UConn Football Coach Bob Diaco leads his team onto the field before the game against the UCF Knights at Rentschler Field on Saturday, November 1, 2014.
Here are photos from the UConn Huskies 37-29 win over the UCF Knights at Rentschler Field on Saturday, November 1, 2014.
photo credits: ian bethune
Allentown, PA, November 1, 2014 – Ryan Potulny, Justin Vaive and Chris Bourque scored third-period goals Saturday night at the PPL Center, to break open a 1-1 game and carry the Hartford Wolf Pack to a 4-2 win over the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
Potulny, Vaive and Bourque all also had assists for the Wolf Pack, and Oscar Lindberg also scored. Mackenzie Skapski made 27 saves to improve to 2-0-0 in his AHL career. Kevin Goumas and Nick Cousins scored for the Phantoms, and Rob Zepp made 27 saves.
The Wolf Pack gave up a goal to Goumas on the game’s first shift, but then went on to score the next four goals of the contest.
“I think the guys just stuck with it,” Potulny said. “We started off well too. That first shift obviously wasn’t good, but the whole game we stayed positive and built off of a pretty good, solid effort by everyone.”
Potulny scored his first Wolf Pack goal at 2:03 of the third period, giving the Pack its first lead of the game. Mat Bodie took the puck at the right point and skated to the middle of the blue line, unloading a wrist shot that Potulny redirected past Zepp.
Vaive then gave Hartford a 3-1 lead at the 13:12 mark, off of a Potulny assist. Needing a line change, Potulny dumped the puck into the Lehigh Valley zone and it came out of the right-wing corner and directly into the slot. Vaive, moving in to forecheck, was able to fend off a Phantom defender and bang the puck into the net on Zepp’s stick side.
Only 1:06 after that, at 14:18, Bourque connected for his second goal of the season, making it a 4-1 Wolf Pack lead. Bourque poked the puck away from a Lehigh Valley defenseman just inside the Phantom line and broke in alone, beating Zepp into the top corner on the glove side.
Cousins scored on a shot from the slot off of a goalmouth scramble at 17:38 to bring the Phantoms back to within one, but nothing else got by Skapski the rest of the way.
After shutting out Norfolk 3-0 on Sunday in Hartford in their last game, the Wolf Pack fell behind only 28 seconds after the opening faceoff Saturday.
Brandon Alderson carried across the slot in the Hartford zone and fed the puck below the goal line to former Wolf Pack Darroll Powe, who passed to Goumas at the left side of the slot. Skapski got a piece of Goumas’ quick shot but could not stop it, and the Phantoms were on top.
That was the first AHL given up by Skapski, who had denied 16 Norfolk shots in his first AHL start Sunday.
The Wolf Pack drew even at 4:35 of the second period, on Lindberg’s team-leading fourth goal of the season.
Bourque moved up the slot in the Lehigh Valley end before setting Lindberg up in the slot, and Lindberg’s snap shot beat the catching glove of Zepp.
The Wolf Pack are right back in action Sunday afternoon, hosting the Worcester Sharks at the XL Center in a 3:00 game. The Wolf Pack’s “Click It or Ticket Family Value Pack” is again featured on Sundays this year, and has been expanded to Wednesday and Thursday home games as well. The Family Value Pack features two tickets, two sodas and two hot dogs, all for only $35.
Tickets for all 2014-15 Wolf Pack home games are now on sale at the XL Center ticket office, on-line at www.hartfordwolfpack.com and by phone at (877) 522-8499. Wolf Pack tickets start as low as $12 for youth 12 years old or younger.
To speak with a Wolf Pack representative about season or group tickets, or any of the Wolf Pack’s many ticketing options, call (855) 762-6451, or click here to request more info.
Hartford Wolf Pack 4 at Lehigh Valley Phantoms 2
Saturday, November 1, 2014 – PPL Center
Hartford 0 1 3 – 4
Lehigh Valley 1 0 1 – 2
1st Period-1, Lehigh Valley, Goumas 1 (Powe, Alderson), 0:28. Penalties-Tarnasky Hfd (fighting), 2:26; Mathers Lv (fighting), 2:26.
2nd Period-2, Hartford, Lindberg 4 (Bourque, Hughes), 4:35. Penalties-Lamarche Lv (hooking), 9:05; Miller Hfd (roughing), 19:19.
3rd Period-3, Hartford, Potulny 1 (Bodie, Vaive), 2:03. 4, Hartford, Vaive 2 (Potulny), 13:12. 5, Hartford, Bourque 2 14:18. 6, Lehigh Valley, Cousins 3 (Flemming, Straka), 17:38. Penalties-Vaive Hfd (slashing), 5:32; Straka Lv (hooking), 6:25.
