UConn Football's Blue-White game gave Husky fans a solid day of entertainment and a chance for any football-starved folks to take in some tailgating and live hitting. The Blue team, where the majority of the starters played, took the win over the White team, 28-3.
Here are a few takeaways from the game:
Business as usual offensively
For better or worse, the offense looked similar to the one we saw across the 2015 season. Even in the spring game, the Huskies relied on Bryant Shirreffs as a runner in key situations. He had a solid passing day as well, completing his first five attempts and finishing 9-for-12 with 95 yards, including two long gainers to tight end Alec Bloom.
The first team's opening drive (11 plays, 70 yards, 6:30 elapsed) was a good one, but it would have been nice to keep Shirreffs from scrambling today so the offense could practice executing plays. Shirreffs was not 100% due to illness, and also possibly his wrist injury from the bowl game, so checked out of the game after three drives.
Anderson's the Backup QB
It looks like Garrett Anderson has a solid hold on the backup QB job. Despite throwing two interceptions, Anderson showed a live arm and did a good job scrambling in the pocket and hitting his targets. Tyler Davis, supposedly third on the depth chart, looked the part of a redshirt freshman who is more of a long-term project player under center.
Defense looking great
The front seven could be better than last year's, even with the graduation of Julian Campenni, Kenton Adeyemi, and Marquise Vann. The starters owned the line of scrimmage and swarmed in the backfield against the second stringers on the White team, and the White defense held its own against the starting offense as well.
Offensive line remains a concern
The starting offensive line didn't get much of a push, especially in the running game. They did a solid job in pass protection, but still had breakdowns.
Ron Johnson broke a 63-yard touchdown, where he stiff-armed the first defender to come his way and the offensive line did a solid job of sealing the edge. But Johnson had seven carries for 12 yards if you take out the TD run. Generally speaking, the performance from the starters left much to be desired.
The F, tight end, screen and short game make up the passing attack
Ron Johnson caught four passes for 24 yards and Arkeel Newsome caught a few passes as well. Bryant Shirreffs' accuracy gets dicey beyond 10-12 yards downfield.
Shirreffs did hit junior tight end Alec Bloom for two long passes down the seam, and when Garrett Anderson was in he hit Billy Williams downfield as well. Most passes to wide receivers were within ten yards except for one deep attempt to Noel Thomas which was underthrown. Thomas's participation was also limited due to illness, per Diaco.