HC/UCONN game notes out: Final comments/predictions

Very interested to see whether Sluka gets some offensive snaps at a position other than QB.

Is that a PL call; HC call; or NCAA call?

HC @ UCONN prediction:

2 Big Keys to the Game:
When making predictions, I always think about where my eyes would go on the stat sheet first if I couldn’t watch the game (besides obvious headlines like Total Yards). There are two that jump out to me in this match-up:
1) Starting Field Position: When each team has at least a respectable chance to win, Week 1 games are typically decided by TURNOVER MARGIN AND SPECIAL TEAMS.  Both of these almost entirely dictate SFP. Obviously, these things matter every game but especially in a game like this one. Since I believe UCONN has an edge in overall talent and depth, I think HC needs to win this statistic by at least 10 yards (maybe 15). That means we need to win the turnover margin by at least 1 and probably 2. We have to avoid special teams miscues and hopefully take advantage of any strengths (punt block/return). 
2) Explosive Plays: Most coaches define “explosive plays” as runs of at least 12 yards and passes of at least 20 yards. One thing is for sure, UCONN is going to come out with tons of emotion. They’ve been told they suck all week. By the blogs, fans, media etc. They see a chance to get a W and maybe smack around a smaller FCS team after getting humiliated last week. WE CANNOT ALLOW THEM to rip off several explosive plays in the 1st half (especially the 1st Quarter.) This will give them a huge shot in the arm and much needed momentum. If by contrast our Defense can limit them to only 2-3 EP’s in the first half (none for TD’s), smack them in the mouth a bit, and our offense can get a couple of our own, UCONN goes into halftime thinking “Damn, we really aren’t that much better than these guys.” 2nd half obviously matters for EP’s as well but we have to fight them to at least a draw in this statistic to get a W.

SUMMARY: As far as the Delta in the potential final score, if all of the above fall to UCONN, I could see UCONN winning by ~three touchdowns. If HC manages to win both keys to the game, HC wins by ~10. I personally feel our Defense can match-up with UCONN’s offense and hold them to a winnable score (as long as our Offense and Special Teams don’t create short fields for the Huskies as described above), I have hope our D will make them earn everything all day. I do have some serious concerns how our offense matches up against their defense. UCONN’s strength is their D-line (DT Travis Jones 6’5 330) is one of the top 10 Defensive Tackles in all of FBS according to NFL scouting sites. They were missing both of their starting Defensive Ends against Fresno and are getting at least one and maybe both back. The key to our offense is going to be getting the ball to our playmakers in space. I don’t think Sluka throws a great ball over 15 yards and will still tend to rely on his athleticism and scramble at the first sign of pressure (much like the SDSU game) Maybe Siderman can stretch the field more if he gets time in the pocket but it’s tough to run a RPO offense (Sluka) when the opposing team’s D-line is better than your O-line. How does Coach Roper plan to get the ball in space (Purdy in screen game?, Ayir as many touches AP?) It’s the only way we will move the ball with any consistency. I was very surprised we have Ayir returning KOs but #2 on punts (maybe Kreimer just has the surest hands). Everything mentioned above is how we beat Army in 2002, just replace Ayir with Ari Confessor. 

PREDICTION: I don’t think either team completely dominates the keys to the game listed above, so since my base line gives the edge to UCONN I unfortunately have to go with them.

UCONN 24 - Holy Cross 13

The 65 player limit may be intra-conference only.

SEC (Conference games)


For conference championships, the squad size is 85 for both teams.

UConn 16- HC 10.

I hope I’m wrong, I just don’t think we have the QB* to win. Need to hold them to 17 and get a Defensive or Special Teams TD.

* still a young QB room.

Not having a rock solid QB going into this game makes me nervous.

27-24 UConn.

Come on guys ! Where’s the positive thinking ??
Cross will win in a close one !!!

I think dharry13 nailed it in a different thread. If we have 175-200 yards passing HC wins. If we have less than that I think HC loses. I'm always wrong picking games so I'll say UConn 20-17.

If HC is to win today it must stop running back Kevin Mensah! The senior is only 5' 9" but very good! 


