Paw Prints – The Daily UConn Roundup – 12/9

Paw Prints The Daily Roundup

Paw Prints is our daily look at the happenings for the UConn Huskies football, men's basketball and women's basketball teams as well as the other sports the student-athletes engage in. We will do our best to bring you the links from all of the media that covers the Huskies on a daily basis. As always, links can be found by clicking on the read more button below if you're on the home page.

Thank you for stopping by and making SOX & Dawgs your home for UConn Huskies news.

To open the links up in a new tab or window, use Control+click

UConn Women's Basketball links

Notebook: Huskies hitting the books [carl adamec – sny.com]

UConn Men's Basketball links

Q&A: Who will be the better pro — A.J. Price or Shabazz Napier? [kevin duffy – ct post]

Daniels Shows He Can Be Threat Huskies Need [hartford courant]

Three Points from Friday's win over Harvard [new haven register]

UConn Football links

Matt Walsh caps his high school career in style [jim fuller – new haven register]

UConn football program, fighting recent losing trend, sets sights on higher level [ct post]

UConn football program enjoyed immediate D-I success [ct post]

Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.

Manchester Monarchs 9, Connecticut Whale 2

Manchester, NH, December 8, 2012 – Brandon Kozun had two goals and an assist, Linden Vey scored twice, and Andrei Loktionov added a goal and two assists, to lead the Manchester Monarchs to a 9-2 blowout of the Connecticut Whale Saturday night at Verizon Wireless Arena.

CT WhaleAndrew Bodnarchuk, Richard Clune, Jordan Nolan and Slava Voynov had a goal and an assist each for the Monarchs, and Peter Mannino made 23 saves.  Christian Thomas and Kelsey Tessier scored for the Whale and Tommy Grant assisted on both scores.

Connecticut spotted Manchester a 3-0 lead in a first period in which the Monarchs had a 15-5 shots on goal advantage.

Nolan, one of three players on the Manchester roster who played key roles in the parent Los Angeles Kings’ 2012 Stanley Cup win, scored his second goal in nine AHL games to open the scoring at 5:34.

Nolan took a pass from Clune, made a slick move to get around the Whale’s Sam Klassen and broke in alone on Connecticut starting goaltender Cam Talbot, whom he beat through the five-hole.

Bodnarchuk made it 2-0 only 1:47 later at 7:21, on a shot from the top of the circles, after an Andy Andreoff pass missed two other teammates’ sticks.

Clune poked the puck past Talbot at 12:06 for a 3-0 Manchester lead.  Nolan played the puck toward the front of the net from the right-wing corner off of Talbot, and Clune found the loose puck at Talbot’s left.

After Whale coach Ken Gernander called a timeout, Thomas got Connecticut on the board with 2:01 remaining in the period, with his sixth goal of the year.  J.T. Miller blocked an Andrew Campbell pass near the blue line and fed Grant.  Mannino stopped Grant’s try, but the rebound came to an unguarded Thomas at the right side of the goalmouth.

That momentum was squandered, though, only 47 seconds into the second period, when Kozun scored to make it 4-1 Monarchs.  After the Whale failed to break out of their zone cleanly, Talbot stopped Voynov’s shot from the right point but could not control the rebound, and Kozun poked it in.

Loktionov increased the lead to 5-1 at 7:08, after the Whale did not get the puck deep at the offensive blue line.  Mike Vernace blocked a pass to deny an initial Manchester rush, but the Monarchs got the puck right back and Loktionov fired it in from the left side of the slot.

That goal chased Talbot (17 saves) from the game and brought on Jason Missiaen, who would finish with four goals-against on 16 shots.

Tessier cut the margin to 5-2 at 2:57 of the third, jamming the puck past Mannino after Vernace slid it toward the net from the left point.  The goal was Tessier’s second in as many games, after he went his first 16 games without scoring.

Manchester would explode for four more, however, in the final 8:32 of the third.

Voynov buried a Kozun pass from the right side of the slot at 11:28, and then Kozun and Vey clicked 16 seconds apart starting at 14:12.

Vey finished the scoring with 2:09 left, converting a pass from Tanner Pearson, who also set up Vey’s first goal.

The nine goals-scored were a Monarch single-game record.

The Whale return to the XL Center Sunday afternoon for a 3:00 PM game against the Albany Devils.  As at all Whale Sunday home games, fans can take advantage of the Whale’s “Click It or Ticket Sunday Family Value Packs”.  Those include a ticket, a hot dog or a slice of pizza and a soda, all for only $18.

Tickets for all Whale regular season home games at the XL Center are on sale now at the Public Power Ticket Office at the XL Center, through TicketMaster Charge-by-Phone at 1-800-745-3000 and on-line at www.ticketmaster.com.

To continue reading, please click on the continue reading button below if you're on the home page.

Connecticut Whale 2 at Manchester Monarchs 9
Saturday, December 8, 2012 – Verizon Wireless Arena

Connecticut 1 0 1 – 2
Manchester 3 2 4 – 9

1st Period-1, Manchester, Nolan 2 (Clune, Weal), 5:34. 2, Manchester, Bodnarchuk 3 (Legein, Andreoff), 7:21. 3, Manchester, Clune 2 (Nolan, Bodnarchuk), 12:06. 4, Connecticut, Thomas 6 (Grant, Miller), 17:59. Penalties-Kolarik Ct (cross-checking), 0:06; Nolan Mch (slashing), 2:29.

2nd Period-5, Manchester, Kozun 6 (Voynov, Loktionov), 0:47. 6, Manchester, Loktionov 5 (Toffoli, Muzzin), 7:08. Penalties-Weal Mch (hooking), 16:18.

