The Huskies aim to defend the Rent this Saturday following back-to-back losses against Air Force and UNC. UConn sits 4-5 on the season with three games remaining, needing two wins to qualify for a bowl game.
Their opponent, James Madison University, is 8-2 overall, coming from the Sun Belt Conference but losing two of its last three games. Its two losses both came in overtime to Appalachian State and Troy. It now takes on the Huskies, who are 1-0 against the conference, beating Southern Miss earlier this season. The Golden Eagles additionally faced the Dukes this past weekend, with JMU coming out on top, 54-23. The two sides have only faced each other once, with James Madison routing Connecticut 44-6 in 2023.
The Dukes average 40.6 points per game compared to UConn’s 32.9. JMU also holds the advantage on defense, allowing an average of 19.3 points per game compared to the Huskies’ 26.7.
UConn quarterback Kalieb Osborne leads the Huskies into the game with over 2,000 passing yards this season, adding 16 touchdowns along with four interceptions. Osborne is coming off a two-interception performance last week against the University of North Carolina’s Tar Heels and needs to keep better ball control through the air. DJ Kelly leads JMU’s defense with four interceptions this season, illustrating his ability to read the quarterback’s eyes.
Corey Scott leads the visitor offense with five touchdown receptions this season. Who will be the quarterback passing to Scott? The Huskies are unsure, as the Dukes have switched in previous games, utilizing backup JC Evans more, along with season starter Camden Coleman.
“We’ve really had that situation multiple times this year, so this is not something that is foreign to us,” said Head Coach Jason Candle.
Candle is referring to the unpredictability of who is throwing the ball and their playstyle, referencing teams — including Syracuse, Temple and Air Force — that UConn has played this season.
With three weeks left in the regular season, the Huskies look for two more victories to play in the postseason. This idea, however, is currently not at the top of their list.
“I would say the focus is on winning the next game. I feel like if we win the next game, that will get us where we want to go, so that is where our focus is at,” said tight end Xavier Watson.
Candle has shown this mentality all season, worried about the next game no matter who the opponent was and what was on the line.
“Practice well today; get better today. We can’t look any further than that,” said Coach Candle.
As the final stretch of the season continues for the Huskies, their focus remains on getting better every day and prioritizing the next one.
UConn returns to Rentschler Field this weekend for a noon kickoff, with the game available to stream on CBS.