Who is UCONN?

The Bulls, after a rough loss to Pitt two weeks ago, now prepare to put that game behind them as they hit the road again to take on Big East foe UCONN.

UCONN is 2-4 (0-1) on the season, coming off of a rough loss to WVU. The Huskies were able to keep the game close with the Mountaineers in the first half, but the speed and spread offense of WVU was too much for the Huskies.

UCON beat USF last season in Tampa, getting them the Big East conference title and taking it away from USF. The Bulls didn't have B.J. Daniels for that game, so having our top signal caller will change things in this match-up.

UCONN has not been pretty on offense this season. The Huskies are averaging just 23.3 points per game. This is due in part to the lack of consistent play at quarterback and multiple injuries at the skill positions.

The Huskies are averaging 211.5 yards a game passing the ball, so the USF secondary will be able to keep things under control. Quenton Washington should be at full health and the others will allow their skill and speed to get the ball when they do pass. The strength of the Huskies offense is the run game. They are averaging 120 yards a game rushing, so the offense, running out of the Power-I formation, will try to pound the ball down the field. USF was run over against Pitt, giving up 239 yards to Ray Graham, so this will be a huge test for the defense in this game. They will have to man up, load the box, and shut the running game down. If they can't get off the field, the Huskies will run the ball, control the clock, and keep the Bulls defense on the field and gased.

The Huskies are very strong on defense, so the Bulls will have to figure out how to attack them with their speed and learn to finish off drives.

They are allowing 22.5 points per game, keeping everything under control (except last weekend). They allow just 74.7 rushing yards per game, so the defensive line and linebackers do an excellent job stopping the run (running a 4-3 base defense).

The weakness of the Huskies defense is the pass defense. They allow 278.5 yards passing a game, so the corners and safeties are not the most elite. B.J. Daniels has shown his ability at times to throw the ball and find the skill players all over the field. If the running game is held down, look for the Bulls to sling the ball around to the outside (bubble screens!) and allow the USF receivers to catch the ball in space and create with their speed.

We would like to be confident about this game. On paper, USF has more speed and ability to get the ball into the endzone and should be able to come away with a solid win, but the way the team played against Pitt leaves a lot of fans worried. Will the team, with two weeks to prepare, be ready for this game? Will they come out, execute, and finish the day off? Or will the mistakes and lack of execution continue to follow the team and will the Huskies be able to get the big win at home? We will have to wait and see.