A year ago, UConn didn't get its first win until Nov. 23. Under Bob Diaco, the 2014 team matched that total on Sept. 6, in its second game of the season. Yes, it was against FCS member Stony Brook, and yes, it was a ragged game that ended 19-16, but if there's ever an occasion where "scoreboard" applies, it's for this group.
Ironically, the Huskies earned the win without quarterback Casey Cochran, who was under center for all three wins last season. Cochran didn't play because of an "upper body injury" which reports identified as a concussion.
“I have no update on Casey. I will make a formal announcement on Tuesday in the press conference,” Diaco said, via SNY.com.
Diaco also acknowledged that while the Huskies are now 1-1 getting there wasn't pretty. As was the case after the BYU game, work remains.
“They did some good things, some things we need to work on,” he said. “They fought hard and a lot of guys played and got better as the game went on. They were handling movement better. They added a wrinkle that guys got to get used to…I was overall pleased.”
Chandler Whitmer, who replaced Cochran in the lineup and was the Huskies starter in 2012 and early in 2013, finished 12 of 27 for 142 yards. But he was close to putting up much better numbers.
“Just a little bit of timing," Diaco said. "Assigning blame or accountability, you are talking about an inch here or there. You got guys open, seven or eight balls that were just a hands reach from beyond being an explosive play. One or the other, overthrown, under thrown, dropped, when they get their timing down it will be nice.”
BUConn isn't close to a finished product and Diaco will be the first to tell you that. But a win -- no matter how you get it -- never hurts. Next up: Boise State comes to Rentschler Field Saturday at noon.
