What are the expectations for starting quarterback Chandler Whitmer?
UConn coach Paul Pasqualoni might have made the right decision by naming Whitmer the starting quarterback at the start of fall camp. Whitmer is regarded for his accuracy, solid footwork and arm strength. The junior college transfer usurped incumbent Johnny McEntee with a 18-of-27, 287-yard performance in the spring game.
In 2011, Whitmer threw for more than 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns at Butler Community College (Kansas). It will be a solid year for Whitmer if he can avoid mistakes and lead the Huskies to at least a .500 season.
Can Phillips and Smith help reinvigorate the passing game?
UConn will be young at wideout, but has the potential to be talented. Senior Nick Williams has big-play capability and can stretch the field when necessary. Two others -- Shakim Phillips and Mike Smith -- didn't play for the Huskies last season. Phillips is a transfer from Boston College and Smith was ruled academically ineligible for 2011. At 6-foot-2, 190 pounds, Phillips provides a huge target for Whitmer. Smith could have a chip on his shoulder after missing all of last year. In 2011, UConn was the only team in the Big East to average less than 200 passing yards per game.
Will McCombs challenge the school's single-season rushing record?
It could be a stretch for running back Lyle McCombs to top Donald Brown's single-season record of 2,083 rushing yards. If the sophomore rushes for at least 1,500 yards, though, he will finish in the top five. McCombs has already proven to be a workhorse back after he had 275 carries in his freshman season.
Will UConn, not Rutgers, be the most stifling defense in the conference?
With the return of LB Khaseem Greene and CB Logan Ryan, Rutgers is regarded by many as the top defense in the league. The Huskies could be just as impenetrable. In 2011, UConn DL Trevardo Williams led the Big East in sacks with 12.5 and added 15.0 tackles for loss. He'll be joined by a pair of potential All-Conference performers in LB Sio Moore and CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson. UConn allowed a conference-low 85.7 rushing yards per game last season.
Will Paul Pasqualoni be on the hot seat?
It could be unfair to dismiss coach Paul Pasqualoni after two seasons, but expectations are high at UConn after former coach Randy Edsall led the Huskies to the 2011 Tositos Fiesta Bowl. For Pasqualoni to be safe, UConn must improve on a 5-7 season from last year. UConn can start by going undefeated versus a relatively soft nonconference schedule.
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