UConn Prepares for Crucial Matchup Against Wake Forest

STORRS – Head coach Jim Mora is preparing for one of the most significant games in his tenure at the University of Connecticut (UConn) as his team faces off against Wake Forest on Saturday. A victory would mark a notable milestone for UConn, which has achieved its best start to a season since 2009, with a current record of 4-2. Success in this game would not only provide the team its second win over a power conference opponent under Mora, but would also elevate the Huskies’ record to 5-2 for the first time since 2008.

The upcoming matchup at Rentschler Field presents a familiar challenge for Mora, who previously recruited Wake Forest’s quarterback Hank Bachmeier during Mora’s time at UCLA. Bachmeier, now 25 and playing his 45th career game, has been a pivotal figure for the Wake Forest offense, which ranks 41st in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) with an average of 257 passing yards per game.

“He’s a good decision-maker,” commented Mora on Bachmeier. Despite recent setbacks, including two interceptions in a loss to Clemson, Mora recognized Bachmeier’s ability to lead a resilient offense. “He’s got good receivers to throw to,” added Mora, highlighting key players like slot receiver Taylor Morin.

This contest will test UConn’s capacity to counteract Wake Forest’s multi-faceted offensive strategies, including their running game, spearheaded by junior Demond Claiborne who has amassed 524 yards and six touchdowns this season. UConn linebacker Donovan Branch expressed confidence in the Huskies’ readiness, stating, “I don’t really look at the record. I look at who they are as a team.”

The Huskies face uncertainty in their own quarterback lineup. Starter Nick Evers‘ status remains unclear following an injury, leaving backup Joe Fagnano, who threw for 272 yards with two interceptions against Temple, a potential starter. Additionally, third-string quarterback Tucker McDonald requires season-ending surgery, pressing the possibility of freshman Cole Welliver stepping into a backup role should Evers remain sidelined.

UConn aims to reignite its running game, ranked 14th nationally with an average of 220.3 rushing yards per game, after a subpar performance against Temple. “We just didn’t play well up front,” admitted Mora, citing the need for improvement in the offensive line’s discipline and execution.

This game also adds personal stakes, involving several players with Connecticut ties and high school rivalries. Among them, UConn wide receiver Gathings will face off against his former high school counterpart from Statesville High, defensive back Zamari Stevenson.

“That’s my dog, but when we’re between them lines, I ain’t trying to talk to him,” remarked Gathings on the upcoming challenge.

As UConn has yet to overcome an ACC opponent since the win against Boston College in 2022, the team looks to capitalize on this opportunity to break that streak. Jim Mora, Sr., a seasoned coach himself, remains a critical observer, voicing both support and critique over the team’s season so far.

The match is scheduled for noon and will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network, while fans can listen in via the UConn Sports Network from Learfield on Fox Sports 97.9.