http://wtic.com Sat, 17 May 2008 17:23:40 EDT en-us Better late than never , here is MY take on the Blue-White game at Rentschler Field.<br /> <br /> I was most impressed by all four running backs. We know what Donald Brown and Andre Dixon can do, we now have an inkling about Robbie Frye and Meme Wylie. Both ran extremely well and showed versatility to their games. It's hard to imagine four backs getting regular work BUT when you take the possibility of Mon, 21 Apr 2008 19:06:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1923171 It was last Monday in Tampa that I last saw Randy Smith. We shared an hour of sunshine at the hotel pool and talked about anything and everything. That was typical of time spent with R.Smith. Time that unfortunately ended today with his sudden deathat the age of 61.<br /> <br /> From the time I first started covering sports in the late 70's, Randy was always a friendly&nbsp;face and willing to talk. He Mon, 14 Apr 2008 22:59:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1884861 On one of the most beautiful days of the year, I spent the majority of the morning and an hour of the afternoon inside the Shenkman Center, watching the UConn football team continue Spring Practice. Saturday is a good day to watch since they scrimmage extensively,<br /> <br /> Not participating today was Tyler Lorenzen, sidelined by an ankle injury. When describing how the QB got hurt ( in a red zone Sat, 12 Apr 2008 15:23:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1875790 IDLE THOUGHTS ABOUT THISA AND THATA:&nbsp; A.J. Price undergoes surgery on his injured knee on Friday. To know him is to like him so obviously the hope is that his recovery from his torn ACL is rapid and complete... I watched two minutes of the McDonald's All American Game. That's hardly enough time to make astute analysis but from what I saw of Kemba Walker, he certainly looks like he will Wed, 26 Mar 2008 22:19:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1784766 SATURDAY: Use any word you'd like to describe the end of UConn's season and you wouldn't be far off. Devestating ,disappointing, humblng they would all apply to the 70-69 overtime loss to San Diego. Losing like Drake did is one thing, losing for themost part a lethargic contest like the Huskies is another .<br /> <br /> The game was lost long before De'Jon Jackson's right side jumper with 0:01:2 seconds Sat, 22 Mar 2008 08:37:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1762275 8:00 AM- A beautiful, sunny morning on the marina as we get set to spend most of the day inside a building. But trust me, there is NO place I would rather be today than&nbsp;broadcasting &nbsp;NCAA basketball than&nbsp; watching it on the TV. Last year 's abscence from post season play made me really appreciate all the more all the success that UConn has enjoyed under Jim Calhoun and how lucky I Fri, 21 Mar 2008 08:18:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1758701 5:50 PM- Back from a day at the St Pete Times Forum, a big beautiful COLD building. Not many fans on hand for the free practices (at least the daytime practices).&nbsp;<br /> <br /> For UConn, it was two practices in one day as they also held a full workout at the University of Tampa. The open practice was a chance to get used to the floor, the rims, etc.&nbsp; The Huskies certainly didn't seem overwhelmed Thu, 20 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1754459 9:45 AM- Just finished breakfast with the other two Amigos (Wayne and Kevin) as we begin our first full day in St Pete. It was a relatively easy flight and trip to the airport, and then an enjoyable meal across the street with five of our print colleagues. There is something relaxing about having dinner outdoors, which we did. Then back to the media hotel to solve all the worlds problems with Thu, 20 Mar 2008 10:03:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1752367 TUESDAY- Some quick thoughts after the brackets have been settled.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> I think UConn deserved a four seed and they didnt get a bad draw. If they win round one, Drake will be a challenge and then the potential of playing UCLA is daunting. But when this team plays they way it can, anything can happen.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> On the women's side, somebody has to explain how UConn and Rutgers are in the same Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:52:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1740285 We'll try to do some live blogging during the afternoon doubleheader from back here in the Press Room.&nbsp;<br /> Game one is a huge 8-9 matchup between Syracuse and Villanova with the loser probably eliminated from the NCAA's.<br /> They split during the regular season with each winning on the road.&nbsp; They haven't played in the tourney since 2002.