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On Saturday, the 2-2 UConn Huskies will host the 1-2 Syracuse Orange in East Hartford, Conn. 

UConn is coming off a loss on the road at Miami (Ohio), while the Orange haven't played in 15 days since suffering a 27-13 loss against Pitt.

This matchup has multiple interesting facts about it, as Syracuse is going to start Steve Angeli at quarterback despite calls for Amari Odom to get the nod, and talented freshman wide receiver Calvin Russell is set to make his college debut after tearing his Achilles in the spring.

But the interest doesn't stop there: There are multiple crossovers between these two programs that should provide plenty of familiarity.

Jason Candle vs. Vince Kehres

After spending a decade at Toledo, Candle was named the head coach at UConn this offseason following the departure of Jim Mora Jr. to Colorado State.

Kehres is the defensive coordinator at Syracuse now under head coach Fran Brown, but before that? He served in the same position under Candle for the Rockets. 

Kehres spent 20 years on the Mount Union (D-III) coaching staff and won 12 national titles during his time there as a player, student assistant, assistant coach and head coach. He was the head coach at Mount Union from 2013-19 before joining Candle.

Chris D'Appolonia vs. Candle/Toledo connections

D'Appolonia, a linebacker, is arguably the most important member of Syracuse's front seven. He played for Candle at Toledo, becoming one of the top defenders in the MAC before joining the Orange.

Candle will certainly know how good he is, and he'll know what makes him tick in the middle of the field. 

And of course, a large number of the UConn roster transferred in from Toledo, so they'll all know about D'Appolonia as well. Running back Kenji Christian will likely meet him in the middle at least once, and D'Appolonia will certainly want a chance at quarterback Kalieb Osborne.

And oh yeah, Kehres knows about their games as well.

Nunzio Campanile against Fran Brown 

Campanile is in his first year as the offensive coordinator for the Huskies, but before that? He worked on the offensive staff at Syracuse. He helped develop quarterback Kyle McCord, who finished in the Top-10 in Heisman Trophy voting in 2024.

He'll have a good idea of how Brown works his defenses, in addition to Candle's knowledge of Kehres. Furthermore, he'll have insight on Angeli from having worked with him in the 2025 season.

One more for the road

UConn wide receiver Emanuel Ross played at Syracuse prior to UConn, but he has not accumulated any stats yet this season.

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