Terrific win by the Blue Devils tonight. Sounds like they went to the option early and everything else flowed from there.
Hunter had a nice night, have to hear more about the long run, I was asking him general things tonight and I only talked to him for a second. Mac was really impressed with the defense, and everyone kept praising coach Likens.
To answer your questions Hud: 1) From what I gathered for the preview I wrote Saturday morning, the TE move was based on holes in the line from injuries more than a true roster change, but I will ask. 2) I'm sold by now that the 2 QB thing could work. If the players are lying to me that it doesn't bother them, they're doing a VERY good job of it. Maybe it's a show, but I'm starting to doubt it. The key will be to pass with Aubrey at times and run with Hunter at others so it doesn't get predictable. But, while I was a 1 QB guy at the beginning, I'm coming off that stance now.
Oh, and if the defense keeps playing like this, offense will get much easier.
Hype over substance
I thought the discussion of certain teams struggling despite new facilities was interesting. Remember when I got killed for my stance last year? You guys take your shiny new gyms and locker rooms, I'll take good coaches and players and beat you 9 times out of 10 no matter where or what we play.
Again, not saying a new gym/football field would hurt (just like my point was never that recruiting a big center was a BAD idea), but they aren't the difference makers. Wins are.
Football tonight: If you missed my preview: Grochowski to LT due to some injuries and shifting on the line, Rossnagle to TE, Aubrey will start, though both QBs are expected to play.
Again, not saying a new gym/football field would hurt (just like my point was never that recruiting a big center was a BAD idea), but they aren't the difference makers. Wins are.
Football tonight: If you missed my preview: Grochowski to LT due to some injuries and shifting on the line, Rossnagle to TE, Aubrey will start, though both QBs are expected to play.
If you're not down with Wild Cherry Pepsi...
Try it, it's quite good.
I don't disagree with anything you said Hud (though I'm allergic to peanuts). Remember, if I tell you what I think Mac is doing, it doesnt' necessarily mean I always think it's right. Though I do generally like running the ball, especially when you're outmanned. It's the best way to keep the ball from the other team.
And with this team, the passing has been pretty efficient (something like 11-for-18 last week between the two). I too am much more worried about the defense than I am the offense.
Man, I was a good 2nd baseman in little league. .353 one year and the captain of the infield. Can't believe I didn't get to Fenway.
I don't disagree with anything you said Hud (though I'm allergic to peanuts). Remember, if I tell you what I think Mac is doing, it doesnt' necessarily mean I always think it's right. Though I do generally like running the ball, especially when you're outmanned. It's the best way to keep the ball from the other team.
And with this team, the passing has been pretty efficient (something like 11-for-18 last week between the two). I too am much more worried about the defense than I am the offense.
Man, I was a good 2nd baseman in little league. .353 one year and the captain of the infield. Can't believe I didn't get to Fenway.
Blue, I lost one of your comments
But the main point of it I wanted to respond to I remember: I've been courtside when CCSU has played UVM, UNH, Albany, etc at home, and there's just no difference in buzz in the building. You could argue that would change in a conference setting, but I don't see it. You build by winning. If Central wins more NEC titles, fans will come. Winning non-league games against UVM and UNH doesn't do much for buzz, at least that I've ever noticed.
Now if this were hockey...
Now if this were hockey...
Oh Hud, you finally asked me!
I'm teasing. Glad you wrote. Despite what some of you might think, I actually enjoy talking to you guys.
A couple things top of my head. 1) As someone in that thread pointed out, my role here as both the beat guy and a "columnist" (not a true title, but close I guess) makes it a little tough for me to just spout off every time I have an idea. I do it more for hoops than football in large part because I feel more confident in my opinions on that sport. I know football more than well enough to do my job, but I couldn't coach it. (Not that I'll be coaching D-1 hoops anytime soon, but I feel confident enough to ask the right questions to Coach Dickenman).
That's also why sometimes Hud you think I'm "stealing your stuff." I don't, I just take the questions you guys want asked and ask them, then write about the answers I get. That's why I always say I work for you guys. My job is to find out what you guys want to know to the best of my ability.
To that end, Hud, here's my promise to you: Next week, when I talk to coach Mac, I will ask him about coaching/playcalling. Who, why, when, etc. I can't promise he'll give you good answers or the ones you want, but I will ask the questions. Seriously, write me a list.