<br /> <br /> Visiting with John Rooke (PC) ,Dan Hoard (Cincy) Wed, 12 Mar 2008 11:59:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1708518 Dear Governor Rell:<br /> <br /> Congratulations on your ability to get tonite's UConn women's game against Pittsburgh broadcast on CPTV. Even though I was at the game as a member of the media, I was still impressed by your ability to move mountains, especially those having to do with ESPN, and ESPNU, which I know many people in Connecticut feel&nbsp;is a worse network than Al-Jezeera.<br /> Even though this Mon, 10 Mar 2008 22:41:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1697207 A disappointing end to the road season for UConn on Thursday, to be sure. Providence dominated the final 11 minutes and got to celebrate a win over the Huskies for the 2nd time this season. Jim Calhoun called his team &quot;selfish&quot;, never a term of endearment. And for the 2nd straight game against the Friars, UConn shot miserably from three point range.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> It will be an effort now Fri, 7 Mar 2008 16:38:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1686559 Interesting comments by A.J. Price in the morning paper concerning the first&nbsp; Providence-UConn game. The Friars certainly earned the right to celebrate but A.J and some of the Huskies felt they took it a bit too far. Well, tonite at the Dunkin Donuts Center is the chance to extract payback. The two teams have gone in opposite directions since that game.<br /> <br /> Providence is playing for it's Big Thu, 6 Mar 2008 09:51:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1677892 For long stretches today, UConn played great basketball against West Virgina.. Then for about six minutes, it was shaky, very, very shaky. But then big hoops by Stanley Robinson and Craig Austrie righted the ship and the Huskies prevailed 79-71. With todays loss by Marquette, the Huskies have clinched a first round bye in the Big East tournament, meaning they will open play on Thursday, the Sat, 1 Mar 2008 17:56:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1651331 XL CENTER- 45 minutes from game time in Hartford. Congrats to the Hartford Department of Public Works for doing a great job clearing the streets around the Civic Center.&nbsp; Hopefully fans will turnout for the Huskies last blast in town this season.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> I think West Virginia will provide a really stiff test. They don't play with a true center so Hasheem Thabeet may struggle at the Sat, 1 Mar 2008 11:20:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1650825 UConn did what good teams do Tuesday night, once they got Rutgers down, they didn't let them up for air. The Huskies never really put the game away til the end but you never got the feeling the Scarlet Knights were coming all the way back either.<br/> <br /> Jeff Adrien was flat out brillaint, Stanley Robinson was almost as good and Craig Austrie was as good as Sticks or as Patrick Sellers called him on Wed, 27 Feb 2008 17:01:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1634726 That's how legendary Celtics radio play by play voice Johnny Most started every broadcast. And that's where the TIC trio is tonite here at the RAC. ALL the media is here since they have sold what were the writers seats to patrons... It;'s not a bad vantage point, but if something goes on down on the floor, we never find out about it.<br /> <br /> Kevin and I picked Wayne up at Newark after his flight in Tue, 26 Feb 2008 18:08:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1627900 Monday Afternoon- UConn held a shorter than normal practice today then got on the bus to head to Rutgers for tomorrow night's Big East contest. Jerome Dyson returned to practice yesterday and A.J. Price said he looked like he did before the 30 day suspension. Jim Calhoun confirmed that Dyson would come off the bench and that he was in good shape but obviously not as good as if he had been Mon, 25 Feb 2008 16:35:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1620585 9:40 AM-- It's almost 2 and a half hours from gametime and we already in the building.The Pride of Hostra is setting up the broadcast equipment, the Morning Mayor is behind me looking over game notes. We are right at midcourt, next to the ESPN TV crew of Dave Pasche and Len Elmore (no, they are not here this early).<br /> <br /> Kevin and I drove down Thursday night, wanting to beat this weeks Storm of the Sat, 23 Feb 2008 09:47:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1611989 G' morning!