UConn Football Upsets Rice For First Win Of 2023 Season

People that were brave enough to bet the over for UConn's road date at Rice, which was set at 51 points, congratulations. Further congratulations are in order

© David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

People that were brave enough to bet the over for UConn's road date at Rice, which was set at 51 points, congratulations. 

Further congratulations are in order for Jim Mora's Connecticut Huskies who won their first game of the season on Saturday by defeating the Rice Owls 38-31 in Houston. This ended a seven-game losing streak for the Huskies, dating back to last season.

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The UConn defense forced four turnovers in this game, picking off Rice QB JT Daniels once as well as forcing and recovering three fumbles. This helped them earn the victory despite Rice having more total yardage and more time of possession.

PICKED OFF 🔥@Chris5shearin gets his second in two games💪 pic.twitter.com/APonflD7yy

— UConn Football (@UConnFootball) October 8, 2023

On the offensive side of the ball, UConn quarterback Ta'Quan Roberson completed 15 passes on 19 attempts for 215 yards and two touchdowns.

TOUCHDOWN‼️@jjoly_17 takes it 59 yards to the crib! pic.twitter.com/IAxHI7r7Ko

— UConn Football (@UConnFootball) October 8, 2023

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Defensive lineman/running back Jelani Stafford once again made waves with a multifaceted performance. Stafford carried the ball twice for only two yards, but scored two touchdowns. He also contributed a solo tackle on defense. 

"There's a lot we have to clean up. But we'll take a win," Mora said after the game. "It's been a while for us. These guys have worked hard. They've kept a great attitude. I'm really proud of the players, the coaches, and Rice is a good football team, so we'll take a win on the road. Now we get a bye week to regroup and keep going and see what we can make of this season."

The Huskies improve to 1-5 with this result. They'll try to make it a winning streak on October 21 when they host former AAC conference mate South Florida.