My gut is that Mac is more involved than you think, and that (and I could be dead wrong on this, but this is my observation) you have the roles reversed on the coaches' philosophies. There are times when I think, if it were up to Mac, the forward pass would be outlawed.
When I play Madden I play that way, 3 yards a carry, 10-minute drives, but that's the extent of my personal football experience.
Btw, a bit of news for Saturday's preview: I'll have a note that you'll find interesting Hud. I usually promise to hold onto it until the preview (per the team's request, not just because I want you to buy that paper, though it helps), but read it.
The quarterbacks, I can tell you, will be a "game-time decision," on Saturday.
Pedroia is doing just fine at 2nd, and I'm one of the guys who tried to run him out of town last year, so what do I know?
Anyway, glad you guys are using me as a conduit to info, that's the whole point of my work. And always feel free to say hi at games, I'm the guy in the wheelchair.
And Hud, I'm a Pepsi man. Cherry if possible.
A couple things top of my head. 1) As someone in that thread pointed out, my role here as both the beat guy and a "columnist" (not a true title, but close I guess) makes it a little tough for me to just spout off every time I have an idea. I do it more for hoops than football in large part because I feel more confident in my opinions on that sport. I know football more than well enough to do my job, but I couldn't coach it. (Not that I'll be coaching D-1 hoops anytime soon, but I feel confident enough to ask the right questions to Coach Dickenman).
That's also why sometimes Hud you think I'm "stealing your stuff." I don't, I just take the questions you guys want asked and ask them, then write about the answers I get. That's why I always say I work for you guys. My job is to find out what you guys want to know to the best of my ability.
To that end, Hud, here's my promise to you: Next week, when I talk to coach Mac, I will ask him about coaching/playcalling. Who, why, when, etc. I can't promise he'll give you good answers or the ones you want, but I will ask the questions. Seriously, write me a list.
My gut is that Mac is more involved than you think, and that (and I could be dead wrong on this, but this is my observation) you have the roles reversed on the coaches' philosophies. There are times when I think, if it were up to Mac, the forward pass would be outlawed.
When I play Madden I play that way, 3 yards a carry, 10-minute drives, but that's the extent of my personal football experience.
Btw, a bit of news for Saturday's preview: I'll have a note that you'll find interesting Hud. I usually promise to hold onto it until the preview (per the team's request, not just because I want you to buy that paper, though it helps), but read it.
The quarterbacks, I can tell you, will be a "game-time decision," on Saturday.
Pedroia is doing just fine at 2nd, and I'm one of the guys who tried to run him out of town last year, so what do I know?
Anyway, glad you guys are using me as a conduit to info, that's the whole point of my work. And always feel free to say hi at games, I'm the guy in the wheelchair.
And Hud, I'm a Pepsi man. Cherry if possible.
Scholarship stuff
First off, a quick note. NBHS got their game moved to Thursday night, so no notebook. There will be a full football preview though in Saturday morning's paper.
In the meantime, I thought I'd try and tide you over by answering another set of questions: For now I'll just give the broad strokes.
I was asked about the whole football scholarship thing. I'll have to go back and read what I wrote at the start of the year, but I believe the plan is to eventually get up to 40.
Do I think CCSU will ever go to 63?
Just me speaking now, but no, I don't, at least not in the near future. The revenue just doesn't strike me as there. My guess is they'd have to bring in a lot more money to make it a worthwhile investment. I don't see the interest here to make it worth it.
As for Bryant pouring money into football: I don't have the exact quote in front of me, but the coach said during the NEC conference call before the year that 1) they don't intend to change their recruiting practices and 2) By the time they offered full scholarships, he'd be long retired on a golf course somewhere.
So no, I didn't have the impression that Bryant had any intention to spend big on football.
In the meantime, I thought I'd try and tide you over by answering another set of questions: For now I'll just give the broad strokes.
I was asked about the whole football scholarship thing. I'll have to go back and read what I wrote at the start of the year, but I believe the plan is to eventually get up to 40.
Do I think CCSU will ever go to 63?
Just me speaking now, but no, I don't, at least not in the near future. The revenue just doesn't strike me as there. My guess is they'd have to bring in a lot more money to make it a worthwhile investment. I don't see the interest here to make it worth it.
As for Bryant pouring money into football: I don't have the exact quote in front of me, but the coach said during the NEC conference call before the year that 1) they don't intend to change their recruiting practices and 2) By the time they offered full scholarships, he'd be long retired on a golf course somewhere.
