UConn Huskies Secure Win Against Ball State
EAST HARTFORD, CT — The UConn Huskies celebrated a thrilling 31-25 victory over Ball State University at Pratt & Whitney Stadium, in front of 25,025 excited fans.
Running back Cam Edwards stood out, rushing for a career-high 194 yards and scoring two touchdowns. Wide receiver Skyler Bell had his own impressive game with 14 receptions for 113 yards, just shy of the school record.
On defense, the Huskies continued their strong performance, recording four sacks for the third straight game. Safety Malachi McLean led the defense with nine tackles and one sack.
Quarterback Joe Fagnano had a solid outing, completing 20 of 30 passes for 181 yards and one touchdown. Notably, UConn’s offense enjoyed a fourth consecutive game without a turnover.
In the first quarter, Chris Freeman kicked a 30-yard field goal, giving UConn an early 3-0 lead. They quickly followed up with a touchdown when Fagnano found Bell in the end zone, extending their lead to 10-0.
Ball State responded in the second quarter with a trick play, scoring on a 19-yard pass from Qian Magwood to Kiael Kelly, narrowing the Huskies’ lead to 10-7. The two teams remained scoreless for the rest of the half.
The second half saw UConn capitalize on their first possession with a 14-play drive resulting in a touchdown. Fagnano’s crucial 33-yard pass to Shamar Porter set up a 1-yard touchdown by Terrence Smith, extending the score to 17-7.
Ball State answered with a solid drive, capped off by a 23-yard field goal from Holmer, making it 17-10.
In the fourth quarter, UConn’s Edwards scored on a 32-yard run, pushing their lead to 24-10. Ball State countered with a 1-yard touchdown from Qua Ashley, closing the gap to 24-17. However, Edwards sealed the win with a remarkable 67-yard touchdown run with just 1:50 left on the clock. Ball State managed one last touchdown, but the Huskies held on for victory.
This win marked UConn’s first against Ball State, shaking off an 0-4 record against them dating back to 2000. It also highlighted the team’s improving trend, bringing their historical record to 22-11 against the Mid-American Conference.
Additional Insights
Edwards’ rushing performance was especially noteworthy. According to ESPN, his 194-yard game is the highest by a UConn player since 2010. It underscores the team’s effort to establish a solid running game, which has been pivotal this season.
Skyler Bell’s success mirrors the growing trend in college sports where wide receivers are becoming key offensive players. Recent stats show that in the last decade, the number of receivers with over 1,000 yards has steadily risen, highlighting a shift in how teams utilize their offensive strategies.
As for user reactions, fans took to social media to express their excitement over the win. One Twitter user proudly declared, “Finally beat Ball State! Go Huskies!” showing community support and enthusiasm for the team’s progress.
The Huskies are scheduled to play the University at Buffalo next Saturday. Fans are eager to see if the Huskies can continue their winning streak and build on their momentum.
This season’s games not only reflect individual player growth but also the overall revival of the UConn football program. With refreshing performances and record-breaking milestones, the future looks bright for the Huskies.
