The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
UCONN AT TULSA
When: Saturday, 7 p.m.
Where: H.A. Chapman Field, Tulsa, Okla.
Records: 1-7 (0-4 American Athletic Conference), Tulsa 1-7 (0-4)
TV: CBSSN
Radio: 97.9 ESPN, WICC-600, WINE-940, WXLM-980, WAVZ-1300; WILI-1400 (simulcast on 95.3 FM), WATR-1490
THINGS TO WATCH
1. Something has to give: UConn and Tulsa have each lost their last 12 games against Football Bowl Subdivision programs, so one of those streaks will come to an end. The Huskies’ last win against an FBS foe was a 20-14 victory against Tulsa on Oct. 21, 2017. There are some encouraging signs for both teams. Last year Tulsa gave up more than 450 yards of total offense eight times, going 1-7 in those games. Opponents have topped 450 yards just three times this season and in the last two contests, Tulsa has allowed 327 and 404 yards. For UConn, the Huskies came into the season without a game with at least 250 rushing yards since a 2010 win over Texas Southern. UConn has accomplished the feat three times this season, including the last two games. UConn hasn’t posted three straight games with at least 250 yards on the ground in the last 40 seasons.
2. Bounce back game: The weather and UConn’s conservative gameplan resulted in Hergy Mayala’s string of 14 straight games with multiple catches coming to an end in last week’s loss to UMass. Mayala not only did not record a catch, but he wasn’t the intended receiver for any of the Huskies’ six pass attempts. Mayala had a careerbest 131 receiving yards the last time UConn faced Tulsa, so perhaps he’ll be more of a factor despite topping the 50-yard mark just once this season.
3. Centers of attention: When a pair of 1-7 teams square off it isn’t always easy to pinpoint individual standouts, but two players have enjoyed solid final seasons. UConn coach Randy Edsall has cited the consistently solid play of center Ryan Crozier. Crozier has overcome two serious knee injuries to anchor the line and he is a major reason why the Huskies are averaging 196 rushing yards per game, the program’s best total since putting up 216.4 yards per contest in 2008. Tulsa counters with Chandler Miller, who is making his 47th consecutive start. He teams with tackle Willie Wright and guard Tyler Bowling to give the Golden Hurricane three linemen with at least 44 career starts.