Preview: Connecticut at South Florida

Two teams looking for their first league win meet Saturday when Connecticut visits South Florida, which has lost six straight for first time in program history. The Huskies are 0-3 in the Big East for the first time since 2006, and they haven’t scored in the second half of their last three games. While Connecticut is coming off an open date, South Florida could use a break after blowing a 23-3 lead against Syracuse last Saturday and losing 37-36. The Bulls had a lengthy injury list after the game, and leading rusher Lindsey Lamar is likely out for the season after breaking his clavicle. Connecticut is averaging a conference-low 1.55 yards per carry in league games, but could improve that number against South Florida’s league-worst run defense.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPNU. LINE: South Florida - 8.5

ABOUT CONNECTICUT (3-5, 0-3 Big East): The Huskies have lost three straight and need more production from their offense in order to salvage the season. Connecticut ranks last in the Big East in scoring offense at 17.7 points per game, and quarterback Chandler Whitmer has been sacked 22 times in eight games while throwing a league-high 11 interceptions. The Huskies’ rushing offense ranks last in the Big East at 86.9 yards per game. The team’s strength is its defense, which ranks 10th nationally. Defensive end Trevardo Williams has 7.5 sacks to lead the conference, and linebacker Yawin Smallwood leads the league in tackles with 85. With 26.5 career sacks, Williams is one away from breaking the school's all-time record.

ABOUT SOUTH FLORIDA (2-6, 0-4): In addition to Lamar, the Bulls could be without guard Danous Estenor (ankle), tight end Evan Landi (ankle) and wide receiver Derrick Hopkins (knee). South Florida, which has lost its last two games by a combined three points, figures to rely more on quarterback B.J. Daniels with Lamar out. Daniels had 319 total yards against Syracuse, including 134 on the ground. South Florida rushed for 369 yards against Syracuse, but they’ll be tested by the Huskies’ stout run defense. The Bulls have lost 12 of their last 13 Big East games, and are the only team in the country that hasn’t recorded an interception this season.

EXTRA POINTS

1. South Florida K Maikon Bonani has made 11 of his 13 field goal attempts, including a school-record five against Syracuse last week.

2. Connecticut holds a 5-4 series lead with five straight wins. The last four games have been decided by a combined 14 points.

3. The Huskies were held to minus-6 rushing yards in their last game, a 40-10 loss to Syracuse on Oct. 19.

PREDICTION: South Florida 24, Connecticut 13