Last Time They Met:
UConn and BC met two seasons ago in September 2018 with UConn as reigning national champions. BC played UConn tough, but James Atkins recorded five sacks and Marcus Bradford had a key pick six to lead the UConn win.
Relive the game right here.
---------------------------
Crowder on the bench; Barnett to get first career start
After three weeks of poor performance and a falling out with coach Diaco, senior corner Jake Crowder has been benched for today's Battle for New England. UConn will go back and forth between Diaco's signature 3-4 look and a 3-3-5 look implemented by defensive coordinator Barry Odom. The 3-3-5 look helped UConn pick apart the Michigan offense and force five turnovers last weekend.
Sophomore Shavlion Wade will be the feature corner today after his two INT performance last week. Junior Kyler Parks will play nickel and guard slot receivers while sophomore Sam Barnett will get the start on the other side of the field. Junior J.D. Rudie will get some snaps as well.
It is unknown how long Crowder will be benched, if he will see any playing time today or what Diaco's plan is for the senior moving forward. Diaco declined comment in his pregame presser.
---------------------------
Backup tailback Byers out for remainder of regular season
UConn has taken a big blow at the running back spot as redshirt freshman J.P. Byers went down with a long-term injury in practice this week. On a stretch play in the second team scrimmage, Byers went down hard after being tackled by a group of defenders and didn't get up. The diagnosis was a torn pectoral that will keep the redshirt freshman out for 10 weeks. Byers could return before the end of the regular season, but Byers will likely be available again come bowl season.
The injury is a bit of a blow to UConn's running back depth. Behind starter Luke Williamson, UConn has senior Jeff McNeal, who now starts at wideout, and then sophomore Carlton Parker and redshirt freshman Mike Molden.
You led BG to a fantastic year last year behind QB Chris Williams and tailback Jasper Haley.. and UNLV scooped you up in a good situation after their coach (Tyrone Nix) left for Kansas. UNLV went to a bowl last year and it looked like they returned a fair share of last year's squad.
Freday is off to a fantastic start with the Rebs, no doubt. NC State played in the ACC Title Game last season, so that's a fantastic win. Cary is a dual threat QB (much to your liking), you have two good tailbacks and a Stanford grad transfer at defensive end who has played well so far. I'm expecting many good years ahead for you in Vegas, and then I hope you'll get a Power 5 job in a couple years!
