I Dropped The Ball On Monday….

// March 16th, 2010 // No Comments » // Uncategorized

You know in the Blogosphere, Monday is the most important day of the week.  Its the time when everyone gets back on their computer and says “Gee this raging hangover sucks, I’m going to zone out for the next 4 to 5 hours, contemplate some of these life choices, pretend I’m doing work and read Thoughts From A Fat White Guy”.  Well congrats on achieving middle-management, you are the reason we do like 20,000 hits on a Monday and by Friday we barely register a blip.  Well, imagine how bad I feel that yesterday I didn’t post any fresh content.

Let’s say I had my own “demons” to deal with after St. Patrick’s day festivities in Boston.  I never want to see that many angry, drunk, pale skinned individuals in one place ever again….or unless I’m ever at a UVA football game again.

See, I had to drive back to Rochester, NY to see the family (I call it keeping up appearances).  Not only that but with the NFL site such a huge success, we’ve decided to go forth and spew our opinions all over Major League Baseball….so we’re prepping the launch of Thoughts From a Fat White Guy: MLB Edition. Thus beginning another ridiculous chapter in my obscure career.

That’s all for now, enjoy the visual stimulation, and I appreciate your continued support of what we (the royal we, dude) are trying to do here:  Provide journalistically irresponsibly opinions on college and professional sports, while watching our arteries slowly  clog.

Cheers.

Oh, Some Final Thoughts:

I saw Brady Quinn got traded and Jakey D got resigned.  I wish someone would pay me $20 million to be mediocre at my job.  Instead, they pay me nothing, and I’m still mediocre.

I received a call from Coach Randy Edsall this morning.  For those new to the site (try and keep up), he’s my former head coach.  Even though its been almost 2 years since he’s been in control of my every move, the phone rings, I see its him and my heart just drops.  “No! No! No more 6am runs….no…I didn’t miss breakfast check.”  I’ll chalk it up to the amount of undying respect I have for the man, but I could do without the self-soiling that occurrs in that brief moment of terror.

A Coaching Vacancy? And Randy Edsall Is A Candidate? You’re Kidding.

// December 2nd, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Uncategorized

According to NBCSports.com:

Finally, a new name to kick around a little bit when it comes to the Notre Dame coaching vacancy.

Look, I’ve been in the locker room for a lot of these rumor and suspicions and its all heresay.  While Edsall is definitely a good Catholic, I don’t think he’ll be taking that job anytime soon.  Which, at the current rate of sin, should cost him about 4 Hail Mary’s and an Our Father or two.

[Special thanks to Mike for the tip.]

UConn’s Win Over Notre Dame Reveals The Real Randy Edsall

// November 26th, 2009 // No Comments » // Uncategorized

I had a very telling experience here in St. John, while at a beach side bar, I met a guy who worked for the Hartford Housing Authority (or something close to that).  Anyway, conversations between two men, wearing nothing more than glorified loin clothes can be forced at best.  However, he had a Notre Dame hat on, so I figured I’d give him a good natured ribbing.  Turns out he’s a UConn fan and, like so many good men, was married to a Notre Dame fan.  That’s not the point here.  The point is, he asked me what I thought about Randy Edsall.  It surprised me, that a lot of emotion and words surfaced, that I had no problem sharing with this complete stranger.  Coach Edsall is a national figure, a real coach’s coach, I told him.  I said, it was frustrating as a player, who at times wanted to cut corners, to have a coach who was, by definition, not a corner cutter.  He always did things the right way.  Not to mention he has an unwavering work ethic and the emotional/moral capacity to lead, not from a place of rah-rah’s-go-get-em’s, but from the example set by working 18 hour days, year round.   I knew it when I was a player, and then fan, media, through this seasons most tragic of circumstances, learned that he was a guiding light, spiritual rock.  At the height of all “this”– a pain that rarely seems to fade, he was bringing all of UConn and college football through the most difficult of times.  I got the feeling that this “answer” was more than this guy was expecting or wanted, but it was the truth.  Then furthering my opinion of the man, I got a text message back from him after the game to the effect of, “wish you could have been there, I know your parents had a great time”

UConn is, in my opinion, the best 5-6 team in the country.  Not that wins can heal what happened, but, man, in the fourth quarter I couldn’t stand watching those games get away.  Didn’t we deserve one?  It was almost as if something bigger was building.  Then, there it is: UConn and Notre Dame, playing in a football game that just a few seasons earlier would have seemed impossible.  UConn could win? Inconceivable.  On Senior Day at Notre Dame?  Now your just talking crazy.  And sure enough, down 14-0, coming back to win in Double OT.  I smell a Disney Movie in the making.  You couldn’t have scripted it better.  I was in a tropical local bar, screaming at a television, proud to be a husky.  Missing those days.  I was flooded with text messages, talking to the guys who, as Scott Lutrus said it earlier in the week, weren’t surprised they went down there and won.  No one understands UConn football’s mentality, except UConn football, and thats the way they (we) like it.

