Here are the highlights of the UConn Huskies football team’s 28-21 win over the Syracuse Orange in the “Pasqualoni Bowl” at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, CT on Saturday afternoon.
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The UConn Huskies inability to capitalize on turnovers coupled with the fact they committed five first half turnovers almost cost themselves the “Pasqualoni Bowl” on Saturday afternoon against the Syracuse Orange at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, CT.
Fortunately, they did capitalize on a late Syracuse turnover in the fourth quarter when Scott McCummings scored his second touchdown of the game to help the Huskies to a 28-21 win in front of 38,769 fans.
With the win, the Huskies improve to 4-5 (2-2 Big East). With the loss, the Orange (5-4, 1-3) fail to become bowl-eligible for the second straight week.
UConn got out of the gates quickly as Nick Williams opened up the game with a 61 yard kickoff return. Three plays later, the Huskies found themselves in the end zone when now embattled quarterback Johnny McEntee hit tight end John Delahunt for a 10 yard touchdown pass. For Delahunt, it was the first touchdown pass of his career.
The Huskies defense forced a turnover on Syracuse’s second play of the game when Jory Johnson recovered a fumble at the Orange 27. However, they were unable to take advantage of the field position as McEntee threw an interception.
Lyle McCombs had another great day for the Huskies as he rushed for a career high 152 yards, including a big 63 yard in the 1st quarter. Unfortunately this time, the good field position was wasted when McCummings fumbled the snap. The defense picked up McCummings though as they picked up an interception of Orange QB Ryan Nassib by Jerome Junior who returned to the Orange 41.
Once again, UConn failed to take advantage of an opportunity and was forced to punt.
It was an ugly second quarter for the Huskies as they had three turnovers. The first came on a McCombs fumble. The second on a McEntee fumble and the final one late in the second quarter on a McEntee interception.
The second half was a much different story though for both teams. The third quarter saw the two teams each get the ball twice with the Orange scoring twice and the Huskies once. UConn did have the ball and was driving down the field as the third quarter ended.
Two plays into the fourth quarter, McCummings scored the first of his two touchdowns to tie the game up at 21. The Orange were going down the field on the ensuing possession only to see Nassib get picked off again, this time by linebacker Sio Moore.
After not taking advantage of all those early turnovers that might have made this game a blowout, UConn finally did what it needed to after this one although it almost wasn’t to be.
On a 1st and 10 at the Syracuse 25, McCummings dropped back to pass. With nobody open, he held onto the ball and was absolutely smoked by Dan Vaughn causing him to fumble the ball. Luckily for McCummings and the Huskies, offensive lineman Steve Greene came out of the pile with the ball to keep the drive alive.
McCombs got the Huskies closer to the end zone on a 14 yard run and with a facemask penalty, the Huskies had the ball at the Orange 10. Two plays later, McCummings got the ball in the end zone and the defense held on late to give UConn a much needed win.
This game really should have been over earlier. The inexperience at quarterback hurt them alot with the early turnovers. You really don’t expect a team with five first half turnovers to even be in the game. But with Syracuse not being able to convert either, UConn was given a chance to win.
I really think it’s time for the Huskies to go with McCummings full time at quarterback. That probably won’t happen because of his inexperience with passing the ball. But at the very least, McCummings needs to be the quarterback when the Huskies are in the red zone. He brings a different dynamic to the game there and UConn did take full advantage of it when they could.
Hopefully having the bye week again will allow Blidi Wreh-Wilson to get healthy. The secondary could really use him after allowing another 275 yards passing this week.
But for now, time to celebrate the win, a much needed one.
Scoring:
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final |
| Syracuse Orange | 0 | 7 | 14 | 0 | 21 |
| UConn Huskies | 7 | 0 | 7 | 14 | 28 |
1st quarter
CON – 13:38 – John Delahunt 10 Yd Pass From Johnny McEntee (Dave Teggart Kick)
2nd quarter
SYR – 01:48 – Alec Lemon 20 Yd Pass From Joe Nassib (Ross Krautman Kick)
3rd quarter
SYR – 10:31 – Nick Provo 6 Yd Pass From Joe Nassib (Ross Krautman Kick)
CON – 05:52 – Lyle McCombs 3 Yd Run (Dave Teggart Kick)
SYR – 02:42 – Dorian Graham 7 Yd Run (Ross Krautman Kick)
4th quarter
CON – 14:17 – Scott McCummings 10 Yd Run (Dave Teggart Kick)
CON – 04:51 – Scott McCummings 7 Yd Run (Dave Teggart Kick)
To continue reading, the Syracuse Orange @ UConn Huskies recap, click on the read more button below if you’re on the home page.
Offensive Players of the Game:
Lyle McCombs and Scott McCummings. McCombs had 24 rushes for a career-high 152 yards and a touchdown. McCummings had 13 rushes for 59 yards and two touchdowns.
Defensive Players of the Game:
Linebacker Sio Moore came up with the big interception when it was needed. He also had five tackles
Turning Point(s) of the Game:
Offensive Notes:
Johnny McEntee was 8-of-14 for 113 yards and a touchdown pass. He also threw two interceptions and lost one fumble. Lyle McCombs had 24 rushes for a career-high 152 yards and a touchdown. He also lost a fumble. McCummings had 13 rushes for 59 yards and two touchdowns. He too had two fumbles, one lost and one recovered by Steve Greene. John Delahunt caught one ball for ten yards and his first career touchdown. Isiah Moore had four catches for 72 yards.
