The UConn football team will continue its 2024 campaign this Saturday at noon against Wake Forest.
The 4-2 Huskies have been dominating in their best start since 2009 and have built the promising momentum the program has been missing for over a decade. While the last 15 years have been characterized by a team that struggles to generate a winning record, the 2024 squad is nothing short of historic.
While the 4-2 start has been memorable, the Huskies are just getting started as the season has just hit the halfway point. After last week’s bye, Connecticut is back this Saturday and will take on their second ACC competitor of the season, Wake Forest.
Just over a month ago, UConn met with the ACC for the first time this season and dueled in a thrilling contest against Duke. Although the Blue Devils ultimately took the crown, the Huskies fought to the very end and fell just short 21-26. The Huskies’ incredible performance over Duke, led by quarterback Nick Evers and offensive playmakers Cam Edwards and Skyler Bell, gave the Huskies a foreshadowing to the dynamic catalog of offensively efficient players.
Since Duke, UConn has demonstrated its talent in the rushing and passive arena. When running the ball, there has been no trio more impactful than Durell Robinson, Mel Brown and Edwards. The three have amassed a combined total of 1,082 yards this season and have been critical playmakers in moving the ball down the field. On the receiving end, wide receivers Bell and TJ Sheffield have been essential in red zone territory, amassing 508 and 260 yards respectively.
Though UConn has bred breakout performances this season, success hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Two weeks ago, Connecticut was left fighting for a chance against Temple in a match many thought would be a breeze. In the final seconds of the contest, the Owls committed a game-changing mistake and fumbled the ball on the UConn 1-yard line.
In game-stealing fashion, UConn’s Jordan Wright picked up the ball for a 96-yard fumble return to close the contest 29-20. While it was an ending to remember, Connecticut struggled to gain momentum and produce offensively efficient plays throughout the match. On the defensive end, UConn grappled with stopping Temple’s advances.
Although the contest was a fight until the end, that’s exactly why head coach Jim Mora valued their performance. “Character wins are more important to me than blowouts,” he said in a press conference following the game.
While there was some hardship on the field, Sheffield proved himself an invaluable asset to the offense as he had his first career 100-yard game.
As for the North Carolinians, their season hasn’t been a walk in the park as they stand 2-4, opposite the Huskies’ record. Wake Forest, No. 13 in the ACC, has had a trying campaign where last week they suffered a devastating 49-14 loss to the No. 1 rank in their conference, Clemson.
Although they’ve struggled to make progress against some of their higher-ranked opponents, the Demon Deacon’s talent is undeniable.
Hank Bachmeier, Wake’s starting quarterback, has put up some impressive numbers this season, including an outstanding 403 passing yard performance in their 31-30 loss against Virginia.
With Bachmeier’s arm strength, UConn must be diligent on the defensive end and shut down playmaking in the pocket. Wake’s rushing leader, running back Demond Claiborne, will also pose a significant threat to the Huskies. Although Claiborne isn’t head and shoulders above UConn’s Robinson who leads with 424 total yards, he has a slight advantage with 524 rushing yards this season.
While there’s talent on both benches, UConn and Wake Forest will be heavily challenged as they’ve demonstrated their prowess in the running and passing arena. The Huskies, who are two-point favorites, will return to Rentschler Field, where they enjoy a 4-0 record.
The contest will be Connecticut’s fourth match at The Rent out of their six-game homestand. Kickoff is scheduled for noon in East Hartford.