Defense has answered challenge
UConn has bounced back with two wins following meltdown against Memphis
Storrs — Talk about a dramatic turnaround.
A few weeks ago, a demoralized UConn defense left Rentschler Field stinging after allowing a program-record 70 points in a loss to Memphis.
Now they're a rejuvenated bunch that's made a significant contribution to a season-best two-game winning streak. They've allowed an average of 19 points during that span after giving up 43.6 points through the first five games.
"Obviously, a lot of people turned their back on us being that we gave up 70 points," senior defensive back Jamar Summers said. "That was definitely tough on us. Obviously, seeing how people reacted, we definitely realized that we're all we've got. That's definitely been the mindset."
It's taken time for the Huskies (34) to become comfortable playing the new 3-3-5 defensive alignment. They've also switched into attack mode, making more aggressive plays than earlier this season.
The impressive defensive statistics from last week's 20-14 win over Tulsa backs that up. It was a season-low for points by an opponent.
The Huskies recorded six sacks, just four less than the team had registered this season prior to Saturday
and the most in a game since 2012, and had 11 tackles for loss. They've also forced three of their five turnovers this season in last two games.
"We understand our roles and we're being more aggressive and playing hard," redshirt senior linebacker Junior Joseph said about the recent uptick in sacks. "Most of the sacks are effort sacks. They're not execution, they're more effort."
A young secondary also is maturing.
For the first time this season, UConn will start the same defensive backs in two straight games when it hosts Missouri at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Summers leads a unit that also features redshirt sophomore Marshe Terry, redshirt freshman Tyler Coyle, and freshmen Jordan Swann and Brayden Brown.
"They just play," coach Randy Edsall said of Swann and Brown. "They don't worry about what's going on and where we are in the game. They attack it one play at a time and then they have ability."
Another factor in the recent improvement is veterans like Summers have fully bought into what the coaches are teaching.
Edsall said that earlier this season Summers didn't "bust his hump every day and every play in practice, and that carried over into the game. Now he started practicing better and he started listening better and started doing those things that (defensive backs) coach (Curome) Cox asked him to do . ... And it's showing up on the film and on the field. That's what he has to continue to do."
UConn will be severely tested against Missouri (2-5), a member of the powerful Southeastern Conference.
Quarterback Bryant Shirreffs is encouraged by the way the defense responded to adversity.
Now the challenge is for the Huskies to continue to play well while facing some difficult opponents in the final five games.
"It's really a great story, but we need to keep it up," Shirreffs said. "We've had two really good games these past two games and we just need to keep it going. I'm proud of what they're doing.
“We need to step it up on our end and collectively as a team. There's a lot of room for improvement and we need to focus on that and getting better each week."
News and notes
• Senior running back Arkeel Newsome will missed 3-4 weeks with an injury to his clavicle and sternum that he suffered against Tulsa. It's a tough loss for the Huskies. Newsome is tied for the team lead in receptions with 22 and has a team-best 407 receiving yards. He's also second on the team in rushing yards with 218. He's scored five touchdowns. "Arkeel has been very productive," Edsall said. "He's been having a very good year. I feel bad for him, but just like anything else, you've got to move forward. He's not going to be there so now other guys are going to get their opportunities to step up." ... The loss likely means more work for freshman Kevin Mensah and redshirt freshman Nate Hopkins . ... Edsall announced that reserve defensive back John Robinson won't play the next two games due to a violation of team rules . ... Kyle Buss, Connor Freeborn, Brice McAllister and Taj Herring-Wilson remain sidelined with injuries . ... Defensive lineman James Atkins has returned to practice. g.keefe@theday.com