Husky Q&A

Chip Malafronte has come through in a big way here at the last minute. Even with his busy schedule in Charlotte, the writer of Runway Ramblings has found time to answer a few questions for the Old Gold & Blog. Make sure to check out Runway Rambling for any UConn news you may be looking for. Now for his Answers:

9-3 and 2nd place in the Big East sound pretty impressive (and surprising) to me as an outsider looking at Connecticut football. How do UConn fans feel about the season to this point?

Chip Malafronte: I think every single UConn fan is probably as surprised as you. Even the most optimistic were thinking 7 wins this season would "maybe" be obtainable, considering the struggles this team has had over the last two seasons. To be 9-3 and tied for first place in the Big East (not second, there's a big, spanking new trophy in the UConn training facility to prove it) was certainly far beyond everyone's expectations.

Wake Forest fans and players were hoping to play a "bigger" opponent in their bowl game this year, and for us UConn doesn't exactly fit that description. I'm guessing UConn may have similar feelings though, so what is the perspective of the team and its fans going into the MCCB?

CM: I don't think UConn fans were particularly choosy about who the opponent would be for this bowl. The fact that the teams played each other last season may have made Wake less desirable. But the Demon Deacons ascension in the ACC the last two seasons certainly has UConn people excited.

Having two strong running backs (Andre Dixon and Donald Brown) has certainly been big for UConn this season, but Wake has prided itself on it's ability to stuff the run. How do you see this matchup playing out? What about UConn's passing game?

CM: UConn's running game has certainly been the main offensive weapon, with Dixon and Brown bringing different styles to the table. The biggest difference between this season's team and last season has been the play of Juco transfer quarterback Tyler Lorenzen. While the numbers may not jump off the stat page, he rarely makes mistakes (13 touchdowns, five interceptions) and can also make plays with his feet. Perhaps the one troubling aspect in the passing game has been inconsistency from the Husky wide receivers, who tend to drop too many passes.

Wake's running game has improved throughout the year, so much so that Josh Adams has been named ACC Rookie of the Year. Will UConn's run defense be up to the task? The UConn secondary also has 22 interceptions this year. What's been the key to creating those big plays?

CM: UConn's run defense has been quite impressive over the last few seasons. Aside from the West Virginia game this season, which was as disastrous as it could have been, UConn has contained some of the top backs in the Big East like Ray Rice of Rutgers and even Steve Slaton of WVU. Experience has been the biggest key to the secondary. All of the starters are back, but guys like safety Robert Vaughn (six picks) have benefitted from having a year under his belt. UConn's young linebackers Scott Lutrus and Lawrence Wilson, both freshmen All-Americas, have also helped in pass coverage and have five interceptions between them.

Put your name on it: what's the final score going to be on Saturday? What would a win mean for UConn? A loss?

CM: I expect a close game, not sure if UConn has enough to stop Wake though. I'll give the Huskies the benefit of the doubt and predict a 21-17 victory. A win will certainly be a nice feather in their cap, giving the program two bowl wins in just six years as a full-fledged Division I-A program. A loss certainly wouldn't spoil what's been a tremendous year.

Once again, big thanks to Chip and Runway Ramblings. Now it's time for the Deacs to take care of business.