Week 5: Connecticut at Louisville

The Big East schedule-makers usually try to place the league’s bigger games at the end of the season.

Lo and behold, though, the conference has one right off the Louisville Slugger bat this week.

Connecticut is doing what it can to prove last season’s Big East co-championship wasn’t a fluke by running its record to 4-0. The Huskies haven’t been stellar – thus the lack of a national ranking – but they’ve outscored opponents 123-50 and have Donald Brown leading the nation in rushing.

"I don’t think anybody ever plays a perfect game," said UConn coach Randy Edsall, "but if you just go out and play hard and really try to minimize your mistakes, you have an opportunity to be successful."

The Huskies did that of late against Baylor and fine young QB Robert Griffin, winning 31-28. They’ve shown they can run the ball so far, ranking No. 6 nationally in rushing. That will be tougher, though, against Louisville’s run defense, which is allowing but 42 rushing yards per game and is ranked second nationally. Cardinal nose tackle Earl Heyman is a stud in the middle.

The U of L’s pass defense is more susceptible to success, allowing an average of 201 yards through the air. The question is, can Connecticut’s Tyler Lorenzen take advantage? So far, Lorenzen has completed 50 of 85 passes for 519 yards – but with one touchdown and six interceptions.

In similar fashion, Louisville’s run game has been better than its passing game. The Cardinals have been sparked by freshman back Victor Anderson, who is averaging 107 rushing yards a game. And, in similar fashion, Connecticut’s run defense has been better than its passing game.

Louisville quarterback Hunter Cantwell could be the key. If he outshines Lorenzen, the Cardinals could be back at the big boys table in the Big East title race.

Notes:

Connecticut running back Donald Brown has accounted for 10 of the Huskies’ 16 touchdowns so far this season.

Louisville has allowed 39 fourth-quarter points, but just 27 points in the other three quarters combined.

This is just the fifth time the two teams have met. Louisville took the first three games before UConn won last season’s matchup 21-17.

Key Player (Huskies) – Tyler Lorenzen, QB

Lorenzen will have to gain respect from Louisville’s defense to open up the running lanes for Donald Brown. Expect the Cardinals to load up the box until the QB can do so.

Key Player (Cardinals) – Dexter Heyman, WLB

The true freshman will have to show veteran qualities to help middle linebacker Chris Campa shut down Donald Brown and the UConn rushing attack.

Louisville by 6