3rd Period-7, Connecticut, Tessier 2 (Vernace, Grant), 2:57. 8, Manchester, Voynov 5 (Kozun, King), 11:28. 9, Manchester, Kozun 7 (King, Loktionov), 14:12. 10, Manchester, Vey 5 (Pearson), 14:28. 11, Manchester, Vey 6 (Pearson), 17:51. Penalties-No Penalties

Shots on Goal-Connecticut 6-15-4-25. Manchester 15-12-11-38.
Power Play Opportunities-Connecticut 0 / 2; Manchester 0 / 1.
Goalies-Connecticut, Talbot 8-7-0 (22 shots-17 saves); Missiaen 2-3-0 (16 shots-12 saves). Manchester, Mannino 4-1-0 (25 shots-23 saves).
A-5,245
Referees-Darcy Burchell (42), Jean Hebert (43).
Linesmen-Joe Andrews (32), Landon Bathe (80).

Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.

Johnny Manziel Wins 2012 Heisman Trophy

2012 Heisman Trophy Winner Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel

77 times, the Heisman Trophy has been awarded to the top player in college football. Not one of those times has it ever been awarded to a freshman.

On Saturday night at the Best Buy Theater in New York City, number 78 went to a freshman.

In 2012, the Heisman Trophy voters awarded the trophy to Texas A&M redshirt freshman quarterback Johnny Manziel. Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o finished second in the voting while Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein was third.

He led his his Aggies to a 10-2 mark including 6-2 in the SEC, a conference in which they were playing in for the first time. Manziel threw for 3,419 yards and 24 touchdowns with eight interceptions. He also ran for 1,181 yards and 19 touchdowns.

If he can repeat his performance in 2013, Manziel could be the first person since Archie Griffin (1974-75) to win the trophy twice.

Manziel is the second Heisman Trophy winner from Texas A&M. John David Crow was the first in 1957.

For a full look at the 2012 Heisman Trophy voting totals, please click on the continue reading button below if you're on the home page.

2012 Heisman Trophy Voting Totals
Name 1st 2nd 3rd Total
Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M 474 252 103 2,029
Manti Te'o, Notre Dame 321 309 125 1,706
Collin Klein, Kansas State 60 197 320 894
Marquise Lee, USC 19 33 84 207
Braxton Miller, Ohio State 3 29 77 144
Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina 4 13 23 61
Jordan Lynch, Northern Illinois 3 8 27 52
Tavon Austin, West Virginia 6 4 21 47
Kenjon Barner, Oregon 1 12 15 42
Jarvis Jones, Georgia 1 10 18 41

And here is the breakdown of votes by region:

2012 Heisman Trophy Voting Totals By Region
– Manziel Te'o Klein
Far West 325 281 127
Southwest 348 274 220
Midwest 312 315 126
South 399 253 149
Mid-Atlantic 326 272 141
Northeast 319 311 131

Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.

photo credit: getty images

“Dean of Sports” Passes Away at 82

Arnold Dean

“A sad day in Connecticut.  The nicest, warmest human being in the world has passed on.  RIP Arnold Dean.  You will be missed by all of us.” – Joe D’Ambrosio UConn Football and Men’s Basketball play by play announcer.

Arnold Dean, the man legions of Connecticut sports fans grew up listening to, has left us.  Dean was the host of a sports talk radio show on WTIC-AM 1080 in Hartford way before sports talk radio became what it is today.

Dean was the anti-Big O.  He was the anti-Mad Dog, the anti-Francesca.  He was too nice to be blustery and full of buffoonery.  In all the years I listened to him I never heard him raise his voice.  Dean was a gentleman who treated his listeners and those who called in with the respect and warmth of a long lost friend.  He made you feel as if you were part of his family.

The first time I ever won anything on the radio I won a prize from Arnold Dean.  I was about 11 years old and I was able to answer one of his trivia questions that about 7 or 8 previous other callers couldn’t answer.

In my adult life I got to meet Dean when I was covering the UConn football and basketball teams as a photographer.  He was just as he was on the air, warm and gracious.

Dean hosted the local call-in show, did the pregame for the New England/Hartford Whalers hockey and even did some color work on home games for a few seasons.  Later on after “retiring” he was still involved with UConn football when they went into Division 1-A and moved into Rentschler Field in East Hartford.  He did the pregame show below the scoreboard along with Ray Dunaway, Kevin Nathan, Bob Joyce and others.

If you were or are from Connecticut the sound of Arnold Dean’s voice told you that you were home.  I always thought that Dean, along with Bob Steele and Walt Dibble, should have been hired by Bradley International Airport to record the welcome announcements.  There were no better ambassadors for the state than that trio of broadcasting legends.

Dean was in broadcasting over 60 years (1948-2009) and was best known for his legendary run at WTIC which began in 1965 when he hosted the music show, “One Night Stand”.   With his love of Big Band music he also hosted a daily show called the “Golden Age of Radio” and that would spin into a monthly show featuring interviews with Big Band leaders and others.  He even played clarinet because he was inspired to do so by Artie Shaw. 

In 1976 he started “Sports Talk with Arnold Dean”, a show that still exists today as “WTIC Sports Talk”. 

In his illustrious career Dean won Connecticut Broadcaster of the Year seven times, numerous awards from the Associated Press and in May 1997 he was inducted into the Connecticut Sports Hall of Fame.  He was also the first non-Massachusetts resident to win the “Jimmy Award” for his work with the Jimmy Fund in Boston. 

It wasn’t until 1996 at age 66 that he cut back on his duties which included only doing one night on his then 20-year old weeknight show.  He didn’t officially retire fully until 2009 after 61 years in broadcasting. 

Arnold Dean was a broadcast legend, a Connecticut icon and he will be greatly missed by so many people whose lives he touched in his own special way.

follow Steve on Twitter @SteveMichaelsII

photo credit: the laurel

Paw Prints – The Daily UConn Roundup – 12/8

Paw Prints The Daily Roundup

Paw Prints is our daily look at the happenings for the UConn Huskies football, men's basketball and women's basketball teams as well as the other sports the student-athletes engage in. We will do our best to bring you the links from all of the media that covers the Huskies on a daily basis. As always, links can be found by clicking on the read more button below if you're on the home page.

Thank you for stopping by and making SOX & Dawgs your home for UConn Huskies news.

