UConn Dominates CCSU, Opens Season With 59-13 Statement Win

For the start of the college football season, the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils came into the game looking to pull off an upset win over the Huskies. Although they are a mid-major team, they are also one of the top teams in the NEC and were not expected to be an easy challenge for UConn. The Huskies, meanwhile, were looking to open the season with a dominant performance and set the tone for the year after turning things around last season, going from 3-9 to 9-4.

Typically, in a matchup like this, the bigger and higher-ranked team (UConn) sets the tone early with physical play. However, it was the Blue Devils who struck first. CCSU stopped UConn on their opening drive and blocked their punt attempt, starting their first offensive possession at the Huskies’ five-yard line. The Blue Devils wasted no time, scoring two plays later—just 43 seconds into the drive—on a two-yard touchdown run by running back Elijah Howard.

Central Connecticut State’s strong start woke up the Huskies. From that point on, UConn took control, scoring four straight touchdowns behind standout performances from quarterback Joe Fagnano, wide receiver Skyler Bell, and running back Cam Edwards. On the very next drive, Fagnano connected with Bell for an 80-yard touchdown pass to tie the game. UConn’s following possession saw Fagnano throw a 12-yard touchdown to cap off a 10-play, 92-yard drive, giving the Huskies a 14-7 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The momentum carried into the second quarter. Edwards opened the next drive with a 73-yard touchdown run, pushing the lead to 21-7. Fagnano later added a four-yard rushing touchdown, extending the lead to 28-7. By halftime, UConn was firmly in control with a 35-10 advantage, as Fagnano had already thrown for three touchdowns.

The Huskies never looked back, cruising to a commanding 59-13 victory and starting the season 1-0, just as they did last year. After the game, head coach Jim Mora praised Central Connecticut State, noting that they were a much stronger and more aggressive team than in their last matchup, which showed early in the game. He also expressed pride in his team’s ability to recover from early mistakes but stressed the importance of avoiding those mistakes moving forward—especially with ACC opponent Syracuse next on the schedule. The Huskies will be looking for payback against the Orange after last season’s 31-24 loss.