We’ve got a non-conference matchup between a pair of struggling teams when one of the remaining independent programs travels to the Hoosier State to face a program from the MAC on the gridiron. The UConn Huskies are on the road as they make the trek to face the Ball State Cardinals Saturday afternoon. UConn comes in off a 33-12 win over FIU on the road in their previous contest last Saturday. Ball State slipped past Central Michigan to earn a 17-16 road victory in their most recent game last Saturday. In the all-time series between the programs, the Cardinals have won all three previous meetings. That includes a 24-21 road victory in the most recent matchup on September 28, 2002.
UConn won their second straight game as they rolled past an equally hapless team in FIU on the road last week. The Huskies improved to 3-4 on the season and look to reach that rarified air of a three-game win streak if they can prevail here. Against FIU, UConn jumped to a 20-0 lead at the half and didn’t let the Panthers closer than 13 the rest of the way en route to the victory. The Huskies were beaten 409-402 in total offense despite holding a 20-17 advantage in first downs and a commanding 34:15 to 25:45 edge in time of possession. UConn forced three turnovers while not committing any to help offset the fact that they surrendered a safety in the game.
The Huskies enter this week 129th in the FBS in passing offense with a measly 99.4 yards per game through the air while they are 40th in rushing offense with 185.9 yards per game on the ground. UConn is 121st in the FBS in scoring offense with 17.7 points per game while they are 94th in scoring defense by allowing 29.7 points per contest. Zion Turner is 76 of 132 passing for 661 yards with five touchdowns against three interceptions while adding 99 yards on the ground this season. Cale Millen (four of 12, 25 yards, TD, 87 rushing yards, TD) and Ta’Quan Roberson (one of two, 10 yards, eight rushing yards) have seen limited action. Roberson was the starter when the season started only to suffer a torn ACL in the opener against Utah State. Nathan Carter leads the way on the ground with 65 carries for 405 yards plus a score this season. Devontae Houston (52 carries, 350 yards, two TD) and Victor Rosa (53 carries, 197 yards, four TD) are also in the mix on the ground this season. In the passing game, Aaron Turner leads the team with 23 catches for 219 yards plus two scores. Kevens Clercius (10 catches, 148 yards) and Justin Joly (nine grabs, 97 yards) are the only other play ers who have more than 50 receiving yards this season. Noe Ruelas has hit all 13 extra point attempts and seven of eight field goal attempts with a long of 54 on the year.
Carter (shoulder) was lost for the season in the game against Michigan back on September 17. Houston (ankle) is expected to miss this game as well, taking the top two running backs for the Huskies out of the equation and really thinning their offensive options.