How did UConn's Opponents Fare in Week 8?
Rice (2-5): Lost to Tulane 24-10
A strong defensive performance by the Owls was for naught, as Tulane’s defense held Rice to just ten points, despite being outgained 344-306. Rice QB EJ Warner threw for 271 yards on 26-46 passing, but also threw three picks. RB Dean Connors led the Owls in rushing with 76 yards on 11 carries, for an average yard per carry of 6.9. WR Kobie Campbell was targeted ten times, catching six passes for 100 yards, and Matt Sykes caught seven passes for 74 yards. Connors also fumbled late in the game, which was picked up and taken to the house by the Green Wave. The Owls will come to East Hartford next week, hoping to avenge last year’s 38-31 loss in Houston.
Up Next: at UConn 3:30 CBSSN
Georgia State (2-4): Lost to Marshall 35-20
In somewhat of a surprising decision, GSU HC Dell McGee decided to send QB Christian Veilleux out there as QB1, despite backup Zach Gibson throwing for 49 yards on 6-6 passing at the end of their previous game against ODU. After just a few attempts, Gibson was brought out, but it happened too late in the loss to the Thunderin’ Herd. Gibson threw for 192 yards on 19-32 passing, but the offense moved much smoother with Gibson behind center. RB Freddie Brock rushed for 124 yards on 18 carries, and TE Dorian Fleming caught seven passes for 66 yards. The Panthers were plagued by big plays, allowing TDs to Marshall RB AJ Turner of 23, 30, and 88 yards. Turner finished with 177 yards rushing on just 15 carries, accounting for four TDs.
Up Next: at App State (2-4) TBA ESPN+
UAB (1-6): Lost to USF 35-25
In a battle of two teams who are underperforming this season in the AAC, and are missing their starting QBs, the Blazers allowed USF to comeback from ten down in the loss. QB Jalen Kitna had a big game, throwing for 384 yards on 33-56 passing, and Lee Beebee Jr rushed for 68 yards on 18 carries. WR Amare Thomas led the Blazers in receiving with 97 yards on eight catches. UAB outgained USF 464-349, but the rushing prowess of Kelley Joiner was too much, as he rushed 15 times for 94 yards. UAB got just 36 yards in the 4th quarter, while allowing 15 points to USF.
Up Next: Bye Week
Syracuse (5-1): Bye Week
Up Next: at #19 Pitt (6-0) 7:30 ESPN (Thu)
UMass (1-6): Bye Week
Up Next: Wagner (4-4) 3:30 ESPN+
Past Opponents:
Maryland (4-3): Beat USC 29-28
Up Next: at Minnesota (4-3) 3:30 FS1
Merrimack (3-4): Defeated Stonehill 48-28
Up Next: Colgate (2-5) 12:00 ESPN+
Duke (6-1): Defeated Florida State 23-16
Up Next: #22 SMU (6-1) 8:00 ACCN
FAU (2-5): Lost to UTSA 38-24
Up Next: Bye Week
Buffalo (4-3): Lost to Western Michigan 48-41
Up Next: at Ohio (4-3) 12:00 CBSSN
Temple (2-5): Defeated Tulsa 20-10
Up Next: at ECU (3-4) 2:00 ESPN+