The 5-3 Huskies stunned the 2-6 Rice Owls 17-10 in a comeback campaign Saturday afternoon for UConn’s Homecoming Weekend. Though UConn got off to a slow start and trailed 3-0 at the half, the latter portion of the match proved the Huskies’ success was better late than never.
Though they made a visible effort, the first half was a massive struggle for the Huskies. Incompletions, lost yardage and a lack of chemistry between quarterback Nick Evers and the UConn receivers was the overarching theme of the first half. Though, this struggle wasn’t one-sided. The Rice offense was far from a well-oiled machine and was unable to build any sort of offensive momentum. Owls quarterback, freshman Drew Devillier, debuted in his first career start but was unable to get his squad into scoring position.
As much of the first quarter was characterized by three-and-outs, neither team could find their rhythm and was stagnant on key opportunities. While there were sparks of offensive momentum here and there, both kickers routinely took to the field following failed first down attempts.
The first and only sparks from Rice came with just over two minutes left in the first quarter. Though the team was unable to find the endzone, Rice’s Tim Horn notched a 23-yard field goal to secure the first points on the board and their only lead of the day.
With Rice leading 3-0 in the second quarter, the most commotion from Connecticut was a 53-yard field goal attempt. Unfortunately for UConn’s Chris Freeman, his attempt was missed and flew wide right, snapping his streak of 11 consecutive made field goals.
A picked pass by Rice once again demonstrated a UConn offense lacking chemistry and stuck in a stagnant cycle. As for the Owls, they were unable to turn the pick into a scoring opportunity.
The first half closed out in a less-than-promising fashion for the Huskies as they trailed 3-0 and demonstrated an overall lack of cohesion and connection.
While the first half was an obvious cycle of stagnation, the Huskies eventually changed the narrative halfway through the third quarter.
With just over seven minutes left, Connecticut notched the first touchdown of the contest. Running back Durell Robinson sidestepped the only Rice defender in his way and ran for 68 yards to secure his fifth running touchdown of the season and the longest rush in his career.
Robinson has consistently been an explosive playmaker for the Huskies and leads the team with 573 rushing yards. With that, UConn was no longer playing a game of catch up as they stole the lead 7-3.
While Connecticut showed sparks of offensive progress and a sudden shift in momentum, Rice was still unable to connect as an Owls pass was nearly picked off by UConn defensive back Rante Jones.
As Rice continued on a downward spiral, UConn climbed the rankings and began to find their footing. At the start of the fourth quarter, Evers and Skyler Bell finally connected for a 34-yard reception to put the Huskies at the Rice nine-yard line. As the Huskies came face-to-face with the Owls’ endzone, running back Cam Edwards wove into the endzone on a four-yard rush, earning his fifth touchdown of the season.
The Huskies, now up 14-3 with just over 10 minutes left in the contest, were at long last demonstrating the high caliber of play they’re capable of. Success was found again with a 30-yard field goal from Freeman to elevate UConn 17-3.
The final commotion resulted in a long-awaited Rice touchdown in the final four minutes of gameplay. A 100-yard kickoff return had Rice’s Quinton Jackon running coast to coast to secure their final points of the game and cut the Owls’ deficit 17-10.
Despite their efforts, the Owls paled in comparison to the Huskies and though it may have taken some time, UConn found their footing. The Connecticut defense had a phenomenal showing as they held the Owls’ offense to 178 yards, two sacks, nine tackles for loss and 11 pass breakups. Offensively, however, there were signs of struggle as Evers threw an interception and finished 9-of-24 passing. In comparison, Rice’s Devillier was 14-of-30.
“It’s an understatement to say that we didn’t play well offensively in the first half. I want to focus on the resilience and grit that our football team showed. You’re gonna get in games where things aren’t going well and if one side of your team can raise up and keep drawing a line and fighting the way they did then you have a chance to fight through some of the things on offense that are hurting you,” said head coach Jim Mora.
Next Friday, the Huskies will protect The Rent for the final time this season as they host Georgia State for Senior Night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. and the contest can be streamed via CBS Sports Network.