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The Open Thread: UConn at USF

8pm on ESPN at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL

By Aman Kidwai
Can Chandler Whitmer keep up the solid play?
Can Chandler Whitmer keep up the solid play?
David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

First Half Recap: USF up 14-7

This was not a good half by UConn. It was an embarrassing 30 minutes of "football". The Huskies committed three pre-snap penalties and didn't complete a pass. In an entire half of American tackle football, they could not complete a forward pass. The offense could only manage one first down. Paul Pasqualoni would have been proud.

On the bright side, they're only down 14-7.

A Byron Jones interception off a pass bobbled by a USF receiver gave UConn their only score at the very end of the half. Otherwise, it was a very one-sided affair.

On the Huskies first possession, Chandler Whitmer dropped back to pass on second and long only to immediately be met by a pass-rusher from his blindside. This forced a fumble which USF recovered and then quickly scored on four straight runs. 7-0 USF.

After a UConn three-and-out, USF went for it on 4th and 10 in UConn territory and White hit Rodney Adams for a 30-yard touchdown. 14-0 USF.

The preparation phase is over, but the rebuild process marches on, and there will be bumps in the road. In order to win, they need to make like Taylor Swift and shake it off. There are 30 minutes left on the clock and we're only down one score.

Anything can happen when USF and UConn take the field.

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Fun Facts

  • There are 11 players on the UConn roster from Florida, including Ryan Crozier and Ron Johnson, who both see playing time as true freshmen, and starting cornerback Jhavon Williams.
  • Geremy Davis is looking to reach his 30th consecutive game with a reception. He currently stands eighth in UConn history with 137 receptions, only eight away from seventh.
  • Over 55 players have seen action in every game thus far, will that number go down?


Keys to the Game

  • The UConn running game - The Huskies have largely been unable to establish the run in three games this season, currently sitting at 123rd in the country with 66.2 rushing yards per game. Max DeLorenzo is the team's leading rusher with 104 yards in 29 carries.
  • Chandler Whitmer - If Whitmer could put two consecutive solid performances together that would be great. For UConn to win, he needs to protect the football and avoid costly turnovers.
  • The defense - Just because they are the strongest unit on the team doesn't mean that they still carry an uneven burden. As history has shown, getting some points from the defense can really go a long way in what is likely to be a low-scoring affair.


USF Players to Watch

  • RB Marlon Mack - currently has 399 yards rushing, but to be fair 275 of those were against Western Carolina. He ran for 73 against Maryland and only 51 against NC State. Whichever end of the spectrum he ends up closer to tonight will let us know where the UConn defense stands.
  • Whoever is playing quarterback - three different guys have played under center so far for the Bulls, injuries, failure and blowout situations have muddied the waters. USF fans are calling for talented run-first freshman Quinton Flowers to get the call; this situation should be an interesting one to watch.
  • The 12th man - just kidding, attendance will be non-existent tonight. #goaac

This is the open thread folks, crack one open and enjoy the game!

Prediction: UConn wins 16-9

GO HUSKIES!!

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