:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47607921/usa-today-8908456.0.jpg)
Under a torrential downpour at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans, the UConn Huskies (5-5) earned their fifth win of the season over Tulane, 7-3.
While the game didn't feature much offense, it was still plenty offensive.
Both offensive units were held under 200 total yards for the majority of the game until UConn scooted past the mark late in the fourth quarter. Tulane's offense managed just 140 yards and only three points, but still outscored UConn's offense. There were 22 total punts and eight third-down conversions between both teams.
The difference in the game was an interception by Jamar Summers in the first quarter which he returned 67 yards for a touchdown. Under heavy pressure, Green Wave quarterback Tanner Lee underthrew his receiver, Summers grabbed the ball then deftly made his way into the end zone past multiple would-be tacklers. UConn moved ahead 7-0 with 2:28 left in the first quarter after the PAT.
Tulane would manage a field goal with 8:28 left in the second quarter and that would be it for scoring for the rest of the game. Both teams essentially traded punts until time ran out.
The Green Wave defense played extremely well, stuffing the UConn rushing attack and getting a lot of pressure on Bryant Shirreffs when he tried to throw. Shirreffs finished with 81 yards passing, completing 8-19 attempts. He added 79 rushing yards, including a few big runs to help UConn keep a drive alive and continue to kill time off the clock late in the game.
While there is definitely cause for concern after this game--UConn's offense played a miserable, mistake-riddled 60 minutes on its way making zero scoreboard contributions--the Huskies have remarkably found their way to five wins, and that is something to be very, very excited about. UConn Football will finish this season with something to play for, and that's really an amazing accomplishment for Bob Diaco, his staff, and these players.
The Huskies will enjoy a well-deserved bye week, after playing ten straight weeks, and then host Houston on November 21 at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. As UConn's final home game of the season, it will also be the day of Senior Night celebrations. Let's fill it up and make it a good one.