NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

The UConn Huskies (2-2) football program will battle the Syracuse Orange (1-2) on Saturday afternoon (noon ET) in East Hartford.

The Huskies are looking to get the bad taste out of their mouth following a 24-21 loss against Miami (Ohio) last week while the Orange haven't played in 15 days following a 27-13 loss against Pittsburgh on Sept. 17.

We've covered this matchup extensively, from the intricacies of the roster and coaching staff crossover, to the debut of electric Syracuse freshman Calvin Russell III, to the dual-quarterback system that UConn may have to prepare for, but there is another angle to this matchup that could play a heavy role in determining who runs: Penalties.

The issues with flags

Both of these teams are heavily penalized and if one of them can figure out their issues, that could give them an advantage they haven't previously enjoyed.

In four games, the Huskies have been penalized 33 times, an average of more than eight per game. The 33 penalties are the 115th-most in the nation out of 137 teams. The 340 yards against them in penalties are the sixth-most nationally and something that head coach Jason Candle certainly has to get cleaned up.

On the other side, Syracuse has been worse in regards to flags. They've only played three games, but they've committed 36 penalties, which is an average of 12 per game (T-122). The 329 yards against is in the bottom-10 nationally as well. Once again, that's despite one fewer game than most teams.

Syracuse has seen these penalties come in all shapes and sizes as well, even having a punt return touchdown negated in their Week 2 loss against Cal.

Other storylines to watch

With regards to the quarterback situation, it will be fascinating to see how Syracuse head coach Fran Brown handles things.

Steve Angeli is the incumbent starter, and he led Syracuse to an overtime win over UConn a year ago, but he's had five interceptions in his last two games. Brown has said he will start, but he's also indicated that backup Amari Odom will play.

How much will Odom play? In what situations? How long is the leash on Angeli? All of those things are things to wonder about, and if you're Candle, you have to be prepared for all situations at all times.

Odom and Angeli are different players that provide different issues for a defense, so the chess match will be real between these two very familiar staffs.

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos