Huskies in Big East Flashback as UConn and Boston College Renew Rivalry

Coach Bob Diaco’s UConn football team was in need of a bye week after being shutout 21-0 at the hands of the Temple Owls.

With four straight losses, the Huskies needed to step back, get healthy and prepare for the opportunity to close out a disappointing 2016 season with a pair of games that are on the winnable side of the ledger. The break couldn’t have come at a more opportune time.

The Huskies (3-7, 1-6 AAC) face the Boston College Eagles (4-6, 1-6 ACC) on Saturday, in Chestnut Hill (1 p.m.). It is the first meeting between these former Big East rivals since 2004.

“The supporters of the program should be super-excited about this matchup,” said Diaco in his weekly presser. “I think it is awesome – I would love to play them (BC) every year.”

For the UConn faithful it will be an opportunity to see the continued development of freshman quarterback Donovan Williams. Williams saw his first action of the season in the loss to Temple and showed signs of what the future may look like with him at the reigns.

The Boston College defense, under Coach Steve Addazio, should provide a stiff test for Williams, as they have been one of the best defensive units in the country over the last two years.

In many respects both UConn and BC are very similar in that they have had solid defensive units but have struggled mightily to put points on the board.

Boston College leads the series, which started in 1908, 10-0-2. In the last meeting (2004) BC prevailed 27-7 in Chestnut Hill. UConn has not fared well against ACC foes. They are 19-39 lifetime against ACC schools.

The game can be heard on the UConn IMG Sports Radio Network (WTIC – Hartford, 1080 AM) with Bob Joyce on the call with Kevin Nathan providing the color commentary. The game will be broadcast live on the ACC Network Extra and will be available on ESPN2 with Mike Reghi and former BC coach Tom O’Brien in the booth.

Tickets remain available for the game with the current get-in price at $15.  Boston parking is available for as low as $10.

Around the AAC

Last night the Houston Cougars put a nail in the coffin of the Louisville Cardinals playoff hopes with a 35-10 shellacking in Houston. Coach Bobby Petrino’s Cardinals have been on the playoff bubble for a couple of weeks, now after recent so-so efforts (like barely beating Virginia), but you can kiss those hopes goodbye after last night’s dismantling by Tom Herman’s Cougars.

UConn has a woeful road record in Diaco’s reign (2-12) and they have their final chance to improve upon that record in 2016 when they face Boston College.

Noel Thomas is fourth in the country in receptions per game. Thomas is two receptions away from setting a new UConn single-season record.

The Huskies will close out the 2016 season at Rentschler Stadium on November 26 against Tulane (4 p.m. kickoff).

The second annual American Athletic Conference Football Championship will be played Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016, at 12 p.m. and will be televised nationally on either ABC or ESPN. The game will be played at the home field of the divisional champion with the best conference record.

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