Sizable Cyclones a big test for UConn defense

New Haven Register (New Haven, CT) September 16, 2011 | Chip Malafronte The UConn defensive front seven caused major problems against Vanderbilt last week — seven sacks, 13 tackles-for losses and a forced fumble that led to a touchdown. go to web site how many plays did shakespeare write

But the offensive line of Iowa State might pose a stiffer challenge tonight at Rentschler Field (8 p.m., ESPN2). The Cyclones line is a mass of humanity that averages out at 6-foot-4 1/2 and 315 pounds, none larger than left tackle Kelechi Osemele (6-6, 347).

UConn’s strategy is simple.

“Hit ‘em,” junior linebacker Sio Moore said. “Just hit ‘em. Slow them up any way you can.” Defense kept UConn in the game against Vanderbilt, a 24-21 loss in which the Huskies offense was limited to a field goal while the defense accounted for two touchdowns. Moore led the way with 3.5 sacks, including the one that led to the aforementioned fumble to give his team a lead early in the fourth quarter.

Fact is, the defense has carried the mail for some time. UConn’s last offensive touchdown against an FBS opponent came last November, a three-game span in which the defense has three touchdowns and special teams two more.

Under new defensive coordinator Don Brown, the Huskies already talented and experienced unit has been unleashed with more blitz packages and aggressive schemes designed to confuse and punish opposing offenses.

Look no further than Moore, a former West Haven resident, who had 110 tackles in his breakout sophomore campaign but just 1.5 sacks in 13 games.

“We expect to make big plays,” Moore said of the defense. “Our thing is we get out there, we’re about running to the ball and hitting people in the mouth. That’s the only way to live.” Against Vanderbilt there were some hiccups, none more glaring than a 48-yard rush that helped the Commodores to kick the winning field goal with 2:56 remaining. But the Huskies certainly made enough plays to allow UConn to pull off the win despite an offense that failed to generate much after the first quarter. site how many plays did shakespeare write

UConn coach Paul Pasqualoni said he spent much of the week addressing consistency issues on the defensive side.

“You can not give up, in a game like that, four big plays,” Pasqualoni said. “You’re not going to shut everyone out. But this idea of 20-plus run and 40-plus pass, that’s totally unacceptable regardless of how many plays you do make on defense. The effort is really good, playing fast like we all though t they would, we just have to make sure we’re lined up right and reading what we’re supposed to read. If we can get that done, we’ll play more consistently.” Iowa State (2-0) has weapons to go along with the big offensive line, though its offensive numbers are a tad skewed. It knocked off Iowa 44-41 in triple-overtime last week, a game that was tied at 24- 24 following regulation. In the opener, the Cyclones needed a touchdown with 40 seconds remaining to avoid being upset by FCS- level opponent Northern Iowa 20-19. Quarterback Steele Jantz, a dual threat averaging 233 yards passing and 61 yards rushing through two games, will be the focus tonight.

UConn (1-1), still rotating three-quarterbacks, will need the defense to once again keep the game close as it attempts to discover an identity on the offensive side.

If the offense has to rely on the defense, that’s just fine by UConn. Moore says the Huskies defense is more than up to the task.

“If you run out of gas, you’re not a defense,” Moore said. “The defense can’t run out of gas, you have to make plays. There will be games where we might have to lean on the offense. Everyone has to make corrections. We’re in this together, offense, defense and special teams. If we stay together, we’ll be good.” To receive breaking sports news first — simply text the word “nhsports” to 22700. Standard msg+data rates may apply. cmalafronte@nhregister.com IOWA STATE AT UCONN – When: Tonight, 8 p.m. – Where: Rentschler Field, East Hartford – Records: Iowa State 2-0; UConn 1-1 – On the air: ESPN 2; WTIC-1080 – Internet: WTIC.com – Series history: UConn leads 1-0 – Last meeting: UConn stunned the Cyclones 37-20 in Ames, Iowa in 2002, and is considered the first benchmark victory in the BCS-era for the Huskies.

- What to look for: UConn will continue its three-headed quarterback experiment, with Johnny McEntee expected to start and Scott McCummings and Michael Nebrich working their way into certain situations. It’s also possible that tailback D.J. Shoemate makes his debut after missing the first two games with an ankle injury. Iowa State’s big offensive line will provide a major challenge to the Huskies defense, which has been strong so far despite allowing a couple of untimely big plays in last weekend’s loss to Vanderbilt.

- Prediction: UConn 28, Iowa State 27.

Chip Malafronte