UConn Insider

With UConn women's basketball season approaching, columnist Jeff Jacobs and beat reporter Paul Doyle joined online producer Chris Brodeur for a wide-ranging discussion on what looks to be another Husky juggernaut. First, one more look at last season's stunning conclusion (1:30), followed by a breakdown of a loaded roster that will include talented transfers Azura Stevens and Batouly Camara (4:50). The guys discuss some of the unconventional — and devastating — lineups coach Geno Auriemma can assemble (11:40), the outlook for another blue-chip freshmen class (16:45), the need for a little more Taurasi-esque swagger (20:00) and the motivation that comes with dragging the shocking Mississippi State loss into the offseason (24:00). Finally, Jake and Paul wrap the show by forecasting the historical placement of a team that could compete with some of its most talented Husky forebears (29:00).

With UConn women’s basketball season approaching, columnist Jeff Jacobs and beat reporter Paul Doyle joined online producer Chris Brodeur for a wide-ranging discussion on what looks to be another Husky juggernaut. First, one more look at last season’s stunning conclusion (1:30), followed by a breakdown of a loaded roster that will include talented transfers Azura … Continue reading "UConn Insider, Episode 26: Women’s Hoops With Jeff Jacobs And Paul Doyle"

Columnist Jeff Jacobs and beat reporter Mike Anthony are back to chat with online producer Chris Brodeur as the Huskies' spiral continues. Memphis charged into the Rent and racked up over 700 yards of offense and seven touchdowns. Where does the defense go from here? Can the Huskies hope to outscore any of their remaining opponents, or will their foibles on the other side of the ball continue to keep them out of the win column? Jake and Mike read between the lines of the latest Randy Edsall press conference (and motivational Tweet) before previewing Saturday's visit to Temple.

Another week, another strong offensive performance marred by dreadful pass defense. And, of course, another 'L' for UConn football. The Huskies find themselves at 1-3, and the potential wins remaining on the schedule aren't exactly jumping off the page. Columnist Jeff Jacobs and beat reporter Mike Anthony join online producer Chris Brodeur for another breakdown, which includes some Twitter questions from a frustrated fan base. One bright spot? The continued progress of quarterback Bryant Shirreffs, who now ranks fourth nationally in passing yards.

Dom Amore chats with online producer Chris Brodeur about the MLB playoffs, which featured five former UConn baseball players at the outset. Amore offers quick-hitting analysis and predictions. Could the Red Sox and Yankees finally rekindle their epic postseason rivalry? Or will the likes of Astros star George Springer, pride of the Huskies, deny local baseball fans that stressful TV-viewing opportunity? Have the Cubs been laying low, waiting for the chance to defend their crown?

Jim Calhoun, the legendary former coach of the UConn men's basketball team, will serve as a consultant for the fledgling program at Division III St. Joseph in West Hartford. But a year from now, when the games are about to actually begin, we very well might see Calhoun in his customary pose on the sideline: arms folded, tie loosened, doing what he loves more than anything despite body language to the contrary. Beat reporter Dom Amore and columnist Jeff Jacobs take you inside Calhoun's introductory press conference, where the Hall of Fame coach already seemed rejuvenated by the prospects of molding young talent and building a program from the ground up.

Columnist Jeff Jacobs and UConn football beat reporter Mike Anthony return to the show to break down the Huskies' failed comeback bid against East Carolina (1:20), their ongoing struggles on defense (2:20), the emergence of receiver Mason Donaldson (5:40), changes on the depth chart (11:15), the unique journey of Kyle Buss (13:20) and the challenges of facing 3-1 SMU (17:20). The guys wrap things up by discussing how NFL players took a knee in response to the president's recent remarks (25:00), including some local perspective from coach Randy Edsall (30:00).

Columnist Jeff Jacobs, beat reporter Mike Anthony and online producer Chris Brodeur recap a rough day in Charlottesville (1:40), break down the Huskies' troubling pass defense (4:05), debate whether unveiling trick plays while facing a huge deficit is a strategic no-no (12:25) and wonder if Arkeel Newsome can ever regain his status as a featured running back (20:00). Hergy Mayala continues to be a favorite target for quarterback Bryant Shirreffs (17:30), the Huskies' young offensive line remains a question mark and Randy Edsall, in his older and wiser second go-around as head coach, recently reflected on that and more in his Wednesday press conference, which the guys dissect (26:00). They wrap things up by discussing the weirdness of a Sunday tilt (30:00), give a shoutout to a certain UConn message board (33:00) and offer some parting thoughts on East Carolina, a fellow AAC bottom-dweller (34:00).

Columnist Jeff Jacobs, beat reporter Mike Anthony and online producer Chris Brodeur recap a rough day in Charlottesville (1:40), break down the Huskies’ troubling pass defense (4:05), debate whether unveiling trick plays while facing a huge deficit is a strategic no-no (12:25) and wonder if Arkeel Newsome can ever regain his status as a featured … Continue reading "UConn Insider, Episode 20: Football Talk With Jeff Jacobs And Mike Anthony"

Courant sports columnist Jeff Jacobs returns to the show to discuss his background in journalism, Rebecca Lobo’s Hall of Fame induction, Donovan Williams’ conversion from UConn quarterback to wide receiver, the controversy surrounding recent tweets by ESPN’s Jemele Hill and his latest column on the late Kyle Milliken.