Randy Edsall Knows this is the Year for UConn Football

Randy Edsall's UConn team was so close last year, losing only five games by a combined 15 points. Execution is what Edsall always preaches when it comes to winning football games.

Last season, UConn football lost more than just games when cornerback Jasper Howard was murdered in October. This struck the UConn community and it put everything into perspective.

Throughout the entire process Coach Edsall stood tall and really was there to help his players and himself get through the tough times, which included an emotional game at West Virginia followed by the funeral services.

UConn finished the season strong, winning four straight and entering the 2010 season ready to make a run at the Big East title. Coach Edsall has made a commitment since day one of his tenure, and made it clear that he wants to see this university play in a BCS Bowl Game.

Year after year, there has been much speculation that a big-time program would come in and offer Edsall a contract he couldn't refuse. That hasn't happened yet because Edsall is dedicated to delivering on his promise.

That commitment could become a reality in 2010. UConn returns 16 starters led by quarterback Zach Frazer, running back Jordan Todman, and linebacker Lawrence Wilson.

The Big East is wide open entering this season, and any number of teams—whether it be Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, or West Virginia—could be fighting with UConn towards the season's end for the BCS bid.

Edsall is known for his strong defensive knowledge and knows in order to be one of the best teams in the country every area of the team has to know its role on game day. 

He is entering his 12th season as head coach and has guided UConn to straight three bowl games over the last three years. Over that span, UConn football has gone 25-14.

Headed into this season, many different magazines have UConn as part of the their top 25. Why not? UConn football has made big strides over the years and has the talent and pieces in place to have a season to remember.

UConn has never won double digit games in a season. Winning 10 games is hard to do in college football, but with the competition and schedule presented to UConn, this is the year it could happen.

Edsall has worked day and night to transition UConn into more than just a basketball school. He is getting there, but winning a Big East title outright, and going to BCS Bowl would be the icing on the cake.

The time is now for UConn football. Let's see if the Huskies live up to the hype and expectations that everybody has for them.

Coach Edsall will have his players ready to do exactly that.