Connecticut @ Maryland preview

Connecticut should have extra motivation when it travels to face former coach Randy Edsall and Maryland on Saturday. Edsall won a school-record 74 games, two Big East titles and took the Huskies to five bowl games in 12 seasons before he left for Maryland Jan. 2, 2011, the day after coaching in the Fiesta Bowl. Edsall said this week that circumstances did not allow him to tell UConn players in person he was leaving, and it’s something he has to live with. The offense that makes the least mistakes will likely take this matchup. Maryland has turned the ball over eight times in two games and UConn sputtered in a 10-7 loss to North Carolina State last Saturday. The Huskies must get more from running back Lyle McCombs, but the Terrapins defense has allowed 1.95 yards per carry. UConn’s defense has been even better.

TV: 12:30 p.m. ET, SNY, ACC Network. LINE: Maryland -2.5

CONNECTICUT (1-1): The Huskies have allowed 57 yards rushing and 317 total in its first two contests, getting into the backfield constantly. Defensive end Trevardo Williams has 3.5 sacks and linebacker Yawin Smallwood leads the team in tackles (21) and tackles for loss (5.5). However, the offense is ranked 104th in the nation. McCombs, who averaged 4.2 yards per carry in 2011, stands at 3.3 thus far. Junior-college transfer Chandler Whitmer has thrown for 423 yards and looked good at times, but has five interceptions and no touchdown passes. Geremy Davis has been his top target with seven receptions for 105 yards.

MARYLAND (2-0): The Terrapins have a chance to start 3-0 for the first time since 2001. They improved on offense in the 36-27 victory at Temple last Saturday as true freshman quarterback Perry Hills threw for two scores and ran for another, earning ACC rookie of the week honors. Hills did not throw an interception, after tossing three in the opener, and has used a variety of pass catchers. Sophomore Marcus Leak and freshman Stefon Diggs lead Maryland with 216 yards receiving combined. Defensive lineman Joe Vellano and linebacker Demetrius Hartsfield key a defense that has seven sacks and is ninth in the nation in yards allowed per game (229.5).

EXTRA POINTS

1. UConn has won nine of its last 13 non-conference road contests.

2. Diggs averages 109 all-purpose yards.

3. Maryland defeated UConn 34-0 in their only other meeting in 1942.

PREDICTION: Maryland 24, UConn 17.