Scouting UConn

Current Record: 1-2

2010 Record: 8-5 (5-2 Big East Conference)

Last Meeting:

September 25, 2010

UConn 45, Buffalo 21

All-Time Series:

UConn leads Buffalo, 14-4

Three Huskies to watch:

RB Lyle McCombs: The Huskies were propelled by a powerful run game last season and this year looks to be more of the same. McCombs has rushed for 327 yards so far with an average of 4.4 yards per rush. He also leads the team with four touchdowns. McCombs posted a poor 50-yard performance in last week's game against Iowa, but Buffalo would be wise to take his first two games into consideration.

LB Sio Moore: Moore will provide the Bulls' pass protection with its biggest test this season. Moore's 3.5 sacks this season have him tied for fifth in the nation. The redshirt junior also has 4.5 tackles for a combined loss of 22 yards. The offensive line needs to be on its game if it wants to stop this threat.

LB Jory Johnson: Johnson is on the road to a breakout season. He's snagged one interception in each of the last two games and leads the team with 29 tackles. His coverage ability, combined with Moore's intimidating presence, will be sure to test Buffalo's offensive cohesion.

The Bulls win if… They force mistakes and limit their own. Buffalo dropped two winnable games because of crucial mistakes like dropped passes and missed extra point opportunities. At the same time, Buffalo ended up forcing three turnovers in its win against Stony Brook and none in its loss to Ball State. UConn's passing game leaves a lot to be desired, and if Buffalo takes advantage of the Huskies' inadequacies with a solid pass rush, the Bulls can get their season back on track.

UConn wins if… McCombs takes command. Buffalo has already shown how susceptible it is to the run game. It gave up 201 yards and three touchdowns against the talented Ray Graham the 35-16 loss to Pittsburgh. The Bulls also gave up 112 yards and two touchdowns against the average Jahwan Edwards in their 28-25 loss against Ball State. McCombs is going to be on the attack and the Bulls need to slow him down if they want a shot at winning.

Predictions:

Brian Josephs – Sports Editor

I would expect these two teams to carry some sort of desperation going into this game since both teams are 1-2.

However, the pressure is on the Bulls. Buffalo will face stiff competition in the coming weeks. The team is well aware of how crucial this game is and the Bulls will be aggressive. The Bulls have already made mistakes in pressure situations this season, and I expect their errors to multiply on Saturday.

UConn – 35

Buffalo – 21

Aaron Mansfield – Senior Sports Editor

Don't be surprised if the Bulls hang tough through the first half. Last year, the teams were tied 14-14 at the half before UConn pulled away. However, I expect UConn to pull out a grueling, hard fought contest in the final minutes.

I'm predicting a big game from Chazz Anderson. Branden Oliver struggled against UConn's giant defensive line last year and I expect more of the same. The Connecticut corners like to play press coverage and jam receivers at the line. The Bulls have a major height advantage in the passing game with Marcus Rivers and Alex Neutz. I anticipate quite a few deep passes.

If the Huskies get a lead, expect them to milk the clock with McCombs running ragged over a susceptible Buffalo run defense.

UConn – 27

Buffalo – 20