just because we have a back that plays mostly third down plays, does that mean he sucks? Uconn has thre backs as good as yours. I never said where they are rated. That means nothing to me. Don't get so wrapped up in ratings and stats. There certainly is a reason why somewhere there is a top 5 with Hall on that list. Doesn't mean there are not 20 other backs just as good. Can only put five in the top five. However, is Hall all that much better than #6? I saw Hall play last year. Fun to watch, much like Caulley DW

Uconn depth chart: http://www.uconnhuskies.com/sports/MFootball/2005/Prospectus/SpringDepth.pdf DW

YEP. They are just as good.  No need however to be impressed Velcro.  RB is our strength and we have three very good ones we can switch in and out.  Can our young, but talented offensive line open up running lanes? We will have to see. Yet, both Cornell Brockington and Terry Caulley don't need much of a hole to run through.  Terry Caulley was one of the best running backs in the nation before going down witha freak knee injury.  He lost a year and a half, but is reported as healthy and ready to play.  This guy is worth the cost of admission alone. He has such lower body strength and agility that is darts by people or just mows them down.  I forgot that Matt Lawrence left the team due to lack of playing time. Why be third string when you can start for most Div 1A schools. Too bad Uconn is so deep.  Still, our third back on the depth chart is another VERY exciting runing back, Larry Taylor. We use him mostly in third down situations because he can catch the ball so well.  Much like Caulley, he is small and fast with great lower body strength. Taylor, a Florida product, bring a lot of excitement to UCONN special teams.  He has break away speed and is fearless.  He is one of the best kick and punt returners in the nation .... in my opinion. If Caulley stays healthy, he will be a top draft pick. The depth chart lists him as a JR, but I believe he lost a year of FB eligibilty because it was too late to redshirt him after his injury.  Brockington will also be a high draft pick ... next year. DW

I still am trying to get some details concerning the student ticket question. I called the Uconn ticket office, but they were closed. I will try again tomorrow. I plan to purchase my season tickets as well, although Rentschler field can be rather unpleasantly frigid late November and early December. Still, I JUST HAVE TO BE THERE !!! Howie, I doubt SO#1's facts are accurate concerning donations. Where ever he got the info., must likely they didn't list the donations so he assumed there was no donation. Just my guess. DW

Ok, if that make you feel more secure?  I know the season hasn't started yet, but at some point, the Bull fans are going to have to deal with the reality that you are over your heads in the BE. Other than always stating your 2-0, what is there to support your belief that USF is better than Uconn right now?  You do have a great RB, but Uconn has three just as good .... As the season gets closer, I'd like to compare depth charts with you.  As the season gets underway, each game will likely make your "2-0" pacifier melt.  Ultimately, Uconn will get it done on the field. Can't wait to hear the excuses then ;D DW

Here is the PDF link to the Husky ticket structure.  As far as I know, the donation is the same for all chairbacks.  However, Uconn does have a points system so priority seating could go to those with the most accumulated points.  This point system is why I don't have a prayer of ever seeing a BB game at the Gampel.  http://www.uconnhuskies.com/MainLinks/tickets/05_FB_STIXAP.pdf Thanks for the responses.  I thought I was getting black balled.  I will try not to be a typical obnoxious Uconn fan ...... nah, it's in our genes ;D And about those student tickets, we charge students $8.00 per game for the season tickets. I don't know about athletic fees. Again, I will ask FfldCntyFan or HuskyBlue on my home website and get back to you all. The announcement said 28,300 - it didn't say how many student tickets were sold. So yes, perhaps the difference from Uconn's announced 28K is really not as VAST as it first appeared to be. So I am sure USF really isn't doing as bad as it seems One thing though that is amazing, Uconn is not expected to beat too many Div 1A schools this year. So the fan support is rather a surprise. So we will need to win the games were supposed to - Buffalo, Liberty and USF.... DW

