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Syracuse has already established a formidable foundation in its first season under head coach Fran Brown. In its last game against California, SU quickly took control, backed by two first-quarter interceptions by Marlowe Wax and Davien Kerr, along with the potent running of LeQuint Allen Jr.

Quarterback Kyle McCord also had another tremendous day through the air, eclipsing SU’s single-season record for completions. With another stellar performance in Week 13, McCord will likely take over as the single-season passing touchdowns and yards holder at Syracuse.

In McCord’s way is UConn. The Huskies are 7-3 to start the campaign while already facing two other Atlantic Coast Conference foes. UConn is in its third season under Jim Mora, who has seen mediocre success in his tenure thus far.

Here’s everything you need to know before Syracuse’s (7-3, 4-3 ACC) noon kickoff against UConn (7-3, Independent) Saturday:

All time series

The series is tied at 6-6.

Last time they played …

In the 12th all-time meeting on Sept. 10, 2022, Syracuse completed its fourth straight win over UConn. The Orange dismantled the Huskies, led by quarterback Garrett Shrader’s two first-quarter touchdowns. Shrader’s scores helped SU jump out to a 17-0 lead after 15 minutes.

Devontae Houston answered with a 28-yard touchdown run, but the Orange added on to lead 27-7 at halftime and never looked back. Shrader recorded 292 passing yards and five total touchdowns while Sean Tucker’s 112 rushing yards led Syracuse to a 48-14 victory. The win was the second of six straight to start SU’s 2022 campaign.

The Huskies report

With seven wins, The Huskies are bowl-eligible for the second consecutive season. UConn currently ranks 37th in the country in scoring offense, averaging 31.7 points per game. The Huskies possess an extremely even attack, passing for 2,019 yards and running for 2,003.

A unique approach has led to UConn’s offensive success as it poses multiple threats at quarterback. Joe Fagnano has 1,071 passing yards and 13 touchdowns while sophomore Nick Evers is close behind at 918 yards. The two have split time, with Evers playing 464 snaps and Fagnano in for 236.

To aid the passing game, the Huskies have three running backs with more than 500 yards on the ground. Durell Robinson, Cam Edwards and Mel Brown each have eclipsed the mark on almost 100 carries each while Evers has added 234 rushing yards.

UConn presents a strong offensive line with tackles Chase Lundt and Valentin Senn holding a 84.6 and 78.3 grade on Pro Football Focus, respectively. The Huskies’ overall run-blocking grade ranks second in the nation, per PFF.

Defensively, UConn has progressed since its season-opening 50-7 loss to Maryland, not allowing 30 or more points since. Redshirt senior Malik Dixon-Williams leads the team with three interceptions while Tui Faumuina-Brown leads in sacks at 4.5.

The Huskies are 4-2 in one-possession games, losing to Duke by five on Sept. 14 and more recently falling by three to Wake Forest on Oct. 19. UConn is also 0-3 against Power Four opponents, falling by a combined 51-point margin.

How Syracuse beats UConn

To put it simply, this is a game that Syracuse shouldn’t lose. The Orange will capture their eighth win of the season by getting out to a fast start offensively and riding it out from there. This season, SU is fourth in the country in time of possession at 33:49 while the Huskies are just 64th at 30:17.

While the Orange have struggled to get out to fast starts this season, they halted that narrative versus Cal. SU jumped out to a 20-point halftime lead behind three touchdowns and two interceptions. A similar formula against UConn may put this one to bed before halftime.

Stats to know: 273, 2

McCord has already accomplished one of the greatest seasons in SU’s quarterback history. The senior has passed legends like Donovan McNabb, Marvin Graves and Don McPherson for single-season passing yards and touchdowns 10 games in.

Saturday against UConn, McCord needs 273 passing yards and two touchdowns to match Ryan Nassib’s 2012 single-season program records in those categories. McCord currently sits at 3,476 yards and 24 touchdowns while Nassib’s totals were 3,749 and 26.

Hailey Hoang | Design Editor

The Huskies have allowed just nine passing touchdowns through 10 games and 200.9 yards per game through the air. SU’s quarterback will be tested, but he’ll likely hit both marks on Saturday and further distinguish his season as the best in program history.

Player to watch: Jayden McDonald, linebacker, No. 10

In his fifth college season — and first with the Huskies — McDonald is having a career year. The transfer from Troy leads UConn with 87 tackles, tied for 27th in the nation.

McDonald’s prowess in the running game is a top attribute, as he possesses a team-leading 81.8 rushing defense grade, according to PFF. Three of his last five performances ended in a dozen or more tackles. McDonald, who turns 25 five days after the contest, brings an experience level to UConn’s linebacking corps that Syracuse will be forced to test Saturday.

Published on November 20, 2024 at 10:25 pm

Contact Aiden at: amstepan@syr.edu | @AidenStepansky