University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
Fresno State
Huskies Play Host To Fresno State
9/29/2022 11:48:00 PM | Football
UConn Athletic Communications / Sept. 30, 2022
TV: CBS SPORTS NETWORK
Radio: UConn Sports Network from Learfield - ESPN 97.9
Live Stats: http://uconn.statbroadcast.com Â
Game Notes: UCONNÂ Â FRESNO STATE
STORRS, Conn. – After three consecutive difficult losses, even UConn Coach Jim Mora is a little surprised at the resiliency of his football team.
"I keep waiting for that practice when I walk out there and they're not excited about practice, and it hasn't happened yet," Mora said. "We're down in numbers, but they are continuing to be their best every day. It's great. They're a fun group to coach."
The undermanned Huskies (1-4) return home to Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field Saturday (3:30 p.m., CBS SN) to face another formidable opponent as Fresno State (1-2) makes the longest trip for a game in the history of its program.Â
"It's another opportunity to play a good team," Mora said, "another opportunity to get better."
UConn has lost at least 11 players for the season with injuries and the season has not hit its halfway point yet. The result has been that UConn's younger players are being thrown into the fire, ready or not.
"There's always a ramp-up because they're getting more repetitions," Mora explained. "Probably a little more pressure put on them, but I think pressure's a good thing. I think it helps them focus and improve quickly. If there was a waiver wire, like in the NFL, we'd be hittin' it hard. But we don't have a waiver wire."
It's gotten to the point where the coaching staff has done a little digging to see if any of their players had some experience at some of the positions that have been most decimated, like running back.
"Jelani Stafford (defensive tackle), who was a pretty darn good running back in high school, we gave him a little consideration there," Mora said with a smile. "Now, we're probably not going to put him there at 6-foot, 309, but he's done it. We're searching high and low for guys. It's a little daunting at times, but it's also a little bit of fun. You've got to have a sense of humor about it."
With top running backs Nate Carter and Brian Brewton out for the season, UConn has turned to sophomore Devontae Houston (110 yards gained) freshman Victor Rosa (81) to carry the ball, along with freshman quarterback Zion Turner (70 yards rushing). Turner, who took over as the starting QB in the first game of the season after Ta'Quan Roberson went down, has also passed for 429 yards and 4 touchdowns, completing 54-of-98 passes.
"We can't get comfortable with losing," Turner said. "We have to do the extra things to get better. It's been a tough stretch of games, but every game is an opportunity to get better. Our coaches don't flinch. Every week, we're looking to win."Â
Despite the scores against UConn in the last three weeks, Fresno State coach Jeff Tedford is impressed with the Huskies' effort.
"Let's not forget who UConn played the last three weeks," Tedford said in his weekly press conference. "They have been on the road playing really difficult opponents, but they have really played hard. I am impressed. Coach Mora is going to have his guys ready to play. Even though they may have been over-matched in some of those games and situations, they really play hard. It doesn't matter if they get down, they are very competitive. I expect to get their best shot."
The Bulldogs have some injury problems of their own, losing starting quarterback Jake Haener (75-of-105, 854 yards, 4 TDs) to injury. Sophomore Logan Fife will step in to start against UConn. Senior Jordan Mims is Fresno State's top rusher (311 yards, 4 TDs). The Bulldogs topped Cal Poly in their opener, 35-7, then lost to Oregon State, 35-32, and USC, 45-17, before an off-week last Saturday.
The game is the second of the home-and-home series between the schools. UConn opened last season at Fresno State, dropping a 45-0 decision.
