UConn Football Secures bowl eligibility with win over UAB
The UConn football team will officially play in a bowl game this season. The Huskies entered against UAB play with a record of 5-3. Quarterback-receiver duo Joe Fagnano and Skyler Bell connected for three scores as UConn defeated UAB, 38-19.
Last week, the team narrowly did so against the Rice Owls but later lost 37-34 to conclude the first attempt for bowl eligibility. UConn successfully put the loss in the past and focused on defeating UAB. Fagnano and Bell managed to put the offense ahead early as the Huskies entered halftime up, 24-0.
Huskies’ Defense Steps up Against Blazers’ High-Scoring Offense
Heading into the game, perhaps some of the most frequent questions Coach Jim Mora received involved the defense. UConn struggled to prevent the big play from occurring against the Owls’ offense. The defense allowed 75-yard and 73-yard touchdowns which proved to be crucial.
The Huskies’ defense was able to prevent the big play from occurring against UAB for the most part. A late-game 68-yard touchdown was scored by the Blazers’ wide receiver Brandon Hawkins Jr.
UAB averages 30 points per game on offense this season but did not get on the board until nearly mid-way through the third-quarter. Huskies’ corner back Cam Chadwick recorded two first-half interceptions. The veteran recorded three total picks and one sack to cap-off a great performance.
Skyler Bell, Joe Fagnano Continue to Shine
Fagnano continued an impressive streak as the quarterback currently has 22 touchdowns and no interceptions. The quarterback recorded 274 passing yards and four touchdowns through the air against the Blazers’ defense. Fagnano also went 23-for-30 passing and a total passing percentage of 67.9% this season.
The quarterback play that UConn and Fagnano have displayed this season has been crucial. However, the play of top receiver Bell has been equally as valuable.
Bell currently has 74 receptions this season as the receiver continues to average double-digit targets this season. When in range, Bell typically hauls in the reception. The receiver has 11 touchdowns this season after his three-score performance against the Blazers.
Coach Mora stated earlier in the week that the team had “moved away from the run” lately due to success through the air. The Huskies’ offense stuck to that trend against the Blazers. However, starting running back Cam Edwards still managed to record 62 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
What is Next for the UConn Football Team After Defeating UAB?
UConn returns to action next weekend when the Huskies’ team hosts a strong Duke Blue Devils squad. The two sides have met three times in the past, with two occurring during the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
The Huskies have lost the last two meetings by a combined score of 67-28. The Blue Devils are currently 4-1 in the last five games after starting the season 1-2. Last week, Duke pulled off an upset 46-45 win over the Clemson Tigers.
Defeating Duke would be a statement win this season for the Huskies and just the second time in the last ten years UConn has won seven games in a season.
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