&nbsp; UConn and De Paul meet in less than 10 hours as the Huskies try to get win #10 in a row. UConn has moved up to 13th in both polls and most of the bracketolgists have them as a 3 seed. It's all nice and all good but just remember that the Huskies have been living on the edge throughout their 9 game winning streak and it's a fine line between winning and losing in the BigEast this Tue, 19 Feb 2008 09:22:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1588253 TAMPA- It's been several hours since UConn escaped from the Sun Dome with a 74-73 overtime win over South Florida courtesy&nbsp;of Craig Austrie's game winner with 0.02 seconds to play. The Huskies are walking a fine line and winning, and that's what matters. They are finding a way to win. They survived a day when they committed costly errors, a less than scintillating effort from their front Sat, 16 Feb 2008 22:22:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1577630 5:41PM- The students who have already filled the lower section of seats have just heartily greeted Kyle McAlarney andLuke Harangody as they walked on the floor. It's only the 2nd time ever for the Irish in Gampel (1996 was the first) and it should be a spirited crowd. The Huskies seven game winning streak has people enthused about the Huskies. And of course, the fans remember the 6 point loss at Wed, 13 Feb 2008 18:01:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1561523 The Bigs were huge at Gampel today and because they were, the UConn winning streak is now 7.. Hasheem Thabeet and Jeff Adrien dominated the interior with a combined 47 points and 26 rebounds in the 80-68 win over Georgia Tech at a rocking Gampel Pavillion. The Huskies won this game in the final three minutes of the first half when they cut a nine point defecit to four at halftime. It gave UConn Sat, 9 Feb 2008 21:55:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1539380 5:20 PM- We are setup courtside at the Carrier Dome. The outstanding Syracuse dance team is practicing their routines. Wayne is doing a pre game interview with Syracuse play by play man Matt Park. (They do a 90 minute pre game and post game, holy crap don't tell John Victory). Kevin Ingles has just finished his setup of the broadcast location and the Huskies have just arrived, meaning I will be Wed, 6 Feb 2008 17:25:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1522837 Syracuse- Here are two signs that things are a little bizzare in the world. 1) It was 43 degrees as we rolled into Syracuse at 5 pm and 2)- Wayne couldn't finish a full rack of ribs at the legendary Dnosaur Barbecque. Kevin Ingles has documented evidence of that fact,and if I can figure out how to post a picture on this web site, we will.<br /> <br /> With the LG flat screen playing House over my head, Tue, 5 Feb 2008 21:53:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1516317 Another exhilirating win for the UConn men, beating Pittsburgh 60-53. Not textbook offensive basketball, especially in the first half when the Huskies had more turnovers (11)&nbsp; than field goals (8). But UConn's defense was terrific and as a result the game was tied at 22 at intermission. In the second half., the offensive execution was better with Jeff Adrien helping out A.J. Price and Craig Sat, 2 Feb 2008 18:13:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1500784 Quite a night at the XL. UConn dug deep again and earned their fourth straight win. Once again, a team, this time Louisville, tried to capitalize on the Huskies struggles with guarding the three , hoisting 33 from long distance and making 11. But their last one, from Juan Palacios didn't fall and when Craig Austrie ran down the corner, UConn raced onto the floor to celebrate and the XL Center Tue, 29 Jan 2008 09:49:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1475680 12:30 PM- I've just finished my game prep for tonite and thought I'd get a few random thoughts onto the blog.<br /> By now, if you are a UConn fan, you've probably read or heard the police reports concerning Jerome Dyson and Doug Wiggins. It's easyto be critical of their judgement, and there are plenty of questions that the pair have to answer to their head coach and ONLY their head coach (and Mon, 28 Jan 2008 12:51:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1469932 An amazing day for the Huskies. Without Jerome Dyson and Doug Wiggins and falling behind 9-nothing at the start, UConn dug deep, persevered and eventually ko'd #7 Indiana 68-63. If it had happened in Hartford or Storrs, it would have been impressive. To&nbsp; get it done in Assembly Hall made the victory even more meaningful.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Every Husky who played contributed. AJ Price continued his Sat, 26 Jan 2008 20:26:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1463693 What started as a sleepy wait for the UConn men turned into a busy Friday night after Jim Calhoun announced the suspension of sophmore guards Jerome Dyson and Doug Wiggins. Just before practice, the coach was alerted to a situation involving the duo. Calhoun allowed them to practice, then after practice gathered more information and made his decision. Dyson and Wiggins did not travel to Fri, 25 Jan 2008 23:19:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1462008 12:30AM-&nbsp;&nbsp; The TIC trio has just returned from its post game meal and it's time to put a wrap on a pretty wild win for the Huskies. There were a couple of times in the second half that I figured UConn wouldn't be able to come back again against Cincinnati, but they did and finally earned an emotional 84-83 win.