The UConn Pod: for UConn Huskies fans

On this week's episode, we take listener questions while discussing UConn women's basketball's past week. We talk about the Huskies' potential ceiling, give our picks for who might succeed Geno Auriemma one day, look ahead to St. John's and more. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Substack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

UConn women's basketball is starting to figure out life without Azzi Fudd. The Huskies returned from the holiday break with a resounding win over Creighton and followed it up with a mostly comfortable victory against Marquette. On this week's episode, we discuss the team's progress, the frontcourt's recent play, the AP Poll, why some teams in the Big East are capping their women's basketball programs and more. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Substack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

UConn women's basketball will go into the holiday break happy after wins over Florida State and Seton Hall. In this week's episode, we discuss the Huskies' performance, the return of Dorka Juhász, how the team is starting to figure out how to play without Azzi Fudd and more. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Substack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

UConn's already strange season turned even more bizarre this past week with a tight win over Princeton that added to the already-heavy injury toll and featured one of the craziest finishes that we've ever seen. The shorthanded Huskies also fell to Maryland, but we explain why we're actually encouraged by the team's performance in the loss. We also discuss Inêsanity, the frontcourt's standout performances, and why the new year could provide hope. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Substack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

UConn women's basketball is 5-0 on the season after taking down Duke and Iowa to win the Phil Knight Legacy in Portland over Thanksgiving weekend. On this week's episode, we break down the wins, discuss the team's impressive resilience, look at Azzi Fudd and Aaliyah Edwards' dominance, preview the upcoming matchup with Notre Dame and more. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Substack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

UConn women's basketball is through its first week. The Huskies are 2-0 after beating Northeastern in the opener followed by a big win over No. 3 Texas. On this week's episode, we break down the victories, discuss Azzi Fudd's rapid ascent to stardom (and why she's barely scratching the surface), talk about Aubrey Griffin's strong start and go through the other risers and fallers from the games. After that, we preview the upcoming matchup with No. 10 NC State. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Substack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The season has finally arrived! On this week's episode, we make our predictions for UConn's 2022-23 campaign — such as the leading scorer, number of All-Americans and whether or not the Huskies will make it back to the final four. Along with that, we discuss UConn's surprise commitment Jana El Alfy, and the team's exhibition vs. Kutztown. Subscribe to Chasing Perfection's new feed on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Substack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

