Posted by ESPN.com's Brian Bennett
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- Connecticut usually avoids mistakes and capitalizes on the opponent's miscues.
The opposite happened at the end of the first quarter at North Carolina tonight. New starting quarterback Zach Frazer threw an interception right to Tar Heels linebacker Mark Paschal late in the quarter, which led to a Ryan Houston touchdown run three plays later.
Rather than play it safe with a first-time starter at quarterback, Randy Edsall dialed up passes on four of the Huskies' first seven plays. UConn has been lining up with three wide receivers, and Frazer's arm makes North Carolina respect the pass while also having to account for Donald Brown, who has 40 yards rushing in the first quarter.
But Frazer made the critical mistake, which is the one thing the Huskies can't afford.
After a poor opening drive, North Carolina has been moving the ball in big chunks. UConn could have a hard time keeping up with the Tar Heels offense if it does not control the time of possession.
Defensive tackles Alex Polito and Kendall Reyes have not played for UConn. Reyes, who was hurt in the Louisville game, did not make the trip. Freshman Tywon Martin has started in their place.
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
Brian Bennett
Bennett joined ESPN.com in August 2008 after nine years at The Courier-Journal in Louisville, Ky., where he covered college sports and the University of Louisville beat. He lives in Louisville.
BIG EAST SCOREBOARD
Saturday, 11/21
Final Louisville 22 South Florida 34 Final/2OT Connecticut 33 Notre Dame 30 Final 25 Rutgers 13 Syracuse 31
