Big East Football: UConn Opens at Rutgers Riding Momentum

The "we believe," can-do attitude is back for UConn football.  The resurgence of quarterback Cody Endres is a big part of the UConn turnaround since losing at Temple.  With Endres under center UConn has looked like a much more efficient team that can run and pass.  Scary isn't it?

The workhorse of this UConn football team is running back Jordan Todman.  On Saturday against Vandy, Todman carried the football a career high 37 times for 190 yards.  Looks like he had to make up for the lost time after missing the Buffalo game with a hyper-extended elbow.

UConn's defense returned to their physical style of play in the second half on Saturday.  Scott Lutrus is a difference-maker when he is out there starting at strong-side linebacker.

Next to him is Lawrence Wilson who has continued to improve since his successful 2009 campaign.  He is one of the leading tacklers in the Big East and is the anchor of the UConn defense.

Newcomer Sio Moore has wrestled the starting spot away from Greg Lloyd and Jory Johnson.  A redshirt sophomore who continues to make plays game after game.

I've been most impressed with safety Mike Lang this year.  He does whatever the coaches ask him and his competitive spirit has earned him the starting spot.  Last year he was playing wide receiver but this switch seems to be permanent.

Lang has the speed and athleticism to cover any wide receiver that comes into the secondary.  Lang is a player to keep your eye on as the season continues.

Tomorrow night, UConn heads down to New Jersey to take on Rutgers; a team that has given UConn all sorts of problems over the last couple of years.  Greg Schiano has had a disappointing campaign thus far, but he and his team are well-aware of the BCS bid that comes with winning the Big East.

So is Randy Edsall and that has been his goal since he built this program from nothing.  The exposure and experience that come along with playing in a BCS Bowl game are unforgettable.  For the Huskies it would be their first.

UConn has won their last two straight over Buffalo and Vanderbilt.  Not the most difficult opponents, but the Huskies are starting to ride the momentum after starting the season 1-2.  This UConn team understands that every game is a new challenge. 

In conference play the level of intensity and importance is even greater.  This game at Rutgers is one UConn has to win.  They then get a week off to prepare for a trip to Louisville.

The Huskies have another bye week before West Virginia comes to The Rent on Oct. 29, the Friday of Halloween weekend.

UConn has a stretch where they will have some time to rest and prepare for some of their Big East opponents.  At the same time the end of the season comes quick with Nov. 20 at Syracuse, Nov. 27 Cincy, and Dec. 4 at South Florida.

As far as UConn is concerned the only task on the table is defeating Rutgers tomorrow night on ESPN.  It give the Huskies a chance to show a national audience what UConn football is all about.