The tale of the tape
Uconn’s offense: The Huskies continued to show explosiveness and big-play potential in the win over Yale but lacked consistency, disappearing in the second half and struggling to make a few first downs and run out the clock. Running back Kevin Mensah, with 12 carries for 58 yards, re-emerged and gave Uconn a power-running threat to go with elusive Nate Carter, who couldn’t turn the corner vs. Yale. Quarterback Steve Krajewski threw for two touchdowns and ran for one.
Uconn’s defense: The Huskies got more pressure on Yale’s quarterbacks, and although they got only one sack, they forced some ill-advised throws and the secondary picked four of them off. Uconn’s defense has been trending modestly in the right direction but face a more productive offense in MTSU.
Middle Tennessee State offense: The Blue Raiders average 27.2 points but only 88.3 rushing yards per game. So they depend on their passing attack that averages 239.3 yards per game. Cunningham is completing 60.9 percent of his passes with a 149.2 rating. Marshall and Pierce are favorite targets, each with 25 catches.
Middle Tennessee State defense: MTSU allows 184.3 rushing yards per game and 250.7 passing yards. The Blue Raiders have 39 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, including 13 sacks and nine interceptions. They have allowed
145 points in four road games. Defensive end Jordan Ferguson, safety Reed Blankenship and linebacker DQ Thomas are players Uconn will need to contain.
Key matchup: Marshall against Uconn’s Wortham, who had two interceptions last week.
Uconn player to watch: Kevin Jones, the Uconn defensive lineman who is coming off a breakthrough game vs. Yale.
Yale player to watch: Cunningham.
About MTSU’S coach: Rick Stockstill, 63, was Florida State’s quarterback from 1977-81. He was an assistant coach for 24 years at Bethune-cookman,
UCF, Clemson, South Carolina and East Carolina before getting his first head coaching job at MTSU in 2006. He is 96-96, but 72-47 in conference play (Sun Belt and Conference USA) with eight bowl appearances.
Famous MTSU alumni: MLB pitcher Dewon Brazelton, WNBA forward Alysha Clark, NFL receiver Richie James.