UConn 38-19 win vs UAB; Fagnano 4 TDs, Chadwick 3 INTs

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. — The UConn Huskies roared to life this past Saturday, securing their first victory of the season with a dominant 38-19 win over UAB at Pratt & Whitney Stadium in East Hartford. The decisive performance, highlighted by a prolific passing game and a suffocating defense, marked a significant turnaround for the Huskies after their season-opening loss to NC State.

Quarterback Joey Fagnano was the architect of UConn’s offensive explosion, throwing for four touchdowns. Three of those scores were hauled in by wide receiver Skyler Bell, whose chemistry with Fagnano was evident throughout the game. Their connection ignited early with a 22-yard touchdown pass and continued to burn brightly, including a 42-yard bomb later in the contest.

“Joey and Skyler have been building that rhythm since spring ball,” said UConn Head Coach Jim Mora after the game. “It’s fantastic to see it translate to the field when it counts. They’re a dynamic duo for us.”

While the offense put points on the board, the true showstopper was defensive back Jackson Chadwick. Chadwick was a menace in the secondary, intercepting UAB quarterback Jacob Zeno three times. His third pick was a game-changing 53-yard return for a touchdown, a play that unequivocally solidified UConn’s lead in the fourth quarter. Chadwick’s other two interceptions were equally impactful, with one setting up a subsequent touchdown drive and the other leading to a field goal by kicker Peter Busscher.

“The defense was just buzzing today,” Chadwick commented, still riding high from his performance. “We knew we had to make plays, and everyone stepped up. That pick-six felt incredible, a real team effort to get me into the end zone.”

UConn established control early, jumping out to a strong 14-0 lead in the first quarter and extending it to a commanding 24-0 by halftime. Running back Victor Rosa added to the Huskies’ lead in the third quarter with a 1-yard rushing touchdown.

Despite UAB’s attempts to mount a comeback in the second half—Jacob Zeno connected for two touchdown passes, one to Samario Matthews and another to Deshawnasia Washington—it wasn’t enough to bridge the substantial gap. The Huskies’ defense maintained relentless pressure on Zeno all game, contributing to UAB’s significant struggles on third downs, converting only two out of twelve attempts.

Overall, UConn outgained UAB in total yards, 358 to 294, showcasing a balanced attack and stingy defense. This victory not only provides a crucial boost in momentum for UConn after their Week 1 defeat but also hands UAB their first loss of the season, disrupting their early-season aspirations under head coach Trent Dilfer.

“This is what we’ve been working for,” Coach Mora added. “Building a program takes time, and wins like this against a quality opponent like UAB show that we’re heading in the right direction. We need to carry this intensity into every week.”

The Huskies (1-1) will look to build on this success next Saturday, September 14, when they host another non-conference opponent, the Lafayette Leopards, at Pratt & Whitney Stadium. UAB (1-1), meanwhile, will return home to Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama, to regroup before facing the USF Bulls on the same day.