To open the links up in a new tab or window, use Control+click

UConn Women's Basketball links

UConn Foursome Finishes Second In Decorating Contest [rich elliott – ct post]

Auriemma Not Concerned With Hartley’s Slow Start [rich elliott – ct post]

UConn Women Can Expect To See More Physical Teams Like Penn State [hartford courant]

Three points from the Penn State win [new haven register]

UConn Men's Basketball links

Wrapping Things Up From Gampel [dom amore – hartford courant]

DeAndre Daniels Does His Dr. J Impression, UConn Beats Harvard [david borges – new haven register]

UConn 57, Harvard 49 [kevin duffy – ct post]

Notes/Quotes from Harvard: “DeAndre is a player” [kevin duffy – ct post]

Post-game breakdown, video: Harvard [gavin keefe – the day]

Daniels is suddenly dominant [neill ostrout – journal inquirer]

Daniels breaks out [john silver – sny.com]

Possessions [uconn huskies basketball]

Daniels leads UConn men past Harvard [ct post]

Napier now the catalyst [ct post]

UConn Beats Harvard, 57-49 [hartford courant]

Wolf Gets His First Start [hartford courant]

DeAndre Daniels lifts Huskies past Harvard [new haven register]

UConn gets a lift from Daniels [the day]

UConn Football links

UConn Never Really Had A Chance Vs. Louisville For ACC Berth [hartford courant]

Other UConn related links

M. Ice Hockey. UConn Ties Army 2-2 In Final Game Before Break [uconnhuskies.com]

Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.

Video: Daniels Helps Huskies Past Crimson 57-49

On Thursday night, the UConn Huskies women's basketball team wasn't sure if Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis was going to be able to play due to a thigh contusion. She did and they needed all of her 25 points.

24 hours later, the UConn men's basketball team found themselves in the same predicament with DeAndre Daniels who was suffering from back spasms. He played and if it weren't for his career night, the Huskies might have found themselves on the short end of the stick.

UConn's DeAndre Daniels drives to the basket against Harvard's Laurent Rivard at Gampel Pavilion Friday night.Behind Daniels career-high 23 points, UConn went on to beat the Harvard Crimson 57-49 in front of 9,113 at Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, CT.

The Huskies improve to 7-2. The Crimson fall to 4-4.

Even with the back spasms, Daniels was able to play 33 minutes. He scored his career-high 23 points on 9-of-12 shooting, including 1-for-3 from beyond the arc. He went 4-for-4 from the charity stripe.

Ryan Boatright was the only other Husky in double figures with 16 points. Shabazz Napier had a nice all-around game with six points, seven rebounds (game-high), nine assists (game-high) and four steals (game-high).

Wesley Saunders led the Crimson with 14 points and four assists. Steve Mondou-Missi chipped in with 10 points. Laurent Rivard led Harvard with six rebounds to go along with his five points.

This was another game where UConn played down to the level of their competition. The way it's been this year is the better the opponent, the better the Huskies play.

It was nice to Daniels fight through adversity and help the Huskies. Without his hot shooting, this game could have gone either way.

This was the Daniels that former head coach Jim Calhoun recruited to Storrs. One who could dominate the action at any given time. If he can continue to do this and the Huskies continue to get the great guard play from Boatright and Napier, they could surprise some teams still.

They still need the inside game but with Daniels being able to play inside and outside, this will give the opposing teams something else to focus on besides UConn's guards.

The Huskies get a break now as they prepare for their final exams.They'll next hit the court on Monday, December 17th when they host the Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks at the XL Center in Hartford, CT. Tip is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Harvard Crimson @ UConn Huskies 12.7.12 box score

Here are the postgame quotes from UConn head coach Kevin Ollie.

Here are UConn's postgame notes.

Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.

photo credit: brad horrigan – hartford courant (no. 5 in gallery)

Cigna and the Connecticut Whale Continue “Hockey in the Streets” Program

HARTFORD, CT, December 10, 2012 – Cigna and the Connecticut Whale are continuing their partnership to bring hockey to boys and girls ages 6 to 12 years in the Greater Hartford area.

Cigna Hockey in the StreetsThe Cigna Hockey in the Streets program starts its second year with a series of one-hour clinics, beginning at six p.m., Monday, December 10, at The Wilson-Gray YMCA Youth and Family Center on 444 Albany Ave., Hartford. This program is available to groups and venues throughout the region.

Chuck Steedman, AEG Connecticut Senior Vice President & General Manager said, “AEG Connecticut is excited to carry on this tremendous program that significantly impacts the community. We strongly believe these type of programs are key to injecting excitement and energy into young hockey fans across the state. The Cigna Hockey in the Streets program had a very successful first year and we are eager to grow it in 2013. We are grateful to have committed partners in Cigna and The YMCA of Greater Hartford to help make this program a reality.”

“Both I and our players really enjoyed the Hockey in the Streets program last year,” said Whale head coach Ken Gernander. “The chance to go out and meet so many local kids, and to introduce the great game of hockey to many who had never played it before, was a great experience, and we feel like the youngsters and the players all got a lot out of it.  We are very much looking forward to doing it again.”

Cigna, a global health service company headquartered in Bloomfield, Conn., is a proud sponsor of the Connecticut Whale. Cigna is also a primary supporter of the YMCA of Greater Hartford, and its programs to develop the health and fitness of local youths.

"Part of what we do as a company is to help people in our communities improve their health and well-being. Teaming up with The Whale to bring hockey to children who may not otherwise learn the sport is a great way to help them develop lifelong healthy habits," said Mark Boxer, Cigna's Executive Vice President and Global Chief Information Officer. "With professional athletes teaching them, the children will learn not just the game, but teamwork, leadership, and the determination needed to achieve their dreams. We're excited to continue our support of the Cigna Hockey in the Streets program and look forward to seeing the children shoot for the net."

“The YMCA of Greater Hartford is delighted to once again collaborate with CIGNA and the Connecticut Whale.  When community organizations work together, the opportunities for the development of our youth are endless,” said James Morton, President and Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA of Greater Hartford. “The Hockey in the Streets program not only teaches our kids the fundamentals of hockey, but emphasizes life skills such as team-building, leadership, personal responsibility, healthy living and the importance of giving back.”

