Connecticut News, Raphielle Johnson, Uncategorized, West Virginia News

UCONN – WEST VIRGINIA RECAP

Devine score with 2:10 remaining wins it

By Raphielle Johnson

No one knew what to expect out of the Connecticut Huskies in the first game following the death of CB Jasper Howard, and if someone tried to guarantee that they knew they’d be lying. With heavy hearts they took the field in Morgantown, also carrying the weight of a 0-5 all-time record against the Mountaineers (combined score: 210-77) on their shoulders. But buoyed by the support of “UConn Country” along with kind hearts in old gold and blue, Randy Edsall’s team gave all they had before falling short 28-24.

The game began with the Huskies (4-3, 1-2) running past a banner signed by West Virginia fans and students that read “Today we are all Huskies”, with both teams shaking hands following a stadium-wide moment of silence. But what could have been the worst possible start for Connecticut may have actually been a blessing in disguise.

Tavon Austin took the opening kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown, but instead of the opening of the floodgates it served almost like a whiff of smelling salts. From there the Huskies and Mountaineers (6-1, 2-0) took part in the most competitive meeting in this brief series, complete with big plays and a roller coaster of emotions.

UConn had their best offensive output of the season, even with four turnovers, accounting for 501 yards of offense. Cody Endres did throw three interceptions on the afternoon, but he also threw a pair of touchdown passes on his way to a 378-yard day. The first quarter ended tied at 7, with Jordan Todman’s five-yard run evening the score. The sophomore finished with ninety-four yards on twenty carries.

Things picked up in the second quarter, with the Mountaineers beginning to find larger running lanes for Noel Devine and QB Jarrett Brown and Jock Sanders in the passing game. The Huskies and Mountaineers accounted for seventeen points in the final 2:53 of the second quarter, with Endres hitting Kashif Moore on a 17-yard strike with 21 seconds to go to provide the halftime score of 17-14 Connecticut.

The score was fitting for Moore, who was with Howard on that fateful night and also had a couple of drops in the early stages of the game. Things stayed that way until late in the third quarter, when Brown found Jeremy Urban in the back of the end zone to regain the lead for West Virginia (21-17). What also made this game interesting is that after the first quarter every score thereafter came with 3:50 seconds remaining (in the particular quarter) or less.

Two plays kept the Huskies alive late in the fourth quarter, beginning with a hustle play following Endres’ second interception that resulted in Marcus Easley recovering the ensuing Kent Richardson fumble to regain possession. Next play: Endres to Easley for 88 yards to make the score 24-21. Victory was so close, but Noel Devine had other ideas. His 56-yard touchdown run with 2:10 to go capped a 178 yard day for the junior, and DT Chris Neild sealed the game for the Mountaineers with an interception on 4th and 13.
So what can be taken out of this game? The passing game may be rounding into shape, making even more progress this weekend. Six players had multiple receptions and the connection between Endres and Easley has the makings of a big-play partnership. Add to this the ability of players such as Kashif Moore, Isaiah Moore and Brad Kanuch and this unit may turn some heads in the final five games of the regular season. Robbie Frey is a threat in special teams, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he broke a kickoff for six very soon. Jory Johnson played well in place of the injured Scott Lutrus, and corners Blidi Wreh-Wilson and Dwayne Gratz were solid as well.

There were definitely issues to be attended to, such as tackling in space and the inconsistencies of David Teggart to name two. But on a day in which nearly everyone involved didn’t know what was going to happen, UConn was an inspiration to many despite coming up short on the scoreboard.

Next: Rutgers (5-2, 0-2), Noon on the Big East Network