UConn’s comeback falls just short
EAST HARTFORD — Close, but not close enough.
UConn fell just short in its bid to snap its losing streak, falling 24-22 to Wyoming Saturday at Rentschler Field.
Running back Nate Carter’s 2-yard run pulled UConn within two with four seconds left, but Wyoming safety Rome Weber batted down Tyler Phommachanh’s pass on a twopoint try to seal it.
Wyoming overcame a 13-point deficit to grab the lead with 6:31 left on a 1yard run by Xazavian Valladay.
Instead of answering back down 17-16, Phommachanh was intercepted on the next play.
The Cowboys promptly took advantage of the short field, scoring on a 2-yard run by Travis Swen.
UConn fell to 0-5 while Wyoming improved to 4-0.
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.
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 has now lost 30 of its last 31 games against FBS teams. The lone win came against UMass, 56-35 on Oct. 26, 2019.
UConn will be back on the road next Saturday to face Vanderbilt.