UConn sports

Huskies up 24-7.

Two touchdowns for RB Jordan Todman and one for RB Andre Dixon (on a pass).

Biggest surprises? That Rhode Island has put some pretty good pressure on UConn QB Cody Endres and that UConn hasn’t put more on Rhody QB Chris Paul-Etienne.

C Moe Petrus briefly left the game with an injury but later returned.

Todman has 10 rushes for 63 yards. Dixon 8 for 38 yards.

Endres is 12-of-15 for 152 yards with one TD and no INTs. He has fumbled three times, though. (UConn got two of those back).

WR Michael Smith is Endres’ favorite target, catching 6 balls for 61 yards.

– Great play by P Desi Cullen late in the half. After mishandling a snap (OK, it didn’t start off great) Cullen avoided three rushers, brushed off another tackler and got off a last-minute punt. It nearly stopped before the endzone but rolled in for a touchdback.

– After his boo-boo on the Rams’ only touchdown, Jerome Junior was replaced at safety by Aaron Bagsby. Bagsby, who was suspended for the Huskies’ first three games, has seemingly played well in relief. We’ll see who starts against Pittsburgh.

- Neill

UConn up 14-7 after one. Huskies can’t seem to hold onto the ball. Cody Endres a fumble (two actually but the Huskies got one back) and Mike Lang one.

S Jerome Junior also missed a tackle, allowing URI’s Ty Bynum to score on a 66-yard touchdown catch.

CB Reggie McClain has two picks for UConn.

- Neill

Greetings from Rentschler Field as we get ready for UConn-Rhode Island XCIV.

Of course, it probably won’t be as close as the first XCIII meetings were but we’ll see.

Anyway, enough Roman numeral fun. A few upates:

WR Kashif Moore (shoulder) and WR Michael Smith (knee) are in uniform and appear ready to go.

Likewise DE Lindsey Witten (GI, stomach bug, whatever) and OT Mike Ryan (shoulder) are dressed in full gear. It looks like they’re playing, too.

- Neill

Brandon Knight, the nation’s top-rated high school basketball player according to some folks, is on an official visit to UConn this weekend.

A star at Fort Lauderdale’s Pine Crest High, Knight is on campus with his parents Efrem and Tonya Knight.

The 6-foot-3, 185-pound guard didn’t get a chance to play with the Huskies in their pickup game Friday (he might Saturday, though) because of a foot injury but has begun to learn more about the school and the program.

“Basically the environment you’re going to be in,” Knight said when asked what he’s trying to learn this weekend. “The last time I came here it was during the summer so I didn’t really get a feel for the student life and stuff like that. While you’re on an official visit you get to be with the team a little bit more _ a couple of the guys weren’t here last time.”

Knight made an unofficial visit to Storrs a few months ago.

As for his college choices Knight says he’s still looking at “six or seven” schools, all of which are “pretty much” even at this point. Knight mentioned UConn, Kansas, Kentucky, Florida, Miami and UCLA.

He’s already made official visits to Kentucky and UConn, but says he has not firm plans for others yet.

Knight was rumored to be headed for Kansas for its midnight madness, though Knight says that weekend is homecoming at Pine Crest and he may not want to travel.

As for a final college choice, Knight says that decision will likely come during the NCAA’s spring signing period. He’s unlikely to commit in the fall.

“Unless I just come across a place where I know that’s the place for me and I get a good feel for the coach and the players and the system,” Knight said. “That’s the only way I’ll make a decision early.”

Knight, who says he could play point guard or shooting guard, likes what he has seen so far from UConn.

“Great place, great history,” Knight said. “I like coach (Jim) Calhoun because he’s straight to the point. He doesn’t tell you what you want to hear and I like that. My dad is like that a lot. I respect that kind of person that doesn’t promise you things and feed you B.S.”

Knight’s high school coach is Dave Beckerman, a New Haven native and the founder of Starter sportswear. Beckerman is hardly shoving UConn down Knight’s throat, however, the player says.

“He’s going to respect my decision regardless of where I go,” Knight said. “He does like Connecticut and he also tries to talk positive about them, but he doesn’t put any program down.”

– Michael Bradley, a 6-foot-10 power forward from Chattanooga, Tenn., was also on campus Friday to start an official visit.

Bradley has already made official visits to Georgia and Drake. He’s headed to Virginia Commonwealth soon and also may visit Boston College.

Bradley says he’s looking for “Somewhere I’m comfortable” in a school and isn’t too worried about perhaps moving to the Northeast.

“It’s different, especially because of the cold,” Bradley said with a smile.

For the record, it seemed like a pretty nice September day on the UConn campus Friday. But there was a bit of a breeze and it’s certainly not similar to Tennessee’s fall season.

