Diaco Looking for More From Boyle

Sophomore Tim Boyle needs to play with more consistency

First-year Huskies coach Bob Diaco may often sugarcoat the message -- partly because he's frequently the bearer of bad news -- but that doesn't mean he's not giving an honest assessment of the situation.

It's a tough balancing act, but it's also necessary for a program in the midst of rebuilding after three previous uninspiring seasons. If things are going to get better, the Huskies need to find consistency at quarterback. It didn't help that Casey Cochran retired from football after just one game, or that redshirt senior Chandler Whitmer and sophomore Tim Boyle have struggled for any number of reasons.

The plan was originally to redshirt Boyle, who could have benefited by sitting out the season, but Cochran's unexpected departure nixed those plans. In fact, he's played in three of the last four games but completed just 7 of 15 passes for 40 yards, no touchdowns and two picks.

Which brings us back to Diaco, who spoke frankly about what he -- and this offense -- needs from Boyle.

"I don't mind saying it because I said it to the whole team, we'd like Tim to come in and produce and play a lot more than he does and than he has," Diaco said, via the Hartford Courant. "We're looking forward to that moment and opportunity. He has played in each of the last few games, I think he's healing up and feeling better. As that improves, his game improves, but continued ball security errors, you just can't have that."

Boyle has had a tough go of it at UConn, dating back to his freshman season when he saw action after Paul Pasqualoni was fired. He is still looking for his first career touchdown though he already has 10 picks in eight appearances.

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