These are the times that try fans souls (Thoughts and Grades from UConn)

(All due apologies to Thomas Paine, his decedents, and those who fought in the revolution)

THESE are the times that try fan's souls. The week one soldier and the September band wagoner will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their team; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of the Blue and White. Rebuilding, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the change, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon a bowl; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as a conference title should not be highly rated. Temple, with an army or recruits to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to WIN) but "to OWN us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER" and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious; for so unlimited a power can belong only to God.

You might think this is a bit too much, but there was a moment or two where I had pulled up steaks and started marching out of Camp Jerry Davis, The second half was that bad! It's not that UB Lost (I expected that) nor is it that we lost big (I expected that), it's that outside of one terrible pass UB Was playing with UConn for 30 minutes.

When the Huskies changed Quarterbacks I expected the defense to start struggling but what happened to the offense in the second half? Maybe playing musical quarterback get into Jerry Davis's head or that the thinned out offensive line, which has struggled all season, just could not keep up that level of play. Whatever happened UB's only second half points came on a gift.

Looking at the MAC portion of UB's schedule I don't see five wins. We now officially have a rebuilding year, it's time to be OK with that. Think back to Gills first season, then realize that the pain of rebuilding is worth it.

Grades:

Quarterback (D-): Jerry Davis, what else can you say? Aside from beating up on Rhode Island Davis has been wholly ineffective this season.

In his defense Dennison has looked no better but throwing two pick sixes has to shorten his leash. We saw high passes, throwing into coverage, and poor pocket presence today.

Running Back (F): The running backs did nothing today. Aside from the efforts of Daivs and Dennison Buffalo's YPC was south of 2.1. I don't know what Jeffvon Gill did to get in the dog house but for Quinn to keep him on the bench while nobody else was going anything it had to be epic.

Wide Receivers (B): They were very good, but aside from Young they were not great. But rather than focusing on the few negatives let's just take away that UB now has three demonstrated deep threats (Marcus Rivers, Alex Neutz, and Ed Young). If the Bulls can ever pull together in pass protection for long enough to make Davis comfortable this could be a very dangerous team.

Offensive Line (F): Davis owns the bad throws but the pressure he was under, aside from the second quarter, falls on the line (and the TE's / HB's in pass protection). For the past three weeks Davis has looked terrified every time he approaches the line.

Defensive Line (C+): Amazing in the first half! Steven Means was easily the defensive player of the game. Throughout the game means found a way to get into the backfield. He, along with the rest of the line, seemed to get worn down in the second half. A couple of decent offensive drives might have really given them the break they needed.

Linebackers (C-): Tackling was pretty bad throughout the game

Defensive Backs (C+): They were good in the first half but awful in the second. It seems that the backfield was great when Frazier could not hit the broad side of a barn but once someone could throw the ball it was a different story.

Special Teams (F):

Returning was solid, mostly. But coverage, like always is a disaster waiting to happen.