Syracuse vs. UConn football: TV info, keys to the game, behind the numbers
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UConn Huskies (2-2, FBS Independent) vs. Syracuse Orange (1-2, Atlantic Coast Conference, ACC)
Date: Saturday, Oct. 3
Time: Noon EST
Location: Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field
TV: CBS Sports Network (Jack Gordon, Taylor McHargue, Jaclyn DeAugustina)
Radio: UConn Sports Network (Mike Crispino, Wayne Norman, Adam Giardino)
Fox Sports 97-9 FM (Hartford), WAVZ 1300 AM (New Haven), WGCH 1490 AM (Greenwich), WILI 1400 AM/95.3 FM (Willimantic), WICH 1310 AM/94.5 FM (Norwich-New London)
Online: The Varsity Network App
SiriusXM 252 and on the SiriusXM App 972
Odds: Syracuse favored -6.5, O/U: 50.5
Series History
Saturday’s meeting will mark the 15th matchup between the two programs. UConn is 6-8 all-time (4-2 Home, 2-6 Away) against Syracuse, dating back to 2004, when both teams were in the Big East.
Last season, UConn fell to the Orange 27-20 in OT despite leading by two scores until the final half of the final quarter of regulation. Since 2012, Syracuse has won six straight.
UConn head coach Jason Candle has faced Syracuse as an assistant coach, once, but never as the leader on the sidelines. He will see a familiar face on the opposing sidelines in Orange DC Vince Kehres, his former DC at Toledo.
“I think [this is] a really critical task and a really tough test for us this weekend,” Candle said. “Coach Brown has done a good job in his time there of putting a good product and seeing consistent improvement.”
Pre-Game Press Conferences
Fun With Numbers
16: It has been 16 years since the Huskies have defeated the Orange. Syracuse has also been off for 16 days, having last played on September 17th.
5: In their last two games, Syracuse QB Steve Angeli threw five interceptions. He was benched at the end of their loss to Pitt.
220: QB Kalieb Osborne is UConn’s leading rusher with 220 ground yards on the season thus far. Kenji Christian, Cyncir Bowers, and Trey Cornist are all over 100 yards and 4.0 yards per carry.
4: UConn sacked Angeli four times in their matchup last year.
2: Syracuse is one of two ACC opponents the Huskies will face this year. UConn will also host North Carolina in November.
Keys to the Game
A Familiar Face Driving SU’s Strength
In his six seasons with the Rockets, Kehres led a consistently stout defense. In 2025, the team ranked No. 2 nationally with 254.3 yards allowed per game and was 4th in the country in scoring defense. This year, the Orange defense allowed 14 points in a loss to Cal and appears to be the stronger side of the ball for Fran Brown’s team.
“I hope they shut out every opponent they play except Saturday,” Candle said of his former colleague at two stops, Mount Union in addition to Toledo. “I know he’ll have his guys ready and we’ll do the same.”
The UConn offense stalled at Miami (Ohio) last weekend, despite a hot start. The Huskies are looking for someone to step up with more consistency out of the backfield or receivers. While QB Kalieb Osborne has been solid, he’s also working through some growing pains as he develops chemistry with his pass catchers.
Cyncir Bowers leads the RBs with 6.0 yards per carry. UConn will have to gain some tough yards but also really needs a more consistent producer out of the passing game. Osborne doesn’t have a go-to guy to help keep drives alive, though the talent is apparent across the WR and TE room. This group needs to take a step up for the Huskies to have a chance at the upset at home.
Prevent Big Plays
Miami quickly got back into last week’s game with a few downfield strikes. Syracuse has the potential to make the issue of UConn’s inexperienced secondary worse. The Huskies have to avoid big passing plays and penalties in this one if they’re going to have a chance. The Orange have a talented group of receivers that can make UConn pay. They’ll have to be better at generating pressure or coverage as they look to overcome last week’s 300+ yards gained through the air.
Home Cooking
Husky fans are unsure about this team after the disappointing result last week, but everyone loves to hate this opponent. This game will surely offer a galvanizing opportunity for the fanbase and perhaps, like the Duke game last year, it can make a difference.
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