Defensive Notes:
Yawin Smallwood led the Huskies with 12 tackles (five solo, seven assisted) and a ½ sack. Dwayne Gratz had eight tackles (five solo, three assisted). Jerome Junior had seven tackles and an interception while Kendall Reyes had seven tackles and a ½ sack. Trevardo Williams had five tackles and a sack while Sio Moore had five tackles and an interception. Jory Johnson had four tackles and a fumble recovery. Teddy Jennings had the other sack for the Huskies.
Special Teams Notes:
Nick Williams was huge today on special teams. He had three kickoff returns for 123 yards including 61 yarder to start the game. He only had one punt return for five yards. He did have a big punt return nullified after a block in the back penalty. Dave Teggart was perfect on all four extra points. He didn’t attempt a field goal in the game. Cole Wagner had three punts for 105 yards with two of them being downed inside of the 20. Chad Christen had five kickoffs with only one going for a touchback.
Injuries:
Linebacker Sio Moore was shaken up in the fourth quarter but returned to the game.
Officials:
Referee: Tom Tomaczyk; Umpire: Mark Pellis; Linesman: Kavin McGrath; Line judge: Jim Casey; Back judge: Paul Vargo; Field judge: Daniel Gallagher; Side judge: Howard Curry;
Game Notes:
Syracuse Orange @ UConn Huskies 11-5-11 box score
Here are postgame quotes from UConn head coach Paul Pasqualoni as well as some of his players.
Here are the starters for the Huskies:
OFFENSE
WR 6 Moore, Kashif
TE 89 Delahunt, John
LT 71 Ryan, Mike
LG 69 Greene, Steve
C 57 Petrus, Moe
RG 63 Masters, Adam
RT 77 Friend, Kevin
QB 18 McEntee, Johnny
TB 43 McCombs, Lyle
TE 94 Griffin, Ryan
WR 83 Moore, Isiah
DEFENSE
DE 48 WILLIAMS, Trev.
DT 4 MARTIN, Tywon
DT 99 Reyes, Kendall
DE 91 Joseph, Jesse
SLB 3 Moore, Sio
MLB 33 SMALLWOOD, Yaw.
WLB 28 Johnson, Jory
CB 7 Gratz, Dwayne
S 15 Junior, Jerome
S 40 Brown, Ty-Meer
CB 16 Jones, Byron
Big East Games and Results:
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Louisville 38
24 West Virginia 35
USF
Rutgers, 7 p.m.
Cincinnati
Pittsburgh, 7 p.m.
Things to Work On:
Up Next:
The Huskies are off next Saturday and return to action on Saturday, November 19th when they’ll host the Louisville Cardinals at Rentschler Field. The time of the game has not been announced yet.
Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.
Photo credit: Stephen Dunn – Hartford Courant (No. 2,3 in gallery)
Former UConn Huskies forward Kevin Freeman, who was a member of the 1999 NCAA Championship team, has joined the UConn men’s basketball staff.
Here’s the release from UConn:
Storrs, Conn. – Kevin Freeman has been named to the position of Assistant Director of Men’s Basketball Administration at the University of Connecticut, it was announced today by head coach Jim Calhoun. Freeman is a former Husky captain and member of the 1999 NCAA National Champions.
“I am thrilled to have Kevin join our staff here at UConn,” said Calhoun. “Kevin was one of the great warriors we have ever had play for us and is just the type of person that all of our current players should aspire to be like and be around.”
Freeman is the all-time UConn leader in games played at 140, No. 17 on the all-time scoring list with 1,476 points and No. 8 on the all-time rebounders list with 913. He was the Most Outstanding Performer of the 1999 BIG EAST Championship and was named to the 1999 NCAA West Regional All-Tournament team. He was a co-captain of the 1999-00 Husky squad and UConn compiled a 109-32 record in his four seasons, reaching the Elite Eight in 1998 and winning the NCAA title in 1999.
After completing his career at Connecticut, Kevin played 11 seasons of professional basketball, retiring after the 2010-11 season. He played in professional leagues in Italy, Australia, Greece, South Korea, China, Puerto Rico, Spain and Venezuela during his career.
Born March 3, 1978, Kevin is a native of Springfield, Mass and came to UConn after competing as a all-state high school performer at Paterson Catholic HS in New Jersey. Kevin and his wife Nicole have a daughter Kekoa and a son Sire.
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Photo credit: AP Photo
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 some of the other sports. 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 gameday for the UConn Huskies football team as they’ll host the Syracuse Orange at 12 p.m. at Rentschler Field. If you missed my Syracuse vs UConn preview, be sure to check that out.