Shots on Goal-Hartford 10-9-12-31. Lehigh Valley 10-9-10-29.
Power Play Opportunities-Hartford 0 / 2; Lehigh Valley 0 / 2.
Goalies-Hartford, Skapski 2-0-0 (29 shots-27 saves). Lehigh Valley, Zepp 4-1-0 (31 shots-27 saves).
A-8,114
Referees-Stephen Reneau (34), Chris Brown (86).
Linesmen-Bill Lyons (27), Luke Murray (92).
UConn S #22 Andrew Adams celebrates his first interception against the UCF Knights at Rentschler Field on November 1, 2014. Adams finished the game with three interceptions.
Here are the highlights from the UConn Huskies 37-29 win over the Central Florida Knights at Rentschler Field on Saturday, November 1.
photo credit: ian bethune
UConn Huskies WR/QB Deshon Foxx celebrates after his 68-yard touchdown run in the second quarter against the UCF Knights at Rentschler Field on November 1, 2014.
In their last time out, the UConn Huskies couldn’t finish off a close game against the East Carolina Pirates. On a cold, rainy Saturday afternoon at Rentschler Field, they made sure that didn’t happen again.
The Huskies defense held off a late rally by the Central Florida Knights to win 37-29 on Homecoming at UConn.
UConn improves to 2-6 (1-4 American) and remains bowl-eligible. They’ll need to win their final four games for that happen. UCF falls to 5-3 (3-1 American). It’s their first loss in the American since the start of the league (11-1).
The Huskies offense was stagnant early as the UCF’s defense forced them to five straight three-and-outs. The sixth series was a different story though.
Deshon Foxx entered the game at quarterback and on the first play from scrimmage took the ball 68 yards for a touchdown to tie the game at 7-7.
“It was great blocking,” said Foxx. “I have to give all the credit to the blockers. I was just able to use my speed to get into the end zone.”
It was a huge play as it woke the rain-soaked crowd up and put some life back in the to stadium. But the lead wouldn’t last as William Stanback back on top with his second touchdown of the game.
UConn battled back and evened the score up when Chandler Whitmer hit Noel Thomas for a 38 yard touchdown pass. Then the tone of the game changed.
Andrew Adams picked off his second Justin Holman pass of the day late in the first half and returned it 43 yards to the UCF 31. After one pass play that fell incomplete, Bobby Puyol attempted a field goal from 48 yards that was blocked by Jordan Ozerities.
Unfortunately, the Knights were called for offsides and Puyol got another chance, this time from 43 yards that went in and gave UConn the 17-14 halftime lead.
After the two teams traded possessions to start the second half, UCF went in front 21-17 when Holman hit J.J. Worton for a 73 yard touchdown pass.
From there, UConn scored 14 unanswered points and saw their defense make some big plays, including Adams’ third interception of the game. UCF would score late and get the ball back but the Huskies defense stayed tough at the end.
“I’m just so proud of the team, I’m proud of the players each week in how they fight and their spirit,” said UConn head coach Bob Diaco.
“Our culture is growing and has been taking route. It’s great to end the game with a win and to be able to reinforce all the things they are doing and how hard they are working. It’s an honor to coach this team.”
Scoring:
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final |
| UCF Knights |
7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 29 |
| UConn Huskies | 0 | 17 | 14 | 6 | 37 |
1st quarter
UCF – 7:38 – William Stanback 3 Yd Run (Shawn Moffitt Kick)
2nd quarter
CON – 12:22 – Deshon Foxx 68 Yd Run (Bobby Puyol Kick)
UCF – 4:59 – William Stanback 1 Yd Run (Shawn Moffitt Kick)
CON – 1:12 – Noel Thomas 38 Yd pass from Chandler Whitmer (Bobby Puyol Kick)
CON – 0:00 – Bobby Puyol 43 Yd Field Goal
3rd quarter
UCF – 9:39 – J.J. Worton 73 Yd pass from Justin Holman (Shawn Moffitt Kick)
CON – 4:17 – Ron Johnson 1 Yd Run (Bobby Puyol Kick)
CON – 1:21 – Noel Thomas 22 Yd pass from Chandler Whitmer (Bobby Puyol Kick)
4th quarter
CON – 12:28 – Ron Johnson 2 Yd Run (Bobby Puyol PAT blocked)
UCF – 5:07 – Breshad Perriman 16 Yd pass from Justin Holman (Justin Holman Pass to Josh Reese for Two-Point Conversion)
Offensive Players of the Game:
UConn WR/QB Deshon Foxx had 11 carries for 102 yards including a 68 yard touchdown run. He also had three catches for 14 yards.