– One other UConn note: SF Stanley Robinson recently suffered a deviated septum and will have to avoid contact on the court for a few weeks. But it appears Sticks will be fine by the time practice officially starts.

- Neill

A couple of notes from UConn for fans in regards to Saturday’s game:

SPECTATOR SCREENING MEASURES AT RENTSCHLER FIELD TO INCREASE

EAST HARTFORD _ Spectator screening measures at all Rentschler Field events will increase beginning with the Connecticut vs. Rhode Island football game on Saturday, Sept. 26. These changes are being made due to the recent heightening of security concerns on the national level.

“We want our patrons to be able to enter Rentschler Field as safely, expeditiously and comfortably as possible,” said Chuck Steedman, Senior Vice-President and General Manager of Northland AEG, which manages Rentschler Field. “We take security bulletins from national law enforcement agencies very seriously, but at the same time we also want to make sure our patrons enjoy the total experience at Rentschler Field. We thank all of the fans in advance for their cooperation as we work together to ensure the safest possible environment in our stadium.”

Patrons may experience some minor delays entering the stadium, while security personnel ensure that no items are brought into the stadium that may negatively affect safety. Ticket holders can help expedite the security process by not attempting to carry large bags into the facility.

The belongings, and person, of all patrons entering the stadium will be subject to search and guests will be subject to a pat-down procedure upon entry to the stadium. The pat-down procedure entails an inspection for all fans entering the stadium. This procedure will be conducted by trained individuals.

To ensure all fans a safe and enjoyable experience at Rentschler Field, the list of items prohibited inside the stadium remains the same as in previous seasons:

* Any alcoholic beverages.
* Weapons of any kind (including knives).
* Food and beverages.
* Illegal drugs and any other illegal substances.
* Coolers and containers, including cans, bottles and flasks.
* Fireworks and pyrotechnics.
* Umbrellas.
* Backpacks and oversized handbags.
* Banners.
* Signs and flags.
* Horns and other noise makers.
* Laser pointers.
* Animals (except for assistance animals).

To avoid last-minute gate pressure, fans are strongly urged to allow ample time for their entry into the stadium. The gates for Saturday’s game will open at 10:30 a.m. – 90 minutes prior to the noon kickoff.

Saturday’s Football Game At Rentschler Field Will Be “Green Awareness Day”

STORRS _ The University of Connecticut football game vs. Rhode Island this Saturday will be “Green Awareness Day” at Rentschler Field. Fans will be reminded of several ways to be environmentally friendly when they visit a UConn football game.

Environmental responsibility is an important component of “Husky Honor” – UConn’s new game day environment and sportsmanship program. Nearly 100 tons of waste is produced during a UConn football season — most of which can be recycled or composted as opposed to thrown away in the trash.

“It speaks volumes about UConn’s commitment to environmental responsibility when we ensure that our values are promoted in all aspects of the University,” said Rich Miller, UConn’s Director of Environmental Policy. “Athletic events are an important part of life at UConn and it’s a great partnership when the Division of Athletics and student EcoHusky volunteers work together to help Husky football fans recycle, reduce waste and prevent litter at Rentschler Field.”

Patrons will be encouraged to recycle in the stadium and to bag their bottles and cans in separate plastic bags as they tailgate. UConn students from the “EcoHusky” and EcoHouse” groups will be stationed inside the stadium at recycling areas to educate fans about recycling as part of the “Man the Can” program.

Viridian Energy & Environmental, LLC, a UConn Sports Marketing Corporate Partner, will be at FanFest and inside each gate at the stadium to provide education on clean energy options. FanFest takes place from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. between Gates C and D.

There will also be distribution of pocket ashtrays in coordination with Keep America Beautiful, Inc. by student volunteers.

There are still about 2,000 tickets left for Saturday’s UConn-Rhode Island game at Rentschler Field.

- Neill

A couple of notes from the Thursday afternoon chat with UConn football coach Randy Edsall:

– A few new injuries for the Huskies, though none seem to serious.

DE Lindsey Witten is fighting a stomach bug (a GI, as the coach calls it) but remains probable for Saturday’s game. Edsall said it might be similar to the problem Witten had a few weeks ago and said his senior star has to a better job making sure he eats and drinks enough.

Witten didn’t practice Wednesday but Edsall expected him to be back later Thursday afternoon for that workout.

“I think we have things under control with him,” Edsall said of Witten. “At least I hope we do.”

OT Mike Ryan, who played some last week against Baylor, has a shoulder injury but is also probable.

Ryan got “dinged” in the Baylor game and Edsall said the shoulder “stiffened” on him Tuesday. Ryan did practice Wednesday and was slated to practice Thursday.

