The Jason Candle era is off to a tremendous start. Even the most optimistic UConn fan could not have expected such a dominant performance from a team with an all-new coaching staff and so many new players. It was a complete effort on both sides of the ball, with some nice special teams moments as well.
The Huskies prevailed 49-0 as they moved the ball with ease and forced three three-and-outs from the visitors to start the game, holding a shutout until the Leopards managed a touchdown in the game’s final minute. It was the largest margin of victory in a season-opening game in program history, and the third-largest blowout win in the FBS era.
Starting quarterback Kalieb Osborne was impressive and exciting in his Husky debut. He showed great poise, with nice evasive maneuvering to hang in the pocket and make throws, but also made plays with his legs.
He completed his first downfield pass for 29 yards to Javon Brown on a nice back-shoulder throw. Two plays later, he hit Brown again for a 24-yard touchdown, opening the scoring for the day.
The junior signal caller broke a 30-yard run on the next Husky drive to help set up a 16-yard TD pass to RB Kenji Christian, who broke multiple tackles on his way to the end zone and made it 14-0.
Osborne finished the job himself on their next drive with a 9-yard scramble to make it 21-0 with his third touchdown overall. On the next Husky drive, he hit Brown and Willoughby for long completions before Cyncir Bowers ran through a clean hole to score a 16-yard touchdown and make it 28-0.
Lafayette got a few first downs on its next drive, but still punted. Osborne threw an interception deep in opposing territory on the ensuing possession, but they went three-and-out, and then Julian Allen returned a punt 49 yards to set up a Christian rushing touchdown from 25 yards out; 35-0 would be the halftime score.
After another Lafayette three-and-out, one of XX on the day, Osborne broke a 13-yard run and hit TE Alex Godavitarne for a 37-yarder to set up his second rushing TD of the day from 11 yards out. That would be his final drive of the day, with the score 42-0 before backup Tucker McDonald closed it out. Jake Merklinger did not dress and had a wrap on his wrist.
Trey Cornist, billed as UConn’s short-yardage back, broke a 55-yard TD on the next Husky drive to make it 49-0. The crowd began emptying out to enjoy the rest of its Labor Day Weekend. They can rest easy, knowing their football program appears to be in a good place.
McDonald found freshman WR Raymond Liggins in the flat, and the New Jersey native ran past everyone for a 60-yard TD to make it 56-0 and score the victors’ final points.
Osborne finished 19-for-26 (73%) with 265 passing yards and 2 TDs, and was the team’s leading rusher with 90 yards and two TDs on the ground. His top target was Brown, who finished with six receptions for 92 yards and the score. Christian was the most productive running back, with 46 rushing yards (6.6 ypc) and two total TDs.
Lafayette managed a late touchdown to end the Huskies’ shutout bid. They were hoping to blank their first team since UMass in 2012.
The Huskies host Maryland at the Rent next Saturday. Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m., and the game will be televised on CBS Sports Network.
