There is change in the air surrounding UConn football.
For the first time since 2017, the Huskies have won two straight games following Saturday’s 33-12 victory over Florida International in Miami.
UConn compiled 405 yards of total offense, 107 yards receiving and 298 yards rushing for four touchdowns.
The Huskies’ defense led the way for the second straight game, allowing 14 or less points for the second game in a row and third time on the season.
Aside from its gauntlet against top 25 opponents Syracuse, Michigan, and NC State, UConn has outscored its unranked opponents 93-60 with a 3-1 record.
The good times are certain rolling in Jim Mora’s first season as UConn is one win away from its first four-win season since 2015.
Here are takeaways from the game:
Lock Down Defense
The UConn defense held its opponent to two touchdowns or fewer for the second game in a row and third game of the season.
While FIU totaled 409 yards on offense, 256 in the air and 153 on the ground, it was held to just 12 points.
UConn only surrendered points on two of FIU’s nine drives, forcing three turnovers, two turnovers on downs, and two punts.
The Huskies three turnovers consisted of two interceptions by senior defensive back Tre Wortham and a fumble recover by senior linebacker and Ridgefield native Jackson Mitchell.
It was the second multi-interception game in Wortham’s career, and his third pick in the last two games. He now has eight career interceptions.
Mitchell and Stan Cross led the team with eight tackles each while Ian Swenson and Eric Watts each recorded a sack.
FIU was only able to convert on third down on two of eight chances, while converting one out of two times on fourth down. The one notable mistake was a third quarter 65-yard Lexington Joseph touchdown on fourth and 1, cutting into the Huskies lead at 20-7.
Running Wild
The UConn ground game continued to be effective despite the loss of starting running back Nate Carter, in large part because of its strong offensive line play.
Devontae Houston, who is playing through a shoulder sprain, accounted for the majority of UConn’s rushing yards, while true freshman and Connecticut native Victor Rosa finished off two drives with touchdowns.
Houston recorded over 100 rushing yards in the first half, surpassing the triple digit mark for the second game in a row. Houston finished with 135 yards on 12 carries (11.3 yards per carry).
Houston was forced out of the game with an ankle injury early in the third quarter, a further hit to the running back depth chart that already has two running backs for the season.
On the first rush after Houston left the game, Rosa filled in seamlessly with a 61-yard rush, the longest of his young career.
Backup quarterback Cale Millen also scored his first touchdown of his college career on a 49-yard rushing touchdown with three minutes left in the game.
Graduate student Robert Burns was the third most productive UConn back, taking seven carries for 34 yards while quarterback Zion Turner continued to display improving running ability with 22 yards on six carries.
Freshman Firepower
Three true freshman were key contributors to the offensive effort in the dominant win. Zion Turner, wide receiver Justin Joly and running back Victor Rosa all left their imprint.
Rosa totaled a career high 89 yards on 16 carries (5.6 average) and crossed the goal line twice in the first half on 5-yard and 4-yard rushes. Rosa now leads the team in touchdowns with four on the season.
Zion Turner, returning home to Miami, continued to show improvement, completing 14 of 19 passes for 102 yards without a turnover. Turner also reigned in his first receiving touchdown on a 5-yard trick play pass from Millen. It was the first passing touchdown of Millen’s career.
After making three catches on third down in the victory over Fresno State, Joly continued his ascension as a primary target for Turner along side Aaron Turner.
Joly caught five passes for a team leading 62 yards, including the longest reception of the day at 21 yards. He averaged 12.4 yards per reception.
More Injury Woes
While most of the takeaways from the game were positive, one negative outcome is the potential loss of Houston.
Houston has been battling a shoulder sprain since he was was forced into action last minute in the loss to Syracuse. With the losses of running backs Nate Carter and Brian Brewton, the bulk of the load has fallen on Houston’s shoulders.
Rosa had little trouble in Houston’s absence, but going forward the most concerning position in Mora’s mind may have just gotten thinner.
Looking Ahead
UConn has a chance to notch its fourth win on the road next Saturday at Ball State. Ball State (3-3) is coming off a 17-16 victory over Central Michigan, following up a 44-38 double-overtime victory in similar slim margin fashion.
After squeaking out a surprise victory against Fresno State a week ago and its definitive statement win over FIU, UConn will likely enter the week as the favorite for the second game in a row.
