Keys to the game

At Wallace Stadium right now. A bit strange. The track around the field reminds of Willow Brook Park.

Here are the keys to today's game at Duke.

OT: Thanks to Matt and Judd (Duke students), who hopped in my car in Durham and directed me to the stadium. I would have been lost in Durham without them. Matt is a Westport native.

UPDATE 1 p.m.: Ryan Henegan is in Storrs, Lawrence Wilson to start.

Update 1:43 p.m.: 15 minutes to kickoff. Sparse crowed.

Update 2:51: UConn should have 3 TDs on the board. Wilson missed the fumble in the end zone. Lorenzen over threw a wide open Brouse. Lorenzen impressive, 7-9 passing and he is making right decisions. No running game.

Update 3:02 p.m.: Squandered opportunities. Field goal with ball on 10 and then allowing kick return. Don't like the vibe.

Internet is acting up in press box, so will update as I can.


Get a pass rush

The Huskies need to put pressure on Duke QB Andrew Lewis with their defensive front four of Cody Brown and Julius Williams at end and Dan Davis and Rob Lunn at tackle. That will help mask any problems they do have in the secondary with youth, specifically at nickel back where true frosh Jasper Howard and sophomore Robert McClain are so green. Safety play is also an issue in the passing game. A pass rush will negate any worries at least for one week. The Huskies must take advantage of Duke true freshman Bryan Morgan (6-3, 25 pounds) at right tackle.



Pass the football

Everyone knows Donald Brown at running back is the goods. But how good is quarterback Tyler Lorenzen? If the Huskies have a competent passing offense, with the experience and size at offensive line, and Brown, it will set up beautifully. The Blue Devils are going to make Lorenzen beat them and stack the box against Brown. The onus is on Lorenzen to produce and limit mistakes in his first start since transferring from Palomar Community College.

Get an early lead

Duke is a notorious underwhelming atmosphere for college football and with the Blue Devils in the midst of a 20-game losing streak, a lead early for the Huskies could break whatever positive psyche Duke has coming out of fall camp. It’s imperative the Huskies don’t let the Blue Devils hang around and gain confidence. If Duke starts feeling good about itself, that losing streak may end in the opener. Don’t give Duke a reason for hope.