University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
Ball State
Solid O-Line Leads Huskies Against Ball State
10/13/2022 10:36:00 PM | Football
UConn Athletic Communications / Oct. 14, 2022
TV: ESPN3
Radio: UConn Sports Network from Learfield - ESPN 97.9
Game Notes: UCONNÂ Â BALL STATE
STORRS, Conn. – Throughout this injury-riddled season, the offense of the UConn football team has lost a starting quarterback, three wide receivers and three running backs.
But the offensive line has remained relatively intact and has steadily improved with each game. The Huskies (3-4) have allowed only nine sacks this season and are ranked 31st in the country in that category as they lead the team into Saturday's game against Ball State (2 p.m., ESPN3) at Scheumann Stadium in Muncie, Ind.
Anchored by guard Christian Haynes and center Jake Guidone, and joined by guard Noel Ofori-Nyadu and tackles Valentin Senn and Chase Lundt, the offensive line has clearly been a source of strength for the Huskies.
"They've been consistent and when you play together and you're smart and you're very well-coached and you're motivated, then as a group, you're going to get better," UConn coach Jim Mora said. "There's no doubt that Christian acts as a leader, probably of the whole offense along with Robert Burns. Those are the people that the guys would identify as the stalwarts, they guys that we can always count on.
"Christian plays with physicality, with toughness, with passion – it's very important to him. He's always dialed in, he's always serious. He's got a voice that carries. He doesn't say a whole lot but when he does, everybody responds to what Christian Haynes is going to say. I don't think anybody is going to mess with him."
Haynes, a redshirt junior who is in his fourth season as a starter, says that a strong bond has developed among the linemen.
"Our connection, the way we work hard together every day," Haynes said about the line's improvement. "We have better practice habits and communication on the field.
"Our confidence is high, we are going to make holes for the running backs. We want to be the best, so anybody we put back there (at running back), we are going to try and get them 100-plus yards."
And they are going to protect freshman quarterback Zion Turner.
"As a group, we have protected well, although we have had a couple of ugly plays," Mora said. "But I think it has been good, you are always trying to get better."
UConn quarterback Zion Turner has watched the improvement of his offensive line up close. Â Â Â
"It gives me a lot of confidence to have those guys in front," Turner said. "Especially with the experience they have, I know I can rely on those guys. I can always talk to those guys and get great feedback. I have a great relationship with the O-line. I'm like their little brother."
The Huskies' recent success has brought new emotions to the forefront.
"There's a lot of great energy," Turner said. "There's a lot of guys who have been waiting for these moments. Like Christian, for example, he's been at UConn for a long time. After the FIU game, he got real emotional. He's never won three games in a season here. Things like that motivates guys – it motivated me. He's like a big brother to me. Just seeing him and how much work he's put in there, it motivates me to be a better quarterback and keep winning for him."
In order to do that, the Huskies will have to defeat a Ball State team (3-3) that is also coming off two straight wins.
"Ball State is a really good football team," Mora said. "They're physical, they're big up front, they play ball the way you're supposed to play it. The quarterback is very effective."
Ball State junior quarterback John Paddock has completed 166 of 260 passes for 1,660 yards and 12 touchdowns, with his top targets Jayshon Jackson (42 receptions, 496 yards) and Yo'Heinz Tyler (36 receptions, 344 yards). The Cardinals' leading rusher is sophomore Carson Steele (136 carries, 610 yards, 5 TDs).
"It's a real challenge for us to go on the road again and play a really good team in their stadium," Mora said. "We have to stay focused on what we need to do."
Turner has completed 76 of 132 passes for 661 yards and 5 TDs. With all the injuries, his running backs this week are freshman Victor Rosa (197 yards on 53 carries) and grad student Robert Burns (82 yards on 21 carries). Aaron Turner (23 receptions, 219 yards) and Kevens Clercius (10 receptions, 148 yards) are the leading healthy receivers.
Defensively, junior linebacker Jackson Mitchell is the leading tackler (75 tackles, 2½ sacks, 2 fumbles recovered).
The game is the next to last away game for UConn this season. The Huskies will have a bye week next week, before playing three consecutive home games against Boston College, UMass, and Liberty. The season ends at Army on Nov. 19. Â