– As for the injuries we knew of:

LB Scott Lutrus (shoulder) is out, WR Kashif Moore (shoulder) is probable, WR Michael Smith (knee) is probable, while QB Zach Frazer (knee) and TE Ryan Griffin (back) are still out.

Oh, and reserve LB Sio Moore (hamstring) is probable, although he might not play this week. Edsall said he’s been cleared to play defense but won’t resume his special teams duties just yet. If Saturday’s game is a blowout (it will be) perhaps Moore will play some defense.

As far as Lutrus goes, the shoulder probably isn’t any worse, the coach is just being more honest about his status. No more game-time decisions, they’re going to sit Lutrus as planned and they’re being up front about it.

Expect Smith and Moore to play, though the young wideouts will probably still get their chances against the Rams.

FYI “probable” means there is a 75 percent chance a player will be ready by game time, according to the UConn math.

– The weekly scout team player of the week winners: WR Malik Generett (offense), CB Chris Lopes (defense) and WR Cole Wagner (special teams).

– Edsall was coy (as he should be, of course) about lineups and game plans but did say there weren’t any significant changes to the depth chart.

– Don’t read much into the fact that Andre Dixon and Jordan Todman are listed as co-starters on the depth chart this week.

“It’s just paperwork more than anything,” Edsall said.

The coach, of course, doesn’t care too much who starts.

“Depending on what we want to do, maybe Andre starts or Jordan starts,” Edsall said. “But they’re both going to play.”

– The coach was asked if assuming Saturday’s game is a blowout would true freshman Mike Box see some mop-up duty at quarterback.

“I don’t assume anything because when you assume you make an ass out of you and me,” Edsall said. “I’m just not going to do that. I’d hate to do that to YOU or me.”

The coach won’t but I’ll do a little assuming here (I’m already an ass). The Huskies WILL pull away and Box WON’T see any time, thereby preserving his redshirt.

You can pin the tail on this donkey Sunday when I’m wrong on both counts.

- Neill

Redshirt freshman Erik Kuraczea was a bit surprised when the UConn coaches told him last Thursday that he’d be playing significant minutes two days later against Baylor.

“They told me on Thursday. That shocked me,” the offensive guard from Ansonia said Tuesday.

It was hard for everyone in the Kuraczea family not to get excited.

“I called my mom after practice,” Kuraczea said. “She wanted to come down to Baylor.”

Mrs. Kuraczea didn’t end up traveling to Waco (Erik discouraged it, knowing he’s only play sparingly) but her son played quite well against the Bears. In fact, Kuraczea actually thought it might be more difficult.

“I expected it to be tougher,” Kuraczea said. “Going against guys like Twyon (Martin) and Kendall (Reyes), it shows how good they are.”

For now, it seems as if UConn’s offensive line will get two regular replacements. Kuraczea and tackle Mike Ryan will play every fourth series for the Huskies.

For Kuraczea, that means working on his footwork.

“I didn’t really have any missed assignments,” Kuraczea said of the Baylor experience. “I just didn’t block with the right technique a couple times.”

– UConn’s last game against Rhode Island, a 52-7 win at Rentschler on Aug. 31, 2006, was notable for a couple of reasons.

First, the Rams started the game by recovering an on-side kick and nearly stunned the Huskies early. UConn eventually pulled away, of course, using a then-freshman who would go on to big things.

Donald Brown ran nine times for 118 yards in his debut that day, spelling Terry Caulley (12 rushes, 95 yards).

– Rhode Island is plus-7 in the turnover department this season, having forced eight in two games. The Rams have also scored two defensive touchdowns.

– UConn coach Randy Edsall mentioned all the CAA upsets this season (Richmond, William&Mary, Villanova) to his team but doesn’t think they’re too relevant to Saturday’s game.

“It’s about us. We still haven’t played our most complete football game yet,” Edsall said.

And he doesn’t expect his player to overlook anyone.

“This game is just as important as any game that we’ll play,” Edsall said.

– Edsall said he slept through Brown’s first career touchdown. Former teammate Andre Dixon also missed it the first time.

“I missed it for a second. I was actually in the bathroom when he scored,” Dixon said. “I came back and I’m happy I got to see the replay. I shot him a text after the game.”

– QB Cody Endres says there has been no talk about a permanent quarterback switch when Zach Frazer returns.

“I’m trying to play great either way,” Endres said. “I’m not thinking about that stuff.”

– URI coach Joe Trainer admits his team has a tall task on Saturday.

“It’s going to be a great opportunity for us to give our program some exposure and hopefully we can go up there and keep it competitive,” Trainer said.

- Neill