As impressive as the UConn defense has been this year, I've been struck by the fact that they haven't faced a team with an established quarterback and a veteran group of receivers.

It's been kind of an either/or scenario. Western Michigan has a prolific senior QB in Alex Carder but graduation hit his group of receivers pretty hard. Rutgers have some experience at receiver but quarterback Gary Nova is still learning on the job. Well, when the Huskies play at Syracuse tonight at 8, the Orange will be led by senior QB Ryan Nassib and senior WR Alec Lemon.

Nassib is on pace to set Syracuse records with passing yardage and total offense this season. He will likely leave Syracuse with the top three seasons in program history in terms of passing completions and ranks in the top five in nearly every major single season and career passing category at Syracuse. All Lemon has done is caught a pass in his last 21 games which ties him with none other than former NFL great Marvin Harrison for seventh all time at Syracuse.

Obviously it will be imperative for the Huskies to not only apply pressure on Nassib but also be able to stay with the Syracuse receivers tonight.


“They have some good guys, Nassib the quarterback is he good,” UConn senior cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson said. “I know they like to throw the ball around. We have to make sure our coverage and our D line and linebackers play at another level.“We did a good job against the pass and late in the game we had a few breakdowns. When we look at it, we realize that there is still room to get better so we just need to keep working. When you get out there and play there are only so many opportunities. You never know when your time is so you have to make sure you are ready and you are in the moment.”

While UConn is concerned about the Syracuse passing offense, the main concern for the Orange is limiting turnovers.

Syracuse coach Doug Marrone said earlier this week that cutting down on the turnovers is paramount if the Orange wants to make a push towards a winning season.

"My frustration level is extremely high because it doesn’t give you a chance," Marrone said. "We have been here in the 24 losses we are minus 30 in turnover margin and in our 19 wins we are plus 12. This isn’t rocket science, we have to a heightened intensity to protect the ball. On defense we have to create turnovers and not turn the ball over. Since I have been here that has been the problem. I think if we can correct we will win and I believe that in my heart."