RB Lyle McCombs Leads UConn Huskies in OT Win Over Northern Cal Lions
IMG_0625.JPG
(WR Shakim Phillips Hauls in Game-Winning TD)
UConn came into this game against the Northern Cal Lions undefeated and they left undefeated. It was a tight game throughout, but they were able to use their solid rushing attack to lead them to their fourth straight victory.
The first quarter started out hot for the Huskies. A quick turnover by Lions QB DJ Porter gave the Huskies perfect position to get themselves a TD from RB Lyle McCombs. The Huskies defense forced another turnover in the next drive, which led to another TD from McCombs. Down 14 early, the Lions needed someone to step up for their high-powered offense. Porter did that, leading his offense down the field for a solid drive, but it could only get a field goal inside the red zone.
UConn took more of a conservative approach up 11 with the ball, even though it was early in the game. Running the ball effectively, they managed to slowly make their way down the field into Lion territory. The drive quickly stalled, but at this point, the Huskies would be fine to trade points with the Lions. The Lions offense continued to struggle to reach the end-zone, settling for another field goal, making the score 17-6. After a quick stop by the defense, Porter got the first TD of the game on a 13 Yd pass to WR Robin Capps.
UConn continued to take a slow and methodical approach to their offense in the third quarter. The run game continued to get about 3-4 yards a pop, which is all the Huskies needed to get down the field for another FG from K Chad Christen. After another turnover from DJ Porter QB Chandler Whitmer connected with Geremy Davis for a TD to make the score 27-13.
With their backs against the wall, the Lions answered with a 36 Yd TD pass from DJ Porter to WR Tim Bates. Looking for a TD to lock the game up, the Huskies failed, but they were able to get themselves a FG to make the score 30-20, Huskies. Needing points, the Lions drove down and Porter connected with Bates again, this time for 40 yards. After getting the stop they needed so much, Augie Callahan was able to knock down a clutch FG as time expired to force OT.
In OT, the Lions had to start with the ball. On the first play of OT, Porter found Bates for the third time of the game, putting some pressure on the Huskies offense. The Huskies responded with a TD pass by Whitmer to FB Jazzmar Clax. The Huskies now got the ball again, and again they were able to score on a 25 Yd pass from Whitmer to WR Shakim Phillips. The Lions now got the ball, and they failed to gain any yards, sealing a 44-37 loss at the hands on the UConn Huskies.
07-08-2016, 11:51 PM