Former CMass standout RB Kevin Mensah strives for more than numbers at UConn

Former Shepherd Hill/Holy Name star is seeking third consecutive 1,000-yard season with UConn

Jennifer Toland

Telegram & Gazette

Kevin Mensah is climbing the University of Connecticut’s all-time rushing list, and the top spot seems very much in reach as he starts his senior year.

The former Holy Name High and Shepherd Hill Regional star put together back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons in 2018 and 2019, but Huskies coach Randy Edsall wants to see even more from Mensah in 2021.

UConn running back Kevin Mensah looks for a hole during Saturday's season opener at Fresno State.

“I think the one thing is when you have a young man like that, you want him to continue to grow and not be satisfied and move forward,” Edsall said earlier this week. “That’s what I want to continue to see him do. Not to be complacent with where you were; continue to be better and better and strive to keep improving in everything about your game.”

In UConn’s season-opening 45-0 loss to Fresno State last week, Mensah, who is from Worcester, rushed for 31 yards and moved into fourth place on the Huskies’ career chart. He needs 1,151 yards to break Donald Brown’s UConn record.

“It’s not something I really think about every day because we’re in season,” Mensah said after finishing his weight room workout Tuesday morning. “If I think about that, I’m not giving my team my full best ability. I try to put that aside and see whatever comes toward the end of the season. But it’s cool. It’s awesome. I put in a lot of work in the offseason from my freshman year to now and seeing all the results it’s humbling and it’s amazing. I’m happy about it, but I’m concentrating on winning. I’d rather win than have all the stats.”

The Huskies won just six games Mensah’s first three seasons (2017-19). Due to the pandemic, UConn was one of three FBS teams to opt out of the 2020 season. The Huskies will play their first game at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field since Nov. 23, 2019, at noon Saturday when they host Holy Cross.

“We’re excited to be back home,” Mensah said, “and we’re going to give the fans what they deserve.”

Mensah reunited with a former coach in HC assistant Mike Pucko

The game will have special significance for Mensah. HC’s defensive line coach, Mike Pucko, was Mensah’s coach at Holy Name, where he rushed for more than 1,500 yards as a junior.

Mensah said Pucko called him this summer to check in.

“Coach Pucko,” Mensah said, “I love him. He showed me the way. He was the reason I started getting recruited. He showed me the right way. I’m forever thankful for him. I’m so happy to reunite with him on Saturday.”

Mensah finished his high school career at Shepherd Hill and rushed for 1,255 yards and 13 TDs his senior season. He was a three-time T&G Super Team selection.

While weighing his college options, Mensah visited Assumption. Holy Cross coach Bob Chesney was coaching the Greyhounds then, and Pucko was one of his assistants.

Chesney is very familiar with the challenges the 5-foot-9, 202-pound Mensah will pose the Crusaders.

Kevin Mensah is ready to make his cut past a Wachusett defender while playing for Shepherd Hill during the 2016 season.

“Physically, he just looks so good,” Chesney said. “He has power, but then he has quickness and speed and that elusive spin move. He can stop on a dime and get back up to speed very quickly. He’s a great football player. There’s a lot in there hiding behind that big offensive line.”

Broke into lineup late in freshman season

Mensah cracked the Huskies’ starting lineup late in his freshman season and led the team with 126 carries and 561 yards.

In 2018, he became the first UConn running back since Lyle McCombs in 2011 to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark. He finished with 1,045 yards on 225 carries and scored six touchdowns.

With 1,013 yards in 2019, Mensah was the first Huskies running back to rush for at least 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons since Jordan Todman in 2009 and 2010. He rushed for five touchdowns against UMass, marking the first time a UConn player accomplished that feat since 1993.

While Mensah has progressed on the field, he feels he has grown in other areas as well.

“When I first got here,” Mensah said, “my communication skills weren’t as good. I’m learning how to communicate with people, and I’ve come a long way. That comes with maturity. I think I’ve gained more maturity here at UConn, and I’m still learning. I still have a long way to go.”

UConn gained just 107 total yards of offense against Fresno State. Mensah averaged 2.8 yards on his 11 carries.

“Fresno had the best of us,” Mensah said. “As a whole offense, we’re going to just get better, execute every play and move on from there.”

—Contact Jennifer Toland at jennifer.toland@telegram.com. Follow her on Twitter @jentandg.