Defensive Player of the Game:
UConn S Andrew Adams had a career-high three interceptions that he returned for a total of 72 yards. He also had eight tackles.
Turning Point(s) of the Game:
Andrew Adams picked off Justin Holman late in the second quarter and set up UConn with great field position at UCF’s 31 yard line. After the first attempt was blocked and UCF’s offsides call, Bobby Puyol nailed the second kick.
Ron Johnson’s one yard run on fourth down in the third quarter turned out to be the game winner.
Offensive Notes:
Chandler Whitmer was 13-of-25 for 142 yards and two touchdowns. He was sacked twice. Tim Boyle saw action on one series and was 1-of-3 for six yards. Deshon Foxx led the Huskies with 102 yards rushing and one touchdown. He also had three catches for 14 yards. Arkeel Newsome had four carries for 32 yards. Ron Johnson had 11 carries for 27 yards and two touchdowns. Noel Thomas had four receptions for 83 yards and two touchdowns. Sean McQuillan had four catches for 36 yards.
Defensive Notes:
Graham Stewart led the Huskies with 12 tackles while Marquise Vann had nine tackles and a 1/2 sack. Cole Ormsby got the credit for the other 1/2 of the sack. Andrew Adams added eight tackles and a career-high three interceptions. His safety partner, Obi Melifonwu, also had eight tackles. Julian Campenni had four tackles including one sack. Jefferson Ashiru had an interception to go along with two tackles.
Special Teams Notes:
Justin Wain had nine punts on the afternoon averaging 35.1 yards. Two of those punts were downed inside the 20 and not one of them was returned. Bobby Puyol made his only field goal attempt from 43 yards. He was 4-of-5 on extra points as one was blocked. Arkeel Newsome had four kickoff returns for 63 yards.
Game Notes:
Central Florida Knights @ UConn Huskies 11/1/14 box score
Here are the postgame quotes from UConn head coach Bob Diaco and UCF coach George O’Leary.
Here are the postgame notes courtesy of UConn Athletic Communications:·
Injuries:
No major injuries for the Huskies during the game.
Reuben Frank did suffer an upper body injury but returned on the next play.
Geremy Davis missed the game with a lower leg injury.
Luke Carrezola missed the game with a lower leg injury and according to head coach Bob Diaco, could be lost for the season.
AAC Games and Results:
Friday, October 31
Cincinnati 38
Tulane 14
Tulsa 20
Memphis 40
(23) East Carolina 10
Temple 20
Houston
South Florida, 3:30 p.m.
Things to Work On:
Up Next:
UConn is on the road as they head to Yankee Stadium to take on the Army Black Knights. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
photo credit: ian bethune
Paw Prints is our daily look at the happenings for the UConn Huskies football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball teams as well as the other sports the student-athletes engage in. We will do our best to bring you the links from all of the media that covers the Huskies on a DAILY basis.
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It’s game day for the UConn Huskies football team as they’ll take on the Central Florida Knights at Rentschler Field. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m.
If you missed our UConn vs UCF preview, be sure to check that out.
To open the links up in a new tab or window, use Control+click
UConn Football links
Video: UConn’s Offensive Line Continues To Improve [sox & dawgs]
Video: It’s Homecoming For UConn Football In More Ways Than One [sox & dawgs]
Video: UConn Football Coach Bob Diaco On UCF [sox & dawgs]
Video: UConn’s Young Secondary Needs To Step Up [sox & dawgs]
Video: The Blitz Episode 8 – UCF [sox & dawgs]
UConn looks for better showing against UCF [jim fuller – new haven register]
UConn football: Finding an offensive identity [john silver – sny uconn]
UCF-UConn: Expect A Defensive Matchup For Homecoming [hartford courant]
UConn’s improving offense will be tested by Central Florida [new haven register]
Huskies return home looking to snap their five-game skid [the day]
UConn Women’s Basketball links
Auriemma’s Alma Mater Coming To Gampel Sunday [rich elliott – ct post]
American Stories: The House That Geno Built [the american]
UConn Men’s Basketball links
2014-15 NCAA Men’s Basketball Rankings – AP Preseason Poll [sox & dawgs]
Other UConn related links
No Surprise: Warde Manuel’s Name Surfaces In Michigan Rumors [hartford courant]
Michigan AD Dave Brandon’s replacement: UConn’s Warde Manuel, Arkansas’ Jeff Long names to watch [saginaw news]
UConn Baseball: Halloween Lift [uconn huskies youtube]
M. Ice Hockey. UConn and Merrimack Skate to 2-2 Tie; Huskies Advance to Tournament Title Game in Shootout [uconn huskies]
M. Ice Hockey. UConn Ties Merrimack, But Advances To Final [hartford courant]
M. Ice Hockey. Less than 1,000 Tickets Still Available for Home Opener Nov. 5th [uconn huskies]
W. Ice Hockey. UConn Skates To 3-3 Tie With Maine In WHEA Opener [uconn huskies]
W. Volleyball. Huskies Win Five-Set Thriller In Cincinnati on Friday [uconn huskies]
M. Cross Country. McGonnigle Paces Huskies at the 2014 American Athletic Conference Championships [uconn huskies]
W. Cross Country. Durgin, Sara Lead the Huskies to a Second-Place Finish at The American Championships [uconn huskies]
UConn head coach Bob Diaco leads his team on the field before the game against Stony Brook on September 6, 2014 at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, CT.
