University of Connecticut Athletics
Tyvon Branch Claims Weekly BIG EAST Football Honor
10/1/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Oct. 1, 2007) – University of Connecticut senior corner back Tyvon Branch (Cicero, N.Y.) has been named the BIG EAST's Special Teams Player of the Week the league office announced on Monday morning.
Branch returned three kickoffs for 150 yards, including a 97-yard touchdown, in the Huskies' 44-10 win over Akron on Saturday at Rentschler Field. The win improved the Huskies' record to 5-0 on the year, marking the team's best start since winning a school-record six straight games to open the 1995 season.
His 97-yard kickoff return touchdown during the second quarter gave UConn the lead for good moments after falling behind 10-9. Starting with Branch's immediate answer to the Zips' lone touchdown, the Huskies scored the game's final 35 points to cruise to the victory. It was Branch's first kickoff return touchdown and makes him one of three active Huskies with one in their careers, joining Larry Taylor (2004 vs. Temple) and Darius Butler (2005 vs. USF).
In addition to Branch's accolade, tailback Andre Dixon (New Brunswick, N.J.) and linebacker Danny Lansanah (Harrisburg, Pa.) were both named to the league's weekly honor roll. Dixon had 168 all-purpose yards on just 16 touches against Akron, including the first two touchdowns of his UConn career. Lansanah made 13 tackles, including two TFLs one of which was a sack.
The Huskies have a bye this week and will return to the field next Saturday on the road at 4-1 Virginia.
