Back in the day week 1 meant a NCSUHolmey vs DRiccio21 game but last season do to conference conflicts that rivalry/tradition was forced to take a year off. This season, however, the old coaches rekindled the tradition and it was a battle like the old days.
UConn came in with their new (old) coach and had high expectations but they came out completely flat. 3 turnovers was very uncharacteristic as Riccio tries to get acclimated with his new weapons. "We played a certain way in Hattiesburg and i'm not sure it will be similar here in Storrs."
UConn was forced to pull qb's after starter Joe Fagnano threw 2 picks in his first 3 possessions and almost cost his team the game. Luckily UConn was able to force 5 interceptions of their own, 3 from LB McDonald, and that was enough to keep the game in their favor.
East Hartford, CT - Appalachian State suffered a tough defeat on the road against the Connecticut Huskies in a 25-21 thriller, despite strong defensive plays and a key second-quarter surge. The Mountaineers couldn't hold off a relentless UConn offense in the second half, as the Huskies eked out a victory in front of their home crowd.
The game started slow for the Mountaineers, who found themselves trailing 7-0 at the end of the first quarter after UConn’s Victor Rose punched in a 2-yard touchdown with just 30 seconds left on the clock. The second quarter, however, was a different story for Appalachian State as they mounted a comeback. Kaedin Robinson’s 55-yard touchdown reception from Joey Aguilar at the 6:05 mark sparked a surge. After a UConn field goal made it 10-7, Kanye Roberts capped off a drive with a 1-yard run to give the Mountaineers a 14-10 lead with just 31 seconds left before halftime. Moments later, Brendan Harrington’s incredible 67-yard interception return with six seconds remaining sent App State into the locker room with a commanding 21-10 advantage.
The momentum, however, shifted in the third quarter. UConn responded with two quick touchdowns, including a 49-yard strike from Nick Evers to Skyler Bell. Although both two-point conversion attempts failed, the Huskies took the lead 22-21 heading into the final quarter.
The Mountaineers' offense struggled in the second half, unable to replicate their earlier success. Aguilar threw five interceptions in a tough outing, which proved costly as the Mountaineers couldn’t generate any more points. With 3:33 left in the fourth quarter, UConn’s Chris Freeman knocked through a 22-yard field goal, giving the Huskies a 25-21 lead, which they held onto for the remainder of the game.
Appalachian State’s defense played admirably, led by Brendan Harrington and Shawn Collins, each registering key sacks. Harrington also delivered the game’s highlight play with his interception return for a touchdown. Joey Aguilar finished the day with 232 passing yards and a touchdown, but his five interceptions ultimately sealed the Mountaineers’ fate. Kanye Roberts was a bright spot with 72 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Kaedin Robinson led the receiving corps with 102 yards and a score.
Despite the loss, Appalachian State fought hard until the final whistle, but the turnovers and second-half offensive stagnation left them just short of a victory. They will look to bounce back in their next matchup, hoping to clean up the mistakes and capitalize on their defensive potential.
1st Quarter
(CONN) Victor Rose. 2 Yd Run (Chris Freeman kick), 0:30 - Watch Play
2nd Quarter
(APP) Kaedin Robinson 55 Yd pass from Joey Aguilar (Michael Hughes kick), 6:05 - Watch Play
(CONN) Chris Freeman, 41 Yd FG, 1:56 - Watch Play
(APP) Kanye Roberts, 1 Yd run (Michael Hughes kick), 0:31 - Watch Play
(APP) Brendan Harrington, returned interception 67 Yds (Michael Hughes kick), 0:06 - Watch Play
3rd Quarter
(CONN) Skyler Bell 49 Yd pass form Nick Evers (2-Point conversion failed), 5:41 - Watch Play
(CONN) Victor Rose, 3 Yd run (2-Point conversion failed), 2:42 - Watch Play
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