UConn had never beaten Boston College in football. Of course, BC avoided some of the better Husky teams of the FBS era but still this was a craw in the side of many UConn faithful. Still, before the season, nobody could have reasonably predicted that this horrible streak would end this year. The BC win is another in a line of successes this season. Going in, we would have been happy with three wins. UConn eclipsed that and got the elusive FBS win, a road win, and a power five win this season. The most important thing that has been proven here thus far is that Storrs is not a wasteland where college football goes to die (or be really, really bad). Moving the program down because of a few bad years was a dumb idea, and now it looks even dumber. On this episode of the pod (our first since before the Ball State game, our apologies) the crew discusses what it means to beat BC, how much further UConn can go, and what the future holds for this program after its best season since 2015. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, UConn women's basketball will play a real game — an exhibition — but a real game nonetheless against Kutztown at the XL Center. So what should we expect from the Huskies? Well, they'll be without freshman Ice Brady for the entire season after she suffered a knee injury and if the secret scrimmage against UMass is any indication, the offense will be ahead of the defense. On this week's episode, we discuss all that, make a few predictions for the exhibition and also play a couple of new games. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Substack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The days left in UConn women's basketball's offseason are numbered. The Huskies have just a few weeks left until they open the season and the outlook for the team is starting to become clear. On this week's episode, we discuss Geno Auriemma's surprising optimism around the start of the practice, why Azzi Fudd is being crowned as UConn's next superstar and whether the Huskies' spot in the AP Preseason Poll is fair. Chasing Perfection now has its own feed! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Substack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, our crew broke down the Huskies' performance against FIU, how they will move on from the injury of yet another key skill position player, and we also re-ranked the remaining games of the season by UConn's win probability — a preview: UMass Ball State … listen to hear more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Saturday, UConn football notched its first FBS win in 1,072 days and first home FBS win in 1,827 days. In doing so, the path to a successful first-year campaign for the Jim Mora Era has become very clear: the Huskies (2-4) need to beat FIU and UMass and stay competitive in the back half of the schedule. Four is the floor! This podcast breaks down the Fresno State win, with lots of kudos to go around in the victory effort. In addition to earning the win with a dominant performance and a 4th-quarter TD drive, UConn displayed tremendous mental toughness to grind out a contest like this after three straight blowouts, two on the road. Next up, this resilient squad is heading to Florida International, where the Huskies will actually be favored! How quickly things can change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week's podcast, we briefly went through the highlights and takeaways from another big loss at NC State. With Syracuse receiving votes, and a tough Fresno State squad visiting the Rent this Saturday, this has actually been a challenging four-game stretch for Jim Mora's injury-ridden roster.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Despite the lopsided outcome in the Michigan game, UConn has reason to remain hopeful for better performances in the future. The Wolverines are one of the best teams in the country, and much more reasonable competition awaits later in the schedule. For now, the Huskies have to prepare for No. 12 NC State. While not on Michigan's level, this is still a great team, and likely another game where UConn loses big. With Nate Carter's shoulder injury, the offense is without its top player. The Wolfpack are at home, they have a deep, experienced defense and plenty of firepower on offense, too. That said, we're still looking for Jim Mora's squad to cut down on mistakes, and at least give themselves the best possible chance to win. This also includes opening up the offense a little, no matter who's in at quarterback. The latest episode of the podcast tackles these topics and looks ahead to expectations for the rest of the season. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the latest episode of the podcast, we break down the 48-14 loss to Syracuse and what UConn needs to do to survive these next three weeks. While most predicted a loss, this was the first game of the season where UConn failed to meet or exceed expectations.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week's preview podcast, we broke down the matchup against Syracuse. UConn will have its hands full, but also has a chance this weekend. If some things go right… who knows? We'll be keeping an eye on Zion Turner to see how he can adjust to a higher level of competition as a starter and Nate Carter to see if he can keep the train going. Defensively, we'll be sweating out big plays in the passing game and hoping to keep Sean Tucker in check. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the fall semester starting last week, the season feels like it's almost here. The entire team is back on campus, workouts are re-starting and there's a little less than two months to go until UConn's first exhibition. On this week's episode, we talk about Paige Bueckers' decision to return to the Huskies in 2023-24, her first comments since tearing her ACL and what the future holds for her in Storrs. After that, we break down Inês Bettencourt, UConn's new addition, and explain why that doesn't take any of the pressure off Nika Mühl. Lastly, we get into the WNBA Playoffs. Chasing Perfection now has its own feed! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Substack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aman and Luke review the Central Connecticut game, including the performance of new starting QB Zion Turner, the emergence of new potential playmakers on offense, and growing concerns around the secondary. The Huskies did a good job of comfortably handling their FCS opponent, which is of course the most important goal of the day. Next up, they host a longtime rival in the Syracuse Orange, who are coming off a 31-7 win over Louisville to open its season. Jim Mora and his staff will have to keep this team progressing if this Saturday's date at the Rent is going to be close enough to meet fans' newly heightened expectations for this team. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week's preview pod, we go light on CCSU preview and heavy on evaluating UConn's performance in its first game. To help us do that, we interviewed Patrick Mahorn, who covers Utah State and also writes about football strategy for Meet at Midfield. Mahorn shared his standouts from the UConn side, with some really great insight on who looked good, and who didn't for the Huskies. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the latest episode of our podcast, the crew breaks down what stood out from the Utah State game, including RB Nate Carter, the O-line, the defensive front seven, and the coaching staff. While some concerns remain, such as a true freshman now starting at QB, plus issues in pass-blocking, and pass defense, UConn gave its fans a lot of signs to be encouraged about in its season debut. