If Connecticut's Middle Linemen Get Healthy, Team's Big East Hunt Just Beginning

The UConn Huskies have made it through the first four games of their schedule in a solid position.  With a record of three wins and one loss, this team is poised to compete for a Big East title if they can get healthy.

One area that has been hit particularly hard is the middle linebacker position.  The heart of the defense and ultimately the field general on defense has gone down not once, but twice, for this young and talented Husky squad.

It all starts with the Captain Scott Lutrus.  He is an absolute animal on defense and is always found wherever the ball is moving on the field.  Lutrus, who is from Brookfield, Connecticut, occurred a neck stinger in the opener at Ohio.

He has not played since and there is cause for concern whenever you are dealing with a nerve injury.  Lutrus of course wants to be out there for every down in every game, but the doctors have not cleared him medically just yet.

Lutrus has been one of the Huskies top tacklers over his first team two seasons.  He is a leader both on and off the field, and sitting on the sidelines dealing with this injury has been tough.  It is unclear whether he will be able to go next week in Pittsburgh, but knowing him and the hype around this game, I expect him to be ready to go.

Then key UConn reserve Kijuan Dabney had stepped in nicely to fill Lutrus place as the strong-side linebacker.  Dabney, who converted this offseason from safety, was making plays and helping the Huskies defense.

Unfortunately, Dabney re-aggravated a shoulder injury in pregame during Rhode Island.  This is just another injury that the Huskies are going to have to deal with and have someone step up.

It is too bad that Dabney's season is over and this injury will require shoulder surgery.  Dabney, a junior from Texas, was really coming into his own role on the team.  He is a team player and who always does what was in the best interest of the team.

His presence on the field will be missed.  Hopefully the Huskies can get Lutrus back in time for next weeks showdown with Pittsburgh.  UConn is looking to revenge a 34-10 loss at home from last year.

UConn will need to be strong on defense if they plan on starting conference play with a win.  If Lutrus is cleared and ready to go next weekend, it will be a big lift for the Huskies as a whole.

Injuries are certainly part of the game, but it is also an opportunity for someone else to step up.  Linebackers often times can make or break the performance of a teams defense.  Look for Scott Lutrus to come back hungrier than ever on the football field.