Syracuse Football 2026 Season Opponent Preview: The UConn Huskies

The bye week (potentially) came at a good time for the Syracuse Orange football team. The Orange had more than a few things to clean up after back-to-back losses to Cal and Pitt. Now it’s time to get back on the field and get the season turned around, starting with this week’s road trip to face the Connecticut Huskies.

We learned in our preseason look at the Huskies that UConn has undergone a coach change and a huge roster turnover since the Orange escaped in overtime against them last season. Since we’re now a month into the season, let’s take a look at what we know about the Huskies before Saturday’s game.

Where is UConn ranked?

The Huskies are not ranked, nor are they receiving votes, which isn’t the least bit surprising.

What did UConn do last week?

The Huskies suffered a 24-21 road loss to Miami (Ohio) last week. The game was tied at 21 heading into the fourth quarter, but UConn couldn’t pull out a close game on the road. This was the same Miami (Ohio) team that lost 59-14 to Pitt the first week of the season, which may or may not tell you the level that UConn is at compared to an ACC team. The loss makes the Huskies 2-2 on the season, with wins over Lafayette and Southern Miss and a 38-14 loss to Maryland in between.

Who is UConn’s quarterback?

UConn’s quarterback this season is Kalieb Osborne. He was Toledo’s primary backup last season and then decided to follow head coach Jason Candle from Toledo to Connecticut. He’s put together a solid season thus far, throwing seven touchdown passes and just two interceptions. It’s also worth noting that Osborne is UConn’s leading rusher.

While his willingness to run sometimes leads to sacks, Osborne is averaging five yards per carry while scoring half of UConn’s 10 rushing touchdowns. The Syracuse defense had some trouble with the surprisingly mobile Mason Heintschel against Pitt, so facing a true dual-threat quarterback will be a new challenge for the Orange.

Who are UConn’s other stars?

Outside of Osborne, running back Cyncir Bowers is also having a good season. He’s taking advantage of the threat Osborne presents with his legs, averaging six yards per carry. As expected, Shamar Porter is UConn’s leading receiver, although he’s been held to three catches or fewer in every game.

He’ll also have to deal with a Syracuse secondary that held him to three catches for just 23 yards in last year’s meeting. For those who are curious, former Syracuse players Jaden Hart and Emmanuel Ross have been non-factors for the Huskies this season after transferring to UConn during the offseason.

What is UConn’s biggest flaw?

Through four games, UConn’s pass defense has been the team’s biggest weakness. A few weeks ago, Maryland’s Malik Washington threw for 347 yards and two touchdowns against the Huskies. Miami’s David McComb threw for 312 yards this past week.

Even when the Huskies beat Southern Miss, two quarterbacks combined for nearly 300 passing yards. An inexperienced secondary and a lackluster pass rush are causing problems for the UConn defense. The only question is whether Syracuse can be consistent enough at quarterback and wide receiver to take advantage of this weakness. 

How does Syracuse beat UConn?

Much like the Pitt game, the Orange’s path to victory is simple to understand but perhaps not easy to execute. It begins with not hurting themselves with penalties or turnovers. The Huskies aren’t as good as Cal or Pitt, but they’ll be good enough to take advantage of a Syracuse team that insists on shooting itself in the foot. Talent-wise, Syracuse is better, but the gap isn’t big enough to overcome more self-inflicted errors.

Aside from playing a clean game and winning the turnover battle, the focus for Syracuse is slowing down Osborne’s legs. The Orange secondary should be able to handle UConn’s receivers one-on-one, so the passing game isn’t a concern. But the defensive line needs to create a steady pass rush without allowing Osborne to get out of the pocket and wreak havoc.

On the other side of the ball, the Syracuse offense needs to take an aggressive approach in the passing game and challenge a vulnerable UConn secondary. Of course, that is also easier said than done with lingering uncertainty at the quarterback position.

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