Beleaguered Huskies facing long odds

[Brad]

Beleaguered Huskies facing long odds

Sean O’Rourke

10/02/2006

There comes a time in the lifespan of a college football season where a team must stand up and recognize itself.

The University of Connecticut has reached that time after being blown out 41-17 by Navy before what was generously announced as a sellout Rentschler Field of 40,000 Saturday.

Like it or not, the Huskies must recognize they are currently a bad team. They are not a team that has any right thinking it should be 4-0 or 3-1. Honestly, the Huskies should be thankful they are 2-2 instead of 1-3 or 0-4.

The latter records are something that could be reality if not for UConn opening its season against Division I-AA Rhode Island and then barely beating Indiana, easily one of I-A’s worst programs.

The Huskies, with positive outlooks in Saturday’s postgame interviews, were saying ‘Anything can happen’. They truly believe, and for good reason, that they are still in the bowl game hunt and that 6-6, needed to be bowl eligible, is a record within reach.

Can it happen? Sure.

Will it? Not likely.

Not likely, that is, if the UConn defense continues to get shredded like it did Saturday. Navy’s triple-option offense executed to perfection, its offensive line manhandled UConn’s defensive line, and coach Paul Johnson effectively sprinkled in a passing attack that entered the game ranked dead last in I-A but left the state feeling much better about itself.

Yes, the Huskies’ defense entered the game ranked 10th nationally, but there are two reasons for that — Rhode Island and Indiana.

Navy rolled up 605 yards of offense. Don’t think for one minute that South Florida, a team loaded with skill talent, isn’t licking its chops with the Huskies coming to Tampa Saturday night, especially after the well-coached Bulls have lost consecutive heartbreakers to Kansas and Rutgers.

The UConn offense was better with senior Matt Bonislawski under center. But wide receiver/special teams returner Larry Taylor, easily the Huskies’ most explosive weapon, still didn’t get the ball much (five catches, 46 yards), and the offensive line once again showed its youth. Coach Randy Edsall also needs to address the issue of upgrading at the skill positions, especially the receiver position.

With all that in mind, it’s a safe bet that the Huskies and their traveling party can securely make holiday plans in December that won’t include a trip to a bowl. The only remaining game that can be considered a win is Oct. 14 against Army, which was thought be better before getting pounded 48-14 at home by a previously winless Rice team Saturday.

Otherwise, the Huskies’ seven games are in the Big East, and all will be tough to win. Beating any of the following — West Virginia, Louisville and Rutgers as well as South Florida at home — would all qualify as big upsets. And getting a win over Pittsburgh (Nov. 11 at Rentschler) also figures to be against the odds. Heck, beating either Syracuse and/or Cincinnati, two vastly improved teams, will be even odds at best.

The first step toward getting better is to put the Navy debacle in the rearview mirror.

"We have to put this behind and move forward," Edsall said. "For us to be successful, regardless of who we play, we have to execute. I expect our team to bounce back and to play the way we’re capable playing."

But how well is that?

Right now, it’s not very good.

Sean O’Rourke can be reached at sorourke@nhegister.com

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[BULLfreak]

lets just go out a play our game and we should be fine

[BDYZR]

Still gotta play 60 minutes of smart football.

Hey! great job of coaching last week, I don't remember an illegal formation penalty. Too many others, but not formation.

GO BULLS!

[Brad]

There have been a lot of comments about USF penalties, but some key RU penalties aided our final drive.

For the game, the Bulls were penalized 7 times for 56 yards; Rutgers 11 times for 91 yards.

[bulls96go]

penalties are better why are we still not winning? :

[E.T.]

Ready to Kick the DOG !

Go BULLS !!!

[smazza]

easy win for bulls

[Brad]

It ought to be an interesting one...

They are 110th against the rush...

But we don't have one...     :-[

[LakeBull]

It ought to be an interesting one...

They are 110th against the rush...

But we don't have one...     :-[

Maybe we will against them!  Certainly, I hope the rush is back vs. UNC.

[windbane]

Beleaguered Huskies facing long odds

Navy rolled up 605 yards of offense. Don’t think for one minute that South Florida, a team loaded with skill talent, isn’t licking its chops with the Huskies coming to Tampa Saturday night, especially after the well-coached Bulls have lost consecutive heartbreakers to Kansas and Rutgers.

Sean O’Rourke can be reached at sorourke@nhegister.com

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We need to win this game by a comfortable margin so my heart rate can calm down for a few weeks.  If we can't rush this week then it's hopeless even when Ponton comes back.  our O-line surely can open some holes against them.