Huskies blitzed by the Boilermakers
EAST HARTFORD — Well, frankly, what else did you expect?
Lou Spanos to snap his fingers and transform UConn into a better team overnight?
Saturday against Purdue, the lowly Huskies — new coach, new quarterback and all — didn’t look any different than they had before. In fact, it was more of the same as the Boilermakers manhandled them 49-0.
The Huskies’ offense was barely functional, shut out for the second time in three games to begin the season. Not even a quarterback change helped. Sophomore Steven Krajewski, thrust into the lineup this week, threw for just 99 yards and an interception.
And the other side of the ball? Forget it.
Purdue (2-0) made a
mockery of the Huskies’ defense, carving them up for 652 yards and touchdowns on seven — seven! — consecutive drives. Junior
Jack Plummer (19-of-24) threw for 273 yards and four scores before halftime, springing the Boilermakers to a resounding 35-0 lead.
Three of those touchdowns were hauled in by junior David Bell, who had six grabs for 121 yards.
For UConn, there was a shade of optimism early. The Huskies drove into Purdue territory on four of their first five possessions (47, 44, 44, 32), but continually stalled. Two of those drives ended with punts, and another on turnover on downs. Freshman Joe McFadden also missed a 49-yard field goal.
Tight end Jaden Durham hauled in a 17-yard play action pass from Plummer to open the scoring, 7-0, with 5:06 left in the first.
The Huskies (0-3) will visit Army next Saturday.