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Aaron E. Martinez / American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK

2023): Can the Huskies Snap Five Game Losing Streak Against JT Daniels and the Dazzling Owls Passing Attack?

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Alec Musa | Last updated 10/6/23

The UConn Huskies (0-5) will visit the Rice Owls (3-2) on Saturday afternoon. UConn fell apart in last week’s 34-33 defeat at the hands of the Utah State Aggies. The Huskies blew a 17-point lead, including missing a game-tying PAT with 40 seconds remaining in the loss. Meanwhile, Rice took down the East Carolina Pirates 24-17 in Week 5. The Owls pulled off the home victory despite rushing for just 37 yards.

UConn Huskies vs. Rice Owls Odds and Match Details

Team	Spread	Total	ML
UConn	+9.5 -110	O47 -110	+285
Rice	-9.5 -110	U47 -108	-365

Fixture: UConn vs. Rice
Date and Time: October 7, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.
Location: Rice Stadium, Houston, TX
Weather Forecast: Cloudy and 73 Degrees
Field Surface: AstroTurf

UConn Huskies vs. Rice Owls Injury Report

UConn Huskies Injuries

Joe Fagnano (QB)-Shoulder: OFS
Louis Hansen (TE)-Concussion: QUESTIONABLE

Rice Owls Injuries

Rice Owls Key Stats

The Rice Owls score 33 points per game, the fourth-best mark in the AAC. They house one of the best passing attacks in the country. Georgia and West Virginia transfer JT Daniels has thrown for 1,469 yards and 13 scores against four picks in five games. However, they are one of the worst-running teams in the country. The Owls average a conference-worst 73 rushing yards per game on 2.5 yards per attempt. They also do a decent job of holding onto the football.

Defensively, Rice allows nearly 30 points per game. They allow almost 300 yards passing and two touchdowns per game. The Owls are in the bottom half of the conference in yards allowed per game and yards allowed per play. They also do poorly in forcing turnovers.

UConn Huskies Key Stats

The UConn Huskies score 17 points per game, the sixth-lowest average in college football. The passing attack has been brutal, but Ta’Quan Roberson is fresh off his best start of the season. The quarterback has thrown for 755 yards and five scores against two picks in four games. He completes 57% of his passes. The Huskies have been better running the football, averaging 3.8 yards per rush attempt. UConn is in the bottom 20 of the NCAA in yards per game and yards per play but does a decent job holding onto the ball.

The Huskies cough up 32 points per contest, the 22nd most in the NCAA. Opposing passers have lit up their secondary, completing 64% of their passes for 229 yards per game. The front seven is slightly better, holding opposing backfields to 3.9 yards per attempt. The Huskies have failed to force turnovers this season while allowing 5.8 yards per play on defense.

Game Prediction

I like the over in this matchup. The UConn Huskies have been poor on offense but worse on defense, primarily the secondary. They will face a fantastic Rice Owls passing attack on Saturday. Meanwhile, Rice also owns an inferior defense, potentially elevating the UConn offense. So, let’s roll with the over in this Independent-AAC matchup.