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the latest episode of the podcast, the crew discusses the departure of UConn defensive coordinator Lou Spanos; the recent depth chart release; and what to watch for in the Huskies' season-opening matchup at Utah State. Husky fans have a lot to keep tabs on in new head coach Jim Mora's debut, including the quarterback position, pass rushers, and the running game on both sides of the ball. The Huskies will have their hands full against a strong Aggies squad, but also have a chance to make a statement by keeping this closer than expected. If this game goes better than last year's Week 0 contest against a leading Mountain West opponent, that would be a great start to the season. We end with some guesses on UConn's point total Saturday and performance against the 27-point spread. What are your thoughts? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the latest episode of the podcast, we discuss the key storylines as fall camp is under way. This includes some outbound transfers, a new contender in the quarterback competition, and emerging names at running back. We also previewed the defense by position group, noting strength at linebacker, while D-line and especially the secondary still have questions to answer. This podcast was recorded before the announcement of Lou Spanos' “leave of absence” from the team. But we will address that in next week's episode. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the latest episode of the football podcast, we discuss what the offense will look like this year. Under the new leadership of Jim Mora and a promising young offensive coordinator, hopes are high in Storrs (and East Hartford) for improvement. How much improvement? That remains to be seen. Nevertheless, new talent at quarterback, receiver, and offensive line at least make this year's team deeper across the board — and that should help. The 2022 offense is not going to light many people up, but getting out of the bottom of FBS, where it has been for the last couple of seasons, would be a solid start for the Mora era and is certainly attainable. We end by picking an offensive player on the current roster most likely to make it to the NFL. Feel free to share your own pick in the comments! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Wednesday, UConn announced that Paige Bueckers will miss the entire 2022-23 season after tearing her ACL in a pickup game. We convened an emergency podcast to react to the news, discuss what this means for the Huskies and debate whether we've seen the last of Bueckers in Storrs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the latest episode of our podcast, we go through UConn football's outgoing transfers, players lost to graduation, and took a look at the incoming transfer class. The Huskies definitely lost a bunch of key contributors, but are also addressing key needs via the portal. We also played a fun game where Tucker gave Aman and Luke blind resume tests in order to form a brand new football conference for UConn to play in. The results are a bit overwhelming—we regret to inform you that Rutgers somehow made it in—but we ended up putting a pretty decent group together. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we found some time between our summer travels to record a new episode. We discuss UConn's non-conference schedule and explain why it's close to perfect, look at some of the matchups we're most excited for and complain further about Florida State's inclusion on the slate. After that, we get into Qadence Samuels, the Huskies' newest commitment, and provide a scouting report on her, fellow commit KK Arnold and other players that impressed at Nike Nationals in Chicago last week. A new bandwagon gets started as well. We then talk UConn's summer workouts and mention why we're not concerned about Azzi Fudd's lingering foot injury but are still worried about Aubrey Griffin's return from back surgery. Lastly, we close with UConn in the WNBA. Chasing Perfection now has its own feed! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Substack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the second episode of our UConn football podcast, we follow up the team-by-team schedule preview with some of our overall thoughts on the 12-game slate. We ranked the most winnable games and picked out a few potential road trips for fans to consider. For Season Two of independence, it's a pretty solid schedule. We also had no choice but to discuss the wheels of conference realignment spinning once again. UConn is in an interesting place, perhaps less eager to make a move than a lot of other schools, but still needs to be mindful of the constantly-changing landscape and how it may affect the Husky athletic department. If you missed the first podcast episode, on the current state of the program, you can check it out here! We also dropped a preview on the Husky quarterbacks earlier today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the first episode of our new football-only podcast, we decided to start with a conversation about the state of the program. UConn football has been independent for two seasons, one of which it did not play due to COVID-19. The Huskies have their third new head coach in seven years and have not eclipsed the three-win mark since 2015. Their last winning season was 2011. What's up with UConn football? Is there any merit to the idea of moving to FCS? These are the questions we start with. Though Rentschler Field once rocked, that is no more. Fan interest and attendance are dwindling. New head coach Jim Mora is an interesting hire, but far from a sure thing. The history of coaches like him working out in situations similar to UConn is … mixed. Across the 40-minute conversation, our football podcast crew addressed the meaning of UConn football's existence, life as an independent, and reasons for optimism with this program going forward. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The busiest part of UConn women's basketball's offseason is nearly over. The Huskies will soon wrap up summer workouts and any remaining news should be announced before July. On this week's episode, we break down UConn's matchups with Florida State and Maryland this upcoming season and take an early look at some of the other non-conference opponents. After that, we discuss the state of the Huskies' roster after Geno Auriemma said there's only a “remote” chance the team adds another player and debate whether they did enough to strengthen the squad over the offseason. We also run through all the injury updates and close with the news of Sue Bird's retirement. Chasing Perfection now has its own feed! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or directly on Substack to get an email when a new episode is published. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's a quiet part of the offseason before UConn begins summer workouts, so on this week's episode, we answered listener questions from Twitter. We make our first starting lineup predictions for next season, discuss expectations for both the team as a whole and individual players, debate Paige Bueckers' scoring and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's never too early to start looking ahead to next year. With UConn women's basketball's summer workouts set to get underway in the coming weeks, we peek towards the 2022-23 season by breaking down the roster, previewing the newcomers and answering the biggest questions surrounding the team. After that, we also dive into the latest news about the former Huskies in the WNBA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The WNBA season begins on Friday with former UConn players on 10 of the league's 12 rosters. On this week's episode, we break down the biggest storylines involving Huskies, discuss Crystal Dangerfield's surprising cut and make some predictions for the upcoming campaign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

