Diaco, Huskies Have Utmost Respect for Army
Fresh off a potential program changing 37-29 win on Saturday over the reigning American Athletic Conference Champions, UCF, the Huskies (2-6, 1-4 AAC) return to action with a new challenge in a very unique setting.
UConn travels to Yankee Stadium to take on Army, the 41st time the Black Knights have played in the Bronx.
Head coach Bob Diaco knows the opportunity that is at hand.
“There’s a whole bunch of people that see the national brand of the service academies and identify with them,” Diaco said. “In particular, this area, there’s such an affinity for Army and their incredibly rich football history and how important football has been to the fabric of West Point and that whole Hudson River Valley. They are heavily followed by the tri-state area in particular and for that there is great exposure.”
The Huskies hope to build off of their first win over an FBS opponent this season, when they take the field this weekend.
“It’s always great to get started again after a victory and a win,” Diaco noted heading into the week. “The energy is high, the relationships are growing and people’s receptors are even more open, so that’s very positive.”
The first year head coach knows his team will have to remain focused and locked-in throughout, as Army will not mentally waver.
“Just so everyone knows,” Diaco said firmly, “we are not going to out tough the United States Army. So don’t say it, don’t bring it up. I don’t want you to be disappointed when it doesn’t happen. Let’s not dial up ourselves a crack. So they’re going to be tough, they are going to give great effort, they are never going to break or crack.”
Several players echoed those exact sentiments during media availability on Tuesday.
“We have a higher level of respect for the opponent this week because they are a bunch of tough guys that represent the country as soldiers,” defensive tackle Mikal Myers said. “Out-toughing them is probably not going to happen, so we just need to go out there and play hard like we do every week.”
Starting quarterback Chandler Whitmer added on to that.
“Yea, we respect every opponent, but just what those guys do and you can see it in the film, to be honest,” Whitmer said. “They are disciplined and they play hard, so you know they work hard and they’re physical kids. We respect our opponents and we definitely respect them and appreciate what they do. It will be a fun event.”
Safety Andrew Adams, who is coming of a record setting performance against UCF, when he picked off three Justin Holman pass attempts, was thankful for what the Cadets do for the nation.
“I definitely respect what they do and how they do it,” Adams said. “I know it’s a great group of guys. They are at a great place and I’m thankful for their contribution to the country.”
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