In addition to fun and healthy competition, the Cigna Hockey in the Streets will offer greater Hartford kids a Healthy Hat Trick of goals:

1. Live Healthy. Eat right, stay active, and avoid dangerous activity.

2. Be Me. Study hard, respect yourself, and do everything you can to achieve your personal best.

3. Help Others. Spread your healthy outlook to your family, friends, and your community.

Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.

Paw Prints – The Daily UConn Roundup – 12/7

Paw Prints The Daily Roundup

Paw Prints is our daily look at the happenings for the UConn Huskies football, men's basketball and women's basketball teams as well as the other sports the student-athletes engage in. We will do our best to bring you the links from all of the media that covers the Huskies on a daily basis. As always, links can be found by clicking on the read more button below if you're on the home page.

Thank you for stopping by and making SOX & Dawgs your home for UConn Huskies news.

It's game day for the UConn Huskies men's basketball team as they'll take on the Harvard Crimson at Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, CT at 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast locally in Connecticut on SNY. You can also watch online at WatchESPN. You can also listen on the IMG/UConn Radio Network.

To open the links up in a new tab or window, use Control+click

UConn Men's Basketball links

On Enosch Wolf, Harvard … Notes and Quotes From UConn Practice [dom amore – hartford courant]

Enosch Wolf Earns Praise, DeAndre Daniels' Back Bothering Him, Harvard No Pushover [david borges – new haven register]

Notes/Quotes: Rebounding is 70% effort [kevin duffy – ct post]

Rebounding woes a hot topic (video) [gavin keefe – the day]

Huskies host Harvard: preview [lee lewis – republican-american]

Crimson coming to town [neill ostrout – journal inquirer]

Huskies to face Harvard [john silver – sny.com]

Huskies Take On Crimson On Friday [uconnhuskies.com]

UConn must do better job on the boards [ct post]

Enosch Wolf Coming Into His Own At UConn [hartford courant]

Huskies set to face Harvard [new haven register]

UConn men cry (Enosch) Wolf [the day]

UConn Women's Basketball links

KML rises to occasion for UConn [carl adamec – sny.com]

Referees leave coaches in foul mood [carl adamec – sny.com]

Geno On His Temper And His Bench [john altavilla – hartford courant]

Just Imagine If Mosqueda-Lewis Didn’t Play Thursday [john altavilla – hartford courant]

Have A Holly Jolly Break, UConn And Sun Fans [john altavilla – hartford courant]

Officials Ruined What Could Have Been A Spectacular Game [rich elliott – ct post]

Huskies Have Work To Do Heading Into Exam Break [rich elliott – ct post]

UConn outlast Penn State in foul-plagued affair [jim fuller – new haven register]

No matter how, women are 8-0 [lee lewis – republican-american]

UConn women beat Penn State, stay undefeated [ct post]

Mosqueda-Lewis rises to occasion for UConn [ct post]

UConn Women Wear Down No. 10 Penn State In Second Half [hartford courant]

UConn Women's Notebook: Auriemma Using All Options, But Prefers Tighter Rotation [hartford courant]

Weight Can Be A Touchy Subject For Female Athletes [hartford courant]

Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis sparks win over Penn State [new haven register]

It wasn't pretty, but Huskies win top-10 matchup [the day]

UConn rides Faris defense past PSU [graham hays – espnw]

UConn Football links

DC answered some questions in his mailbag [desmond conner – hartford courant]

Other UConn related links

W. Soccer. Danielle Schulmann Tabbed to Second Team All-Region by NSCAA [uconnhuskies.com]

M. Soccer. Tony Cascio Scores For England's Derby County In International Training Session [uconnhuskies.com]

M. Soccer. Men's Soccer To Host Elite Clinic January 5 and 12 [uconnhuskies.com]

M. Soccer. Alvarez and Blake On TopDrawerSoccer.com Team of the Season [uconnhuskies.com]

M. Soccer. Alvarez, Blake and Diouf Named NSCAA All-Americans [uconnhuskies.com]

Softball. Seven Huskies Named 2011-12 NFCA All-America Scholar-Athletes [uconnhuskies.com]

Field Hockey. Field Hockey Honored At Women's Basketball Game [uconnhuskies.com]

Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.

In The Red Zone: Houston Texans at New England Patriots Preview Week 14

In The Red Zone

This Week

Houston Texans @ New England Patriots

The New England Patriots host the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium on Monday at 8:30 p.m.

The Texans —- The Patriots
Overall 11-1 Overall  9-3
Road record  6-0 Home record 4-1
AFC East  3-0 AFC South  2-0
AFC  9-0 AFC 8-1

Terry McAulay is the game referee assigned to the game.

The Line/Prediction

As of Thursday the line on the game from 5dimes.eu via Yahoo Sports has the Patriots at MINUS 3.  The over under is 51.5.  

My prediction is Patriots 31, Texans, 30.  Take the points (Texans) and take the over.  I am 3-9 against the spread and 8 of 12 on calling the over/under in 2012.

Tickets

The Patriots are reporting the game as a sell out. It is the 201st consecutive sell out dating back to the 1994 season opener.  The record includes preseason, regular season and playoff games.

Tickets to the game, if available, can be purchased through Ticketmaster.  You can check the availability here.

After market tickets are available through the Official Patriots Ticket Exchange where season ticket holders can sell their unused seats to fans on the season ticket waiting list.

Getting to the Game

If you’re lucky enough to be going to the game in Foxboro make sure you check out the links.

Former T Matt Light will be honored at halftime of the game.  Light, who attended Purdue, played his entire 11-year career with the Patriots.  He was a member of all 3 Super Bowl Championships.

Here is the up to date weather forecast from the Weather Channel for Foxboro MA.

Click for all the game day information including stadium directions, parking and information and map and a Gillette Stadium seating chart.

