UConn football is 3-3 after a well-earned 34-20 win at Temple. The Huskies set the tone with the first touchdown and barely trailed as they closed the victory with a decisive fourth quarter. After forcing a fumble and driving for a TD, they forced a three-and-out and then ran down the clock with a heavy dose of the run before a field goal to put the game out of reach.
Thoughts as UConn returns to an even record (3-3) heading into their bye week.
The Run Game Emerges
The offensive line continues to improve, opening up holes for long runs from every running back. Kenji Christian scored a 39-yard TD but didn't play much. Cyncir Bowers had two 10+ yard runs as he finished with 84 yards and a TD, and Trey Cornist broke two 40+ yard runs in the second quarter, leading to a touchdown and a field goal at the end of the half.
"Just a really good individual efforts by our backs," head coach Jason Candle said in a post-game interview with Fox Sports Radio. "Our O-Line fought the whole day. The first two drives of the game, they really controlled the line of scrimmage."
Christian is dealing with a leg injury reportedly but has the bye to rest. With all three backs, this formidable group keeps the Husky offense balanced and dangerous. All three have also proven to be capable receivers out of the backfield.
Key Defensive Stops
Over six weeks, the UConn defense has shown its vulnerabilities. But it's also shown up to make big plays, like the fourth-quarter interception against Syracuse to keep that game tied, or the turnovers that helped decide the Temple game.
In the second quarter, a Temple fumble led to a UConn field goal before halftime. In the fourth quarter, the Huskies scored a decisive touchdown to go up 11 after the Owls coughed it up a second time. After allowing two easy touchdowns in the first quarter, UConn allowed just six points the rest of the game.
"You don't start the game how you want, but our kids settled in and played a really solid second half on defense," Candle said in an interview with Fox Sports Radio.
Kalieb Osborne Keeps Getting Better
The Huskies starting QB is a demon. His ability to make something out of nothing while keeping his eyes downfield has created multiple big plays this season. With 57 seconds left in the first half, and UConn facing 4th & 6 on the Temple 33, Osborne absorbed a big hit as he identified Shamar Porter flying upfield in man coverage and got the throw off. Porter did an incredible job of coming down with that ball and that big play gave the Huskies a lead and momentum going into the break.
Osborne completed 74% of his 23 attempts for 257 yards with a rushing touchdown. Eight of his 17 completions went for 15+ yards and he's getting all of his weapons involved. He hit nine different receivers on the day. Candle said he's been pleased with the young passer's progress.