Not only is it Homecoming for the UConn Huskies football team’s game on Saturday against the Central Florida Knights, it is also the first time the team has played at Rentschler Field in 35 days.
The last time we saw the Huskies at the Rent was September 27 when they fell to the Temple Owls 36-10. In the meantime, they’ve actually only played two games, both losses (Tulane, East Carolina) due to two bye weeks on their schedule.
Watch below as head coach Bob Diaco and Chandler Whitmer talk about the return to the Rent for the Huskies.
photo credit: ian bethune
UConn head coach Bob Diaco talks with #22 Andrew Adams during at timeout against Boise State at Rentschler Field on September 13, 2014.
The Central Florida Knights enter Saturday’s game against the UConn Huskies at Rentschler Field not having lost an American Athletic Conference game (11-0) in the year plus the league has been in existence.
Over that same period of time, the Huskies are 3-9 and on their third coach in Bob Diaco.
Last year, UCF had their way with the Huskies winning 62-17 in Orlando. What the result this year holds is anyone’s guess.
Watch below as Diaco talks about what the Central Florida defense has done. I also asked him what worried him the most about the UCF offense.
photo credit: ian bethune
UConn CB #6 Jhavon Williams celebrates after breaking up a pass intended for Temple WR #84 Romond Deloatch on September 27, 2014 at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, CT.
With the loss of senior captain Byron Jones, the secondary of the UConn Huskies football team just got a lot younger and less experienced.
True freshman Jamar Summers will step in Jones’ spot while sophomore’s Javon Hadley and John Green, a converted wide receiver. The elder statesman of the corners is now Jhavon Williams, who is a redshirt sophomore who will be backed up by a true freshman in Brice McAllister who came to UConn as a running back recruit.
They’ll have their work cut out for themselves again as the Central Florida Knights have big, tall physical wide receivers. We saw at times during the loss to East Carolina last time out, the young guys getting out-manned and taken advantage of. You can expect the same against UCF.
The good thing about this is that all of these corners will play the rest of the way. And that only bodes well for the future.
Watch below as head coach Bob Diaco talks about the youth of his secondary with safety Andrew Adams and Green adding their insight as well.
photo credit: ian bethune
UConn RB #26 Joshua Marriner looks for a gap created by the offensive line in the fourth quarter against Boise State on September 13, 2014 at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, CT.
One of the things you may have noticed during the UConn Huskies 31-21 loss to the East Carolina Pirates last week was the improvement of the offensive line.
Head coach Bob Diaco had talked about how he was using the bye week to improve things, one of them being the offensive line. You could the fruits of the labor as the offensive line gave QB Chandler Whitmer plenty of time to pass.
With the extra time to pass, Whitmer was able to pass for 303 yards and two touchdowns. He also wasn’t sacked for the first time this season. They did give up a sack when Tim Boyle was in.
Watch below as Diaco and Whitmer talk about the improvements of the offensive line.
photo credit: ian bethune
Craig Breslow #32 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates their victory with Christian Vazquez #55 during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on August 25, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
From the Red Sox:
The Boston Red Sox today declined the 2015 contract option on left-handed pitcher Craig Breslow.
Executive Vice President/General Manager Ben Cherington made the announcement.
Breslow, 34, went 2-4 with a 5.96 ERA (36 ER/54.1 IP) in 60 relief appearances for Boston this season. For his major league career, he has gone 22-23 with a 3.20 ERA (162 ER/456.1 IP) in 479 games, all in relief, for the Padres (2005), Red Sox (2006; 2012-14), Indians (2008), Twins (2008-09), Athletics (2009-11), and Diamondbacks (2012). Since 2009, Breslow has made 403 appearances which rank fifth among all major league relievers, and second among left-handers.
ADDITIONAL TRANSACTION: Additionally, outfielder Shane Victorino (lumbar disectomy surgery) today was reinstated from the 60-day disabled list.
The Red Sox 40-man roster is now at 38.
photo credit: getty images