Tailgating

Here’s a bunch of different tailgating recipes from Tailgating.com.  There’s something there for everyone and every type of meal or snack.  I’ve tried some of the recipes and they’re very good. 

And with tailgating many people enjoy some adult beverages.  With that in mind check out Drink Nation for how to make all sorts of great drinks.  You can look things up by name, ingredient(s) or theme.

Whether it’s at the game, a bar or a friend’s house moderation is always the key to a great time.  Please don’t drink and drive and designate a sober driver.  Remember You Drink, You Drive, You Lose.

BROADCAST INFORMATION

Television

ESPN is televising the game nationally and Mike Tirico will do play by play while Jon Gruden will provide the game analysis.

You can also watch the game on the WatchESPN app.

Here are all the rules on NFL TV broadcasts including explaining the blackout rules, flex scheduling and commercial breaks.

Radio

The Patriots Radio Network broadcasts the game from flagship station WBZ-FM, 98.5 the Sports Hub in Boston. Gil Santos handles the play-by-play and former Patriots QB Scott Zolak will do game analysis. It all starts with Gary Tanguay and Andy Gresh with the pregame show at 5:30 p.m. along the network. The post game starts after the final gun and continues for three hours along the network.

The Patriots radio network call is available on Sirius Channel 93, XM Channel 226 and on SiriusXM Internet Channel 818.

The Texans Radio Network has Mark Vandermeer calling the game while former Heisman Trophy winner Andre Ware provides the game analysis and Rich Lord covers the sideline via their flagship station KILT AM/FM.

Their call is available on Sirius Channel 92, XM Channel 225 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 812.

Dial Global Sports is carrying the game nationally via their affiliate network.  Kevin Harlan, Boomer Esiason and Mark Malone will call the game starting at 8 p.m.

Their call is available on Sirius Channel 88, XM Channel 88 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 88.

Patriots All Access

Patriots All-Access features behind the scenes looks, interviews and breakdowns with head coach Bill Belichick and in depth features on the team.  It’s hosted by Steve Burton of WBZ-TV (Boston) and airs weekly in most New England television markets.

  • Boston MA on TV 38 Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
  • Providence RI on WNAC Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
  • Manchester NH on WMUR Saturday at midnight
  • Portland ME on WMTW Sunday at 5 a.m.
  • Hartford CT on WCTX Saturday at 5 p.m.
  • Springfield MA on WFXQ Saturday at 7 p.m.
  • Bangor ME on WVII Sunday at 11 a.m.

You can also watch it anytime on the teams website in the media section.

To continue reading the Houston Texans @ New England Patriots Week 14 preview, please click on the continue reading button below if you're on the home page.

Last Week

The Patriots held off the Dolphins 23-16 in Miami.  The Texans beat the Titans on the road, 24-10.

History

  • This is the 4th meeting between the Patriots and the Texans since Houston became a franchise in 2002.
  • This is the second meeting between the teams at Gillette Stadium.
  • The Patriots lead the overall series 2-1.
  • This is the first prime time match up between the teams.
  • The Texans won the last meeting Week 17 in 2009 at Houston, 34-27.  It is also known as the game that Wes Welker tore his ACL in.

Patriots Team Notes

Here is the Patriots roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.

2012 Patriots Schedule/Results

The Patriots overall franchise record is 423-368-9.  They have won three Super Bowls (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX) in seven appearances.  Overall they are 23-16 in the post season.

They last appeared in the playoffs in 2011 when they beat Denver home in the AFC Divisional Playoff, 45-10 and defeated Baltimore 23-20 in Foxboro in the AFC Championship Game.  They lost Super Bowl XLVI to the New York Giants 21-17.

The Patriots were 13-3 (2-1 in playoffs) in 2011 and are the defending four-time AFC East Champions as well as the defending AFC Conference Champions.  They have won the division 10 times and the conference 5 times since 2000.

Last week the Patriots clinched their 15th AFC East title breaking a tie for most division crowns with Miami.

This will be the 20th season in franchise history that the team will have a playoff appearance.

This is their 12th consecutive winning season it is the longest current streak in the NFL.  Only Dallas and San Francisco with 16 consecutive winning seasons have ever won more.

New England is 21-22 all-time on Monday Night Football.  They were 2-0 in 2011.

The Patriots are 10-8 at home on MNF.

Since 1999 the Patriots have the best record in the NFL at 156-64.

New England now has a 6-game winning streak after starting the season 3-3.

Since 2001 the Patriots are 71-16 in games played on Thanksgiving or later.

Since 2001 New England is 42-5 in December games.

The Patriots have not lost a December home game since December 22, 2002 to the New York Jets, 30-17.

The Patriots have won 12 consecutive December games dating back to 2009.  They are the fourth team to have won at least 12 consecutive December games.  San Diego won 18 (2006-09); Dallas 13 (1968-72) and New England 12 (2006-08).

Since Gillette Stadium opened in 2002, the Patriots are 71-14 at home in the regular season.

New England is 80-47-1 against the teams that make up the AFC South. 

The Patriots are now a combined 20-0 in the second half of the season since 2010.  Their last loss in the second half was in 2009 in the season finale at Houston.

The Patriots have seven non-offensive touchdowns in 2012. The 2010 Patriots and 1961 Patriots teams own the team record with nine non-offensive touchdowns. The NFL record for most non-offensive touchdowns is 13 by Seattle in 1998.

Date             Game                     Touchdown

9/9/12          at Tennessee           Dont’a Hightower 6-yd. Fumble Return

10/21/12       vs. N.Y. Jets            Devin McCourty 104-yd. Kickoff Return

11/18/12       vs. Indianapolis        Julian Edelman 68-yd. Punt Return

11/18/12       vs. Indianapolis        Aqib Talib 59-yd. Int. Return

11/18/12       vs. Indianapolis        Alfonzo Dennard 87-yd. Int. return

11/22/12       at N.Y. Jets             Steve Gregory 32-yd. Fumble Return

11/22/12       at N.Y. Jets             Julian Edelman 22-yd. Fumble Return

The Patriots are 1st in the NFL in points per game with 35.8.  While they allow 21.7 points per game good for 14th in the NFL.

