UConn vs. Wagner fearless prediction and game preview.
Broadcast
Date: Thursday, August 29
Game Time: 7:00 ET
Venue: Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field, East Hartford, CT
Network: ESPN3
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UConn (0-0) vs. Wagner (0-0) Game Preview
Okay, UConn, let’s show that this really is a new year and a new team with a new hope to start doing something positive.
After a miserable 1-11 season with the only win coming against Rhode Island from the FCS world, the Huskies desperately need a good showing to do something to prove the defense is going to be better. The offense could use a little work, too, in a true tune-up before dealing with Illinois next.
This is the lone date against an FBS team this season for the Skyhawks of Wagner. Last season, they got whacked around by Syracuse 62-10 in a 4-7 season, but they have a promising defense returning that should be decent at taking the ball away.
Why Wagner Will Win
Has the worst defense in the FBS improved at all? UConn has plenty of experience coming back, but it has a long, long way to go before it can prove it can slow anyone down.
There are new parts to the D, and it went young last season with the hopes of building and improving, but Wagner has to use its decent-looking offensive line to start pounding right away with the ground game.
On the other side, the Seahawks should be aggressive again and decent at forcing turnovers – led by Cam Gill and a veteran linebacking corps in the 3-4. Last year’s UConn team was next-to-last in college football in turnover margin, giving the ball away 28 times.
Why UConn Will Win
If the UConn defense was ever going to get the warm-up it so badly needs after last season, this is it.
New defensive coordinator Lou Spanos will create a more energized and aggressive group that will make a slew of mistakes, but it should be far better at getting into the backfield.
Wagner’s offense is undergoing a bit of an overhaul with a new quarterback, most of the top targets gone, and 1,705-yard back Ryan Fulse needing to be replaced. If the Huskies can’t slow this O down … uh oh.
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What’s Going To Happen
UConn will look the part for one week as it starts to prepare for its future life of independence.
The defense will keep what will be a regrouping and rebuilding Wagner O from ever taking control of the game, and the promising Husky backfield will do its part with the ground attack coming up with well over 250 yards – UConn will dominate the time of possession battle – on the way to an easy and cathartic victory.
Fearless Prediction & Line
UConn 44, Wagner 20
Line: No Line, o/u: No Line
Must See Rating: 1.5
5: Once Upon a Time In Hollywood
1: Christina on the Coast
NEXT: Each Team’s Schedule, Predictions So Far
Each Team’s Schedule, Predictions So Far
2019 UConn Football Schedule
2019 Preseason Prediction: 3-9
2019 Preseason AAC Prediction: 1-7
2018 Record: 1-11
– 2019 UConn Preview
Aug. 29 Wagner W
Prediction: UConn 44-20
Sept. 7 Illinois L
Sept. 14 OPEN DATE
Sept. 21 at Indiana L
Sept. 28 at UCF L
Oct. 5 USF L
Oct. 12 at Tulane L
Oct. 19 Houston L
Oct. 26 at UMass W
Nov. 1 Navy W
Nov. 9 at Cincinnati L
Nov. 16 OPEN DATE
Nov. 23 East Carolina L
Nov. 30 at Temple L