So no, I didn't have the impression that Bryant had any intention to spend big on football.
Ok, let's give this a shot
First off, the notebook got bumped in the paper, not much room. We'll try it again middle of the week. But for now, we're going to try this mailbag thing. I'll just grab some questions in here and give you some thoughts on them. If you guys like it, send more, if you'd like to see something different, let me know. Hit me with questions/thoughts at mstraubblog@hotmail.com.
The first batch of questions I got is about scheduling. Who does it, why, and how is it done.
The schedules are done by the coaches and the athletic department. For example, Mike Ansarra has a part in the football schedule, though certainly Mac has input. Even if the ADs did all the scheduling, they wouldn't do it without consulting the coaches on everything.
As for the philosophies, I think it changes from sport to sport and year to year. If a coach knows the team is going to be young in a given year, they might not load the OOC slate. If a team expects to contend in a given year, it might want to play a good team or two to prepare themselves for the big-game atmosphere. For example, this year's men's hoops schedule is pretty good, and next year I think they'll play some good teams as they should expect to be very good themselves. Remember that many of these games are scheduled years in advance, so it's a bit of a guessing game. It's easier at Central, I'd imagine anyway, than it is at UConn, when they never know if a guy is leaving to go pro.
Some coaches just feel like the OOC schedule should be loaded. Women's soccer, for example, will play anyone, anytime, anywhere. That way, they're never intimidated by an NEC team, no matter how good it may be. After Mick's team takes on UConn and Yale, going to Monmouth isn't quite as scary. As the men's soccer team continues to move up the ranks, I think they'll schedule more big games. The UVA team they play Tuesday is right near the Top 25.
Can they be creative? Within limits. Teams from the west coast who have the money to come here or bring CCSU out there aren't going to play a little school like the Devils very often, and when they do they can find someone closer by. And teams that don't have resources aren't going to do much traveling. So the schedule will always be regional first.
(There are going to be exceptions to every generality I make here, so no need to hit me with dozens of "but this team played this team last year" emails).
I would still love to see the six "other" state basketball teams play a tripleheader, but I don't see what Yale would get out of playing Central in football. You have to look at it from the big school's perspective sometimes. If someone like UConn plays Central in anything and loses, rightly or wrongly, they are looked at as taking a "bad loss." If they win, they don't get any credit. So why would Yale or UConn play Central, especially in football? There's almost no benefit for them. A read FCS power with money to blow might take a chance. But then, if your program gets good or pulls an upset, the series isn't renewed. Let's put it this way: No one at CCSU I've talked to is expecting another call from Georgia Southern.
I do know most of the future football opponents, let me double-check this week about how much is public knowledge. There's nothing earth-shattering, but some interesting ones.
Last topic for today is the conferences: As a Northeastern grad, I have plenty of experience with the America East. It wouldn't necessarily be a step up in my humble opinion. You're playing state schools instead of privates, but does that really matter to anyone who isn't a school president? If CCSU replaces Monmouth games in New Britain with Vermont, are more people really coming? Maybe in basketball because of the run a couple of years ago, but that buzz will wear off.
Plus, the travel would be a killer. I've taken some of those road trips from Boston to UNH or Vermont. I don't even want to imagine New Britain to Orono, Maine. It's not worth the added expense, at least to me. It's not like they'd get a huge prestige jump. One of my friends in the media likes to refer to the AE as "America Least."
I know the Q talking about leaving is all the buzz. But remember, they're a completely different kind of school from CCSU (not saying better, just different). And just because they want to be in the A-10 doesn't mean they'll get there. I want to play second base for the Red Sox, that doesn't mean Theo Epstein will be calling me any time soon.
Anyway, those are some of my rambles on the topics that were in my inbox. I didn't want to do it like a straight mailbag, Mr. Simmons has market cornered on that, but if you like that format better we can try it. Keep the questions/comments coming.
The first batch of questions I got is about scheduling. Who does it, why, and how is it done.
The schedules are done by the coaches and the athletic department. For example, Mike Ansarra has a part in the football schedule, though certainly Mac has input. Even if the ADs did all the scheduling, they wouldn't do it without consulting the coaches on everything.
