UConn @ UCF preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 1, 2014 ) Central Florida 29, Connecticut 37

Despite the makings of a strong defense, Connecticut carries a three-game losing streak into its Saturday's American Athletic Conference game against host UCF. The Huskies recorded a 37-29 upset victory in last season's matchup, ending the Knights' 11-game conference winning streak.

UConn is coming off close losses to both Missouri and Navy and waged a strong battle against BYU last week before fading in the fourth quarter of a 30-13 setback. The Huskies are 26th in the nation defending the pass but haven't been able to make up for its offense, which ranks 123rd out of 128 FBS teams. Winless UCF is off to a dismal start to the season, ranking dead last in total offense while rushing for only 47.6 yards per game. Those numbers probably won't get much better without William Stanback, its leading rusher who was dismissed by the school two weeks ago, and starting quarterback Justin Holman, who is rehabbing a broken finger.

TV: 3:45 p.m. ET, ESPNU. LINE: UCF -2.5

ABOUT UCONN (2-3, 0-1 AAC): Coach Bob Diaco tried to create an AAC rivalry with UCF by dubbing the game the "Civil Conflict" and introducing a trophy which will be presented to the winner. But there is no true rivalry between the schools, and the mere thought of one quickly was dismissed by UCF coach George O'Leary. UConn, which is playing its third consecutive road game, hasn't scored a rushing touchdown in its last three contests and quarterback Bryant Shirreffs has thrown for five scores and been sacked 16 times on the season.

ABOUT UCF (0-5, 0-1): Holman (questionable) was cleared to throw last week but did not make the trip to New Orleans in the team's loss to Tulane as O'Leary felt he lacked zip on his passes. The Knights have been besieged by injuries this season and had three true freshmen wide receivers on the field at the same time last week - including D'erren Wilson, who impressed by making seven catches for 114 yards and three touchdowns. The series is tied at 1-1, with both teams owning a home victory after UCF walloped UConn 62-17 in 2013.

EXTRA POINTS

1. UConn is 0-2 on the road while UCF is 0-2 at home.

2. UCF has won eight consecutive home conference openers.

3. UCF was 9-4 last season while UConn was 2-10.

PREDICTION: UConn 20, UCF 17