Five Reasons UConn Will Beat Army on Saturday

It might seem strange to be reading an article about a two-win team and how they are definitely going to win a game, but that is where we are with the UConn Huskies as they head into Saturday’s meeting with Army at Yankee Stadium.

The Huskies have shown improvement over the last few weeks, battling East Carolina on the road in a game that was tied, 21-21, entering the fourth quarter before losing and defeating UCF last week to hand the Golden Knights their first ever AAC loss. UCF had won 11 straight conference games.

Here are five reasons why UConn will pick up its third win of the season on Saturday as the Bob Diaco rebuilding job continues.

1. Confidence

UConn is coming off a big win and gets to play a special game to follow it up, which should help it avoid any kind of letdown and keep it from overlooking Army. Diaco has preached patience and improvement all season and it appears he has a team that is buying in.

The Huskies went toe-to-toe with a ranked East Carolina team on the road and then came out on a cold, rainy day and took it to UCF in a game that they could have mailed in if they were ready to give up on the season. A bowl game and six wins would remain in sight with a victory Saturday, another thing that should have the Huskies motivated.

2. Better QB play

Chandler Whitmer is playing better and when he’s not turning it over he has shown he is at least a capable starting quarterback. He was 13-of-25 for 142 yards and two TDs in lousy conditions against UCF. The option package for Deshon Foxx also gives defenses something else to think about and offers a new look and change of pace for the Huskies. Foxx sparked the offense to life against UCF and finished with 102 yards rushing and a TD on just 11 carries.

3. Offensive Line Improvement

The Huskies allowed 24 sacks in their first six games and UConn quarterbacks took all sorts of punishment. UConn did not allow a sack at ECU and while it did allow two against UCF, it was still markedly improved from earlier in the season. If they can keep the QBs clean and open a few running lanes, the Huskies do have some weapons that can do some damage.

4. Defense

The defense has been UConn’s best unit all season and is coming off a game in which it forced four turnovers. The Huskies will be tested but rank 27th in the country against the run, allowing 125.9 yards rushing this season while Army comes in averaging 294.8 a game. Look for the Huskies to keep the Black Knights below their average and make things tough on them moving the ball.

5. Simply Put, UConn is the Better Team

Look, Army is what it is. It’s a team of young men that come to West Point with a passion to serve their country. Do they get some good football players mixed in there? Sure, but not enough to consistently be a winning team and this year’s squad is 2-6 with wins over Buffalo and Ball State.

The Black Knights have lost three straight and even though UConn is struggling through this season, it is better than Army and should win its second straight game to keep its slim bowl hopes alive.