Army @ UConn preview
Pratt and Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field
Last Meeting ( Nov 8, 2014 ) Connecticut 21, Army 35
After defeating FCS foe Villanova last week, UConn already is halfway to equaling its victory total from a year ago. The Huskies get a chance to match it when they host Army and its powerful ground game on Saturday.
First-year starter Bryant Shirreffs, a transfer from N.C. State, paced the Huskies in their 20-15 win over Villanova in the opener - throwing for 202 yards and two touchdowns. UConn's defense, however, was the key as it held Jon Robertson - last season's FCS Offensive Player of the Year - to just 153 yards and one score through the air. Army will attempt to rebound from a disheartening loss to Fordham, another FCS squad. The Black Knights had a chance to tie the game in the final minutes but failed to convert a two-point attempt in a 37-35 setback.
TV: Noon ET, CBSSN Line: UConn -7.5
ABOUT ARMY (0-1): Sophomore Ahmad Bradshaw made his debut at quarterback for the Black Knights and directed the offense well, gaining 143 yards on the ground and scoring twice. Bradshaw, starting over senior A.J. Schurr, also threw for two touchdowns in the contest as the Black Knights were forced to play from behind much of the way. Army defeated UConn 35-21 last season in a game played at Yankee Stadium to end a four-game losing streak in the series.
ABOUT UCONN (1-0): The Huskies entered their opener as a home underdog to the Wildcats, currently ranked sixth in the FCS national poll, but rallied from a 9-6 halftime deficit to post the win. Connecticut's defense held Villanova to 114 yards rushing and 189 passing while tight end Tommy Myers made two catches for 83 yards, recording one touchdown and setting up another score. UConn is looking to go 2-0 for the first time since 2008.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Army rushed for 256 yards in its opener.
2. UConn DE Folorunso Fatukasi will miss the first half of the game after being ejected for fighting against Villanova.
3. Both head coaches are in their second year with their teams.
PREDICTION: UConn 24, Army 20