Five-star scouting report
One-dimensional offense limits UConn vs. UB’s opportunistic ‘D’
1. Big Game James.
Opponents have yet to figure out a way to slow down TB James Starks. Over the last six games, Starks has rushed for 793 yards and 11 TDs, and he also has 41 receptions overall for 340 yards and a TD. Starks does his best work along the edges, as does backup Mario Henry, while Brandon Thermilus likes to run between the tackles. UConn is stingy against the run (116.9 ypg.) and may try to use run blitzes and eight-man fronts to thwart Starks and the run game.
2.Big plays
UConn figured the easiest path to victories this season was limiting the big play, but they have been sprinkled throughout a season that began with five wins and ended with two victories in the final seven games. In a loss to Pitt, the Huskies gave up a 47-yard TD run to TB LeSean McCoy and TD passes on the first plays of two drives. Starks, QB Drew Willy and WR Naaman Roosevelt are all home run hitters capable of attacking the Huskies’ secondary, which is a huge concern for coach Randy Edsall. But working against UB is the Huskies’ pass rush. UConn was second in the Big East behind Cincinnati in sacks with 30. DE Cody Brown was second in the league with 10.
3. What can Brown do for you?
UConn’s Donald Brown may be the best tailback in the country. A second-team All-American selection, Brown is the national leader with an average of 151.8 rushing yards per game. He has run for 1,822 yards and 17 touchdowns. He could be a problem for the Bulls’ run defense, a unit that has been suspect all season. QB Tyler Lorenzen is also a quality runner and the Bulls have struggled against dual threat QBs. But the Bulls can put eight or even nine men in the box because Lorenzen isn’t a threat to throw deep. He has completed fewer than 50 percent of his passes and averages only 102.5 yards passing per game.
4. No offense, but …
The Huskies are lacking the “wow” factor when it comes to offense. Only the offensively inept Syracuse Orange ranked lower in the Big East than UConn in total offense (351.8). The Huskies lack a WR to complement Brown’s powerful run game – they passed for only four TDs – and limiting Brown will take away the Huskies’ main offensive source. They failed to gain 350 yards in any of their final five games.
5. Take it away.
Turner Gill figured turnovers would help decide the MAC Championship Game and he was right. The picture of Mike Newton, right, returning a Nate Davis fumble for a TD should be on the cover of next year’s media guide. The Bulls take full advantage of opponents’ mistakes and lead the MAC in turnover margin (plus-16). While not nearly as opportunistic, the Huskies tied for the Big East lead with 17 interceptions. CB Jasper Howard leads the team with four INTs.
Prediction: UB concludes its storybookending with a win over a Big East opponent. Buffalo, 35-21.
Log into MyBuffalo to post a comment
MyBuffalo is the new social network from Buffalo.com. Your MyBuffalo account lets you comment on and rate stories at buffalonews.com. You can also head over to mybuffalo.com to share your blog posts, stories, photos, and videos with the community. Join now or learn more.
Reader comments