The UConn football team (2-2) travels to clash with the Buffalo Bulls (2-2) on Saturday, Sept. 27, in hopes of securing its first away game victory.
The Huskies are favored to win, as the team owns a 14-2 record versus the Bulls. However, UConn owns a 0-2 record when on the road in the 2025 season. The two programs last met in 2024, where Connecticut defeated Buffalo 47-3 at Rentschler Field.
In last season’s matchup against Buffalo, UConn dominated offensively, as quarterback Joe Fagnano threw 11 of 19 (57.9%) completions for 217 yards and three passing touchdowns. Wide receiver Skyler Bell shined downfield, hauling in six receptions for 153 yards and making three endzone appearances.
In the backfield, running backs Cam Edwards and Mel Brown collectively gained 152 rushing yards and crossed the goal line twice. With Brown sidelined for six to eight weeks after breaking his collarbone versus the Delaware Blue Hens, Victor Rosa should see snaps.
“There are so many variables that go into it,” said head coach Jim Mora at Tuesday’s press conference. “The situation in the game, who’s hot, what you’re trying to get done. It’s just very hard, yet we know that Victor [Rosa] is a very important part of this offense.”
In the mid-September contest against Delaware, Rosa finished the day rushing for 40 yards and for one touchdown. Last weekend against the Ball State Cardinals, the redshirt junior saw only three carries for five yards.
In 2024, Connecticut sacked Buffalo quarterback C.J. Ogbonna three times and snatched an interception.
The Huskies’ offensive line has protected Fagnano well, conceding three sacks this year. On Saturday, the Bulls’ defense will test the pass protectors, as the squad ties for No. 1 in the country with 16 sacks.
Additionally, changing possessions is one of the Bulls’ specialties, as they force at least one turnover per match. In last weekend’s 21-17 loss to the Troy Trojans, the Bulls snagged a fumble and an interception.
Offensively, watching out for running back AI-Jay Henderson is a must. The New Jersey native could stay hot, as he’s crossed the goal line in three consecutive matchups.
UConn will see familiar faces, as quarterback Ta’Quan Roberson (2022-2023) and Jasaiah Gathings (2024) previously played for the Huskies.
“He’s throwing the ball very well,” said Mora when discussing Roberson’s potential. We know he’s got the legs to run. He looks like he’s very comfortable in this offense.”
So far, the senior has thrown 662 yards for five touchdowns and two interceptions, with a completion percentage of 57.5%. As for Gathings, he has caught 11 receptions for 107 yards.
Husky fans can tune into the matchup on ESPN+, with kickoff scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27.