Connecticut Huskies - NCAA Football Odds, Lines & Betting

After a 5-6 season in 2005, the Connecticut Huskies and their 14 returning starters had hopes of a .500 season and even possibly a bowl game last year. And UConn sat at 3-3 in mid-October. But thanks to various on and off-field problems, the Huskies lost five of their last six games to finish 2006 with a record of 4-8 overall, 1-6 and tied for last place in the Big East. The running game was certainly not a problem, as Connecticut ranked 14th in the nation by averaging 183 ground YPG. But the Huskies had problems turning those yards into points; outside of the 52 they put up on Rhode Island in the opener and the 46 they scored in an overtime victory over Pittsburgh, UConn averaged 16 points in its remaining 10 games.

Additionally, the Husky defense - which was supposed to be one of the team's strengths - ranked 82nd in yards allowed and 105th vs. the run. This season, Connecticut returns 13 starters, including last season's top two tacklers, LBs Danny Lansanah and Ryan Henegan, and CBs Tyvon Branch and Darius Butler, who have combined to play in 57 collegiate games. Questions still surround the defensive line. On offense, the Huskies have a real find in sophomore RB Donald Brown, who averaged more than 130 rushing yards in five Big East starts. The offensive line is young, and the quarterback position is up for grabs. D.J. Hernandez has been moved to receiver, so JC All-American transfer Tyler Lorenzen and sophomore Dennis Brown will battle it out for the starting job.

Last year, five Big East teams played in bowl games and the conference is deep again this season. UConn will have a tough time jumping into the middle of the conference fray and with road games at Pitt, Virginia, Cincinnati and West Virginia, a bowl berth is a longshot.

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