As for the philosophies, I think it changes from sport to sport and year to year. If a coach knows the team is going to be young in a given year, they might not load the OOC slate. If a team expects to contend in a given year, it might want to play a good team or two to prepare themselves for the big-game atmosphere. For example, this year's men's hoops schedule is pretty good, and next year I think they'll play some good teams as they should expect to be very good themselves. Remember that many of these games are scheduled years in advance, so it's a bit of a guessing game. It's easier at Central, I'd imagine anyway, than it is at UConn, when they never know if a guy is leaving to go pro.
Some coaches just feel like the OOC schedule should be loaded. Women's soccer, for example, will play anyone, anytime, anywhere. That way, they're never intimidated by an NEC team, no matter how good it may be. After Mick's team takes on UConn and Yale, going to Monmouth isn't quite as scary. As the men's soccer team continues to move up the ranks, I think they'll schedule more big games. The UVA team they play Tuesday is right near the Top 25.
Can they be creative? Within limits. Teams from the west coast who have the money to come here or bring CCSU out there aren't going to play a little school like the Devils very often, and when they do they can find someone closer by. And teams that don't have resources aren't going to do much traveling. So the schedule will always be regional first.
(There are going to be exceptions to every generality I make here, so no need to hit me with dozens of "but this team played this team last year" emails).
I would still love to see the six "other" state basketball teams play a tripleheader, but I don't see what Yale would get out of playing Central in football. You have to look at it from the big school's perspective sometimes. If someone like UConn plays Central in anything and loses, rightly or wrongly, they are looked at as taking a "bad loss." If they win, they don't get any credit. So why would Yale or UConn play Central, especially in football? There's almost no benefit for them. A read FCS power with money to blow might take a chance. But then, if your program gets good or pulls an upset, the series isn't renewed. Let's put it this way: No one at CCSU I've talked to is expecting another call from Georgia Southern.
I do know most of the future football opponents, let me double-check this week about how much is public knowledge. There's nothing earth-shattering, but some interesting ones.
Last topic for today is the conferences: As a Northeastern grad, I have plenty of experience with the America East. It wouldn't necessarily be a step up in my humble opinion. You're playing state schools instead of privates, but does that really matter to anyone who isn't a school president? If CCSU replaces Monmouth games in New Britain with Vermont, are more people really coming? Maybe in basketball because of the run a couple of years ago, but that buzz will wear off.
Plus, the travel would be a killer. I've taken some of those road trips from Boston to UNH or Vermont. I don't even want to imagine New Britain to Orono, Maine. It's not worth the added expense, at least to me. It's not like they'd get a huge prestige jump. One of my friends in the media likes to refer to the AE as "America Least."
I know the Q talking about leaving is all the buzz. But remember, they're a completely different kind of school from CCSU (not saying better, just different). And just because they want to be in the A-10 doesn't mean they'll get there. I want to play second base for the Red Sox, that doesn't mean Theo Epstein will be calling me any time soon.
Anyway, those are some of my rambles on the topics that were in my inbox. I didn't want to do it like a straight mailbag, Mr. Simmons has market cornered on that, but if you like that format better we can try it. Keep the questions/comments coming.
ok, that was weird
My game thoughts got moved down 2 or 3 posts, so go down to see "The good, the bad and the band". That's Saturday's game stuff. Notes/a follow coming for Monday's paper, mailbag hopefully Monday morning here on the blog.
Pre game stuff
A couple quick thoughts before kickoff:
1) I think Mac's lack of revealing a QB plan to me yesterday means he's talking himself into going with Hunter, but we'll see. Maybe he just didn't want to tell me one thing then change his mind again, which means it could be more Aubrey than Hunter. Who knows at this point?
2) The attendance record, I have it on good authority, will fall today. Also, Walter, the Vet had around 9,000 for the game between New Britain and Bloomfield a few years back. I don't think today's attendance will begin with a 9, but it wouldn't stun me.
3) Look for a change or two in the O-line. We'll see how that affects things.
1) I think Mac's lack of revealing a QB plan to me yesterday means he's talking himself into going with Hunter, but we'll see. Maybe he just didn't want to tell me one thing then change his mind again, which means it could be more Aubrey than Hunter. Who knows at this point?
2) The attendance record, I have it on good authority, will fall today. Also, Walter, the Vet had around 9,000 for the game between New Britain and Bloomfield a few years back. I don't think today's attendance will begin with a 9, but it wouldn't stun me.
3) Look for a change or two in the O-line. We'll see how that affects things.
