The Michigan Wolverines play host to the Connecticut Huskies on Saturday afternoon from Michigan Stadium. The Wolverines come in ranked fourth in the country in the AP Poll, which couldn't be more different than their opponent. The Huskies have been one of college football's worst programs over the last handful of years and while they do have one win under their belt this season, Saturday will be a challenge for this group. These two played a three-point game a little under a decade ago but with how both programs have changed, it's difficult to imagine this non-conference matchup being anywhere near that close.
UConn has struggled over the last few years and while new head coach, Jim Mora, seems to have them going in the right direction, they are quite a ways off from competing with a top-five team. UConn opened the season playing Utah State close, though that result has lost its luster of late. Their lone win is against Central Connecticut State University and after losing by 34 to Syracuse last week at home, it's clear this one has blowout potential. Suspensions and injuries have only served to further deplete the roster and considering an FBS-low 105 players on their roster to start the season, their depth is certain to be tested not just in this one, but continuing the rest of the season.
The two key injuries both come on the offensive side of the ball. Ta'Quan Roberson (knee) is out for the season after going down in the first half of the season opener. Making matters worse is Brian Brewton (elbow) going down la st week. Now out of the season himself, the Huskies will be the explosive running back who was a freshman All-American last season.
Him.@_natecarter5 #HuskyRevolution pic.twitter.com/JHe5dR9TD0
— UConn Football (@UConnFootball) September 14, 2022
Offensively, the Huskies have seen an exciting group get depleted by the losses mentioned above, as well as their wide receiver group being ravished in the preseason. At quarterback is a true freshman in Zion Turner, who has struggled to show much downfield threat. He has four touchdowns compared to three interceptions on the season and is only averaging 124 passing yards per game. Nathan Carter is the focal point of the offense and at 128 rushing yards per game, as well as 6.5 yards per carry, there's little doubt that he's a difference-maker. With Michigan likely to key in on him though, it remains to be seen how the Huskies will adjust.
UConn's defense is slightly improved, partly thanks to some nice additions from the transfer portal, though the secondary remains a concern. The Huskies are 101st nationally in total yards allowed per game and their inability to force turnovers has haunted them on a near-weekly basis. Mich igan's offensive line seems like it could dominate the undermanned Huskies and if UConn can't slow them down on the ground, it could spell trouble in keeping the possession battle respectable.