To open the links up in a new tab or window, use Control+click
UConn Football links
Some ‘Cuse week links [John Silver – Journal Inquirer]
Picking the UConn v. Syracuse game [Lee Lewis – The Republican-American]
UConn’s Pasqualoni downplays Syracuse ties [CT Post]
UConn Hopes To Stop Syracuse From Reaching Bowl Eligibility [Hartford Courant]
Past rush [Journal Inquirer]
Huskies begin key stretch with Syracuse [New Haven Register]
UConn needs to shore up pass defense [Norwich Bulletin]
Pasqualoni won’t bite on all the hype [The Day]
Huskies host Orange [The Hour]
UConn Men’s Basketball links
Top Prep Recruits in New Haven Nov. 18-20 [David Borges – New Haven Register]
Source: AAU coach bought plane ticket for Boatright [CT Post]
Boatright’s Troubles Stem From AAU Career [Hartford Courant]
Aw, shoot [Journal Inquirer]
UConn’s Boatright won’t play Sunday as NCAA investigation continues [The Day]
Top 50 countdown: No. 4 UConn [Sporting News]
UConn Women’s Basketball links
Big Night, Sore Calf [John Altavilla – Hartford Courant]
Maya Moore Is Going Shopping Saturday [John Altavilla – Hartford Courant]
Mosqueda-Lewis Showed Plenty Of Desire In Win Over Assumption [Rich Elliott – CT Post]
Auriemma, Fairfield native Siciliano Share Quick Conversation [Rich Elliott – CT Post]
Calf OK, Mosqueda-Lewis Participates In UConn Practice [Hartford Courant]
Other UConn related links
Big East sues West Virginia [Andrea Adelson – ESPN.com]
Field Hockey. Silverman’s Game-Winner Lifts No. 4 Field Hockey to 3-2 Victory Over Louisville [UConnHuskies.com]
W. Volleyball. Volleyball Defeats WVU 3-1 for Third Straight Win [UConnHuskies.com]
M. Ice Hockey. Huskies Rally But Fall at Mercyhurst in Overtime, 4-3 [UConnHuskies.com]
W. Ice Hockey. Huskies Dropped by No. 9 Northeastern in Road Match-Up [UConnHuskies.com]
Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.
By Brian Ring
Hartford, CT, November 4, 2011 – The Connecticut Whale fell to the St. John’s IceCaps, 6-3, Friday night before 4,028 at the XL Center in Hartford.
St. John’s scored twice in 38 seconds midway through the third period, as part of a four-goal frame which erased a 3-2 deficit en route to a 6-3 win over the Whale.
“Sometimes it comes down to second effort, recognition, desperation, things like that,” said Whale coach Ken Gernander. “We got some big goals at the end of the second period and then we really didn’t force the issue and played first-effort for the last 20 minutes.”
Connecticut had gotten on the board early, as John Mitchell scored his fourth of the season on a backhander just 4:03 into the first period. His shot found its way past sprawled-out St. John’s goaltender Edward Pasquale, as Mats Zuccarello’s bid was kicked out to the Whale center. Jonathan Audy-Marchessault also received an assist on the goal.
Carl Klingberg tied it for St. John’s at 13:58 with his seventh goal of the season, his wrist shot from the wide-open slot beating Whale goaltender Chad Johnson to his glove side. Aaron Gagnon and Marco Rosa each assisted on the score.
The IceCaps took a 2-1 lead on the power-play with just 42 seconds left the opening period, as Shawn Weller scored from the slot on a deflection of a Jason DeSantis shot. Rosa picked up his second helper of the night on the play.
The Whale struck back with two goals in 19 seconds in the waning moments of the second period, taking a 3-2 lead into the third period.
Kris Newbury’s goal tied the game for Connecticut, as his shot went up and over Pasquale with 41 seconds left in the period. Kelsey Tessier and Carl Hagelin each assisted on the equalizer.
Connecticut then took the lead on the strength of Ryan Bourque’s first professional goal. Bourque’s shot from the right circle appeared to be swallowed up by Pasquale, but the shot trickled past his left pad and over the goal line for the 3-2 advantage. Tessier notched his second assist of the night on the goal, with Pavel Valentenko netting his second helper of the year.
The IceCaps responded in the third period, when Spencer Machacek netted his second goal of the season at 6:02. The Whale were unable to clear the puck from in front of Johnson, leading to the scoring chance created by Jason Jaffray and Riley Holzapfel, both tallying their third assists of the season.
St. John’s took a 4-3 lead on Eric O’Dell’s eventual game-winner, a turn-around shot from the right circle off a feed from Kevin Clark, O’Dell’s bid fooling Johnson to his short side. The goal was O’Dell’s first in the professional ranks. The IceCaps’ lead was increased to 5-3 just 38 seconds later, when Arturs Kulda blasted a shot from the point which beat Johnson low, for Kulda’s first goal of the season.
An empty-net goal from Kulda with 1:28 remaining in the third sealed the 6-3 win for the IceCaps.
“We come out strong and we get the first goal,” said Tessier. “We try to keep the lead and it’s always when we get to the third period that we can’t finish. But we’ve got to stay positive here though, we’ve been winning. We’ve got to climb back and get that goal, I think everyone hates losing.”
The Whale will return to action Saturday night, when they head to Albany to face the Devils at the Times-Union Center (7:00).
To continue reading, click on the read more button below if you’re on the home page.
St. John’s IceCaps 6 at Connecticut Whale 3
Friday, November 4, 2011 – XL Center Veterans Memorial Coliseum
St. John’s 2 0 4 – 6
Connecticut 1 2 0 – 3
1st Period-1, Connecticut, Mitchell 4 (Zuccarello, Audy-Marchessault), 4:03. 2, St. John’s, Klingberg 7 (Gagnon, Rosa), 13:58. 3, St. John’s, Weller 2 (DeSantis, Rosa), 19:18 (PP). Penalties-Audy-Marchessault Ct (hooking), 17:46; Zuccarello Ct (tripping), 20:00.