The good, the bad, and the band
Well, an interesting day. First off, while 8,322 might be considered generous by some, I can confirm that tons of people were out in the parking lot and came in just for the halftime and postgame shows. Was it 2,000? (I'm estimating about 6,000 for the game itself). I 'm not sure. But there were a lot more people than I thought who came in just for the band.
Anyway, quick thoughts on the game:
1) Well, I was all set to say "New Britain, we have a quarterback," after Hunter looked terrific early, but Aubrey did enough things to impress Mac and keep things interesting. But Hunter did very well. He'll take his share of sacks this year, but I like that he doesn't try and force the ball away in those spots. A sack is better than a turnover. Still, Aubrey threw the ball efficiently and ran six yards a carry, so he'll be tough to take off the field.
2) Defensively, CCSU was good when it had to be. I wouldn't worry too much about the final couple of drives, but I also wouldn't get too excited by the performance. It was a good day for sure, but the opposition wasn't exactly impressive on offense. Mac thought there was a particular schematic issue that led to a couple of the NCCU deep balls, so we'll see if those get fixed next week. My guess is that's more encouraging than someone getting beat, which is harder to fix.
3) I know everyone runs at Central these days, but Mallory is impressive. Most interesting to me is when you talk to him after the game. Most backs look like they've been through a long day during a post game presser. Mallory looks like he just came from class. He can run all day.
Anyway, quick thoughts on the game:
1) Well, I was all set to say "New Britain, we have a quarterback," after Hunter looked terrific early, but Aubrey did enough things to impress Mac and keep things interesting. But Hunter did very well. He'll take his share of sacks this year, but I like that he doesn't try and force the ball away in those spots. A sack is better than a turnover. Still, Aubrey threw the ball efficiently and ran six yards a carry, so he'll be tough to take off the field.
2) Defensively, CCSU was good when it had to be. I wouldn't worry too much about the final couple of drives, but I also wouldn't get too excited by the performance. It was a good day for sure, but the opposition wasn't exactly impressive on offense. Mac thought there was a particular schematic issue that led to a couple of the NCCU deep balls, so we'll see if those get fixed next week. My guess is that's more encouraging than someone getting beat, which is harder to fix.
3) I know everyone runs at Central these days, but Mallory is impressive. Most interesting to me is when you talk to him after the game. Most backs look like they've been through a long day during a post game presser. Mallory looks like he just came from class. He can run all day.
The good, the bad, and the band
Well, an interesting day. First off, while 8,322 might be considered generous by some, I can confirm that tons of people were out in the parking lot and came in just for the halftime and postgame shows. Was it 2,000? (I'm estimating about 6,000 for the game itself). I 'm not sure. But there were a lot more people than I thought who came in just for the band.
Anyway, quick thoughts on the game:
1) Well, I was all set to say "New Britain, we have a quarterback," after Hunter looked terrific early, but Aubrey did enough things to impress Mac and keep things interesting. But Hunter did very well. He'll take his share of sacks this year, but I like that he doesn't try and force the ball away in those spots. A sack is better than a turnover. Still, Aubrey threw the ball efficiently and ran six yards a carry, so he'll be tough to take off the field.
2) Defensively, CCSU was good when it had to be. I wouldn't worry too much about the final couple of drives, but I also wouldn't get too excited by the performance. It was a good day for sure, but the opposition wasn't exactly impressive on offense. Mac thought there was a particular schematic issue that led to a couple of the NCCU deep balls, so we'll see if those get fixed next week. My guess is that's more encouraging than someone getting beat, which is harder to fix.
3) I know everyone runs at Central these days, but Mallory is impressive. Most interesting to me is when you talk to him after the game. Most backs look like they've been through a long day during a post game presser. Mallory looks like he just came from class. He can run all day.
Anyway, quick thoughts on the game:
1) Well, I was all set to say "New Britain, we have a quarterback," after Hunter looked terrific early, but Aubrey did enough things to impress Mac and keep things interesting. But Hunter did very well. He'll take his share of sacks this year, but I like that he doesn't try and force the ball away in those spots. A sack is better than a turnover. Still, Aubrey threw the ball efficiently and ran six yards a carry, so he'll be tough to take off the field.
2) Defensively, CCSU was good when it had to be. I wouldn't worry too much about the final couple of drives, but I also wouldn't get too excited by the performance. It was a good day for sure, but the opposition wasn't exactly impressive on offense. Mac thought there was a particular schematic issue that led to a couple of the NCCU deep balls, so we'll see if those get fixed next week. My guess is that's more encouraging than someone getting beat, which is harder to fix.
