The UConn Huskies return to Rentschler Field for the first time in three weeks for a showdown with the Syracuse Orange.
Both squads have two losses in the young season with Syracuse sitting 1-2 after their bye week. The Orange have not played since Sept. 17, when they lost to Pittsburgh 27-13.
The Huskies took their second loss of the season last week against Miami University. UConn jumped out to an early 14-0 lead before the RedHawks battled back to tie the game at 14. Miami University hit a last-minute field goal for a 24-21 win.
UConn and Syracuse have a long history in many sports, but the football rivalry dates to 2004.
The Orange have won every matchup since 2012 and took the last two matchups in 2024 and 2025 by one score, including a comeback victory in overtime last year.
UConn held a 17-6 lead with 5:41 left in the fourth before Syracuse scored two touchdowns to take a 20-17 lead. Syracuse ultimately won 27-20 in overtime.
“Being a part of that team that was up big and then we kind of fizzled out at the end of the game in the dome, just being able to tell my experience of last year, when we have them down on the gas pedal keep pushing down on the gas pedal and don’t let up,” UConn offensive lineman Ty Chan said.
Chan will captain the offensive line, which is still looking to establish the running game. Cyncir Bowers rushed seven times for 48 yards and a touchdown last week, and the Huskies will also look for Kenji Christian to get going.
A player on watch in the UConn passing attack is Matt Ragan. The tight end hauled in four catches for 38 yards in his season debut against Miami University on Saturday.
Kalieb Osborne will try to bounce back from an up and down game against Miami University last Saturday. Osborne threw for 215 yards and had one touchdown on the ground and in the air. He threw a costly interception in the fourth and will try for a great response on Saturday.
One familiar face on the Syracuse sideline will be defensive coordinator Vince Kehres. Kehres was the Toledo defensive coordinator from 2020-2025 under coach Jason Candle before departing for the Orange in the offseason.
“Great relationship, ton of respect, talk weekly, I love him,” Candle said about Kehres. “I hope for his success, I hope they shutout every opponent they play, except Saturday.”
Kehres also took Chris D’Appolonia with him from Toledo to Syracuse. The linebacker was Third Team All-MAC last season, recording 68 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and a sack last season. He already has 17 tackles and 0.5 sacks this season.
The biggest threat the Huskies face on defense is the Syracuse offensive line. The o-line is anchored by Joe Cruz. The 6’5 320-pound grad student has not allowed a sack in 16 career starts. The Orange rush for an average of 164 yards per game with 4.2 yards per carry. Their leading rushers are Tylik Hill and Shavane Anderson Jr.
“Massive upfront, the biggest offensive line that we’ll see,” Candle said. “Two quarterbacks that are capable of going in the game and playing well, really good backs.”
Steve Angeli is expected to start the game for Syracuse. He threw 10 touchdowns and just two interceptions in four games last year before a season ending injury. That includes 416 yards and two touchdowns against the Huskies. This season has not been the same for Angeli. The senior has thrown five interceptions in the past two games. Ty McKinstry and Renick Dorilas could advantage of Angeli’s mistakes for the UConn secondary.
Amari Odom came in at the end of the game against Pitt and was a perfect 8/8 on passing attempts for 51 yards. If the Orange go down early, head coach Fran Brown could look for the former Wofford and Kennesaw State quarterback to provide some life to the offense.
Five-star prospect Calvin Russell III is expected to make his collegiate debut as wide receiver for the Orange. The multi-sport athlete (basketball) is the third five-star in Syracuse football history.
Kickoff is set for noon on Saturday at The Rent, and fans can tune in to CBS Sports Network to see the rival squads in action.