Game #1 Prediction – UConn vs. BYU

It’s finally here! Football is back and it’s back in a big way as UConn welcomes BYU to Rentschler Field at 7pm on ESPN.  There’s been so much anticipation heading into this season, and it’s finally time to play the first game.  A national name on a Friday night on national TV, what’s better than that?  Camp has come and gone, depth charts are out, and we’re finally ready to get the Bob Diaco era underway.

ABOUT BYU:

• BYU is traveling across the country to the East Coast, where they have a 2-6 record since 2000 in games played in the Eastern Time Zone.
• BYU has never played UConn in football.
• BYU features Heisman candiate Taysom Hill, who led the Cougar offense last season, throwing for 2938 yards and 19 TD’s and 14 INT’s.  He rushed for 1344 yards and 10 TD’s.
• Starting RB Jamal Williams & starting WR Devon Blackmon are suspended for the game.  Additional players are speculated to be missing the game as well, including 2 starting DB’s and a reserve DL.

KEY MATCHUP – UCONN O-LINE vs BYU D-LINE

• The UConn offensive line is what needs to play well in order to have a chance in this game.  Fans will be looking to see if our O-Line plays physical and can maintain conditioning throughout the duration of the game.  If the line can play together, fulfill blocking responsibilities, and limit penalties, I feel they can push the inexperienced D-Line of BYU around.  Not having Knappe at RT is disappointing, but he will be replaced by Dalton Gifford, who was starting at the end of the season in 2013.  We need a successful first drive to get the stadium rocking early. Points of any kind are important.  I believe if the O-Line controls the line of scrimmage from the get go, BYU will be in for a long evening.

PLAYER TO WATCH – UCONN

• Richard Levy – Starting in his first college game at LT, he has to protect Casey’s blindside and give him time to find Davis & Foxx in what may be a matchup against a depleted secondary.  He’s the guy I’ll be watching the closest throughout the evening.

PLAYER TO WATCH – BYU

• Taysom Hill – He is a duel threat in the backfield that put up a ton of yardage last season.  Historically, UConn hasn’t done well against these types of QB’s.  The key will be keeping him in the pocket, and not letting him run around.  Make him beat you with his arm.  If we force him to throw, I really think that’s putting their offense at a disadvantage.

GAME PREDICTION

• So many things to consider here.  New coach, new era.  We’ve been waiting for this for 3 years.  UConn is pumped up and ready to go.  The three game winning strak to end last season set the tone for what will be a winning season. Not to mention, BYU traveling across the country & playing without multiple key players.  I just feel like everything is lining up for a UConn win.  It won’t be easy, but I think the Huskies get it done, 27-20.

@UConn813

by