Kill, Romance, Marry: Your Road Trip Guide To Football

// November 13th, 2009 // No Comments » // Rob Lunn, Uncategorized

Perhaps you’ve played the game on some long road trip with your buddies, weaving your way through the comedic obstacles til the inevitable occurs, “Kill, romance or marry,  Ryan’s Mom, Coach Baker, Ghandi”.  Tough, and hilarious all the same.  Well, today taking a look around the college football landscape I’m going to throw out a few names, and my own Kill, romance, and marry.  Feel free to join in in the comments section, which lately has been a great outlet for my “readership”……”I can’t believe they actually pay you for this drivel” Yes, I can’t believe it either, sir.

Here we go.
Rich Rodriguez.  Kill.
As with all things Malafronte, I am going to agree with him on this one.  Despite (or because of) his Ralph Maccio/Scott Baio-esque good looks, hes dead on with how everyone should be feeling about good ol Dick-Rod right now:

40 consecutive winning seasons and 33 straight bowl appearances, the Wolverines are on the verge of a losing record for the second time in two years since Rich Rodriguez took over. It’s sort of like if the 2009 Yankees, with all the talent and money they spent, had to battle with Baltimore to the final day of the season to stay out of the cellar in the AL East — for a second straight year. Still, Michigan’s athletic director is asking fans to be patient with Rich-Rod. Hmm. I’m sure that directive will settle them down.

[Runway Ramblings]

Randy Edsall.  Marry.
Do you take this man to be  your lawfully wedded coach?  In two point conversions and overtimes?  In personal fouls and new offensive coordinators? To have before practice and after meetings?  In ACL tears and sprained ankles, as long as your eligibility is active?  I do.
Coach Edsall has been a guiding light for UConn this season.  His job description changing drastically this past October.  Part head coach, part mentor, part emotional and spiritual rock, he’s a great coach, who still (trust me) has his players fighting for every inch on the football field.  UConn is 15 points away from being undefeated.

BYU Head Coach, Bronco Mendenhall. Romance.
I have a few young kids that read this blog.  “Romance”…you get it.
Although I’ve violated a few Christian principles insinuating such a relationship, those “principals” are on loose ground here in Massachusetts anyway.  Bronco, in concurrence with his kick-ass name, has quietly lead BYU to a 7-2 showing thus far this season.  BYU has a very small recruiting pool from which to pull players.  Selling them not only on the football program but also the lifestyle at BYU.  I love this guy simply because he’s 5-0 on the road, which is a testament to the player’s preparation and determination, but also his ability as a head coach to focus his players in amidst all the distractions that come with playing an away game.  So, yeah I’d like to meet Bronco Mendenhall at TGI Fridays for a few Apple-tinis.

Tim Tebow.  Marry.  Then Divorce.
Maybe I’m one of the adoring millions who worship Tim Tebow on a daily basis.  But much like Tyler Lorenzen at UConn, it’s not necessarily his play making ability which makes him a success, but rather his ability to know how to win.  Finding a way to win is an incredible ability.  You know that characteristics I look for in my future spouse will be solid work ethic, consistency, humbleness, and a nice rear end.  Well, check, check, check, and double check.  So yeah, I’d marry the heck out of Tim Tebow right now, followed by a speedy divorce.  No way I’m going to the Philippines.
Tim Tebow Messiah Watch [DEADSPIN]

Randy Edsall Playing Basketball

// August 28th, 2009 // 2 Comments » // Uncategorized

Head Coach Randy Edsall playing one on one against long snapper Glen Kolbrenner at Holiday Hill in Mansfield, CT.

Look at that cross over, the domination in the low post , Edsall’s jumper needs a little bit of work–but his rebounding is outstanding.

A while back I told you that Edsall was by far the fastest coach in the Big East—after that video of USF Coach Jim Leavitt running a 40 yard dash went viral.  Well I hope this video serves as proof to any of the doubters out there, in the world of head coach athleticism–Edsall reigns supreme.

Pictures Now Available

// June 10th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Uncategorized

Finally– Pictures of UConn’s new uniforms have arrived. Take a look…

Not only do they make the UConn captains look sleek (and svelte), they also come in four different combinations! How fashion savvy. They look great… On and off the field.

FWG: UConn’s New Look

// June 4th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Uncategorized

“Hooray, new uniforms! Hooray”The University of Connecticut football team is updating its look.

The story out of Storrs is that coach Randy Edsall has approved new uniforms after meeting with team captains on Tuesday morning.

