2014
UConn Huskies
College Football
Betting Preview
Schedule and Odds
Connecticut won their final three Games of the 2013 season and that’s the only wins they had. Enter former Notre Dame defensive coordinator Bob Diaco to take the reins as head coach. He brings a bit of energy and intensity to the squad that they lacked at times in 2013.
Diaco’s main problem is at quarterback where the Huskies are still deciding between three possibilities. All of them started Four Games last year if that says anything. Casey Cochran has the edge for now after he was the one that led the team to all of its wins last year. He’s joined by an inexperienced offensive line that could also be troublesome. Alex Maeas starts at center and the rest is up for grabs.
The Huskies should rely plenty on the running Game behind Lyle McCombs (670 yards) and speedy freshman Arkeel Newsome. Then again, if the line can’t open holes that may not be a good idea. Whoever is at quarterback will have solid targets to work with in last year’s leaders Geremy Davis (71 receptions, 1,085 yards), Deshon Foxx (534 yards) and Sean McQuillan. This offense has some pieces, but needs a QB to put them all together.
In addition to Diaco being a defensive coach, he’ll get 10 returning starters to work with from a group that showed signs of life last season. The Huskies were inconsistent throughout the year, but did hold down a number of teams, including in their three wins.
The line is filled with seniors and experience and should improve a bit. The linebackers also have plenty of playmakers with Florida transfer Graham Stewart likely making a bigger impact this season. The Huskies will be strong in the secondary with leading tackler safety Obi Melifonwu back and senior cornerback Byron Jones locking down top receivers.
Topping three wins is a realistic possibility for this group, especially with Stony Brook and Army on the Schedule. Early Games against BYU and Boise State will be tough to win without a set QB in mind.
In Conference play, there’s no reason Connecticut can’t find success against the weaker teams. Their first three Games are all winnable with South Florida, Temple and Tulane on the slate and they end the campaign with Memphis and SMU.
If the defense can pick up its Game just a little bit and as long as the quarterback is somewhat competent, Diaco should find success in his first season. The Huskies should be more competitive than a year ago and could be looking at a bowl Game if all goes well.
5 dimes sportsbook has odds/lines posted for the first few weeks of Games for several AAC teams. Check em out.
2014 Connecticut Football Schedule
Aug. 29 vs. BYU
Sept. 6 vs. Stony Brook
Sept. 13 vs. Boise State
Sept. 19 at South Florida
Sept. 27 vs. Temple
Oct. 11 at Tulane
Oct. 23 at East Carolina
Nov. 1 vs. UCF
Nov. 8 vs. Army
Nov. 22 vs. Cincinnati
Nov. 29 at Memphis
Dec. 6 vs. SMU