Buffalo @ Connecticut preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 24, 2011 ) Connecticut 17, Buffalo 3

Connecticut needs a boost of confidence before entering Big East play as Buffalo visits on Saturday. The Huskies could not follow up a strong victory at Maryland, falling at Western Michigan 30-24 last week to continue their see-saw start. Despite the loss, the play of quarterback Chandler Whitmer gives the Huskies' offense some momentum going forward. Whitmer threw for a season-best 333 yards and three touchdowns against the Broncos and has only one interception the last two games. Connecticut, fifth in the nation in total defense, could get a challenge from Buffalo’s talented skill players. Bulls running back Branden Oliver averages six yards per carry, but is day-to-day with a leg injury, and receiver Alex Neutz has six touchdown catches in three games. Connecticut leads the series 15-4. Buffalo’s last victory over the Huskies was in 2001.

TV: 12 p.m. ET, ESPN3, Big East Network. LINE: Connecticut -16

ABOUT BUFFALO (1-2): The Bulls turned the ball over four times in their 23-7 loss to Kent State on Sept. 19, which opened their Mid-American Conference season. Buffalo must avoid mistakes as it starts the toughest part of its schedule, which also includes games against Ohio, Northern Illinois and Pittsburgh. Oliver has rushed for 426 yards and three scores in three games. Neutz has 15 receptions for 264 yards and leads the nation with two touchdown catches per game. Quarterback Alex Zordich, completing just over 50 percent of his passes, will have to raise his game. Linebacker Khalil Mack leads the Bulls' defense with 7.5 tackles for losses and 3.5 sacks.

ABOUT CONNECTICUT (2-0): The Huskies allowed a season-high 253 yards through the air against Western Michigan, but they continue to stop the run (57.5 yards per game). Connecticut will have to produce that type of effort against Oliver and Jawan Jamison of Rutgers in the Big East opener Oct. 6. The Huskies have 10 turnovers, including six interceptions and four lost fumbles. Whitmer’s completion percentage is up to 60.7 and he has a clear top target in Geremy Davis (17 receptions, 236 yards). Running back Lyle McCombs continues to rack up yards, averaging almost 90 per contest, with three touchdowns.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Connecticut is 18-4 against MAC teams, including 1-1 this season, since joining the FBS in 2002.

2. Buffalo is looking for its second win over a team from a BCS conference. The Bulls beat Rutgers in 2002.

3. Connecticut linebacker Yawin Smallwood averages 2.38 tackles for loss, tied for fourth in the nation.

PREDICTION: Connecticut 31, Buffalo 14