<br /> <br /> Down 12 with 6 minutes to play, you wouldn't have been surprised if the Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:38:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1450269 WEDNESDAY AM- G'morning from Cincinnati. Believe it or not, your TIC trio had no travel problems getting here. A smooth,albeit slow,flight from BDL to CVG and an uneventuful drive to the hotel. So, game on.<br /> <br /> Tonite's game will be UConn's first visit to Cincinnati, the teams didn't play last year and the contest two years ago was at the Civic Center (what ever happened to that building!). The Wed, 23 Jan 2008 07:54:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1446466 11:20PM- As promised a recap following the football games. The disaster of Thursday night in Hartford was a distant memory this afternoon in Gampel as UConn easily scored its most impressive win of the season by beating Marquette. In all honesty, the Huskies dominated from start to about 5 minues to play. In fact, the final score wasn't indicative of how much UConn dominated. They never let the Sun, 20 Jan 2008 23:36:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1431830 10:52 AM- Sitting in what passes for the press room&nbsp;at Gampel with Wayno to my right and the writers starting to trickle in to the left. The women are still practicing in preperation for tomorrow's showdown with North Carolina.&nbsp;<br /> Today's men's game with Marquette is huge, there is no other way to describe it. This is the start of a six game schedule that will be the turning point of the Sun, 20 Jan 2008 11:00:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1430854 For&nbsp;the &nbsp;2nd year in a row, Providence College marched into Hartford and put on a devestating 2nd half show. Last year, it was alley-oop hoops. This year, the Friars knocked down three after three in a 77-65 win that to be honest wasn;t asclose as the final score would indicate.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> UConn's two point halftime lead was tenuous at best as the Huskies didn't play very well in the Thu, 17 Jan 2008 23:38:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1421869 XL CENTER-&nbsp; My pregame interview with Jim Calhoun is over and even though he looks a little tired and sounds tired too, he's ready for action.&nbsp; There's been a flu bug going around the team but it hasn't effected any of the players.<br /> <br /> Time to go record an interview with John Rooke. the voice of the Friars who is one of the world's best people .<br /> <br /> Ok, I'm back. John had an interesting Thu, 17 Jan 2008 17:26:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1420830 This is my second attempt at a post game blog. #1 got swallowed up by the ozone, So, here we go again.<br /> <br /> Okay, anybody who figured Roy Hibbert would hit a game winning three pointer raise your hand. Me neither, but that's how Georgetownmade it two straight wins over UConn. I guarantee you that UConn would give Hibbert that shot ten times out of ten, and take their chances. The shot clock was Sat, 12 Jan 2008 21:55:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1393407 WASHINGTON-&nbsp; I can not tell a lie, nicknaming the Verizon Center &quot;The Phone Booth &quot; isn't an originial, I heard it some wear,and liked the sound of it. They expect close to a sellout for the Huskies and Hoyas and an hour before gametime, the Georgetown student section is filled behind the basket where UConn is shooting first. There is one kid who was here last year and is back Sat, 12 Jan 2008 13:18:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1392056 IN THE FRIENDLY SKIES- Welcome to the first in the air blog as the TIC Trio as we were dubbed by Mike Anthony of the Courant fly south to the Nations Capital. It&rsquo;s 4::29pm and we just took off, not on our scheduled 2:15 US Airways flight but instead on United Flight 1199. Yes, our original flight was cancelled, making it 3 flights in 10 days that have had delays or cancellation. Frustrating Fri, 11 Jan 2008 19:25:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1391496 GAMPEL- A good night for the guards as the Huskies get back on track. A.J. Price felt the rhythm from his first shot of the night and finished with a career high 25, while still handing out 7 assists and committing 1 turnover. Jerome Dyson, tied Scott Burrell's 17 year old record with 9 steals and it was the guards who keyed the 31-6 first half run that turned this into a rout.<br /> <br /> Jim Calhoun Tue, 8 Jan 2008 22:04:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1374560 6:22 PM- just a few minutes toair. I'll be curious to see how big the crowd is with the students still out for semester break. Plus, I'm betting more than a few fans will be late because of the 7 pm start time, a half hour earlier than normal at Gampel.