UConn’s comeback falls just short
EAST HARTFORD — Close, but not close enough. UConn football fell agonizingly short of its first win in two seasons, losing 24-22 to Wyoming Saturday at Rentschler Field after its twopoint conversion try was stymied in the final seconds.
“We’re getting closer to getting our first win,” interim coach Lou Spanos said.
“We fought to the end. We just have to finish the next opportunity.”
Freshman Nate Carter scored on a 2-yard run with four seconds remaining, capping a 14-play, 64-yard drive that was extended by three pass interference penalties on Wyoming. That score pulled UConn within two, but on the twopoint try that would’ve forced overtime, Tyler Phommachanh’s pass was batted down by safety Rome Weber.
“There’s a fine line in this business,” Spanos said.
“Hopefully next week we’ll make the catch.”
It was hardly a consolation for the Huskies, who dropped to 0-5 this season and lost for the 30th time in the last 31 games to FBS opponents.
After trailing 13-0 in the first half and by six points entering the fourth, Wyoming, a 301⁄2-point favorite, grabbed the lead with 6:31 left on a 1-yard run by Xazavian Valladay. Instead of answering right back, Phommachanh was intercepted on the next play.
The Cowboys promptly took advantage of that turnover as Travis Swen scored from 2 yards out.
“It stings,” Spanos said. “But we’ll have another one next week.”
The Huskies’ offense got going early, capitalizing on a long return on the opening kickoff by Brian Brewton. A 28-yard field goal by freshman Joe McFadden gave UConn its first lead against an FBS opponent this season.
UConn then extended the score to 10-0 as Phommachanh found tight end Jay Rose wide open for a 42-yard touchdown on a double flea-flicker later in the quarter.
“It really brought the team a lot of confidence,” Carter said.
Phommachanh, making his second straight start, was 19 of 40 for 171 yards through the air.
“He definitely energizes the offense,” cornerback Jeremy Lucien said. “He does a great job being comfortable in the pocket. When the pressure’s coming to him, he can move around while still keeping his eyes downfield and keeping his poise. … Above all else, it’s just awesome to see a freshman coming from the scout team doing the things that he’s doing.”
“Tyler’s a great quarterback,” Carter added. “He’s young and he knows how to make a lot of plays.”
The teams traded field goals in the second quarter, with McFadden good from 29 yards and Wyoming’s John Hoyland 24, as UConn took a 13-3 lead into halftime.
Wyoming opened the second half with a nineplay, 69-yard drive that culminated with Sean Chambers hitting Isaiah Neyor for an 18-yard touchdown.
UConn will be back on the road next Saturday to face Vanderbilt.