UConn extra points: Ball protection, Davis, the field goal

UConn coach Bob Diaco told members of the Connecticut media Saturday that he needed to share some perspective.

“BYU is a partner for us,” he explained, referring to the Cougars, who handed UConn a 35-10 defeat in the season opener for both on Friday night at Rentschler Field. “You could look at them as an opponent or you could look a them as a partner in our development. They were wonderful in our service, in serving our team, to help us get better.”

When I hear partner, I usually think about “dance partners” or “life partners.” Maybe “law partners” or “partners in crime.” Football games? No. The teams that play each other are usually tougher than partners. Opponents. Foes. Something like that.

I would have to say that the Cougars – especially coach Bronco Mendenhall – were nice enough not to run up the score on the Huskies. I went into the game thinking the final score might be closer to 49-10, maybe 42-16. After BYU jumped to a 14-0 advantage, it seemed I had underestimated the margin in talent. But the Cougars were slowed by penalties and mistakes in the second half. And I honestly believe Mendenhall is a good guy. Perhaps he is a partner in the fact that he didn’t want to embarrass Diaco in his head coaching debut.

But I do not believe BYU traveled 2,300 miles to help UConn “get better.” That’s the stuff of exhibition games and spring training. This one counted. Both teams emerged with a work list, but BYU traveled back to Provo, Utah with a 1-0 record.

Before moving on, here are three final thoughts from the UConn loss. We will call these “Extra Points.”

EXTRA POINTS

1. Execution: This is a two-parter. First, there is UConn’s need to take care of the ball. Second, there’s the disappointment of UConn’s red zone production. The Huskies failed in both areas, bringing back unwanted memories from last season. First, let’s make it clear that I don’t expect Diaco to clear up this mess over night. And the Huskies are a mess; Diaco has said that repeatedly. But an emphasis in spring ball and preseason camp had been cutting down on costly turnovers. They can decide a game obviously. Trailing 7-0 Friday night, UConn touched the ball for the first time and tailback Max DeLorenzo gave up a fumble on first down. BYU scored again and it was 14-0 before six minutes had been played. UConn had started on its own 19 because of a 15-yard penalty on Jazzmar Clax on the kickoff.  UConn drove to the BYU 26 on its next possession but quarterback Casey Cochran was intercepted by Craig Bills at the 9 when Cochran overthrew Deshon Foxx. That almost felt like a red zone failure but technically it wasn’t. After going 1-for-1 in the red zone the first half, the Huskies finished 2-for-5, the only second-half success a field goal by Bobby Puyol. That’s a lot of second-half frustration. “When you do, as a team, these particular negative things, you don’t have a chance to win,” Diaco said. “You’re not going to beat anybody.”

2. Geremy Davis: The talented UConn wide receiver caught seven passes for 96 yards. That sounds OK. But this is UConn’s best player. He’s the top offensive weapon. His first reception came in the second quarter, a 5-yarder from Chandler Whitmer deep in the Huskies’ own territory up to 18. When you’ve got a guy like Davis, a game-breaker who is going to have a career playing on Sundays, you’ve got to get the ball to him sooner. In fact, I would argue that UConn should have taken the ball when it won the coin flip. I know the popular trend is to defer. But instead of giving BYU quarterback Taysom Hill the ball first, maybe shake things up and try a long one to Davis right out of the gate. What do the Huskies have to lose? Instead BYU scored and DeLorenzo fumbled on the first play, trying to grind one up the middle – straight out of the Paul Pasqualoni playbook. Davis finished the first half with 20 yards on three catches. He caught three passes in the third quarter before heading to the locker room with cramps. His final yardage total was enhanced by a 39-yard catch in the final four minutes when the game had been decided. Deshon Foxx, with all his speed, caught two passes for 8 yards. Both receivers need more opportunities. Get the ball to Davis for about 230 yards, and the result will be more positive.

3. The field goal: UConn’s only second-half score was a 35-yard field goal by Puyol. Good for Bobby. He’s a good kid who has waited for his chance. But think about the circumstances. His field goal came with 11:48 remaining in the fourth quarter. Almost 12 minutes remaining. UConn put together a 10-play, 37-yard drive after a Reuben Frank fumble recovery. The Huskies moved to the BYU 16, then quarterback Chandler Whitmer lost two yards on first down and threw two incompletions. Facing fourth-and-12 from the 18, Diaco opted for the field goal. Puyol made it, but what did it do for the Huskies? They still trailed 28-10 and would have needed three touchdowns to win. Why not take a shot at the end zone or pick up the 12 yards for a first down at the 6 or closer? A 28-14 score with 10 minutes or so remaining would have made the game interesting. Diaco was asked his reason after the game. He said Puyol needed some work from the right hash. I thought Diaco had promised fans a team that would fight four quarters. The players didn’t quit. But getting some work from the right hash mark? Isn’t that what practice is for?

Next partner: Stony Brook (SNY) Rentschler Field, Sat. Sept. 6, Noon