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> This should be an interesting game, everyone tells me St John's is better, more athletic than before. You know Norm Roberts will have Tue, 8 Jan 2008 18:26:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1374062 Tuesday: Sorry for the lack of posts on Sunday, which turned into the travel day from hell. The 9AM United flight out of South Bend was cancelled by fog, necessitating a 3 hour, 3 stop bus ride of O'Hare, then check in, then standy by on a 4:40 flight (which Wayne, Kevin and I all got on) which made it 9 PM by the time I walked in the front door.<br /> <br /> But now, it's on to St John's and tonight is a Tue, 8 Jan 2008 13:43:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1372766 12:45 AM- A few final thoughts before polishing off my Amy's dinner of two Cheese enchilada's and hitting the sack before the trip home<br /> <br /> The Notre Dame loss is as disappointing as the Gonzaga loss from the standpoint that the game was there for the taking. Recovering from 21 down in the first half and being tied with 3 minutes to go is as much as any UConn fan could root for. But Notre Dame Sun, 6 Jan 2008 00:48:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1361739 6:50, 2 hours before game time and we (the broadcast trio) is here at the Joyce Center, which the are renovating at the end of the school year. Kevin has almost completed setting up the gear, Wayne is working to my right on his computer , reading newspaper preview stories of the game. And while I am writing my blog, I'm listening to the Redskins broadcast of their NFL playoff game with Seattle. Sat, 5 Jan 2008 18:59:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1361290 35 degrees and raining this morning. Any time it's not snowing when you wake up in this neck of the woods.<br /> <br /> It's a big day for the Irish with their women playing Tennessee (you remember Tennessee) at 2 and then the men and the Huskies at 9. The women have never beaten the Lady Vols and I'm not betting on it happening today. The game will be announced as a sellout, the 4th in Notre Dame women's Sat, 5 Jan 2008 10:22:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1360639 Friday Night-Mishawaka,Indiana. Welcome to Mishawaka. Where ? It's a suburb&nbsp; that is east of South Bend, which apparantly got some snow in the last 24-48 hours because most of the roads were awful.<br /> <br /> The Huskies arrived this morning and worked out at an auxiliary gym at the Joyce Center. Jim Calhoun met the four writers and Wayne and myself just before six pm and told us that the plane that Fri, 4 Jan 2008 21:34:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1359617 12:17AM FRIDAY MORNING- A couple of brief thoughts before an early (5am) wakeup call and flights to Chicago and South Bend.<br /> <br /> 1)-&nbsp; Another good effort from the Huskies. They didn't fall apart when Seton Hall rained down three in the first half, tightened up the defense and continued to score the ball AND hit free throws.<br /> <br /> 2)- Hasheem Thabeet's continued develeopment at the offensive end Fri, 4 Jan 2008 00:22:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1355226 NEWARK, 6:35 PM- Welcome to the Prudential Center. If we ever build a new facility in Hartford, this would be a pretty solid example to follow. Two levels of club seats, great LCD boards surrounding the entire arena and great lighting. There are blackout curtains that surround the upper deck and if you didn't know there was an upper deck, you couldn't tell there were seats up there.<br /> <br /> The crowd Thu, 3 Jan 2008 18:44:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1354346 BRADLEY INTERNATIONAL, TERMINAL A, GATE 1: Happy New Year. It's been a while since I've blogged and I really didn't think I'd be blogging at this time but since our flight to Newark is delayed&nbsp; by air traffic, I thought I'd catch up with you. Why are we flying to Newark...it has to do with a two legged trip, drop charges and other events. I know my friend Mike Anthony from the Courant Wed, 2 Jan 2008 16:49:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1347586 That was the Stanley Robinson we have heard about and waited to see. We've seen glimpses but nohing like his 32 point, 11 rebound performance against Maine at the XL Center. The technical foul stick got midway thru the 1st half ignited the fire and Sticks was unstoppable after that. He's an extremely likeable young man&nbsp; and it was terrific to&nbsp; see him play like he did.<br /> <br /> Sticks also Sun, 23 Dec 2007 17:55:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1310222 DO NOT ADJUST THE COLOR ON YOUR TV SET IF YOU ARE WATCHING TODAY, THE HUSKIES WILL TROT OUT THEIR GREY UNIFORMS. THEY ARE IDENTICAL TO THE WHITE HOME JERSEYS EXCEPT THEY ARE GREY.