Read the rest HERE

Love Your Moxy…

// March 18th, 2009 // No Comments » // Uncategorized

In the news there has been a lot of talk about UConn’s (potentially) starting quarterback, Zach Frazer saying that in the offensive scheme they “will score 40 points a game.” The first quote was a reaction from head coach Randy Edsall saying that he had to “reel Zach in.”
I’d like to offer a different perspective. Yes, talk is cheap (and free advice is worth the price you pay) but don’t fault the guy for having a little moxy. It is a nice change to see a quarterback confidently regarding the new offensive scheme (in the face of losing the nation’s leading rusher, Donny Brown). So I wouldn’t “reel him in”, infact I’d turn him loose.
Read the rest HERE

Calhoun Gets 800 (…not giving a dime back)

// February 26th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Uncategorized

Jim Calhoun won his 800th game yesterday. Sadly, the bigger story was that the post game press conference did not hold any of the theatrics that the South Florida game did. (Not a dime. Not a dime!). There have been some developments in the days past, when Jodi Rell (Governor of Connecticut) said that if there was a “do over” Calhoun would probably choose his words better, or something to that affect. Well my advice? Jodi Rell should realize that while she is a nice lady, and looks like “everybody’s grandmother” (and has some interesting Christmas sweaters),
more people in CT know who Calhoun is than Jodi Rell. Secondly, Calhoun is one of only three state employees that actually pays his own salary. You know what else? Jim Calhouns initials are JC. You know who else he shares those with? Well after 800 wins he is the Jesus Christ of Storrs, CT. (…cause you know, who’s footsteps better to follow in than JC’s?)
The good news, is I did score an exclusive interview with another famous UConn coach , in one sit down. So here you have it,

FWG: Its so incredible to have you guys here right now. I can’t believe we could get the logistics worked out. Although I did have to pay a small fee. Jim, have you received my check?
JC: Not a dime.
RE: Not a dime!
FWG: hmmm thats weird. But not unusual for me. Moving on, this next question is for Coach Edsall. You utilized Reggie Mclain this year on “Nickle Package” defenses. Some experts suggest moving another safety in the mix, called the “Dime package.” Will you run that this coming season?
RE: Not a dime!
FWG: Well that solves that. Coach Calhoun, I have some change in my pocket, its not a nickle, its…
JC: …not a dime!
FWG: Thats right, its a quarter. Randy, how much do you make a year?
RE: Not a dime!
FWG: Incorrect, you make over a million a year also. Don’t lie to the media, Randy. Or we’ll get Jeff Jacobs on you again. By the way, how much do you think Jeff Jacobs is worth?
RE: Not a dime.
FWG: Agreed.
JC: Not a dime!
FWG: Its not your turn yet. I want to thank you both for your time, granting me this exclusive. Anything you want to tell our readers before we go?
JC/RE: Not a dime!
FWG: That doesn’t really fit there, it’s almost as if this interview was totally made up..

Final Thoughts:
It is 9:20am, I leave for New York today (then its off to Europe). There is a plumber in my basement. The most awful noises are now coming out of there. I can only imagine that it looks like a scene from “Saw” right now.

Why Edsall Wins By Recruiting Character

// February 6th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Uncategorized

The UCONN Huskies are not (yet) in a position to start pulling in recruiting classes chock full of 4 and 5 star recruits (those days are coming though). But guess what? It doesn’t matter.
Coach Edsall has built the premier program in New England, from the ground up, using players that, basically, no one else wanted. Who was Darius Butler, or Cody Brown, or Alfred Fincher coming out of high school? Deon Anderson (starting fullback for the Dallas Cowboys) was an absolute nobody.
He and his staff work tirelessly to find the best recruits. Not based on what Rivals.com has to say (cancel your subscription now) or what any other “scout service” thinks. Fortunately and unfortunately dropping the name “UCONN” to a potential recruit doesn’t always get them all hot-and-bothered. UCONN is not USC (there’s just something about Pete Carroll that does it for me).
Instead the UCONN Football staff weeds through tape after tape to find not only players that can compete and succeed at Divison I levels, but also young men of character.
It doesn’t matter if you are from the suburbs of New York (that’d be me), the ghettos of Miami, or the Tundra of Canada. If you can play football well, and you are of high work ethic and moral caliber then you will be found by Randy Edsall.
I am the first to say that over my five years at UCONN the sheer quality of athlete has improved. However, one thing has remained constant: men of character. Edsall believes it, and it is true, you can win with character.
The old adage “Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard” couldn’t be truer than it is in Storrs. The practices are the toughest, the training the hardest, and the facilities the absolute best. The result is guys that can turn heads on Saturday afternoons.
However, this process is not air-tight, no one is perfect. And Coach Edsall is the first to take these “problems” head on. The 2006 season Edsall took a lot of heat from the media for kicking players off the team throughout the season. These individuals were just that: individuals. And while they were my friends, at the end of the day, they were a cancer doing nothing but bringing the team down.
It paid off. The 2007 UCONN Huskies were the Big East Champs. The 2008 Huskies won the International Bowl.
So with all this hoopla and fanfare surrounding National Signing Day, and the relative inattention paid to the University of Connecticut, I’d like to offer this:
It’s the quiet ones you got to watch.