Connecticut Huskies

Head Coach

Randy Edsall	10th year
07-08	9-4
Big East	5-2
FCR	39

Previous Season Wins

Big East Previews by Michael Matts

Head Coach - Randy Edsell has been the decade-long architect of the UConn program. His hardnosed style took the Huskies to the Big East co-championship and a Meineke Car Care Bowl bid. With 17 starters returning, 2008 could be another stellar year in Storrs.

Quarterback - Tyler Lorenzen returns at QB, and once again will be asked for leadership and efficiency. He threw only 6 picks in ’07, and played his best in the close league games. He will be asked to begin stretching the field in 2008 as teams will likely stack the box to stop the running game.

Receivers - The receiving corps has familiar targets in TE Steve Brouse (4 TDs), who is a premium blocker, and WR Brad Kanuch (27 catches). Expect more conservative play from the “O” this season unless these two step up and become more productive.

Running Backs - Statistically, you will not be floored. UConn ranked 90th in total offense, and 97th in passing in 2007. With the Huskies, you get pounded with the duo of Andre Dixon (BE 2nd team) and Donald Brown, who combined for 1,649 rushing yards. Dixon is versatile (24 catches) and Brown found the end zone 8 times. This duo will be the focus of the 2008 team.

Offensive Line - The offensive line loses All BE guard Donald Thomas, but returns 3 starters. The monster bookend tackles of William Beatty (306lbs) and Dan Ryan (6-8, 304) will anchor the unit,

Defense - 8 defensive starters return for a unit that yielded only 19 points per game.

Defensive Line - End Cody Brown will be relied on to lead a defensive line looking to improve on its 2+ sacks per game in 2007. He will welcome returning starters in senior end Julius Williams and senior tackle Rob Lunn.

Linebackers - Super freshmen Scott Lutrus and Lawrence Wilson return at linebacker, and they had 230 combined tackles a year ago. They will be the focal point of a defense that 20 or more points only 3 times in 2007.

Defensive Backs - The secondary was critical in helping UConn to a top 10 finish in pass efficiency defense. Corner Darius Butler and FS Robert Vaughn (4th nationally in interceptions) will be relied on heavily once again in the aggressive Husky gameplan.

Special Teams - One of the greats strengths for UConn is right here as kicker Tony Ciaravino and punter Desi Cullen both return, and the punt and kick return teams under Edsell are always excellent.

Schedule - Huskies will ease into 2008 with games against Hofstra and Temple. Then comes the rematch with Virginia. Baylor and North Carolina round out a competitive OOC schedule. WVU, Pitt and Cincy come to Storrs with the Panthers game having possible bowl ramifications.

Outlook - With their penchant for playing close games, expect a nail-biting season at UConn. We’re expecting 6-8 wins at UConn and maybe one more if they can steal a road game.