College Football Preview: Connecticut

Connecticut Huskies

2015 Results: 6-7 (4-4, T-3rd in East)

Lost St Petersburg Bowl to Marshall

Returning Starters: 7 OFF, 5 DEF, 2 SP

2016 Schedule

September

1st MAINE

10th at Navy

17th VIRGINIA

24th SYRACUSE

29th at Houston

October

8th CINCINNATI

15th at South Florida

22nd CENTRAL FLORIDA

29th at East Carolina

November

4th TEMPLE

19th at Boston College

26th TULANE

Connecticut is coming off of it's first bowl appearance since the 2011 Fiesta Bowl. Bob Diaco is in his third year after taking over for Randy Edsall, and it is time for him to produce some results. The Huskies improved by four wins last season in his second year, and most of the credit can fall on the defense. 

On offense, the offensive line enters the season with the most question marks. Center Ryan Crozier is the only returning starter for the unit. Aside from the line, all the other positions are returning. Quarterback Bryant Shirreffs returns for his junior year after starting 12 games after sitting out for transferring from NC State. The running game will feature a 1-2 punch of Arkeel Newsome and Ron Johnson. The issue that the offense had last year was putting points on the board. They only averaged 17.2 points per game and scored under 10 four times.

On defense, the Huskies return 5 starters who were apart of a defense that ranked in the top half of the nation statistically. The defense should have plenty of experience to match that of the offense. Aside from the safety position, all projected starters will be juniors or seniors. E.J. Levenberry, the transfer from Florida State, is expected to be quite a contributor at linebacker after having sit out for a year. 

Player to Watch: Bryant Shirreffs

Shirreffs started 12 of the team's 13 games last year. He is returning for his junior year and is poised for a breakout campaign. Last season, he passed for 2,078 yards, 9 TDs, and threw 8 INTs. He also ran for over 500 yards, and scored another three TDs on the ground. The dual threat QB has all of his specialists returning around him. The Huskies will go as far as Shirreffs will take them. 

If you only watch them play once, watch:

11/19 at Boston College

UConn has never beaten Boston College (0-10-2 lifetime). The rivalry was renewed for this season after the two teams haven't played since 2005. If Connecticut hopes to get back to a bowl, their season might hinge on this game. 

What to Expect

The Huskies have a good chance to make it to back-to-back bowls. One difficulty, is the scheduling. If they are to make it to a bowl, the Huskies will need to win two out of three in September against Navy, Virginia, and Syracuse.

Prediction

5-7 (3-5 AAC)

-Dug

@chansm1th