Three wins, and more on the way
UConn football has already surpassed expectations this season. How much further can it go?
This past weekend, UConn traveled to Miami to play FIU and comfortably took care of business. The Huskies scored touchdowns on their first two drives, forced three first-half turnovers, and closed out the game with a punch to win by 21.
The FIU Panthers are one of the worst teams in the country; beating them is not a big deal. However, totally outclassing them in every phase of the game, and doing it with a young team on the road, certainly says a lot about the progress UConn has made.
Since the first game of the season, we’ve seen hints that this is a better team than expected. But Utah State isn’t that good, and it was still a loss. Syracuse at home was unexpectedly a blowout. Michigan and NC State were rough.
That the Huskies shook all that off—while dealing with a ridiculous wave of injuries—to win two straight the way they have is really impressive.
Learning how to win and reaching FBS competence were key goals for this season. Mission accomplished. UConn is going for its third straight victory this Saturday on the road against Ball State and it should be a close one, though early oddsmakers favor Ball St. by nine. Then the Huskies have a bye before hosting Boston College.
BC is 2-4 and hasn’t been anything special as a football program in two decades, but still whomped UConn in their two recent meetings, in 2016 and 2017. Competing better against this regional “power five” rival would be another good sign for Jim Mora in a year where he has already hit some important firsts.
It has been a long time since UConn has played meaningful games this late into the season. By the finale at Army, the Huskies could be vying for bowl eligibility. UMass is after BC on the schedule and Liberty comes after that. All of these games are winnable if UConn can keep improving like this.
Highlights
It wasn’t the smoothest trick play in the world, but still fun to see Zion Turner catch a TD pass. UConn responded nicely with this scoring drive after an FIU touchdown in the 3rd quarter.
RB Victor Rosa has stepped up in a big way. The true freshman was probably not supposed to see this much playing time this year, but like at a lot of other positions, young guys have had to fill in. He finished with 89 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Devontae Houston has been so good, but he left this game with an ankle injury after 12 carries for 135 yards. He also had an 80-yard TD called back due to a penalty.
Jim Mora said after the game that the x-rays on his ankle were negative.
UConn has made a lot of strides this season, despite injuries piling up. Some decent stuff here.
Tre Wortham had two interceptions on Saturday. That’s great for the senior from California, who had been picked on quite a bit early in the season. Here he is returning one of those picks against FIU.
UConn’s offensive success would not be happening without the stability and strength of the offensive line. In just one season, Jim Mora and his staff have developed this important position group into a foundational strength. That’s huge.
Shoutout to our beefy fellas up front.
(Photo Credit: Twitter - @UConnFootball)