Since 2009, UCONN best home team against the spread... 10-2-1 as a home dog for the huskies.

Personally, 17 points seems like a big number but I think UCONN having a new coach/systems is playing into this number vs. BYU's continuity.

I don't really know what to expect from a home field perspective. Our fan base was a bit depressed after the last 3 years, but also, its seems like Diaco has energized some. Others are taking a "show me" approach.

Since its the first game and its against a nationally known program, I think the crowd will be fired up. Defensive secondary is the strength of the team so if we can create some turnovers there, it will sure help a lot.

Coach Diaco says that Byron Jones will be on the best players in the country and has this to say about Obi Melinfonwu.

“Obi, in time, will be the best or one of the best safety prospects in the country,” Diaco said. “He has unbelievable skill set — crazy. I’ve been around some great safeties. He’s the most talent safety I’ve ever been on a team with — physically. Just talent.

“(Notre Dame) had a first round draft pick, a pro bowl safety in Harrison Smith. From a talent standpoint, (Melinfonwu) the most talented safety I’ve ever been around.”

On the flipside, switching to a 3/4 defense might create some confusion and opportunities for you guys.

On Offense, the big question mark is line play. After years of dominating line play, a punishing running game and putting guys in the NFL, our Oline coach (Foley) was moved to TE coach. We got away from smash mouth, implemented a zone blocking scheme and our line started to really stink. Foley was reinstated last season when the HC was fired and there was a HUGE immediate impact. However, there are big questions here.

Does Foley have enough talent and time (before the BYU game) to work his magic?

QB is up in the air but I think we have talented choices there. Cohran threw for 461 & 4 TDs in our last game of the season against Memphis.

We are more talented at WR than we've ever been and we do have talent at the running back position.

Special teams are question marks in both the kicking and return game.

If we get good line play (on both sides) we'll be pretty good - a bowl team or slightly better - if we don't, it could be a tough season of adjustment.