Fast and furious UConn scores on first eight possessions in 63-17 win over Merrimack
Fast and furious UConn scores on first eight possessions in 63-17 win over Merrimack
The Huskies scored touchdowns on their first eight possessions of the game
UConn scored early, often, and never looked back in a 63-17 win over Merrimack on Saturday afternoon in Hartford.
The Huskies (1-1) scored touchdowns on their first eight possessions, a streak that only snapped because time ran out on UConn’s ninth possession and the game went to halftime.
UConn led 56-7 at the half. The 56 first-half points was a program record for the Huskies. UConn tied a program record with 63 points in the win.
The Huskies stormed down the field on the opening possession of the game. Skyler Bell hauled in a 45-yard pass from Joe Fagnano on the second play from scrimmage. Four plays later, the Huskies were in the end zone on a 1-yard keeper from Fagnano.
Merrimack lost 18 yards on its first offensive play when the snap sailed past starting quarterback Malakai Anthony, and he was forced to jump on the ball near his own end zone.
The Warriors allowed 486 yards in the first half. The Huskies had 31 offensive plays in the first half, and the Warriors only forced third down twice (UConn was 2 for 2, converting on third down).
Senior running back Jermaine Corbett was a bright spot for the Warriors. He rushed for 103 yards on 14 carries, including a 46-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.
Anthony played the first half and went 7 for 11 for 46 yards. Redshirt freshman Ayden Pereira came on in the second half and went 2 for 8 for six yards.
Junior quarterback Justin Lewis saw his first career action in the fourth quarter. He connected with Seth Sweitzer on his first play from scrimmage for a 71-yard score. Lewis finished 6 for 6 for 101 yards and nine yards rushing on four carries.
Junior receiver Myles Wilson led the Warriors with four catches (14 yards).
Danny Simms led Merrimack with six tackles. The Warriors did not record a sack, but linebacker DJ Frazier (4 tackles) and lineman Tyler Leavy (2 tackles) recorded hurries. Leavy and Malek Sabri had the only tackles for losses.
UConn had 624 yards of total offense, including 281 yards on the ground. Merrimack finished the afternoon with 277 yards. UConn only punted once, and Merrimack’s Cole Peterson had 10 punts on the day.
NEXT: Merrimack will hit the road again next week. The Warriors will return to FCS competition and face Bucknell next Saturday in Lewisburg, Pa. Bucknell is 1-1 after a Week 1 loss to Navy (49-21) and a 35-28 win over VMI this week.
UConn 63, Merrimack 17
Merrimack (0-2): 7-0-0-10--17
UConn (1-1): 35-21-7-0--63
Scoring:
1st (UCN) J. Fagnano 1 run (C. Freeman kick), 13:00
1st (UCN) C. Edwards 50 pass from Fagnano (Freeman kick), 9:41
1st (UCN) D. Robinson 48 run (Freeman kick), 7:49
1st (UCN) V. Rosa 29 run (Freeman kick), 4:40
1st (MC) J. Corbett 46 run (L. Davis kick), 1:39
1st (UCN) S. Bell 60 pass from Fagnano (Freeman kick), 0:27
2nd (UCN) S. Porter 39 pass from Fagnano (Freeman kick), 13:18
2nd (UCN) Edwards 1 run (Freeman kick), 5:58
2nd (UCN) E. Anderson 44 pass from Fagnano (Freeman kick), 3:24
3rd (UCN) A. Honig 12 pass from Fagnano (Freeman kick), 6:10
4th (MC) S. Swetizer 71 pass from J. Lewis (Davis kick), 7:31
4th (MC) Davis 32 field goal, 0:00
MC Passing: Anthony 7-11, 46; Pereira 2-8, 6; Lewis 6-6, 101 (1 TD)
MC Rushing: Corbett 14-103 (1 TD), Pereira 9-13, Lewis 4-9, Latham 2-6, Wadley 1-5, Wyatt 4-2, Anthony 5-(-14)
MC Receiving: Wilson 4-14, Sweitzer 2-77 (1 TD), Dunn 2-23, Robinson 2-19, Mason 2-11, Palmer 1-8, Wadley 1-3, Shorter 1-(-2)