record. Last year the Huskies sold 28,000 season tickets. The Huskies have sold 28,300 so far and there is still 6 weeks before kickoff. It appears Uconn will once more have no problem selling out every game. All preferred seating has been sold out. The cost for these preferred seat is $150.00 plus a $100.00 donation to the school.  Reserved seating is still available behind the endzones for a cost of $150.00 w/ $0.00 donation.  There are chair backs still available near mid field if a Uconn fan wants to pay $ 210.00 plus make a $625.00 donation to the school.  Anyone wanting chairbacks best act fast as they are nearly sold out as well. There may be a luxery box remaining for any groups interested, but there must be a min. of 18 at a cost of $210.00 and donation of $ 1,400.00 per seat... OUCH! http://www.uconnhuskies.com/AllStories/MFootball/20050721a.html Considering that Uconn has home games against Buffalo and Div 1-AA Liberty, us Uconn fans are really paying for 4 BE games against Syracuse, Rutgers, USF & Louisville. It is truly remarkable that Uconn has sold so well seeing that we are expected to have a down year.  Of the four BE games, USF will likely be our best chance for a win. I have not bought season tickets yet, because I am not thrilled about the Buffalo (Thursday night game) and Liberty games. I am also not thrilled to go to a see Louisville in December -freaking cold enough at Rentscheller field in November . I planned to purchase only the games I wanted to see (Syracuse, Rutgers and USF), but may have to get them just to be sure I will have seats. The people of the State of Connecticut are insane over the Huskies! How are tickets sales going down there in Tampa?  Should be brisk with all the excitement of joining the Big East, right? DW

This thread reminds me of a story I read not too long ago. It goes something like this: Both Jim Swofford and Mike Tranghese were out driving along route 95 somewhere near ACC headquarters when they came upon a sheep with its head stuck in the fence. Jim says to Mike, "Heyyy, here's our chance to have some fun!" Mike pulls over and they get out of the car and they approach the sheep. Both Jim and Mike look over the sheep's precarious situation and decide that, sure enough, it's head was stuck firmly in place and there was no escape. Jim says, "I'm gonna get a piece of that ....", then proceeds to drop his pants and began servicing the sheep from behind. When he was done, he looked over at Mike and said, "Okay, it's your turn now." AT that moment Mike breaks out with a great big smile and said, "Whoooooohoo, I've always dreamed of this!" Mike then dropped his pants and stuck his head in the fence next to the sheep and said, Go ahead, and take your time!" DW

Actually USFbull83, I was replying to a poster that had no intent on posting on your board other than to advertise his own board. I am a moderator of another BE board as well, but I try not to advertise it. I genuinely like it here. If you read my post again, you will see that I was toying with the guy. I think the Kensucky dance team and their cheerleaders suck. I only despise the SEC SECOND to the ACC. I DO have to agree that Florida has the best cheerleaders though .... followed by Miami, Florida State, Florida Atlantic, UCF, Florida International and the University of South Florida (which is really west central) Stupid Northerners? Ever see the Uconn cheerleaders? I don't think we even have a dance team? Were not called the dairy university of America for nothing. So even a Kensucky cheerleader looks good to a Husky fan :-[ DW

Team Positions: 1. Louisville (23) 190 2. Pittsburgh (1) 164 3. West Virginia 145 4. Syracuse 114 5. Connecticut 80 6. Rutgers 72 7. USF 59 8. Cincinnati 40 USF is picked next to last!! I guess there are many that think UCONN rules USF. It doesn't matter what you did in the past, USF is going to have to prove it on the field THIS YEAR. Until then, UCONN is simply better than you Arooooooooooooooooooooooo !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can't wait for the Huskies to make it's first bite. Gunna kick some arse to warm up for USF.... Go Huskies !!!!! DW

