An interesting, and random, matchup is on the schedule for Week Zero when the UConn Huskies visit the Fresno State Bulldogs. UConn was a team that decided to sit out of the 2020 season, so this will be the Huskies first game since November 30, 2019. Fresno State had to navigate COVID issues last season, as most teams did, so it is hard to take anything away from 2020. This game will take place on Saturday, August 28, 2021, and will air live on CBS Sports Network at 2:00 p.m. EST.
UConn last played in 2019 and they will hope to forget it as the Huskies finished the season losing four games in a row and at 2-10. It was another poor season for UConn who have seen their program suffer a 10-year span that saw just two bowl appearances. Head coach Randy Edsall is the most successful coach in program history and will look to make them competitive once again.
Fresno State started 2020 3-1, but then had some COVID issues, had two games cancelled, and lost their final two games to finish at 3-3. First year head coach Kalen DeBoer will benefit from having a normal offseason and should have more of an imprint on his team this season.
Below is my pick, and preview, for the battle between the UConn Huskies and Fresno State Bulldogs. All odds are from BetRivers Sportsbook.
UConn Huskies at Fresno State Bulldogs (-27.5): O/U 62.5 (-110/-110)
The UConn offense may not have a quarterback, but they do have weapons, and no one is better than senior running back Kevin Mensah. The senior has rushed for over 1,000 yards in his two recent season and seems like a lock to get there again. Wide receivers Cameron Ross and Matt Drayton, and tight end Jay Rose, are a formidable receiving trio. The UConn defense will be led by the front seven and linebackers Omar Fortt, Jackson Mitchell, and DJ Morgan will look to lead the way. Defensive tackle Travis Jones and defensive end Kevon Jones will anchor the line.
This Fresno State offense is loaded and running back Ronnie Rivers may win Mountain West Player of the Year honors in 2021. However, the passing game will also be electric as senior quarterback Jake Haener will look to build off his strong 2020 season and will rely on the wide receiver trio of Jalen Cropper, Keric Wheatfall, and Josh Kelly. Defensively, the Bulldogs will be anchored by the strong defensive line group of David Perales, Kevin Atkins, and Kwami Jones.
Series History: This will be the first meeting between these two schools.
CFB Predictions: UConn hasn’t played football in two years. Give me Fresno State -27.5 big.