The New England defense has sacked the opponents quarterback 26 times this season while their quarterbacks have been sacked 19 times.

New England is PLUS 24 in turnover differential. The offense has given up 3 INT and 5 fumbles, while the defense has 14 INTs and 18 fumble recoveries. 

The Patriots are 83 for 156 (53.2%) in 3rd down efficiency and 1 for 3 (33.3%) on fourth down attempts.  Opponents are 61 for 136 (44.9%) in 3rd down efficiency and 6 for 14 (42.9%) on 4th down attempts.

New England is 35 of 52 (67.3%) in the red zone while opponents are 19 for 31 (61.3%) in the red zone in 2012.

In goal to go situations New England is 27 for 32 (84.4%) and opponents are 14 for 18 (77.8%).

Since Robert Kraft bought the team in 1994 they:

  • Have the most Super Bowl wins, 3.
  • Have the most regular season wins, 202.
  • Have the most wins including playoffs, 221.
  • Have the most conference titles, 6.
  • Have the most division titles, 12.
  • Have the most playoff wins, 19
  • Have played the most playoff games, 29.
  • Are tied for the most playoff seasons, 14.
  • Have the best playoff win percentage, .671.
  • Have drafted the most Pro Bowl players, 20.

New England set the following team records in 2011:

  • Total yards, 6,848.
  • First downs, 399.
  • Net passing yards, 5,084.
  • 100+ yard receiving games, 18.
  • Games with 30+ points, 12 (tied for most in NFL history).

Patriots Staff Notes

This is the link to head coach Bill Belichick’s Wednesday press conference on the Texans.

Bill Belichick is 2-1 vs. the Texans in his career.

Belichick is 15-8 on Monday Night Football, 14-5 as the Patriots head coach.

Overall in his NFL career Belichick is 184-100 in his 18th NFL season.  He is 148-56 with New England and 36-44 with Cleveland.  He is 17-7 in the playoffs, 16-6 as head coach of the Patriots in the post season.  When you combine his regular season and post season records he is 201-107.

Belichick’s 201 wins are good for a tie for 7th all-time with former Broncos, Giants and Falcons head coach Dan Reeves.

Belichick is one of five head coaches in NFL history whose father (Steve Belichick) played in the league.  The others are former Kansas City head coach Todd Haley (Dick Haley), former San Francisco head coach Mike Nolan (Dick Nolan), former Cincinnati head coach David Shula (Don Shula) and former NY Jets head coach Joe Walton (Frank Walton).

Belichick is one of just four coaches to win three Super Bowls, joining Chuck Noll (4), Joe Gibbs (3) and Bill Walsh (3).  Those men are all in the Hall of Fame.

He is the only coach in NFL history to win three championship titles in four seasons.

He is the only coach in NFL history to have led his team to 10+ wins in 9 consecutive seasons.

Patriots Possible Starters

Offense:

LT: Solder

LG: Mankins

C: Wendell

RG: Connolly

RT: Vollmer

TE: Hernandez

TE: Fells

WR: Lloyd

WR: Welker

QB: Brady

RB: Ridley

Defense:

DE: Ninkovich

DT: Wilfork

DT: Love

DE: Jones

LB: Mayo

LB: Spikes

LB: Hightower

LCB: Talib

RCB: Arrington

S: McCourty

S: Gregory

Patriots Players Notes

This is Tom Brady’s 13th NFL season he is 2-1 against Houston in his career. 

Brady is 12-4 all-time on Monday Night Football.  He has won his last 4 appearances and 9 out of the last 10. 

Overall Brady is 133-38 as a starting QB and is 16-6 in the playoffs for an overall record of 149-44.  Brady is a 7 time Pro Bowl QB; two time NFL MVP and has won 3 Super Bowls while twice being named the games MVP.  He is also listed as the 21st Greatest Player in the History of the NFL according to the NFL Network.

He was ranked in the preseason by ESPN’s Ron Jaworski as the 3rd best quarterback in the NFL.

Brady has 133 career wins he is 5th all-time.

Brady finished the 2011 season with 5,235 passing yards and joined Drew Brees (5,476 in 2011 and 5,069 in 2008), Dan Marino (5,084 in 1984) and Matthew Stafford (5,038 in 2011) as the only players in NFL history to reach 5,000 passing yards in a single season.

Brady has 325 TD passes in his career he is now 5th all-time.  Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton is 4th with 342.

Brady has thrown at least 1 TD pass in 44 consecutive games.

The Patriots are 88-16 when Brady throws at least 2 TD passes in a game.

Brady has 52 games in his career with 300 or more passing yards he is tied for 5th all-time with Kurt Warner.

On the season Brady is 298 of 460 (64.8%) for 3537 yards with 25 TDs and 4 INTs his QB rating is 102.6

WR Wes Welker now has catches in 113 consecutive games including playoffs, 96 as a Patriot.  The last time Welker did not have a catch in a game was 12/24/05 as a Dolphin.

Welker leads the team with 92 catches for 1064 yards.

Welker has the second most receptions (742) all-time among undrafted receivers. Rod Smith is the NFL’s all-time leader with 849.

TE Rob Gronkowski has 37 receiving touchdowns and 38 touchdowns overall (1 rushing) since 2010. The NFL record for most receiving touchdowns in a player’s first three NFL seasons is 43 by Randy Moss and the NFL record for most touchdowns overall by a player in his first three NFL seasons is 47 by Barry Sanders (4 receiving and 43 rushing).

He leads the team with 10 TDs, RB Stevan Ridley is 2nd with 9 TDs.

Ridley leads the team in rushing with 1010 yards on 225 carries.  He is the 12th Patriot to rush for 1,000 yards in a season and first since BenJarvis Green-Ellis in 2010.

K Stephen Gostkowski has two field goals of 50 or more yards in 2012.  With one more he will be the first Patriots kicker with three field goals of 50 or more yards in one season.

