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College football preview: USF vs. Connecticut, 8 Friday, ESPN, 98.7-FM, 1010-AM

 
Published Sept. 19, 2014

USF vs. Connecticut, 8, ESPN, 98.7-FM, 1010-AM

The Bulls (1-2) lead the all-time series 6-5, and the past seven meetings have been decided by seven or fewer points. After three consecutive helpings of a spread-style offense, the Bulls finally face a pro-style attack sputtering as much as their own. Like the Bulls, UConn (1-2) will try to establish a power run game (look for a lot of I-formation), but it averages only 66.7 yards on the ground. Redshirt senior QB Chandler Whitmer (36-for-73, 464 yards, three TDs, two INTs), who threw two back-breaking picks in Saturday's 38-21 loss to Boise State, took over when opening-day starter Casey Cochran retired due to repeated concussions. Defensively, UConn is stout, ranking fourth in the American Athletic Conference (368.3 ypg). Every projected starter in its front seven is a fourth- or fifth-year player, and CB Byron Jones might be the Huskies' top overall talent. USF has lost its past six weeknight games.

Watch out for … The return of Bulls' 321-pound LG Thor Jozwiak, who missed two games with shoulder and toe ailments. USF has been outmuscled in the trenches during Jozwiak's absence, and coach Willie Taggart says the Bulls have missed the junior's energy and leadership. … With two struggling offenses, don't be shocked if a field goal decides this one. UConn third-year sophomore Bobby Puyol has converted all five of his field-goal tries, though only one has been from more than 40 yards (42). Meantime, Bulls senior Marvin "Money" Kloss (5-for-6, 2-for-3 from 40-plus) has lived up to his nickname.

Joey Knight, Times staff writer