Turnovers Costly As UConn Falls To Western Michigan 30-24

The Connecticut Huskies (2-2) suffered the second loss to the Western Michigan Broncos (2-2) in as many seasons, dealing a blow to their postseason chances and showing limitations in the pressure defense that has been the team’s mainstay in 2012.

The Huskies bowed 30-24 to WMU at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, Mich., Sept. 22. The game's 2 p.m. kickoff was delayed 30 minutes due to severe weather.

UConn allowed Broncos quarterback Alex Carder to throw for 237 yards and a touchdown en route to a 17-0 lead midway through the second quarter that the Huskies would never erase. Carder was steady in the face of defensive pressure, delivering precision passes from the WMU spread offense. Broncos wide receiver Josh Schaffer caught six passes for 104 yards and a touchdown.

It was evidence that the Huskies didn’t learn enough from the teams’ meeting last season. The Broncos defeated UConn 38-31 Oct. 1, 2011, at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Conn. In that game, Carder threw for 479 yards and five touchdowns, two of which were to Jordan White, who finished the day with 12 receptions for 173 yards, one of three WMU receivers with more than 100 yards.

Despite the loss, UConn quarterback Chandler Whitmer had his best passing performance of the season, netting 333 yards and three touchdowns. The Huskies did not have a passing touchdown in their three previous games.
Whitmer threw an interception near the goal line in the first quarter. He also fumbled in the fourth quarter which was returned 53 yards for a touchdown by WMU’s Desmond Bozeman.

Wideout Geremy Davis was UConn’s top receiver nine catches for 123 yards and a touchdown. Tight ends Ryan Griffin and John Delahunt also caught scoring passes. Tailback Lyle McCombs rushed for 119 yards.

The Huskies host Buffalo (1-2), another MAC opponent, next Saturday at noon.