Gostkowski (7 for 10) needs one more field goal of 50 or more yards to tie Adam Vinatieri (8 for 17) for most in team history.

Rookie DE Chandler Jones and DE Rob Ninkovich lead the team with 6 sacks.

With one more sack Ninkovich will have a new career high for sacks.

Patriots rookie record for sacks is held by Garin Veris who had 10.5 in 1985.

Jones also leads the team with 11 QB hits.

Ninkovich and LB Brandon Spikes lead the team in forced fumbles with 5 each, which ties Mike Vrabel’s franchise record.   

Ninkovich and DT Vince Wilfork lead the team with 4 recovered fumbles each.

Mayo leads the team through 12 weeks with 151 tackles (94 solo).  Spikes is second with 115 tackles (75 solo).

Mayo is on pace to be the third Patriot to record a 200+ tackle season.  LB Clayton Weishuhn had a team high 229 (1983) and LB Steve Nelson had 207 (1984).

Rookie S Tavon Wilson leads the team in INTs with 4. He now has more INTs in his rookie NFL season than he did in his college career at Illinois.

S Devin McCourty also has team high 11 passes defensed in 2012. CB Kyle Arrington is 2nd with 8 passes defensed.

WR Matthew Slater has a team high 17 tackles on special teams.  Rookie S Nate Ebner is 2nd with 14 tackles on special teams.

There are only two players on the team who played on at least one of the Super Bowl championship teams, Brady (3) and Wilfork (1).

Roster moves this week:

  • RB Brandon Bolden is eligible to rejoin the team after serving a four game NFL suspension for violating the drug policy.
  • WR Julian Edelman broke his foot against Miami and has been placed on the season ending IR.
  • Signed WR Donte Stallworth.
  • Waived G Mitch Petrus.
  • Signed OL Tommie Draheim and OL Colin Miller to the practice squad.

On Thursday the following players were on the injury list. TE Rob Gronkowski (forearm/hip) and G Nick McDonald (shoulder) did not practice. DT Ron Brace (back); S Patrick Chung (shoulder); G Dan Connolly (back); TE Aaron Hernandez (ankle); LB Dont’a Hightower (hamstring); DE Chandler Jones (ankle); WR Brandon Lloyd (knee); DT Kyle Love (knee); G Logan Mankins (ankle/calf); LB Brandon Spikes (knee); T Sebastian Vollmer (back/knee) and WR Wes Welker (ankle) had limited participation. LB Jerod Mayo (elbow) had full participation in practice.

The Patriots captains for 2012 are QB Tom Brady, DT Vince Wilfork, G Logan Mankins, LB Jerod Mayo, CB Devin McCourty and WR Matthew Slater (special teams).

The Patriots have 5 New England natives on the roster they are: TE Aaron Hernandez (Bristol CT); OL Donald Thomas (New Haven CT); DE Ron Brace (Worcester MA); LB Niko Koutouvides (Plainville CT) and OL Jamey Richard (Weston CT – IR). 

They have 11 players who played for a New England school or a Big East Conference member.  They are CB Will Allen (Syracuse – IR); DE Ron Brace (Boston College); RB James Develin (Brown); RB Tony Fiametta (Syracuse – Exempt List); DE Justin Francis (Rutgers); S Stephen Gregory (Syracuse); DE Chandler Jones (Syracuse); CB Devin McCourty (Rutgers); OL Donald Thomas (UConn); OL Jeremiah Warren (South Florida – Practice Squad) and NT Vince Wilfork (Miami).

The Patriots have 6 retired numbers: 20 – Gino Cappelletti, 40 – Mike Haynes, 73 – John Hannah, 78 – Bruce Armstrong, 79 – Jim Lee Hunt and 89 – Bob Dee.

Texans Team Notes

Here is the Texans roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.

2012 Texans Schedule/Results

Houston’s all-time record is 76-96-0 they are 1-1 in the post season with their last post season appearance coming in 2011 when they beat the Cincinnati Bengals at home in the AFC Wild Card game and lost to the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Division game on the road.

They have never played in a Super Bowl.

Their first season was in 2002.  They began play on September 8, 2002 with a 19-10 win over Dallas.

Since 2008, the Texans have the 3rd best road offense behind New Orleans and New England.

Houston is 1-2 all-time vs. New England and is 0-1 in Gillette Stadium.

The Texans are 12-10 all-time against the AFC East.

Houston is 2-4 on Monday Night Football.

Texans are 20-25 all-time in December.

Last season was the first time the Texans made the playoffs winning the AFC South.

Houston clinched its second consecutive playoff berth last week when they beat Tennessee.

2011 was the team’s winningest season they finished 10-6.

They now have a franchise high 11 wins in 2012.

They own a franchise record 6-game road win streak.

With a win they will have a 7-game win streak (overall) which would tie a franchise record.

This is the final game of three consecutive road games for the Texans, they have won the previous two.

The Texans have allowed the fewest sacks in the NFL this season, 15 (tied with New York Giants).

Houston is the only NFL team that is undefeated on the road this season.

The Texans have a team song called “It’s Football Time in Houston” written and performed by country star, Clay Walker.  They tried to replace the song in 2003 with one written by Chad Kroeger of Nickelback but a near riot quickly ensued.

The Texans also use “Bulls on Parade” by Rage Against The Machine.  The song has given the defense its nickname, Bulls on Parade.

The Texans mascot is Toro.

The Texans defense has allowed opponents to convert 28.4% (46 for 162) of the time on 3rd down and they are 33.3% (5 for 15) on 4th down.  The offense has a 3rd down conversion rate of 39.5% (68 for 172) and on 4th down has converted 80% (4 for 5) of the time.

The Houston defense has sacked the opponents quarterback 36 times in 12 games. While the Texans QB’s have been sacked 15 times.

The Texans are 2nd in the NFL in points per game with 29.3.  While they allow 18.4 points per game good for 4th in the NFL.

Houston is PLUS 14 in turnover differential, tied for 2nd in the NFL. The offense has given up 10 INT and 2 fumbles, while the defense has 14 INT and 12 fumble recoveries.