3) I know everyone runs at Central these days, but Mallory is impressive. Most interesting to me is when you talk to him after the game. Most backs look like they've been through a long day during a post game presser. Mallory looks like he just came from class. He can run all day.
Hud, we were getting tight, too
I wasn't saying you shouldn't be at all negative, just that I feel like the fans don't have joy when the football team wins a game. When the hoops team wins, people are happy. When football wins, people are wondering why it didn't win by more and how they could possibly win next week.
My point wasn't to be critical of the fans, it's that they should enjoy the moment more. Have fun. Be happy when your team wins, worry about next week next week. I think it's just the nature of the sport and the fan base each brings in the more I think about it. Which is fine.
Anyway, like I always say, even if you disagree with me entirely, I'm glad you're reading. And I like the debate, so fire away. That's what I'm here for.
My point wasn't to be critical of the fans, it's that they should enjoy the moment more. Have fun. Be happy when your team wins, worry about next week next week. I think it's just the nature of the sport and the fan base each brings in the more I think about it. Which is fine.
Anyway, like I always say, even if you disagree with me entirely, I'm glad you're reading. And I like the debate, so fire away. That's what I'm here for.
Wow, I really think we are back in business
I got a phenomenal response to the mailbag idea. I can start working on one soon (lots to do today and tomorrow, but Sunday could happen). Keep the questions coming. We can make it a recurring thing if you guys want. Also, as I often say, give me some other ideas for things to do on here or in the paper. I work for you guys remember.
Some inside stuff
No, not nearly as exciting as it sounds, but I might have something along those lines coming. Not promising this time, so don't kill me if it doesn't come through.
I just posted a long football entry, but I wanted to mention a couple of work-related things while I'm ranting.
First off, my staff that has worked their butts off to implement our new work format that has allowed me to be the boss and continue to serve you fine folks who bleed blue is awesome. Ryan, Ken and Andrew are their names, and I'll put our 4 guys up against any big-staffed place around. We drive each other batty at times, but we make one heck of a team if I may say so.
Also, while most of you never met Amy Reed, you've seen her work if you're reading this blog. She's the young lady who has taken a majority of the CCSU pictures that ran in the Herald over the last few years. My favorite is Jo Jo going over the pylon from a year or two ago. Anyway, Friday was her last day with us, and she will be missed. But if you saw some of the great shots Ryan Pelham took of the soccer game the other day, you'll know the Herald camera is in good hands.
Last thing: I won't go too into it because I'm not sure if it's supposed to be public info, but if I do this right, the person I'm talking to/about will get it, and all of you will appreciate the sentiment.
As you guys know, I often mention the people at CCSU who help make me look smart, the guys in the SID office. But there's a "whole nother" (I did that just to drive Ryan nuts) group that takes good care of me.
Two quick stories: Two years ago (I think) when CCSU was playing on the road because the soccer field was flooded, they played a game in a monsoon. Knowing I'd be on the sideline at Sage Park, I assumed I'd be sick for a week. But when I arrived, a tent was set up for me without me having remotely requested one. You guys got your CCSU coverage and I didn't get the flu.
I think it was that same year when I mentioned in passing that a hole had formed in front of the entrance I use to enter the soccer field. For those who haven't met me, I use a wheelchair, so the hole was quite the obstacle as I couldn't just jump it. The next time I got to the field, a wooden board had been placed over the hole, again, without me asking. It just was done.
Those are little things, but they are appreciated. Anyway, one of the guys who helps me out with that kind of stuff is on the DL and I was thinking of him, wanted to mention that.
You know, those stories reminded me of another. When we do the next mailbag, someone ask me something that lets me tell random stories, because I've never had an excuse to tell my story about me, Mick D'Arcy and a football tackling dummy.
I just posted a long football entry, but I wanted to mention a couple of work-related things while I'm ranting.
First off, my staff that has worked their butts off to implement our new work format that has allowed me to be the boss and continue to serve you fine folks who bleed blue is awesome. Ryan, Ken and Andrew are their names, and I'll put our 4 guys up against any big-staffed place around. We drive each other batty at times, but we make one heck of a team if I may say so.