<br /> <br /> WHILE THE PRE GAME SHOOTAROUND IS TAKING PLACE, CRAIG AUSTRIE IS RIDING THE EXERCISE BIKE AND WILL NOT PLAY. JEROME DYSON APPEARS TO BE EXTREMLY GIMPY. JON MANDELOVE ISN'T RUNNING..<br /> <br /> STANLEY ROBINSON HAS A 430 Sat, 22 Dec 2007 11:18:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1308072 First and foremost, congratulations to the 35 hundred or so fans who turned out at the Civic Center on Sunday afternoon. The weather wasn't great, the driving in Hartford was bad&nbsp;and the game was on TV &nbsp;but yet, fans still turned out.<br /> <br /> They saw a very strong effort by UConn. Yes, Quinnipiac was undermanned, overwhelmed and at times awestruck by the moment, but that doesn't take away Mon, 17 Dec 2007 09:50:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1280956 Craig Austrie will miss Sunday's game with Quinnipiac due to pneumonia. The junior guard was taken to the hospital on Thursday night when he awoke sick during the evening. He sat on the sidelines for Saturday's practice and Coach Jim Calhoun called the Stamford native &quot;day to day&quot; Sat, 15 Dec 2007 13:48:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1275120 It would be fairly accurate to say that the 69-60 win for the men over Northeastern wasn't a thing of beauty. From start to finish, there was lots to pick apart, and Jim Calhoun did that in his post game press conference. The coach graded harshly, giving his offense and &quot;F&quot; and his defense a &quot;C-plus&quot;. There were several occasions when Jim looked ready to leap out of his sports Fri, 7 Dec 2007 14:56:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1238192 It's the toughest game of the year... for the broadcasters. We can't say the word HUSKIES because it's the Northeastern HUSKIES against the Connecticut HUSKIES. I put the over/under on 5 mentions on the radio side, I can't speak for Bob Picozzi and Tom Brennan on the telecast or the Northeastern radio broadcast.<br /> <br /> It will be an interesting night because if you heard Jim Calhoun on SportsTalk Thu, 6 Dec 2007 09:57:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1229338 That's all I can say about the BIG EAST Conference All League teams selected by the league's head coaches. How can LeSean McCoy of Pittsburgh beat out Steve Slaton for first team running back. How can Max Suter of Syracuse,&nbsp;like McCoy, a &nbsp;true freshman,beat out Tyvon Branch for first team Kick Returner/Punt Returner. And how can anyone, anyone, justify Brian Kelly from Cincinnati Thu, 6 Dec 2007 09:51:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1225108 That's all I can say about the BIG EAST Conference All League teams selected by the league's head coaches. How can LeSean McCoy of Pittsburgh beat out Steve Slaton for first team running back. How can Max Suter of Syracuse, a true freshman,beat out Tyvon Branch for first team Kick Returner/Punt Returner. And how can anyone, anyone, justify Brian Kelly from Cincinnati beat out Randy Edsall for Wed, 5 Dec 2007 14:29:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1225108 Pittsburgh's shocking upset of West Virginia means that UConn and the Mountaineers share the 2007 Big East Football title @ 5 and 2. Yes, I know the 'Neers beat UConn a week ago. But with the records dead even, the teams share the regular season title. Semantics to some, but I dare you to tell that to the players and coaches inside the Burton Family Football Complex.<br /> <br /> Just back from Boston Sat, 1 Dec 2007 23:38:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1210008 It's Tuesday and speculation is running wild over where the UConn football team will play it's bowl game. It seems certain that it will not be El Paso as the Sun Bowl has reportedly decided on South Florida. It looks like their rationale is to take the highest ranked (BCS) team from the Big&nbsp; East and that would be the Bulls, even though they lost to UConn. And the rumor mill out of New Tue, 27 Nov 2007 11:12:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1193986 The countdown continues to Saturdays Showdown in Morgantown for the UConn football team. A win gives UConn the Big East regular season title and a spot in a BCS Bowl game.<br /> <br /> Okay, let me say that slowly..........A win gives UConn the Big East regular season title and a spot in a BCS Bowl game. It's almost impossible to comprehend, even for those of us who have been around since the start of the Thu, 22 Nov 2007 15:24:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1181512 NEW YORK- The first meeting in six days between UConn and Gardner Webb was not a thing of beauty. Three officials, intent on calling every touch, every nudge, took the rhythm out of the game. When they did allow the players to perform, UConn was by far the better team and took the 78-66 win.