UConn women's basketball made its first addition out of the transfer portal this offseason, landing Fairfield's Lou Lopez Sénéchal. On this week's episode, we discuss her fit with the Huskies, whether or not she'll even contribute and how she could impact the team if she does play. After that, we break down the change Connecticut's NIL rules that could potentially allow for player jerseys and more. Finally, we close by discussing the WNBA Draft, Christyn Williams' season-ending injury and the strong starts from Olivia Nelson-Ododa and Evina Westbrook. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

UConn women's basketball's 2021-22 season ended in bitter fashion with a championship game loss to South Carolina. On this episode, we break down the loss and explain why it's a fitting close to the campaign. We also give our gut-reaction grades for the entire roster, look ahead to the WNBA Draft and mention Piath Gabriel's departure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

UConn women's basketball is championship game bound. The Huskies defeated Stanford 63-58 in the national semifinal and advanced to the final against South Carolina on Sunday. On this emergency episode, we break down UConn's win by any means necessary, discuss Olivia Nelson-Ododa's redemption and talk about everything else from the victory. We also preview the title game and explain why we're both picking the Huskies to take home their 12th national championship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It took two overtimes, but UConn women's basketball is heading to its 14th straight Final Four after taking down top-seeded NC State in the Elite Eight on Monday. On this week's episode, we recap the victory, discuss Paige Bueckers' remarkable performance, Christyn Williams' spark and Dorka Juhász injury. We also preview the Stanford game and explain why we don't feel great about the Huskies' chances. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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The UConn Huskies exited the NCAA Tournament in disappointing fashion with a loss to New Mexico State that frankly was not really close. The underdogs held a 10-point lead at halftime and while Dan Hurley's squad closed in and even tied it up, they never held a lead in the second half and NMSU closed the game out relatively comfortably. It's a tough way to end a season that had lots of promise. Now that it's over, many questions linger or are emerging about the state of this team next year. Is top assistant Kimani Young on his way out? Who will be the primary ballhandler next year? What kinds of players are they looking at in the transfer portal? Will next year's team take a step back? Aman, Shawn, and Patrick dive into these questions and more. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The NCAA Tournament is finally upon us. UConn women's basketball will look to finally take home its 12th national championship — the path to which starts on Saturday against 15-seed Mercer. On this episode, we break down the Huskies' seed, their placement in the Bridgeport Regional and their draw for the first two rounds. After that, we look at the rest of the region and go around the bracket as well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

UConn women's basketball will turn its attention to the NCAA Tournament after earning an automatic bid with three strong performance in the Big East Tournament. In this episode, we discuss our biggest takeaways from the tournament, break down Paige Bueckers' status, debate the Big East's NCAA Tournament prospects and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's March, which means the postseason is set to begin for UConn women's basketball. The Huskies closed out the regular season with the return of Paige Bueckers and will now turn their attention to the Big East Tournament this weekend. We discuss how Bueckers looked in her first two games back, expectations for her moving forward, why the Big East Tournament is a statement opportunity for this team and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The day has finally arrived. On Friday night against St. John's, Paige Bueckers will play for the first time since suffering a left knee injury back on Dec. 5 against Notre Dame. On this week's episode, we break down Bueckers' return, debate how much of an impact she'll make, discuss how the Huskies did in the 10 weeks without her and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices