NHR Illinois at UConn preview capsule:
When: Saturday, 3:30 p.m.
Where: Rentschler Field, East Hartford
Records: Illinois 1-0; UConn 1-0
TV: CBS Sports Network
Radio: 97.9 ESPN, WINE-940, WAVZ-1300; WATR-1320, WGCH-1490, WILI-1400 (simulcast on 95.3 FM).
3 things to watch
1. Experience up front: Coming into the season, if there was one position that was a strength for the two rebuilding programs it was the offensive line. Both teams return four players who started every game a season ago with each team featuring three players with at least 20 career starts on the line. No lineman is more experienced that UConn right tackle Matt Peart who is set to make his 38th straight start. Since UConn made the jump to the FBS level, Zach Hurd, Junior Joseph and Mo Petrus are the only Huskies with at least 38 starts in a row. The teams chose different paths to replace a graduated starter. Redshirt freshman Christian Haynes not only started at guard but the majority of the running plays were run directly behind him. Alabama transfer Richie Petitbon is a starting guard for Illinois adding strength to a line that helped Illinois register nine 200-yard rushing performances in 2018 and another in 2019 opener after managing eight such games in the previous four seasons. UConn is one of four FBS teams with at least 60 rushing attempts in the opener, but the line drew the ire of UConn coach Randy Edsall during a practice earlier this week as he is looking for the line to be physical.
2. For starters: The Huskies got off to 2-0 starts five times in a six-season stretch during Randy Edsall’s first stint at UConn but it has only happened once since 2008 and that came during the 2015 campaign, which happens to be the last time the Huskies played in a bowl game. Illinois hasn’t had much success recently but have jumped out to 2-0 starts six times in the last eight years. Speaking of streaks, Illinois has lost seven straight non-conference road games dating back to 2007.
3. Who’s in, who’s out: Illinois suffered a big blow when running back Mike Epstein suffered a season ending injury against Akron. Although Epstein led Illinois with 45 rushing yards in the win, five other players had at least 26 rushing yards including quarterback Brandon Peters. Illinois will also be without defensive back Kerby Joseph for the first half as he was called for a targeting penalty in the opener. UConn is expected to have receiver Ardell Brown available as well as defensive tackle Caleb Thomas, who had his four-game suspension over a compliance issue lifted on Tuesday. There’s a chance that speedy true freshman receiver Cam Ross could make his UConn debut as well.
— Jim Fuller