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Once again, the Huskies used a late first half run to take charge, and then a 13-0 second half Fri, 16 Nov 2007 12:01:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1161469 Wednesday night, the UConn men began the task of trying to erase last year from the memory books as they meet Morgan State in the first round of the 2K&nbsp; Sports College Hoops &nbsp;Classic to benefit Coaches vs Cancer (thanks to Ed Daignault of the Republican-American for help with the title).&nbsp;<br /> <br /> The news that Marcus Johnson is going to transfer isn't really a surprise. Marcus never Tue, 6 Nov 2007 14:16:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1124957 And so it continues. Another scintillating night at Rentschler Field on Saturday with UConn ko'ing Rutgers 38-19. From DJ Hernandez punt block to Tyler Lorenzen's two td passes to Tyvon Branch's 2nd KO return for a TD this season to Donald Brown's terrific 2nd half performance to another stout red zone performance by the defense, it was quite the night.<br /> <br /> Yes, RU moved the ball up and down the Mon, 5 Nov 2007 16:21:00 EST http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1120967 Two down, one to go on the Huskies big homestand. Another sterling defensive effort to beat USF, another week of uncharted waters for UConn.<br /> <br /> The big defensive stand at the end of the game was proof positive on consecutive plays. First, Ryan Henegan and then Greg Robinson ,both backup linebackers, made huge plays to set up 4th and Goal. It's more proof of the Huskies improved depth. The offense Wed, 31 Oct 2007 17:50:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1105175 This is a 2 for 1 notebook,&nbsp;a rarity these days in the world of the blog. UConn's win over Louisville was immense on so many levels. Obviously for what it's done for this team. Make them bowl eligible, improve them to 2-0 in the conference and&nbsp; in giving them the confidence they can come back in the 4th quarter against a good opponent. It has also given them&nbsp;national recognition, Tue, 23 Oct 2007 14:27:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1072938 4:25PM/FRIDAY: Welcome to the Rent where it's raining and traffic has been trickling in for the last two hours. The grand opening of the unnamed sporting goods store has thus far not effected fans ability to get into the parking lots. Why a new store would be so blatantly obnoxious to hold their grand opening on the day of the biggest home football game of the season is beyond me...Oh well, Fri, 19 Oct 2007 16:35:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=1061890 It's been a busy few days so my apologies for the lack of a blog.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Akron game seems like it was ages ago. It was another solid effort but a team that is starting to get recognized for its work ethic.<br /> <br /> Tyvon Branch had talked on last Thursday's coaches show how he is thrilled to be back running back kickoffs. It showed on his 97 yard td return that turned the game around. He told Tue, 2 Oct 2007 22:46:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=997005 SATURDAY AM- It's an absolutely beautiful Saturday morning in East Hartford, the band is rehearsing on the field and the Huskies are making their way to the Rent for the 5th game of the season against Akron. The Zips don't carry a big name but they will provide a stiff challenge.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Offensively, Akron will try and run the ball. Both quarterbacks, especially Carlton Jackson are better when Sat, 29 Sep 2007 09:56:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=981863 I was heartbroken to find out this morning that my friend and colleague Bill Gonillo had died suddenly Sunday at the age of 44. Many of you in the Greater Hartford area may not know Billy who spent the last 12 years as sports director at News12 in Norwalk. Bill was a one man sports crew, shooting the video, interviewing the athletes and coaches and then editing the tape and giving the sportscast Mon, 24 Sep 2007 10:46:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=956520 Saturday night in Pittsburgh, the UConn Huskies served notice on the BIG EAST that they were no longer road kill. It wasn't just beating Pittsburgh, which isn't a very good team right now/. But it was the way the Huskies went about their buisness that made this their best conference win since the road win at Rutgers on Thanksgiving Day in 2004 to sew up a bowl bid.