COLLEGE FOOTBALL GAMEDAY
UCONN at ARMY
When: Saturday, noon
Where: Michie Stadium, West Point, NY
Records: UConn 6-5; Army 3-6
TV/Radio: CBSSN; ESPN 97.9 FM
Last meeting: Army, 52-21 (2021)
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The UConn football team became bowl eligible last week with its win over then-No. 19 Liberty and will look to solidify its postseason chances with a win over Army.
UConn has not won seven games in a season since 2010, and has not appeared in a bowl game since 2015. While nothing is guaranteed for UConn as an independent team, a seventh win would certainly help its chances of extending its season. Despite its uninspiring 3-6 record, UConn is not taking the challenge lightly.
“They are Army. They are tough, they are disciplined,” UConn coach Jim Mora said. “These are the kind of men you want defending your country, right? So playing them in football is a heck of a challenge. They don’t give up, they don’t quit, they don’t back down. They just keep coming.”
UConn is also looking for revenge against Army after a lopsided 52-21 loss a year ago.
“It is just another chance for us to go out as a team and play together,” Mora said. “I think these guys still have a sour taste in their mouth from last year when they got clobbered pretty good.”
UConn will attempt to stop Army’s triple-option offense which has averaged 299.4 rushing yards per game with only 92.1 passing yards per game. The Huskies have allowed 152.4 rushing yards per game.
“They are going to get their yards rushing,” Mora said. “They are so efficient and detailed, they do such an amazing job with what they do well. They are the epitome of putting their players in the positions to make plays and do what they do best. It is unparalleled.”
The UConn defense has had more difficulty defending the pass this season, allowing 240.6 yards in the air per game. While Army will be less inclined to throw than previous opponents, big passing plays are still a threat.
“They hit big ones when the throw it, so we have to be very very disciplined on the back end,” Mora said. “You can’t get sucked up, can’t get lazy and can’t get bored because you are not being challenged deep because one you do, they hit the big ones on you.”
UConn is run heavy on offense as well, averaging 189.5 yards on the ground per game against 106.1 passing yards per game. Both the Army and UConn defenses have allowed exactly 25.4 points per game.
Army has converted on third down 44.8% (52-116) of its chances, while UConn has converted on 37.2% (58-156) of its opportunities.
“A big challenge for us will be to keep them out of the end zone and to not let them hog the ball all game,” Mora said. “They use up clock, we we have to maximize possessions on offense. We can’t have three-and-outs and send them right back on the field. We have to be able to maintain possession and do the best we can to score points.”