Virginia vs. UConn Prediction, Game Preview


Virginia vs. UConn prediction and game preview. The Cavaliers and Huskies face off at Rentschler Field for a non-conference game on Saturday.


Virginia vs. UConn Game Preview

When: Saturday, September 17 – 1:30 p.m. ET
Where: Rentschler Field
TV Broadcast: ESPN3

The Cavaliers are enduring a tough start to the Bronco Mendenhall era. The Hoos fell 44-26 to Oregon one week after losing to FCS Richmond at home. The defense is struggling as it gets comfortable in the 3-4 alignment, with missed assignments and missed tackles being issues. Meanwhile, the Huskies are coming off of a heartbreaking 28-24 loss to Navy, which featured some questionable clock management by Bob Diaco’s squad. UConn had won its opener 24-21 over Maine in a sloppy contest. The series is even at 1-1, with UConn winning the last meeting 45-10 in 2008.

What To Know About Virginia

The Hoos never had control of the game in their opener against Richmond, as Kyle Lauletta passed for 337 yards for the Spiders. Virginia was also held to negative rushing yards heading into the fourth quarter in that opener. The defeat showed just how difficult it will be for Mendenhall to have success right away in Charlottesville. The misery continued last week in Eugene, as Oregon tallied 632 total yards of offense while intercepting the Cavs twice.

What to Know About UConn

The Huskies showed their mental toughness by rallying from a 21-0 deficit to Navy, so that is a good sign for Bob Diaco’s squad. There are high expectations for this team after winning six games in ’15, one year after going 2-10.

Advantages

Offense: Even. Neither team possesses an explosive offense, but UConn quarterback Bryant Shirreffs completed 23 of 26 passes last week. Meanwhile, Virginia quarterback Kurt Benkert has thrown for 457 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions while completing 63 percent of his passes. But he’s also been sacked nine times.

Defense: UConn. The Huskies will always have a chance to stick around in games because of their defense.

Special Teams:
UConn. Diaco’s squad has a very good special teams efficiency rating through two weeks.

Coaching:
Even. Mendenhall is a very good football coach facing an uphill battle.

Intangibles:
UConn. The Hoos are a beaten-down bunch right now.

Matchup To Watch

Virginia O-Line vs. UConn defensive front

Only four teams have given up more sacks so far this season than the Cavaliers. That is bad news against a Diaco-coached defense.

Virginia vs. UConn Betting Odds

Spread: UConn -6.5
Over/Under: 48.5

Virginia vs. UConn Prediction

This game won’t be a pretty watch, but it should be close. If Benkert is protected, he has a chance to be efficient. The problem is that his offensive line will be worn down by the UConn defensive front, and a late field goal by the Huskies sends Mendenhall’s squad to 0-3.

Virginia vs. UConn Score Prediction: UConn 23, Virginia 20

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