Bulliever, it is good you are not one of the original remaining members as you don't still have to feel the pain us long time BE suffers have had to endure.  The very fact that USF is in the Big East is do to Ineptness AND inaction on the part of Mike, the chancellors and the atletic directors of the BE FB schools.  Joining the BE may seem sweet now, but USF is REALLY entering a conference still very much in a fog.  This move could very well backfire on USF.  If there IS an expected split in 2010, what is there to keep USF with the FB schools splitting.  I don't think there is any guarantees after 2010. What happened with USF is that in July 2004, the chancellors and AD's met and decided to send Mikey to Penn State to lure them into the conference. Why did they send Mike? Why didn't they vote on stricter exit conditions then or atleast when they meet agin in August? Total ineptness and BC ran off to the ACC. That is how USF became an option.  So it wasn't ACTION, but lack of action AND THAT IS WHY USF SHOULDN"T BE SO GIDDY RIGHT NOW. What is truly offensive about SC's post is that there are TWO very important schools being discussed.  It is a joke, but why DID SC use Syracuse and Uconn in the skit? Both Syracuse and Connecticut would jump in a moment if invited to the ACC.  There has been real conversation and even moore rumor that the ACC will expand to 14 schools.  What is going to happen in 2010?  With the total ineptness going on right now, the BE is still VERY HOT for raiding.  I don't believe any BE school will have to pay a penalty if they leave in 2010.  It has not been discussed much, but Syracuse and Uconn going to the ACC, Pitt or Syracuse to the Big Ten, WVU to the SEC are still very much a possible.  So ya, it is a joke, but I don't think it is funny ....... DW

Hmmmmmm, I think I prefer the gold pants as well. Kind of looks high schoolish green on green. Okay, I said I would stay on the Bigeast forum, but I just couldn't help myself ;D I will refrain from making suggestions about the helmets however DW

SC, I don't know .... perhaps the vivid images of what Mike does in his free time is a bit much. I find the animation offensive ...... not that there is anything wrong with what they are doing however Can't put my finger on it, but something just ain't right. Perhaps it is the color scheme? You are an artist, but this perhaps is not your forte? [smiley=hippy2.gif] When it come to animation and website designing, you ARE the MAN !!!! I still love the avatar you created for me ..... and the countless others you created for posters on the Bigeastboards.com website. DW

Okay then, lets hear from Nokia - Mr. Fearless. I am up to some smack. DW

You don't have to send me private hate mail. I prefer to talk out in the open rather than be private about it. You can send your mail to me here for now on. Thanks man DW

Thanks Howie for posting this awesome article on my beloved Huskies. The State of Connecticut has made a huge investment in the university ($2 billion) and plans to be a top 10 state university and championship caliber FB program - to go along with all their other successful programs. Of course the Huskies decided to jump into Div IA because Miami promised they were committed to the BE, but oh well -it happens. Not all is lost however. We do have some hope that schools such as USF can step to the plate and make a similar investment ....... ya right : Though I am excited about Uconn future, TWO BILLIONS DOLLARS of state tax payer money !!!!! :o ^$&%# Well, it is a done deal so I may as well not fret and just enjoy it. USF likely doesn't need to make such a large investment being in a warm climate and having a pro stadium to play in, yet it still will take quite a bit of money to be successful. How committed is USF and where will they get the $$$$? AS for Uconn FB, not only are they drawing more in-state interest, the talent pool in CT is also growing. Football has become very popular here and kids are starting (in masse) at very early ages. Schools that could support FB when I was young are now playing it. The population is also growing in CT rural area and these small towns are regionalizing for sports such as football. Connecticut has a very promising futue in deed. DW

No offense taken. I could have worded my request with a bit more diplomacy ... to be mild  Let me now say, I see the light. USF is a perfect name. Heck, my Alma Mater is CCSU.  They have been to the NCAA BB tournament.  Are you all impressed? It stands for Central Connecticut State University.  Explains a lot now doesn't it  ;D  I am glad to see you all have such pride in your school name. After all, UCONN is already taken and so is UNLV and UCLA.  There are only so many great acronyms out there.  And crap, everyone knows PSU is PENN STATE ..... then there's Michigan State, Oklahoma State, Iowa State & Florida State to just name a few more .....  so I suppose USF could catch on someday - IT IS REALLY CATCHY.  STILL, there will come a day .... perhaps not for a long while yet ...  BUT IT WILL COME when everyone will know USF as a powerful FB program.  So what the f%^# is in a name?  Games are won on the field - not in marketing. A USF grad would certainly know that, right? If it is true that USF has 18,000 season ticket holders, then you are not doing as bad as some have been reporting on other boards. I wish USF well in their first big league season. Certainly marked down 11/26/05 or what ever that Uconn date is. You'll be impressed to see a sold out stadium of mostly Uconn faithful waiting for ya (we even sell out Div I-AA games so I have little doubt we will sell out USF). DW