UConn Huskies (2-9) vs. Massachusetts Minutemen (3-8)
UConn Huskies vs. Massachusetts Minutemen 11/25/23 – The UConn Huskies (2-9) will take on the Massachusetts Minutemen (3-8) this Saturday in a Week 13 NCAAF clash between struggling Independents programs. The Huskies have dropped 7 straight contests, while the Minutemen have lost 5 of their last 6. On paper, this seems like a relatively even matchup between two teams towards the bottom of the FBS ranks. However, our NCAAF expert picks anticipate an extremely competitive affair between squads hungry for a victory.
The Huskies enter this matchup on a 7-game losing streak, with their only wins coming over Central Connecticut State and Fresno State. Quarterback Ta’Quan Roberson has put up modest numbers, throwing for 1901 yards, 12 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. Running back Camryn Edwards provides a solid ground threat, averaging 5 yards per carry. Wide receiver Justin Joly leads the team with 542 receiving yards. Still, scoring has been an issue all season, as UConn has cracked 30 points only twice.
The Minutemen have lost 5 of their last 6 games, with their lone recent win coming against a struggling UConn team last month. Quarterback Taisun Phommachanh has been efficient, with a 61.4% completion rate. Running back Kay’Ron Adams is the team’s top weapon, racking up over 1100 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. Wideout Anthony Simpson leads UMass with 685 receiving yards. However, the Minutemen allow over 36 points per game and will need a strong defensive effort to contain the Huskies.
UConn Huskies vs. Massachusetts Minutemen 11/25/23 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, November 25, 2023 at 12:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Warren P. McGuirk Alumni Stadium |
| TV: | ESP+ |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Ta’Quan Roberson QB vs. Taisun Phommachanh QB
Roberson has struggled in his first year as the Huskies’ starter, completing just 58.4% of his passes. He has shown some playmaking ability, with a season-long pass of 59 yards and some mobility outside the pocket. However, he has also been turnover-prone, with 6 interceptions. Roberson will need to avoid risky throws against a UMass defense that thrives on takeaways. His decision-making and ability to spread the ball around will be key if UConn hopes to get its offense going.
Phommachanh has given the Minutemen steady quarterback play, completing over 60% of his passes. He protects the football well, with just 5 interceptions on the year. While not prone to big plays, Phommachanh moves the chains efficiently. He faces a UConn defense that has struggled mightily against the pass this season. If Phommachanh can continue to make smart decisions and keep drives alive, it should lead to scoring opportunities for UMass.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: UConn Huskies -125, Total Odds: 52
The Huskies enter as slim 1.5-point favorites, despite their lengthy losing streak and road struggles. Clearly, oddsmakers have little faith in this UMass team down the stretch. The total is set at a modest 52 points. With both defenses prone to giving up points, the over looks enticing on paper. However, neither offense instills much confidence. Still, in a game between two struggling teams, a shootout is not out of the question.
UConn Huskies Betting Trends
The Huskies have posted a terrible 2-11 SU record over their last 13 games. They have also struggled mightily away from home, going 2-16 SU in their last 18 road matchups. However, UConn has had UMass’ number recently, winning 4 of the last 6 head-to-head matchups. The total has gone over in 4 of their last 6 games against Independent opponents. In addition, with UConn games in November seeing 8 overs in the last 10, points could be on the menu on Saturday. Still, given their 7-game losing streak and 0-7 SU record in Week 13 contests, backing the Huskies straight up seems dicey.
Massachusetts Minutemen Betting Trends
UMass has been only slightly better from a betting perspective, going 3-17 SU over its last 20 contests. The Minutemen have been woeful at home, losing 8 of their last 9 at Alumni Stadium. They have also struggled against Independent foes, going 3-13 SU over their previous 16 matchups. On a positive note, the total has gone over in 9 of UMass’ last 12 games, signaling this unit’s inability to stop opponents from scoring. With 5 overs in their last 6 Week 13 contests, another high-scoring affair could be in store.
UConn Huskies vs. Massachusetts Minutemen 11/25/23 Betting Picks
This Saturday showdown between the Huskies and Minutemen features two floundering FBS Independents teams. The trends and stats point to another competitive, potentially high-scoring contest between programs struggling to get wins. Our Premium Predictions have this as an extremely close matchup.
While the trends slightly favor UConn, the Huskies’ lengthy road losing streak makes it hard to back them laying points away from home. UMass’ home woes also make it tough to support them as underdogs at Alumni Stadium. With the total set at just 52, the over stands out as the safest wager. This projects as a sloppy, low-scoring affair between two bad teams. However, in games between poor defenses, points can pile up in a hurry.
Free Pick and Prediction: UConn Huskies 27, Massachusetts Minutemen 24