2nd Period-4, Connecticut, Newbury 5 (Tessier, Hagelin), 19:19. 5, Connecticut, Bourque 1 (Tessier, Valentenko), 19:38. Penalties-Chiarot Stj (hooking), 7:40; Pasquale Stj (diving), 14:50; Thuresson Ct (goaltender interference), 14:50; Cormier Stj (boarding), 16:35.
3rd Period-6, St. John’s, Machacek 2 (Jaffray, Holzapfel), 6:02. 7, St. John’s, O’Dell 1 (Clark, Albert), 9:40. 8, St. John’s, Kulda 1 (Weller, Chiarot), 10:18. 9, St. John’s, Kulda 2 18:32 (EN). Penalties-O’Dell Stj (interference), 12:08.
Shots on Goal-St. John’s 12-7-9-28. Connecticut 8-6-5-19.
Power Play Opportunities-St. John’s 1 / 2; Connecticut 0 / 3.
Goalies-St. John’s, Pasquale 3-0-0 (19 shots-16 saves). Connecticut, Johnson 3-1-2 (27 shots-22 saves).
A-4,028
Referees-Geno Binda (22), Ryan Hersey (46).
Linesmen-Derek Wahl (46), Luke Galvin (2).
This week:
The UConn Huskies return home to Rentschler Field on Saturday at 12 p.m. as they’ll host the Syracuse Orange. The game is being dubbed as the “Pasqualoni Bowl” since UConn head coach Paul Pasqualoni used to coach the Orange back in the day.
Here are the rosters for the Huskies and the Orange.
The Line/Prediction:
According to Rivals.com odds, UConn is favored by two points. The over/under is 44.5 points.
My predicition is Syracuse 24 UConn 13.
Tickets:
According to Ticketmaster.com, there are still some tickets available for the game.
Getting To The Game:
Here is link for the weather report. Here is all the parking info you will need for the game, this link includes directions to Rentschler Field. Here is a Rentschler Field seating chart and here is some general information for Rentschler Field.
The parking lots will open up 4 hours before kickoff. Here is a list of the tailgating rules at the Rent.
At UConn home games, FanFest takes place starting four hours before kickoff up until 30 minutes before the game. This year, it moves to between Gates A and B outside the stadium gates.
The offerings change each game, but activities typically include inflatable games for children, live bands, promotional vehicles and UConn student-athletes from various team signing autographs.
The “Husky Walk” is a chance for fans to welcome the UConn teams as they get off the team buses and head to the stadium. That takes place at approximately two hours and 15 minutes before kickoff between Gates A and B.
Once again this season at the end of home games, the UConn team will sing the “UConn Husky” fight song in front of the student section at Rentschler Field.
BROADCAST INFORMATION
Television:
Saturday’s game will be televised nationally by ESPNU. Pam Ward is on play-by-play while Dan Hawkins is on color.
The game will also be replayed on SNY in a condensed mode on the “Husky Power Hour” on Sunday, Nov. 6 at 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.The game will be replayed in its entirity on Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 7:00 p.m.
Radio:
For the 20th consecutive season, WTIC 1080-AM in Hartford serves as the flagship station for the UConn Radio Network. WTIC is the state’s only 50,000 watt signal and can be heard in 23 states and parts of Canada.
Veteran UConn announcers Joe D’Ambrosio (play-by-play) and Wayne Norman (color commentary) return to call the action with Kevin Nathan on the sidelines.
The UConn pregame show begins 90 minutes prior to kickoff, while home games, the UConn Tailgate Show will air two and a half hours prior to the game with Arnold Dean.
UConn football games are also broadcast over the internet at WTIC.com. Here is a full list of stations on the WTIC/UCONN radio network.
Syracuse Radio:
The game can be heard on the Syracuse IMG Sports Network. Matt Park has the play-by-play with Chris Gedney (analyst) and Brian Higgins is the sideline reporter.
The Syracuse broadcast of the game is also available on Sirius Channel 117/XM 203.
To continue reading the Syracuse Orange @ UConn Huskies preview, click on the read more button below if you’re on the home page.
Last Week:
The Huskies fell to the Pitt Panthers 35-20 at Heinz Field. The Orange lost to the Louisville Cardinals 27-10 in Louisville.
History:
Saturday’s game will be the eighth meeting all-time between UConn and Syracuse with the series dating back to UConn joining the BIG EAST Conference in 2004. UConn leads the series by a 5-2 count and has won the past four meetings between the teams. UConn has won all three meetings between the teams at Rentschler Field — 2005 (26-7), 2007 (30-7) and 2009 (56-31).
Connections:
Other UConn News:
Here are the quotes from UConn head coach Paul Pasqualoni’s press conference as well quotes from some of the players.
Here is UConn’s depth chart for the game.
Here is a video on the UConn football young guns.
UConn head coach Paul Pasqualoni has won more BIG EAST Conference games (league contests only) than any other coach in history. Pasqualoni has 63 league wins from 1991-2004 and 2011 while Frank Beamer of Virginia Tech is second with 57.
With his three wins this year, Pasqauloni is also first in league history in overall wins with 110 to top the mark of Beamer with 108. The distant third is Don Nehlen of West Virginia at 61.
Pasqualoni became the first Husky coach since 1923 to win his UConn coaching debut. The last coach to win a Husky debut was Sumner Dole in 1923.
