With the college football season getting closer, Connecticut football is looking to improve after qualifying for a bowl game last season. With a much better roster for this year, the Huskies are aiming to have a great season.
UCONN 2023 PREVIEW
THE CONF.: Independent (FBS)
2022 RECORD: 6-7 (lost to Marshall in Myrtle Beach Bowl)
CONF. FINISH: No conference
HEAD COACH: Jim Mora (2nd season, 6-7 record, 8th year overall 52-37 record - won 46 games at UCLA)
ALL-STAR CANDIDATES: Victor Rosa, Soph./RB (636 Rushing Yds, 11 TDs); Pryce Yates, Soph./DE (4.5 sacks, 45 Tackles); Jackson Mitchell, Sr./LB (140 Tackles, 4.5 Sacks); Kevens Clercius, WR/Jr. (288 Rec Yds, 1 TDs); Christian Haynes, Jr./OL (tons of experience on the line); Eric Watts, Jr./DT (22 starts, 98 tackles past two seasons); Durante Jones, Jr./S (97 tackles last year); Malik Dixon-Williams, Jr./S (90 tackles last year).
THE NEWCOMER: Joe Fagnano, Sr./QB (Maine transfer, 2,231 Passing Yds, 15 TDs)
UConn's Victor Rosa led his team in rushing last year (PHOTO CREDIT: UConn Athletics)
THE BREAKDOWN
Expectations for the UConn Huskies are high this upcoming season after a bowl-eligible season last year. After an injury-riddled year, the Huskies have gotten great transfers for the team in the offense.
For the Huskies to have a good season this year, they must stay healthy. One of the significant reasons the Huskies did not go forward with the team prior is due to critical injuries to the team last season. They are adding transfers, including Maine's QB Joe Fagnano, Michigan TE Louis Hansen, and more. This season will depend on the transfers filling in for those still hurt for this upcoming season.
With a healthy roster, UConn's potent offense, led by either the transfer Joe Fagnano or last year's somewhat successful starter Zion Turner, could do great things. The offense can also break out with the two-headed rushing attack of Devontae Houston and Victor Rosa. The defense led by linebacker Jackson Mitchell can also turn heads in 2023 for the Huskies.
THE KEY GAME AND WHY
This season, a key game for UConn will be against the Mountain West's Utah State at the tail end of September. This game could be critical for the Huskies due to losing their last two meetings against the Utah State Aggies. It could determine the postseason fate for the Huskies in 2023 for a strong or potentially disastrous season.
THE TOUGHEST GAME AND WHY
A challenging game for the UConn Huskies would be against N.C. State in the season opener on Aug. 31 (a Thursday). The Huskies have been 1-5 in home openers for the past six seasons. While the Huskies have improved, this N.C. State team wants to make a statement against UConn in the opener.
THE CHANCES OF MAKING CONF. TITLE GAME
UConn doesn't play in a conference. The chances to make it to the FBS postseason would be great if the team stays healthy. UConn has a strong team heading into the season and must remain healthy.
UConn's Jackson Mitchell is a top returnee for the Huskies (PHOTO CREDIT: UConn Athletics)
THE PREDICTION
This author believes UConn could have a strong season with nine wins or more. It could be a slow start, but a soft schedule in the middle of the season should help the Huskies. It has been 13 years since UConn had a winning season, and this could be a turnaround for something great.
