UConn defeats Rhode Island 52-10

The Huskies improved to 3-1 on the season Saturday with a win over the Rhode Island Rams. The game was never in question as UConn came out firing, scoring on the opening drive in just 6 plays. Although their numbers weren't huge, the ground game duo of Andre Dixon and Jordan Todman is still proving to be an extremely effective offensive weapon. Dixon lead the ground game with 98 yards on 17 carries, while Todman contributed 70 yards and 3 scores. Reserve back Robbie Frey also shed some light late scoring twice in the final 8 minutes, one on an impressive 54 yard run to seal the deal. Cody Endres started for the 2nd game in a row and orchestrated the best game of his career, completing 23 of 30 passes for 289 yards and 2 touchdowns. In the first half Endres looked uncomfortable in the pocket, missing one-on-one coverage and holding onto the ball for too long. Head Coach Randy Edsall said after the game that Endres needs to work more on anticipating plays developing and putting more confidence in the receivers to make the plays. Endres' target of choice for the game was sophomore Michael Smith, who reeled in 8 catches for 82 yards. Smith was targeted mainly in crossing routes, where the Rhode Island secondary seemed to have the hardest time defending him. Freshman Mike Lang also had a breakout game, recording the first receptions and touchdown of his career, catching 2 passes for 58 yards and a score. Endres hit Lang on a strike down the sideline, which he took 50 yards to the house in the closing minutes of the third quarter.

On the defensive side of the ball, UConn's front line was relentless, holding URI to just 40 yards on the ground. QB Chris Paul-Etienne was limited to just 108 yards in the air, throwing 2 interceptions and being sacked 3 times. The key to the UConn defense was their ability to stop URI on third down, allowing just one third-down conversion in 15 attempts. URI ran out of the shotgun the majority of their 3rd down attempts, and the front line consistently pressured Paul-Etienne into a scramble. Defensive End Lawrence Wilson lead the Huskies with 12 tackles, 2 sacks, and 3 TFL. Edsall commented on Wilson's performance after the game, saying he played "just OK" because Wilson is the man on defense that should be making those plays, and was quick to point out that he had a few missed tackles on some screens. Nevertheless, Wilson had a very successful game, especially with the lack of production from Lindsey Witten, who has been bothered by a GI illness throughout the week. The secondary was lead by captain Robert McClain, who picked off 2 passes in the first half. Cornerback Jasper Howard also had a very good game with 8 tackles, most of which came off URI's screens and quick slants.

UConn enters a bye week this week where they will rest and hopefully get some injured players healthy for Big East rival Pittsburgh the following week. Coach Edsall said he does not know the status of QB Zach Frazier for Pittsburgh, saying that he is rehabbing his injured knee and he will be back on the field as soon as he is cleared to do so. As of right now, Cody Endres will still be getting first team reps and is slated to start.