UConn v. Holy Cross: Game preview and how to watch

UConn is set to open their 2017 slate with a game against Holy Cross in East Hartford. Hopefully, they can begin their journey toward bowl eligibility.

It’s a new era of UConn football as Randy Edsall returns to lead the Huskies. This time, he brought Rhett Lashlee along with him as well.

Lashlee has installed a high-powered, quick offense for UConn to run this season, and that should gel perfectly with the skills they have from QB David Pindell and RB Arkeel Newsome.

While most of the focus has been on Edsall and Lashlee, the head coach knows that it’s all about his players.

"“It’s not going to be any different because it’s not about me… it’s about those kids… there’s going to be a lot of people in the stands that are there to support us, and were here before, and I appreciate that very, very much.”"

Holy Cross is going to give it their all as well though. They are returning a ton of players and they have a strong leadership core. The Crusaders have four fifth-year senior starters on offense in quarterback Peter Pujals, running back Gabe Guild, and offensive linemen James Murray and Nick Piker. Head coach Tom Gilmore knows how crucial those players are to the team’s success.

"“Having those guys back in those leadership roles is making a big difference. They bring confidence and experience, and I’m really impressed with how poised we have been on offense. The defense has thrown everything at them, and Peter has one more year of maturity under his belt, and he’s so physically talented and so confident in what he’s doing, and it really translates to our execution.”"

Time, location, and how to watch

Time: Thursday, Aug. 31st at 7:30 PM
Location: Rentschler Field, East Hartford, CT
How to watch: ESPN3

3 Players to watch: UConn

QB David Pindell

Randy Edsall named Pindell the starter a few weeks ago, and now he’ll have his chance to shine. He’s a junior transfer from Lackawanna Community College, and Thursday will be his first Division I game. Pindell is mobile, and he’ll be in charge of leading Rhett Lashlee’s new high powered offense.

RB Arkeel Newsome

Arkeel Newsome should be heavily featured in Lashlee’s new offensive scheme. Look for him to break free for a few long runs against Holy Cross tonight.

FS Jamar Summers

Jamar Summers is a stud and he’ll likely be drafted in the 2018 NFL Draft. He should start 2017 out on a strong note if he can rattle Holy Cross QB Peter Pujals.

3 Players to watch: Holy Cross

QB Peter Pujals

Pujals will be the first 4-year captain for Holy Cross as he’s in his fifth and final year of eligibility. Last season, Pujals led an offense that tallied over 480 yards per game before he went down with an injury.

RB Gabe Guild

Guild is another 5th year senior and he’s ready to lead Holy Cross to a Patriot League title.

OL James Murray

Murray is the center for QB Peter Pujals. The two have been friends since 5th grade and they were high school teammates as well. The senior is drawing some interest from NFL scouts, and his play on the line will be huge for the Crusaders against UConn.

Next: UMass at Coastal Carolina: Game preview

Prediction

Holy Cross actually has a winning record against UConn, but these two teams haven’t played since 1985. The tides have changed and UConn should have no problem with the Crusaders. Take the Huskies in this one, 47-20.

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