NCAA Football Preview - Connecticut Huskies

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NCAA Football Preview - Connecticut Huskies

Last Update: 8/18/2004 9:34:56 AM

From The Sports Network

By Pat Taggart, College Football Staff Writer

2003 SEASON IN REVIEW: UConn had gotten progressively better since joining the Division I-A ranks a few years ago, so the 2003 campaign was certainly much anticipated. Fortunately, the Huskies were able to take another giant step forward, posting a sensational 9-3 record a year ago. After thrashing Indiana by 24 points to open the campaign, the Huskies improved to 2-0 with a 48-21 whipping of lowly Army. The next month proved to be difficult however, as wins over Buffalo and I-AA foe Lehigh were overshadowed by losses to Boston College, Virginia Tech and North Carolina State. Still, the fact that the Huskies lost to the Wolfpack by only seven points in Raleigh sent a message to the entire nation. That loss on October 11th proved to be the last of the season for Connecticut. The squad knocked off Kent State in overtime, bested Akron by one point the next week. Then, after getting by Western Michigan and Rutgers, the Huskies traveled to Wake Forest and ended the season with a resounding 51-17 triumph over the Demon Deacons.

2004 ANALYSIS:

OFFENSE: Terry Caulley was off to a great start in 2003, but the talented tailback blew out his knee and will be redshirted in 2004. While that news is certainly disappointing, Cornell Brockington is capable of carrying the load. In limited duty last year, Brockington racked up 643 yards and 10 touchdowns as a freshman. He will certainly make Dan Orlovsky's job easier, as a formidable ground attack will lead to more open targets for the senior quarterback. The 6-5 Orlovsky threw for 3,485 yards and 33 touchdowns in '03, making him one of the best kept secrets in all of college football. Four of five starters are back along the offensive line to keep the star quarterback healthy and open holes for Brockington. Senior Keron Henry began his career at UConn as a quarterback, but he has made the move to receiver and may be Orlovsky's top target this year. Both he and Brandon Young have big-play ability on the outside.

DEFENSE: Without question, the strength of the UConn defense will be the linebackers, as Maurice Lloyd, James Hargrave and Alfred Fincher form an impressive group. Lloyd is the team's leading returning tackler, as he made 122 total stops a year ago, including 94 of the solo variety. All three players run well, especially Hargrave who makes up for a lack of size by being extremely active. In the secondary, Justin Perkins is certainly a player worthy of mention after he picked off six balls a year ago. Other than the standout senior corner, there is not much returning experience at the other three defensive backfield positions. There is even more cause for concern up front, as the defensive line will have three new starters. Tyler King is fresh off an eight-sack campaign, but he will need help from the two sophomores and one junior that will line up next to him.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Matt Nuzie, who misfired on 10 of the 21 field goals he attempted a year ago, may have his job taken by Tony Ciaravino. Nuzie was a disgraceful 3-of-13 on attempts of 30 yards or more, and that ratio simply won't get it done in the Big East, or anywhere else for that matter. As for the punting duties, freshman Shane Hussar will be counted on to be cool under pressure despite his youth and lack of experience. As for the return game, the coaches will probably try out a few different players early in the season to see if someone proves capable of making big plays.

OUTLOOK: There are a few more talented teams than Connecticut in the Big East, and it is unlikely that the squad will be able to win the league title in its first year as a member. Don't count out the Huskies, however, as Orlovsky is the league's top quarterback. An eight-win season is certainly within reach for UConn, which will post six victories at least.

©2004 Sports Network.