University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
East Carolina University
Huskies Looking to Finish Season on a Positive Note
11/19/2019 3:08:00 PM | Football
Following a much-needed bye week, the UConn football team has two games remaining in the 2019 season. The first will come this Saturday against an East Carolina team that has given two of the best teams in The American (Cincinnati and SMU) fits in the last two games.
In what will be the final home game for this season, the well-rested Huskies will try to pick up their first conference win of the year. Head coach Randy Edsall said Tuesday that he was very impressed with the team's first few practices following the break.
"I thought the mindset was pretty good," Edsall said. "I thought there was a lot of energy. You could see guys had their legs. I thought it was pretty crisp and pretty physical."
The players see these last two games as a way to gain some confidence and momentum for next season by ending this one positively.
"If we can go out with the two wins, it'll be huge for the 2020 season," running back Kevin Mensah said. "We'll just live up to that expectation that we have the ability to go out and show people who we really are. So if we can win these last two games, it'll turn heads and most importantly it'll fire us up for next season."
"We've gotta get these two wins to end the season on a positive note," safety Tyler Coyle said. "We've gotta get some energy and something to look forward to going into next season."
Edsall said that some freshmen that haven't played yet this season will get to play in these final two games. However, he made sure to note that the goal of the team is still to win and the guys who are playing have earned the right to play with their hard work all season.
Edsall also said that Steven Krajewski and Diamond Harrell have recovered from their injuries and will be available in the final two games.
This Saturday will be Senior Day at Rentschler Field. Edsall said 15 members of the team will be honored for their contributions to the program.
"I always have the utmost respect for the young men who play this game and play it here at the University of Connecticut," Edsall said. "I'm thankful for those guys and the contributions they made here within the football program. They're going to be leaving with an outstanding degree. I have nothing but high regards for each and every young man and will always do whatever I can do to help them be successful and help their careers moving forward."
One of those players being honored is offensive lineman Matt Peart, who was also invited to take part in the Senior Bowl following the season in preparation for next year's NFL Draft. He said he can't believe that Saturday will be his final home game at UConn.
"It's kinda weird to think about because I spent so much time here, it's kinda weird to think it's coming to an end," Peart said. "I'll go with the whole surreal feeling. I still won't believe that's truly my last time in the locker room and in The Rent, but I'm just gonna take it in stride and just enjoy the day."
Peart along with his teammates will take part in a ceremony prior to Saturday's noon kickoff with ECU.