Also, while most of you never met Amy Reed, you've seen her work if you're reading this blog. She's the young lady who has taken a majority of the CCSU pictures that ran in the Herald over the last few years. My favorite is Jo Jo going over the pylon from a year or two ago. Anyway, Friday was her last day with us, and she will be missed. But if you saw some of the great shots Ryan Pelham took of the soccer game the other day, you'll know the Herald camera is in good hands.
Last thing: I won't go too into it because I'm not sure if it's supposed to be public info, but if I do this right, the person I'm talking to/about will get it, and all of you will appreciate the sentiment.
As you guys know, I often mention the people at CCSU who help make me look smart, the guys in the SID office. But there's a "whole nother" (I did that just to drive Ryan nuts) group that takes good care of me.
Two quick stories: Two years ago (I think) when CCSU was playing on the road because the soccer field was flooded, they played a game in a monsoon. Knowing I'd be on the sideline at Sage Park, I assumed I'd be sick for a week. But when I arrived, a tent was set up for me without me having remotely requested one. You guys got your CCSU coverage and I didn't get the flu.
I think it was that same year when I mentioned in passing that a hole had formed in front of the entrance I use to enter the soccer field. For those who haven't met me, I use a wheelchair, so the hole was quite the obstacle as I couldn't just jump it. The next time I got to the field, a wooden board had been placed over the hole, again, without me asking. It just was done.
Those are little things, but they are appreciated. Anyway, one of the guys who helps me out with that kind of stuff is on the DL and I was thinking of him, wanted to mention that.
You know, those stories reminded me of another. When we do the next mailbag, someone ask me something that lets me tell random stories, because I've never had an excuse to tell my story about me, Mick D'Arcy and a football tackling dummy.
Football fun
Short couple of notes, as there's not much going on yet this week, but I did promise to blog consistently.
First, there's a story on Friday's paper about CCSU playing in a lot of big-event kind of games in recent years. The Blue Devils should be pretty good at handling this stuff by now.
Working on the football preview for Saturday's paper. I've come to the conclusion that this is a big one for the Blue Devils, and not in the fun way. If they win, they were supposed to because the opponent is winless. If they don't, well, very few will know that the opposition was talented, just that is was winless.
They say with expectation comes responsibility. My guess is the more workman-like vibe I get from the team this year is a product of that. The program's gains in popularity over the last five years have raised the stakes. Sometimes I wonder if that's good or bad.
Perhaps it's just the different mentalities of different sports. Basketball, which ironically has been one of the more successful programs at Central, has a different atmosphere around it. There's just as much pressure, and no one outworks a Coach D team, but the wins seem like they are greeted with enthusiasm, whereas the football team's wins are greeted with relief and the immediate sense of worry heading to the next week.
Do you guys think that's a fan thing? A sport thing? Or did your favorite CCSU beat writer make that up in his crazy head?
Anyway, Saturday's story will have the QB plan for the week as well as the usual breakdown.
And X: Based on the hits and emails I get, I think the blog is doing ok. And now that I've gotten the hang of it a touch, we're going to start doing bigger and better things with it soon. By the time hoops rolls around, this will be a place to be for CCSU fans I hope. Does anyone talk CCSU football? Clearly you haven't met Hud!
Ok, that turned into more than a couple of short notes. Back to work. I'll see all 9,000 of you on Saturday. Should be interesting. And stay after the game to see the band.
First, there's a story on Friday's paper about CCSU playing in a lot of big-event kind of games in recent years. The Blue Devils should be pretty good at handling this stuff by now.
Working on the football preview for Saturday's paper. I've come to the conclusion that this is a big one for the Blue Devils, and not in the fun way. If they win, they were supposed to because the opponent is winless. If they don't, well, very few will know that the opposition was talented, just that is was winless.
They say with expectation comes responsibility. My guess is the more workman-like vibe I get from the team this year is a product of that. The program's gains in popularity over the last five years have raised the stakes. Sometimes I wonder if that's good or bad.
Perhaps it's just the different mentalities of different sports. Basketball, which ironically has been one of the more successful programs at Central, has a different atmosphere around it. There's just as much pressure, and no one outworks a Coach D team, but the wins seem like they are greeted with enthusiasm, whereas the football team's wins are greeted with relief and the immediate sense of worry heading to the next week.
Do you guys think that's a fan thing? A sport thing? Or did your favorite CCSU beat writer make that up in his crazy head?
Anyway, Saturday's story will have the QB plan for the week as well as the usual breakdown.