<br /> <br /> The Connecticut defense was Mon, 24 Sep 2007 10:32:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=956487 For many of you, Saturday night is the &quot;unofficial&quot; start of the UConn football season with the BIG EAST Conference opener at Pittsburgh. And in all honesty, I'm not sure that's too far from the truth. The Huskies accomplished their goals in the first three games, which was basically to win. At least that's what Herman Edwards said in his infamous press conference during his tenure as Fri, 21 Sep 2007 08:34:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=944898 A win by an eyelash...or a shoelace... That's what UConn accomplished Saturday at Rentschler Field with their 22-17 win over Temple. I've seen the catch by Bruce Francis on the 4th down flea-flicker almost as much as the final out of the '96 World Series on YES and my thought is that if the officials on the field had called the play as a completion, that would have stood. When it takes the replay Mon, 17 Sep 2007 14:41:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=927090 Sorry about the lack of updates. My bad, it's been a busy week. But now, the entire focus (okay, not the entire focus) is on game 3 for UConn as they host Temple.<br /> <br /> There's no sense trying to pull the wool over anybody's eyes. If UConn plays it's game they'll win and win by 20-25 points. Temple is young, with 16 true freshman on their depth chart. In Division 1 football, youthful enthusiasm only Fri, 14 Sep 2007 16:38:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=918849 Once upon a time, UConn and Maine played football every year. But then the Huskies headed to the world of Division One and Saturday night, they'll renew acquaintances at Rentschler Field.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> The Huskies are well aware that Maine has played very, very well the last three years against Division One teams, including a 9-7 win at Mississippi State in 2004 (pre Sylvester Croom).&nbsp;And ALL the Sat, 8 Sep 2007 10:54:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=891639 For 30 minutes yesterday, it looked like UConn might have been getting some unwanted exposure on &quot;SportsCenter&quot;. Duke took a 3 point lead into the locker room and even though the Huskies had been the superior team in the first half, you didn't know how the Blue Devils would react to having a rare halftime lead.<br /> <br /> The final 30 minutes was a different story. UConn was superior once again Sun, 2 Sep 2007 13:32:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=869613 No surprises on the first depth chart. Both Lou Allen and Ryan Henegan are listed with Henegan the starter at the weakside linebacker and Allen behind Donald Brown at tailback. Martin Bedard is the #2 tight end behind Steve Brouse, beating out DerekRich for the job. Dan Ryan is the starting right tackle, having beaten out Mike Hicks. The only true freshman on the two deep&nbsp;are cornerback Thu, 23 Aug 2007 18:04:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=834493 THURSDAY- 8/23 Today @ 5, Randy Edsall will issue his initial depth chart for the Duke game. It will be interesting to see if Lou Allen and Ryan Henningan, both injured, will be included and who will be listed as the number one place kicker, Dave Taggert or Tony Ciravino. I'm also guessing at least four true freshman will be included. I'll have the update after the coach talks to the media @ Thu, 23 Aug 2007 15:49:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=833980 It took UConn football coach Randy Edsall only nine practices to make a decision on his starting quarterback for the season. After the morning practice on Tuesday and before the evening workout, the announcement was made that Tyler Lorenzen had beaten out Dennis Brown for the starting job.&nbsp; Without having spoken to Randy, I'd have to guess that he had his mind made up prior to Monday's Tue, 14 Aug 2007 21:17:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=798021 It's tough to believe but there is ONE month before the start of the 2007 College Football Season. I can't wait. It's time to start honing in on the 2007 UConn football team and to help you do so, I'll be blogging here on the Notebook. Practice begins this weekend and I'll have periodic updates and previewsof the '07 Huskies position by position. The first preview looks at the running backs . Wed, 1 Aug 2007 15:49:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=743347 It's tough to believe but there is ONE month before the start of the 2007 College Football Season. I can't wait. It's time to start honing in on the 2007 UConn football team and to help you do so, I'll be blogging here on the Notebook. Practice begins this weekend and I'll have periodic updates and previewsof the '07 Huskies position by position. The first preview looks at the running backs . Wed, 1 Aug 2007 15:46:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=743347 It's good to be back with you on the UConn notebook. I hope we can make this even more infomative that it was a year ago! If you have any questions or comments please email me @ Joe.D'Ambrosio@cbsradio.com.&nbsp; The Big East held it's annual football media day at the Viking Hotel in spectacular Newport on Tuesday. To the surprise of no one, UConn was picked seventh in the pre season poll Wed, 18 Jul 2007 15:46:00 EDT http://wtic.com/content_page.php?contentType=4&contentId=700055