UCONN Football: Trying To Reach The Next Level

This Connecticut football team is unlike any other in the history of its program.  The grit and determination this team has showed week in and week out is a true testament to Randy Edsall and his entire coaching staff.

After yet another heartbreaking defeat to No. 5 Cincinnati last night by a final of 47-45, the Huskies wake up this morning with a record of 4-5, and slim chances of going bowling.

Arguably the Huskies could be 9-0, but in football it is all about finishing the game. A football team is as good as its record, but there is not a better 4-5 team in the country then the UConn Huskies.

That is nice praise and everything, but at the end of the day it is all about competing for the big east title, and going to a BCS championship.  That is why Edsall came to UConn and has built Connecticut football into what it is today.

This season has been extremely tough on the UConn community.  All five losses have been by a combined 15 points.  Leading in the fourth quarter of four of the games, and then last night the Huskies never gave up with a two point conversion away from tying the game with five minutes left after being down 20 on two occasions.

More importantly, the Huskies have to deal with the loss of own of their teammates.  The impact and playing ability of Jasper Howard is even more evidently missed now then ever before.

The Huskies have had to deal with the grief and emotional pain of that situation and at the same time have taken the field with nothing but strength and intensity to win.  They have been right there time and time again, but when the clock his zero, the Huskies have ended up on the wrong side in the losers column.

They have dealt with numerous injuries time and time again.  Whether it was Frazer going down first, then Endres last week.  This team has remained constant and upbeat about the offense.

On Defense the linebacker depth has been hit hard at various times in the season.  Also UConn's secondary has had to play a combination of freshman.  This team has always been ready to play no matter the circumstances.

The Connecticut Huskies are that close to being a national program.  Relatively there division one experience is still very young and it takes time to arrive on that stage.  With that being said, the Connecticut Huskies head into a bye week with some much needed rest.

You better believe they will hit the practice field hard next week before they head to South Bend, Indiana to take on Notre Dame.  Another chance for the Huskies to show what UConn football is all about on national television.

Yes, there have been many disappointments this season but in the end a lot of good will come out of every loss this football team has endured this season.

No matter how this season concludes, Randy Edsall is proud of the way his kids have played.  Each and every fan should praise how the Connecticut football team has handled everything that has been thrown its way this season.

When the Connecticut Huskies reach that next level, the feeling will be that much more rewarding.