The first four opening matches of last season showed UConn a harsh reality: they were a challenged squad struggling to find their footing. This year, the narrative couldn’t be any different as the Huskies (2-2) are enjoying an offensively efficient season with a versatile roster explosive in the rushing game.
In last weekend’s matchup against Florida Atlantic, the Owls defense was caught in a losing battle as UConn running backs Mel Brown and Durell Robinson ran for 312 yards. Thanks to their contributions, the Huskies rushed for 421 yards to set a new FBS program record. Quarterback Nick Evers also got a piece of the action and showed off his running game as he rushed for two touchdowns and several first downs. While last weekend showcased the strength in UConn’s running game, it also shed light on the versatile roster of multi-dimensional athletes.
The Huskies also piled on the defensive pressure as they shut out FAU in the first half and gave up a season-low of 250 yards. Tui Faumuina-Brown led the defense with nine tackles.
Even though Buffalo (3-1) will be a tall task for UConn, last weekend’s dominance and their week two performance against Merrimack proved they’re ready for the challenge.
The Bulls are coming off a robust 23-20 OT upset to No. 23 Northern Illinois where they just barely sealed the victory on a 37-yard field goal. Though the Northern Illinois Huskies got the ball first in overtime, the Bull’s defense became impenetrable when it mattered most. Although Illinois fought their way to the Bull’s 10-yard line, that was the furthest they pushed as they were held to a field goal.
In a rare play, Buffalo’s Marquis Cooper blocked the attempt and gave the Bulls a final chance. In due time, Buffalo capitalized on the opportunity and secured their 23-20 victory.
After Buffalo’s dominant performance last weekend, there are several things the Huskies will keep an eye out for. Linebacker Shaun Dolac was a pivotal playmaker to the Bull’s defense, rounding out the contest with a career-high 19 tackles and a 53-yard return on an interception that ultimately changed the game in favor of the Bulls.
Offensively, quarterback C.J. Ogbonna took a different approach than the Huskies as he consistently threw the ball for pass completions. Last weekend, while UConn’s Evers showed off his arm and threw for 88 yards, his agility on the field stole the show. Evers ran for a handful of first downs, 78 yards and two touchdowns against FAU.
While Evers used his legs, rushing was a point of weakness for Ogbonna as he typically tends to hold back. Weeks one and two showcased Ogbonna’s farthest gains as he rushed for 20 yards against Lafayette and 19 yards against Missouri. Last weekend, the quarterback finished with -18 rushing yards and instead emphasized his passing game.
Since his legs aren’t his main focus, Ogbonna’s arm is. Last weekend, the senior targeted wide receiver Victor Snow, who finished with three catches for 72 yards and a touchdown. The redshirt sophomore appears to be on a steady climb upward and will likely be a point of focus for the Huskies.
Like UConn, Buffalo has a resilient lineup of running backs who’ve regularly kept a stronghold on the rushing game. Last weekend, Al-Jay Henderson led the cavalry with 56 rushing yards and a touchdown. Buffalo’s Jacqez Barksdale will be another area of focus for UConn as he leads the Bulls in rushing yards and has continued to prove himself a playmaker for Buffalo. With Buffalo’s well-rounded offense, the Huskies’ defense will have some heavy lifting to do as they face a roster of explosive wide receivers and agile running backs, topped off with a strong-armed quarterback.
There’s no doubt Connecticut can hold their own against programs such as Duke, which is precisely why they come into Saturday’s matchup as the favorite by 6.5 points. With explosive players such as Skyler Bell in their back pocket, the Huskies are a powder keg ready to explode.
The Huskies will enjoy their second straight week in their six-week homestay at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, and kickoff is scheduled for noon.