UConn opens its season on Saturday at Maryland

Aug. 30—STORRS — Mystery surrounds the 2024 UConn football team heading into the season.

The roster has undergone a makeover with the addition of 51 new players, including an injection of talent and experience from the transfer portal.

A new quarterback will be at the helm.

The Huskies have a new offensive and defensive coordinator.

There’s a renewed enthusiasm and energy inside the program.

Will that all translate to a successful season that ends with a bowl berth?

It’s hard to predict with so many changes.

UConn’s journey back to respectability will start with Saturday’s season opener at noon Saturday against Maryland at SECU Stadium in College Park. The game will be broadcast on FS1.

“We’re excited to get going,” said coach Jim Mora, who’s in his third season in Storrs. “It’s been a long off-season. A ton of changes in this program. … I’ve been impressed with the way they’ve been able to jell.

“Hopefully, we can maintain that energy that we have and that connectedness that we have as we go through the season and hit some hurdles and face some adversity, but I like where we are right now. We’ve had good practices. There’s great energy and really good focus.”

UConn is looking to recapture the momentum that the program gained after a successful six-win bowl season in 2022 but then lost with a dismal 3-9 mark last season.

An 0-5 start last season sucked the wind right out of UConn’s sails. Injuries took a toll.

The Huskies are hoping to avoid another dreadful start and be far more competitive.

There’s reason to be optimistic.

UConn has a favorable schedule, playing seven of its first nine games at Rentschler Field in East Hartford.

A floundering offense that averaged just 19.1 points per game last season has received some upgrades. Gordon Sammis, the offensive line coach, has added offensive coordinator to his…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/uconn-opens-season-saturday-maryland-003300734.html

Author : The Day, New London, Conn.

Publish date : 2024-08-31 00:33:00

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