Connecticut @ Vanderbilt preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 2, 2010 ) Vanderbilt 21, Connecticut 40

THE STORY: Former Syracuse coach Paul Pasqualoni became the first Connecticut coach in program history to win his coaching debut last week when the Huskies rolled over undermanned Fordham. The competition gets a bit more difficult this week when Pasqualoni’s team travels to meet Southeastern Conference foe Vanderbilt. The Huskies, who won the Big East title last year, defeated Vanderbilt 40-21 in 2010 at home.

TV: SNY, CSS. LINE: Vanderbilt -2

ABOUT VANDERBILT (1-0): Vanderbilt snapped a seven-game losing streak with its 45-14 victory over Elon last week. Running back Warren Norman (knee) appears likely to play for the first time this year against Connecticut. Norman sat out against Elon after being limited in preseason, although coach James Franklin said Norman could have played if needed. Quarterback Larry Smith also left the game with an arm injury for precautionary reasons and will be ready Saturday. UConn outscored Vanderbilt 19-0 in the second half of last season’s meeting. Jordan Todman rushed for 190 yards in the game - he is now a backup with the San Diego Chargers.

ABOUT UCONN (1-0): Like Vanderbilt, UConn didn’t use its top running back last week both because of the competition and a nagging injury. Lyle McCombs got the start and rushed for four TDs and 143 yards in UConn’s 35-3 win. Incumbent D.J. Shoemate should get the call this week, but made only one start last season. UConn used three different quarterbacks in its opener and still has not settled on a starter. All three run different formations and Pasqualoni may just go with the hot hand.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Vanderbilt has not won consecutive games since 2008 when it started the season 5-0.

2. UConn is 2-2 all-time against SEC teams with wins over Vanderbilt and South Carolina .

3. UConn is 20-8 against the spread in its last 28 games.

PREDICTION: Vanderbilt 23, UConn 20 - Inability to win these types of games - basically a toss-up - is what eventually cost Pasqualoni his job at Syracuse. UConn got nothing out of its opener against Fordham and will likely struggle here.