Here's How Kalieb Osborne Did in First Start For UConn Football

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The quarterback competition lasted for the entire month of training camp, but on Friday, new UConn head coach Jason Candle finally named Toledo transfer Kalieb Osborne as his starter for the opener against Lafayette.

On Saturday, Osborne justified that decision, leading the Huskies to a 56-7 rout of Lafayette by going 19-of-26 for 265 yards and two touchdowns. He did have one interception, but he was in command of the offense all day.

Furthermore, he offered a fun dynamic with his legs, running eight times for 90 yards and two touchdowns, including a long run of 30 yards. He averaged more than 11 yards per carry and led a ground game that had 301 yards.

He was replaced by Tucker McDonald late in the second half. McDonald went 6-of-7 for 105 yards and two scores. He also had a pick.

One of the most impressive things about the pass game?

We said all offseason that we thought that the run game would be what drove this UConn team, and while the Huskies certainly did damage on the ground, they were also excellent through the air. Between Osborne and McDonald, the tandem hit 13 different receivers in this game. After losing dynamic wide receiver Skyler Bell to the NFL, we weren't quite sure where the playmaking was going to come from in the pass game, but the Huskies certainly showed they have some in that area.

Javon Brown was the clear star of the day, posting 92 yards on six catches with a touchdown.

How Osborne's legs help this team

It's pretty simple. When the quarterback has the ability to run the ball, the defense is left with more confusion. When there's more confusion and more things to worry about, things open up. If teams think they have to account for Osborne as a runner, then a passing lane might open up. If they try to take away those passing lanes, then Osborne has the ability to hit those openings on the ground.

It's a fine balance. You don't want to run your quarterback so much that you put him in harms way, but you also love the threat of the run and the impact it can have on a defense.

Of note

Jacob Merklinger, who transferred in from Tennessee this offseason, was not dressed for this game and was listed at QB3. He was seen with a wrap on his right hand.

Up next

The Huskies will welcome Maryland to town next Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET. The Terrapins compete in the Big Ten, making that a marquee home matchup for Candle's group.

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