And X: Based on the hits and emails I get, I think the blog is doing ok. And now that I've gotten the hang of it a touch, we're going to start doing bigger and better things with it soon. By the time hoops rolls around, this will be a place to be for CCSU fans I hope. Does anyone talk CCSU football? Clearly you haven't met Hud!
Ok, that turned into more than a couple of short notes. Back to work. I'll see all 9,000 of you on Saturday. Should be interesting. And stay after the game to see the band.
Back to the blog
Ok, so between the high school football preview I had to do, Week 1 of that and the fact that the football team was away (and that my power was out and I couldn't follow the NDSU game so I don't have much to add on it), we got away from blogging.
But here's a big announcement. We're back. We're going to shoot for every other day here from now through the end of basketball season. Seriously. I'm arraigning the schedule to do it. And I really want to do the mailbag thing this year, so start firing questions (try to avoid recruiting as those are the toughest to answer unless they are general in nature) to mstraubblog@hotmail.com. If we get enough we'll do them all at once, which is the goal, but if not I can do 2 or 3 at a time like I did last year.
Anyway, caught up with the football team today, have some stuff coming in Friday's paper (and of course Saturday's usual big preview) .
Big win for men's soccer today, they really needed to get back on track and did just that.
But here's a big announcement. We're back. We're going to shoot for every other day here from now through the end of basketball season. Seriously. I'm arraigning the schedule to do it. And I really want to do the mailbag thing this year, so start firing questions (try to avoid recruiting as those are the toughest to answer unless they are general in nature) to mstraubblog@hotmail.com. If we get enough we'll do them all at once, which is the goal, but if not I can do 2 or 3 at a time like I did last year.
Anyway, caught up with the football team today, have some stuff coming in Friday's paper (and of course Saturday's usual big preview) .
Big win for men's soccer today, they really needed to get back on track and did just that.
Lineup updates
Jermaine Roberts is expected to play Saturday. Torin McCullough might be limited again, but should be back to 100 percent for the Harmony Classic. All other hands sound like they will be on deck. There are some typical bumps and bruises, but everyone else is scheduled to play, according to the report I just got.
As for the QBs: Aubrey will start, Hunter will come in around the third or fourth series, and the Blue Devils will go with the hot hand after that.
As for the QBs: Aubrey will start, Hunter will come in around the third or fourth series, and the Blue Devils will go with the hot hand after that.
No football coverage?
This week for example we had a preview of the game, the game story, a follow story, the football team topped the weekly notebook I write, and then a preview of the next game is coming.
That's a heck of a lot more than a story a week, and I didn't even mention the blogging.
Soccer plays more games, that's why you see them in the paper a lot. But no one else does anywhere near the coverage of the football team the Herald does.
By the way, your men's soccer team (which gets more people at the games than you might think) is on the verge of another national ranking, and the women beat one of the best teams in the country last week. If you're not going to the games, you should be.
Ok, I'll get off my soapbox now except to say this: Everyone upset about the Courant's coverage (and they go by where they'll get the most readers through the whole state, not just around here) should buy the Herald.
That's a heck of a lot more than a story a week, and I didn't even mention the blogging.
Soccer plays more games, that's why you see them in the paper a lot. But no one else does anywhere near the coverage of the football team the Herald does.
By the way, your men's soccer team (which gets more people at the games than you might think) is on the verge of another national ranking, and the women beat one of the best teams in the country last week. If you're not going to the games, you should be.
Ok, I'll get off my soapbox now except to say this: Everyone upset about the Courant's coverage (and they go by where they'll get the most readers through the whole state, not just around here) should buy the Herald.
Men's Soccer Preview
http://www.newbritainherald.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20100574&BRD=1641&PAG=461&dept_id=17739&rfi=6
I'll have a much more detailed look at the team after I see them in person later this week. But they start tonight at Holy Cross.
I'll have a much more detailed look at the team after I see them in person later this week. But they start tonight at Holy Cross.
New rankings
No. Dakota St. is 1st in the new FCS coaches poll and 2nd in the Sports Network poll.
In the TSN poll Albany got 2 votes while Stony Brook got 4 and Delaware State 87. All are unranked.
The coaches gave Fordham 35 votes and Stony Brook 1.
In the TSN poll Albany got 2 votes while Stony Brook got 4 and Delaware State 87. All are unranked.
The coaches gave Fordham 35 votes and Stony Brook 1.
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