Independent Football Teams - 2021 Connecticut Huskies Preview
Our Connecticut Huskies preview 2021 observes that this team did not play one snap last season. In 2019, when they were still in the AAC, the Huskies offense averaged 18.9 PPG (12th AAC, 120th Nationally) and 344.7 YPG (11th AAC, 108th Nationally). UConn’s defense allowed 40.5 PPG (12th AAC, 128th Nationally) and gave up 466.8 YPP (10th AAC, 116th Nationally). Their PF/PA differential was a miserable -21.6. The last time this team played in a bowl game was 2015 when they lost to Marshall 10-16 in the St. Petersburg Bowl. That season, they were 6-6. Since then, the Huskies have not won more than three games in a season. In the past four years, their overall record is 9-39.
Connecticut Offense
There is a three-way competition for quarterback with sophomore Zach Zergiotis being favored. However, it is in no way a done deal. Steven Krajewski and Micah Leon are both in the mix. The receiving group is sound. It includes wideout Cameron Ross, who led the team with 60 receptions in 2019, as well as wideout Matt Drayton and tight end Jay Rose. In 2019, they totaled eight TD catches.
In 2019, running back Kevin Mensah rushed for 1,013 yards, averaging 4.5 YPA and scoring nine touchdowns. In his career at Connecticut, he’s totaled 2,619 rushing yards. This season, with 1,200 yards, he could eclipse Donald Brown’s UConn record. Mensah is primed to go. The offensive line, which was solid two years ago, is questionable. Two starters are back while the rest are unproven.
Connecticut Huskies Preview 2021 - Defense
The best part of the defense is NFL prospect Travis Jones. The defensive tackle is big and agile. In 2019, Jones recorded 40 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 2.5 TFL, and four QBH. He’ll lead a unit that has the potential to be effective. Joining him are veteran defensive ends Kevon Jones (40 TKLs, 3 SCKS, 1.5 TFL, 3 QBH) and Dillon Harris (25 TKLs, 2 SCKs, 2.5 TFL, 2 QBH).
The linebacking unit returns intact and includes talented sophomore MLB Jackson Mitchell. In his first season, Mitchell recorded 65 tackles. Senior Omar Fortt, who recorded 70 tackles and three PBU, is also back. D.J. Morgan and Ian Swenson, both experienced veterans, offer sound playing chops. The secondary has plenty of question marks. Free safety Diamond Harrell, a senior, anchors the group. In 2019, he posted 40 tackles, two interceptions, one TFL, and one PBU.
Specialists
Our Connecticut Huskies preview 2021 notes that the team snared one of the nation’s top kicking prospects, Joe McFadden. He’ll start immediately. Punter Haydn Kerr, another freshman, joins the team from Australia. Ross will handle runback chores.
Connecticut Huskies Preview 2021 - Projection
It’s hard to say what to expect from this version of the Huskies. There’s talent and experience. Plus, their schedule is one of the kindest in the FBS, as they play Holy Cross, Purdue, Vanderbilt, and UMass. Still, the Huskies will have to compete against Clemson, Army, and Houston. Our Connecticut Huskies preview 2021 anticipates that this team will do better than many expect. Five wins are possible.
Independent Football Teams - Connecticut Huskies 2021 - Predictions:
Record: 5-7
No Bowl Berth