Connecticut head coach Bob Diaco received his first win as a college football head coach this past Saturday after the Huskies defeated Stony Brook, 19-16.
After the Huskies scored the first points of the game by kicking a field goal, Stony Brook’s defense stepped up as it continued to do all game. Safety Max Martinez forced a fumble and Naim Cheeseboro recovered it for a touchdown. The defense was impressive, surrendering only 223 yards for the game.
UConn was struggling to find any offensive rhythm but finally got it going in the second quarter.
Quarterback Chandler Whitmer saw wide receiver Geremy Davis in the corner of the end zone and the two connected for a thirty yard touchdown that put the Huskies up 12-10 heading into halftime (pat was blocked). Davis was the lone bright spot for the Huskies’ offense. He caught six passes for 113 yards and scored their only offensive touchdown.
“It took us 10 weeks last year just to get one win,” stated Davis. “A win is a win. These guys fought hard…defense, offense and special teams.”
Wide receiver Deshon Foxx returned a punt for a 72 yard touchdown which put Connecticut up 19-10. Stony Brook would score a touchdown late in the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to 3 but failed to recover the onside kick.
“The team today showed a lot of grit and grind,” said head coach Bob Diaco. “Our brotherhood shined through; our culture shined through.”
News surfaced on Monday that starting quarterback Casey Cochran, who missed the game versus Stony Brook, would be ending his football career due to multiple concussions. His replacement, Chandler Whitmer, finished the game completing 12-of-27 passes for 142 yards and one touchdown.
The Huskies will look to build off their momentum this Saturday when they take on Boise State at 12 p.m. ET.
*Section Photo credit to David Butler II, USA Today Sports; Featured Photo (above) credit to Associated Press