Houston is 28 of 46 (60.9%) in the red zone while opponents are 12 for 27 (44.5%) in the red zone in 2012.

In goal to go situations Houston is 21 for 28 (75%) and opponents are 7 for 12 (58.3%).

Texans Staff Notes

Read what Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak had to say to the New England media about the match up.

Houston head coach Gary Kubiak, is in his 7th season, he is 58-50 and 1-1 in the post season for an overall record of 59-51.

Kubiak is only the second head coach in Texans history he succeed Dom Capers who was 18-46 in the teams first four seasons.

Kubiak is 1-1 vs. New England.

He is 2-3 in Monday Night Football games.

Texans Offensive Coordinator Rick Dennison began his coaching career at Suffield Academy in Suffield CT.

Texans Special Teams Coordinator Joe Marciano coached the wide receivers at The University of Rhode Island from 1978-79.

Texans Possible Starters

Offense:

LT: Brown

LG: W. Smith

C: Myers

RG: B. Jones

RT: Ry. Harris

TE: Daniels

WR: Johnson

WR: Walter

QB: Schaub

RB: Foster

RB: Casey

Defense:

DE: Watt

NT: Cody

DE: A. Smith

LB: Barwin

LB: Ruud

LB: Sharpton

LB: Mercilus

LCB: Jackson

RCB: McCain

S: Manning

S: Quin

Texans Players Notes

Texans QB Matt Schaub is in his 9th NFL season.  He is 43-33 with Houston and 0-2 with Atlanta for an overall record of 43-35.

Schaub was the 3rd round pick in the 2004 NFL Draft by Atlanta out of the University of Virginia.

He got hurt in Week 10 last season and missed the rest of the season including the franchise’s first two playoff games.

He was ranked in the preseason by ESPN’s Ron Jaworski as the 13th best quarterback in the NFL.

He has the best road winning percentage (.818) among NFL quarterbacks the last two seasons.

Since coming to Houston in 2007 Schaub has led the Texans on 10-game winning drives.

Schaub is 266 of 413 (64.4%) for 3062 yards, 21 TD’s and 9 INT’s and a 94.5 QB rating.

DE J.J. Watt leads the AFC with 15.5 sacks.

He holds the single season franchise sack record.

Watt leads the team with 15 passes defensed and 83 tackles (64 solo).

He is the first player in NFL history to have 15 sacks and 15 passes defensed in the same season.

Watt’s 15 passes defensed are an NFL record for a defensive lineman.

2011 team MVP LB Brian Cushing is on the IR with a torn ACL he suffered in Week 5 against the Jets.

DE Antonio Smith is called “The Ninja”.

CB Kareem Jackson leads the team with 4 INT’s.

S Danieal Manning leads the team with 3 forced fumbles.

LB Tim Dobbins has 3 fumble recoveries to lead Houston.

RB Arian Foster leads the NFL with 15 TD’s.

Foster leads the team in rushing with 1102 yards on 283 carries.

He is just the 3rd undrafted running back to have three consecutive seasons with 1,000 yards rushing.

Since 2010 Foster leads the NFL in rushing yards per game (96.1), scrimmage yards per game (129.3), most 100-yard rushing games (21) and TD's from scrimmage (45).

He has had at least 100 yards rushing in 5 of the 6 games Houston has played on the road.

He has at least 100 rushing yards in 8 of the 9 games he has played on national tv.

WR Andre Johnson has 74 catches for 1114 yards to lead the Texans.

He became the 6th fastest player in NFL history to 10,000 receiving yards.

Johnson has caught at least 1 pass in 94 consecutive games.

He has 15 games in his career with 10 catches and 100 yards that is the second highest total in NFL history behind Wes Welker who has done it 16 times.

Johnson was the AFC Offensive Player of the Month for November.

Johnson called this game “the most important game in the (10-year) history of the franchise.”

TE Phillip Supernaw’s (practice squad – IR) father is former country musician Doug Supernaw, who sang the hit songs “I Don’t Call Him Daddy” (#1 in 1993) and “Reno” (#4 in 1993).

Players listed on the injury report on Thursday.  CB Alan Ball (foot) and LB Brooks Reed (groin) did not practice.  G Antonio Caldwell (hamstring); NT Shaun Cody (ribs/back); LB Tim Dobbins (shoulder); TE Garrett Graham (concussion); LBBradie James (hamstring); CB Jonathan Joseph (hamstring/groin); T Derek Newton (knee); DE Antonio Smith (ankle) and G Wade Smith (knee/ribs) had limited participation in practice.  DE Jared Crick (neck); TE Owen Daniels (back); WR Lestar Jean (knee); LB Whitey Mercilus (hip); LB Jesse Nading (foot); WR DeVier Posey (hamstring/knee); RB Ben Tate (hamstring) and QB T.J. Yates (elbow) all had full particpation.

Houston’s captains for 2012 are (offense) C Chris Myers, WR Andre Johnson, QB Matt Schaub, (defense) LB Brian Cushing, DE Antonio Smith, DE J.J. Watt and (special teams) S Shiloh Keo, LB Tim Dobbins.

NT Terrell McClain and K Shayne Graham are former Patriots returning to Foxboro for the game.

There are 2 players on the Texans roster from Big East universities.  They are LB Connor Barwin (Cincinnati) and DT Terrell McClain (South Florida).

The Texans have no retired numbers.

Next Week

The Patriots host the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro MA.  Kick off is at 8:20 p.m. on NBC.

Follow Steve on Twitter @SteveMichaelsII

Pearl Harbor Day 2012

U.S.S. Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii

Please take a moment of your day today to remember the people who gave their lives on this day back in 1941 defending our country. If you ever go to Hawaii, I highly advise going over to Pearl Harbor and doing the tour (I've been twice).

It will leave you speechless.

Also please take a moment to read this former reporter's story about Honolulu after Pearl Harbor. This story was written 71 years ago but was never filed.

Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.