A number of members of the 2011 Huskies were named to preseason “Watch Lists” for 2011. They are:
UConn owns an all-time mark of 23-28 in BIG EAST Conference games since joining the league for football in 2004. The Huskies posted their best conference record with a 5-2 mark in 2007 and ‘10.
UConn had a five-game BIG EAST Conference games win streak broken on Oct. 8 at West Virginia. It was the longest in school history.
UConn is 28-17 in games following a loss since Oct. 26, 2002.
Senior kicker Dave Teggart now has multiple field goals in five games this season and 19 in his career. He has ten career games with three or more field goals.
Here are the categories where UConn is ranked in the top 40 in the 2011 NCAA statistics.
Individual leaders:
Notes from this week’s opponent Syracuse:
Here are the quotes from Syracuse head coach Doug Marrone’s press conference.
A WIN AGAINST CONNECTICUT WOULD:
The Orange is 105-93-4 (.530) all-time against the seven other members of the BIG EAST Conference. Since the formation of the league in 1991, Syracuse is 71-69 (.507) in BIG EAST play, including a 6-11 mark under head coach Doug Marrone.
Syracuse is 5-6 all-time vs. Cincinnati ; 2-5 vs. Connecticut; 5-6 vs. Louisville; 30-33-3 vs. Pittsburgh; 30-11-1 vs. Rutgers; 1-5 vs. South Florida; and 32-27 vs. West Virginia.
Syracuse is 10-5-1 all-time in games played on Nov. 5 and has won four its last five.
The following SU players have been named to watch lists for college football’s major national awards:
Syracuse – UConn Huskies 2011 statisical comparison:
What to watch in the Big East [Andrea Adelson – ESPN.com]
Paul Pasqualoni to face former team [Andrea Adelson – ESPN.com]
Syracuse works on building consistency [Andrea Adelson – ESPN.com]
Big East did you know? [Andrea Adelson – ESPN.com]
A Few Words From UConn Coach Pasqualoni Before Syracuse [Desmond Conner – Hartford Courant]
Game Preview – Syracuse Orange at Connecticut Huskies [BigEast.org]
UConn Football: Offense Slow To Get Going [Hartford Courant]
Syracuse at Connecticut: SU focused on winning, not Huskies coach Pasqualoni [The Post-Standard]
George DeLeone brings passion and constant motion to UConn Huskies [The Post-Standard]
Syracuse vs. UConn: Coach P Or Not Coach P? [Troy Nunes is an Absolute Magician]
Next Week:
The Huskies have an another bye week and return to action on Saturday, November 19th when they’ll host the Louisville Cardinals at Rentschler Field.
Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.
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 some of the other sports. 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 Football links
The UConn football links can be found in the Friday football links section of the Syracuse Orange vs UConn Huskies preview.
UConn Men’s Basketball links
Breaking Down UConn’s Opponents: Games 17, 20, Notre Dame [Dom Amore – Hartford Courant]
Leitao hires Marshall, drafts Okwandu [Kevin Duffy – CT Post]
NBA Breakdown: Jeremy Lamb [UConn Huskies Basketball]
Boatright’s Status Still Unresolved For UConn [Hartford Courant]
UConn Huskies 2011-12 Team Preview [SI.com]
UConn Women’s Basketball links
Mosqueda-Lewis makes strong first impression [Jim Fuller – New Haven Register]
Parking Rates Jump To $12 At Gampel’s South Garage [John Altavilla – Hartford Courant]
So What Do You Think Of Mosqueda-Lewis Now? [John Altavilla – Hartford Courant]
Mosqueda-Lewis Tweaks Calf In Win Over Assumption [Rich Elliott – CT Post]
Women’s Hoops Glide Past Assumption In Exhibition, 89-30 [UConnHuskies.com]
Post Game Quotes [UConnHuskies.com]
Mosqueda-Lewis has strong debut as UConn women roll to exhibition win [CT Post]
UConn Women Roll Over Assumption [Hartford Courant]
Five Former Huskies Who Made A Difference [Hartford Courant]
Freshman Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis sharp in exhibition win [New Haven Register]
Senior, freshman star for UConn women in exhibition [The Day]
2011-2012 UConn Huskies: Mayan Effort Not Needed [Swish Appeal]
Other UConn related links
Boise State given consent to join Big East [Andrea Adelson – ESPN.com]
W. Volleyball. Come Out to Gampel for Weekend Volleyball Action [UConnHuskies.com]
M. Soccer. Men’s Soccer Routs DePaul In BIG EAST First Round, 4-0 [UConnHuskies.com]
W. Soccer. Schulmann and Houle Earn BIG EAST Nods [UConnHuskies.com]
Field Hockey. Eight Huskies Earn Postseason Honors at the BIG EAST Banquet [UConnHuskies.com]
Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.
This Week
The New England Patriots host the New York Giants at Gillette Stadium on Sunday at 4:15 p.m.
The Patriots (5-2) are 3-0 at The Razor, 1-0 against the NFC East and 1-0 vs. the NFC. The Giants (5-2) are 2-1 on the road, 2-0 vs. the AFC East and 2-0 against the AFC.
The Line/Prediction
As of Thursday the line on the game from Yahoo! Sports has the Patriots at minus 9. The over under is 51.
My Prediction is Patriots 35, Giants, 28 take the points (Giants) and take the over. I am 4-2-1 against the spread and 5 of 7 on calling the over/under in 2011.
