Randy Edsall has a conference call with the media the day after every game. Here's the Reader's Digest version of what he had to say...

• After reviewing the game tape early this morning, Edsall was livid with the defensive performance, particularly the secondary's play against the option. The linebackers were also lambasted for failing to make the right reads. "I hope it's a wake-up call," Edsall said. "They lacked the discipline and focus they needed to have."

• The offense was efficient, scoring on 8 of 10 drives, and the o-line played well despite staying to high on blocks at certain times. Edsall mentioned there were too many drops with the wide receivers. He also lauded the play of his running backs.

• Injury report: Fullback Anthony Barksdale went down late with a right ankle sprain and is day-to-day. Linebacker Donta Moore suffered a right quad injury that may limit him over the next few days but is not serious. Defensive end Lindsey Witten has a mild ankle injury and should be OK.

• Game balls went as follows. Offense: Larry Taylor. Defense: Cody Brown. Special teams: Matt Nuzie. Scout team game balls from last week...Offense: Robert McClain. Defense: Greg Robinson. Special teams: Aaron Bryant.

• Moore started and played the majority of the game over Justin DeRubertis because Edsall felt Moore was a better play against the option that Rhode Island used. He said the decision will still be week-to-week, and based on which player he feels will give them an edge at the "Husky" linebacker.

Check out the full story on the UConn defense in Saturday's New Haven Register.

On a side note, I received word that my blog entry about getting a real team of Husky dogs to pull a sled onto the field before games was passed on to the UConn marketing department. Hopefully, they'll find a way to make it happen in the future. It would be worth the price of admission alone.

Imagine UConn following this onto the field

Once again, I welcome any and all questions for another edition of the Runway Mailbag. There are 16 days until the Wake Forest game, so don't be shy. I still have a few leftovers from two weeks ago, although some might be a bit dated now. Send questions to cmalafronte@nhregister.com.