Tickets
The Patriots are reporting the game as a sell out. It is the 187th 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.
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 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
FOX is televising the game regionally and Joe Buck will do play by play while Troy Aikman will provide the game analysis and Pam Oliver will be the sideline reporter. You can look here for your local affiliate.
See if you’re getting the game courtesy of J.P. Kirby at the506.com.
The DirecTV designation is Channel 714.
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, former Patriot Gino Cappelletti does the color and new this year Scott Zolak will man the sidelines. It all starts with Gary Tanguay, Andy Gresh and Zolak with the pregame show at 1 p.m. along the network. The post game starts after the final gun and continues for three hours along the network.
If you are outside the broadcast are of the stations on the Patriots Radio Network you can purchase NFL Field Pass, which allows you to listen to any game live. You can also pick which teams broadcasters you want to listen to.
All NFL Games are also available on Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio also carries all the NFL games under a special additional package. They usually only carry the home team feed.
The Patriots radio network call is available on Sirius Channel 94, XM Channel 227 and on SiriusXM Internet Channel 879.
The Giants Radio network has Bob Papa calling play by play and former Giant Carl Banks provides the color via their flagship station WFAN. Their call is available on Sirius Channel 86 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 881.
Sports USA Radio Network will also broadcast the game to its nationwide affiliates with Larry Kahn and Ross Tucker calling the game.
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.
You can also watch it anytime on the teams website in the media section.
To continue reading the New York Giants @ New England Patriots preview, please click on the read more button below if you’re on the home page.
Last Week
The Patriots lost to the Steelers on the road 25-17; while the Giants beat the Dolphins, 20-17 at home.
History
Patriots Team Notes
Here is the Patriots roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.
2011 Patriots Schedule/Results
The Patriots overall franchise record is 406-365-9. They have won three Super Bowls (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX) in six appearances. They last appeared in the playoffs in 2010 when they lost at home to the New York Jets in the AFC Divisional Playoff, 28-21. They last appeared in a Super Bowl in 2007 losing to the New York Giants 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII. They won the AFC Conference championship that season with playoff wins over Jacksonville and San Diego.
The Patriots are the defending two-time AFC East Champions; they have won the division 8 times since 2000.
The Patriots are dedicating the 2011 season to the memory of Myra Hiatt Kraft, the late wife of owner Robert Kraft. Every Patriots player and coach will honor Myra’s memory by wearing a patch with her initials on it in recognition of her lifelong contributions to the local and global community and her influence on the charitable mission of the entire Patriots organization. The patch will be worn on the left chest of every player throughout the season.
The Patriots have not lost a regular season meeting with the Giants since Robert Kraft purchased the team in 1994 (4-0).
New England is a NFL best 18-1 vs. the NFC at Gillette Stadium (since 2002). The lone loss is vs. Green Bay in 2002.
Since 2002 the Patriots are 8-1 vs. the NFC East in the regular season. The lone loss was at Washington in 2003.
The Patriots have not lost a regular season game at Gillette Stadium since the 2008 season having won 20 consecutive regular season home games.
Since 2002 when Gillette Stadium opened the Patriots are 70-14 at home the best mark in the NFL.
Since 2003 New England is 26-2 following a loss and have lost back-to-back games only twice; once in 2006 and once in 2009.
Patriots and their opponents have each scored 59 points in the 4th quarter.
The Patriots defense has allowed opponents to convert 46.1% of the time on 3rd down (30th), while the offense has a 3rd down conversion rate of 50.6% 4th best in the NFL.
The New England defense has sacked the opponents quarterback 15 times in 7 games.
The Patriots are 5th in the NFL in points per game with 28.9. While they allow 22.9 points per game good for 17th in the NFL.
New England is now plus 2 in turnover differential, tied for 13th best in the NFL. The offense has given up 8 INT and 2 fumbles, while the defense has 9 INT and 3 fumble recoveries.
Patriots Staff Notes
This is the link to head coach Bill Belichick’s Wednesday press conference on the Jets.
Bill Belichick is 2-3 vs. the Giants in his career. He is 2-1 against them as the head coach in New England and that includes one Super Bowl (0-1).
Overall in his NFL career Belichick is 167-96 in 16 NFL seasons. He is 129-53 with New England and 36-44 with Cleveland. He is 15-6 in the playoffs, 14-5 as head coach of the Patriots in the post season. When you combine his regular season and post season records he is 182-102.
Belichick’s 182 wins are good for 10th all-time. Bill Parcells is 9th with 183 wins.
He was named NFL Coach of the Year for the 3rd time in 2010.
Patriots Possible Starters
Offense:
Defense:
Patriots Players Notes
This Tom Brady’s 12th NFL season he is 2-1 vs. the Giants including 0-1 in the playoffs.
Overall Brady is 116-33 as a starting QB and is 14-5 in the playoffs for an overall record of 130-38. Brady is a 6 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.
In 2010 Brady won his second NFL MVP and he was the first unanimous winner in league history.
Brady has thrown 18 TD’s and 8 INT’s while being sacked 14 times in 7 games.
Brady has 279 TD passes in his career he is now 8th all-time. Hall of Famer Johnny Unitas is 7th with 290.
With a win on Sunday Brady and Belichick will break the record they share with Dan Marino and Don Shula as the winningest quarterback-coach combination in the Super Bowl era with 116 wins.
WR Wes Welker now has catches in 89 consecutive games including playoffs, 72 as a Patriot. The last time Welker did not have a catch in a game was 12/24/05 as a Dolphin.
CB Kyle Arrington has a team leading 4 INT’s in 2011, DT Vince Wilfork is 2nd with 2.
CB Devin McCourty leads the team in tackles with 52, S Patrick Chung is 2nd with 51.
DE Mark Anderson and DE Andre Carter lead the team with 4.5 sacks apiece. Anderson also leads the team with 6 quarterback hits while Carter has 5.
Anderson, Wilfork, Carter and LB Jerod Mayo have each forced a fumble this season while LB Rob Ninkovich, DL Kyle Love and DE Gerard Warren each have recovered a fumble.
WR Matthew Slater leads the team with 7 special teams tackles, LB Tracy White is 2nd with 6.
Carter had his second consecutive 2 sack games last week at Pittsburgh.
DE Ron Brace will more than likely be activated from the PUP list possibly as early as Friday.
DE Shaun Ellis suffered a rib injury Sunday against Pittsburgh and he may miss some time.
Players not practicing on Wednesday and Thursday due to injuries were: WR Wes Welker (neck – out Wednesday only) and LB Dane Fletcher (thumb). A few others saw limited action in practice they were: Ellis (ribs); TE Aaron Hernandez (knee); S Josh Barrett (thumb); RB Kevin Faulk (knee); RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (toe); LB Jerod Mayo (back) and T Sebastian Vollmer (back).
It appears that most of the limited players, as well as Welker, are just precautionary measures as they have all come back from injuries in the last few weeks.
It looks like Ellis may not play as of Thursday so there will be some juggling on the defensive line. Brace, if activated from PUP as anticipated, will see some time and may possibly start, if not, Mark Anderson is a candidate for his first start of the year.
On Thursday the team released S Ross Ventrone, again. According to the Patriots this is the 3rd time he has been released just this season. Since April 2010 when he originally signed with the team he has been involved in 17 roster transactions and has been released 7 times. It’s obvious that the staff likes what he brings to keep bringing him back. Expect him to be back on the practice squad after he clears waivers.
WR Julian Edelman was arrested on Tuesday morning for indecent assault and battery; he pleaded not guilty and was released on his own recognizance. He did practice during the week but there was no comment from the team either on the charges or how it will effect his playing time. Last Sunday at Pittsburgh, Edelman was a healthy scratch.
There are only eight players on the Patriots roster that played in Super Bowl XLII vs. the Giants in February 2008. They are: C Dan Koppen; WR Wes Welker; K Stephen Gostkowski; G Logan Mankins; DT Vince Wilfork; T Matt Light; QB Tom Brady and RB Kevin Faulk.
The Patriots have four New England natives on the roster they are: TE Aaron Hernandez (Bristol CT); OL Donald Thomas (New Haven, CT); S James Ihedigbo (Northampton, MA) and DE Ron Brace (Worcester, MA). They have 8 players who played for a New England school or a Big East Conference member. They are: WR Deion Branch (Louisville); S James Ihedigbo (UMass); C Dan Koppen (Boston College – IR); CB Devin McCourty (Rutgers); NT Vince Wilfork (Miami), OL Donald Thomas (UConn); DE Mike Wright (Cincinnati – IR) and DE Ron Brace (Boston College).
The Patriots have 7 retired numbers: 20 – Gino Cappelletti, 40 – Mike Haynes, 73 – John Hannah, 78 – Bruce Armstrong, 79 – Jim Lee Hunt and 89 – Bob Dee.
Pro Bowl voting is open feel free to cast your votes for deserving players.
Giants Team Notes
Here is the Giants roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.
The Giants all-time record is 641-526-33 and they are 20-24 in the playoffs with their last playoff appearance coming in 2008. That season the Giants lost to Philadelphia in the NFC Divisional round, 23-11. The Giants last appeared in a Super Bowl following the 2007 season and defeated the previously undefeated New England Patriots, 17-14 to win Super Bowl XLII. It is considered one the biggest upset in sports history. The Giants have won three Super Bowls (XXI, XV, XLII) in four appearances and have also won 4 NFL Championships (1927, 1934, 1938, 1956) prior to the Super Bowl era.
New York is one of three NFL teams with at least 600 wins as a franchise.
The Giants have a new alternate throwback uniform for 2011. It replaces the red alternate jersey they wore between 2004 and 2007.
The Giants have a huge New England following due to the fact that they were the closest pro football team to the region prior to the formation of the AFL in 1960 and the birth of the Patriots franchise.
The Giants can’t live in the shadow of 2007.
The Giants defense has allowed opponents to convert 34.7% of the time on 3rd down (9th), while the offense has a 3rd down conversion rate of 34.8% 20th best in the NFL.
The New York defense has sacked the opponents quarterback 26 times in 7 games that is the most in the NFL.
The Giants are 10th in the NFL in points per game with 24.9. While they allow 24.3 points per game good for 21st in the NFL.
New York is now plus 5 in turnover differential, tied for 6th best in the NFL. The offense has given up 5 INT and 4 fumbles, while the defense has 8 INT and 6 fumble recoveries.
Giants Staff Notes
Hear what New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin had to say to the New England media about the match up.
Tom Coughlin is 138-109 in his 16th season as a head coach. He is 70-49 in 8 seasons with the Giants and was 68-60 in 8 years with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He is 8-7 in the playoffs with one Super Bowl victory for an overall record of 146-116.
Coughlin coached teams are 2-4 vs. New England including 1-1 in the post season.
Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride is from New Haven, CT and secondary coach Peter Giunta is a Salem, MA native.
Giants Players Notes
Eli Manning is 65-45 as a starting QB and is 4-3 in the playoffs for an overall record of 69-48. Manning was the Number 1 overall pick by the San Diego Chargers in the 2004 NFL Draft out of Mississippi. He was then traded to New York for QB Philip Rivers and additional draft picks.
Manning is 1-1 vs. the Patriots in his career including the Super Bowl.
Manning was the MVP of Super Bowl XLII.
Eli and his brother, Peyton of the Indianapolis Colts, are the only brother QB’s to lead their teams to Super Bowl wins. They are also the only brothers to both win the Super Bowl MVP Award.
Manning’s father is the legendary New Orleans Saints QB, Archie Manning.
Reportedly spurned prior to warm ups at the Super Bowl, Manning deserves Tom Brady’s respect.
Manning will start his 111th game in a row, tying the fourth longest streak in NFL history with Brady, who streak ran from September 30, 2001 until the 2nd Week of the 2008 season when Matt Cassel started in place of the injured Brady.
CB Corey Webster has the task of covering New England WR Wes Welker on Sunday.
New York RB Ahmed Bradshaw has a broken bone in his foot but is expected to play Sunday.
The New York captains for 2011 are: Manning, DE Justin Tuck and LB Zak DeOssie.
The Giants have two New England natives on the roster they are: LB Zak DeOssie (North Andover MA) and LB Jonathan Goff (Peabody MA). They have nine players who played for a New England school or a Big East Conference member. They are: WR Victor Cruz (UMass); OT Will Beatty (UConn); RB Henry Hynoski (Pitt); LB Mathias Kiwanuka (Boston College); DE Jason Pierre-Paul (USF); G Chris Snee (Boston College); LB Zak DeOssie (Brown) LB Jacquian Williams (USF) and LB Mark Herzlich (Boston College).
The Giants have 7 retired numbers: 1 – Ray Flaherty; 4 – Tuffy Leemans; 7 – Mel Hein; 11 – Phil Simms; 14 – Y.A. Tittle; 16 – Frank Gifford; 32 – Al Blozis; 40 – Joe Morrison; 42 – Charlie Conerly; 50 – Ken Strong and 56 – Lawrence Taylor.
Next Week
The Patriots visit the New York Jets next Sunday at the Met Life Stadium in East Rutherford NJ. Kick off is at 8:20 p.m. on NBC.
Follow Steve on Twitter @djstevem
Former UConn Huskies linebacker and current member of the Carolina Panthers practice squad, Lawrence Wilson, was arrested on Wednesday afternoon for speeding and possession of marijuana.
According to the Salisbury Post, Wilson was doing 76 MPH in a 65 MPH zone. After being pulled over, the officer smelled an odor of marijuana on Wilson which was enough probable cause to search the car.
Upon searching the car, the police found 11 grams (.39 ounces) of marijuana in his car. Lucky for him this is only a misdemanor in the state of North Carolina.
According to the article, the Carolina Panthers offered no comment on the situation.
Wilson was a sixth round pick of the Panthers in the 2011 NFL Draft and was cut before the season started. He was added to their practice squad after being cut.
Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.
Photo credit: AP Photo
HARTFORD, November 3, 2011: Connecticut Whale general manager Jim Schoenfeld announced today that the parent New York Rangers have reassigned defenseman Lee Baldwin from the Whale to its ECHL affiliate, the Greenville Road Warriors.
Baldwin, a second-year pro, was scoreless and +2, with six shots on goal, in three games this year with the Whale, after missing the first four games of the season due to injury. He was signed as a free agent by the Rangers March 22, 2010, out of the University of Alaska-Anchorage.
The Whale return to action at the XL Center tomorrow night, Friday, November 4, hosting the new St. John’s IceCaps in a 7:00 game. That will be a special “Power Ghouls” Night, complete with an on-ice costume parade and a special buy-one-get-one-free ticket with costume.
Friday night’s game will feature a Halloween costume parade on the ice during the first intermission, and prizes will be awarded for best kid’s costume and best adult’s costume. Also, fans who come in costume can take advantage of a buy-one-get-one-free offer on Upper Level tickets for Friday’s game. That discount is available for both kids’ and adults’ tickets, through the Public Power Ticket Office at the XL Center only.
CL&P employees who present their company ID at the Public Power Ticket Office at the XL Center will also be extended the buy-one-get-one-free offer on Upper Level tickets for Friday night.
Tickets to Friday night’s game, and all 2011-12 Whale home games, are on sale now at the Public Power Ticket Office at the XL Center, as well as on-line at www.ctwhale.com and through TicketMaster Charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000.
Save on your tickets, and get the best seats, with a ticket plan for the Whale’s 2011-12 AHL campaign, which are on sale now. For information on season seats and mini plans, visit www.ctwhale.com, or call the CT Whale ticket office at (860) 728-3366 to talk with an account executive today.
Follow Ian on Twitter @soxanddawgs. And be sure to like us on Facebook as well.
