Birmingham, Alabama: UConn Football Pulls Off Stunning Comeback Against UAB
UConn football fans, you have a lot to celebrate today! After a nail-biting showdown on Saturday, the Huskies pulled off a thrilling 31-23 victory against the UAB Blazers in Birmingham, not only marking a significant win but also securing their first winning season since 2010. This game was all about resilience, as UConn turned a significant halftime deficit into an exhilarating comeback with a strong fourth quarter performance.
First Half: A Rocky Start
Things didn’t look too bright for UConn when they hit the locker room at halftime. The game got off to a slow start, with both teams only managing to trade field goals in the first quarter. Then came the second quarter, where the Blazers completely outplayed the Huskies, scoring 17 unanswered points, making the halftime score a daunting 20-3 for UConn.
The Huskies found themselves in a hole due to two costly first-half turnovers and struggled with their run defense, allowing the Blazers to roll over them. Although they managed to notch a touchdown in the third quarter to cut the score to 20-10, the reality of trailing by 13 heading into the fourth made the situation seem grim.
A Game-Changer: Enter Joe Fagnano
Just when it seemed like the game was slipping away, a twist turned the tide. Starting quarterback Nick Evers left the game due to an injury early in the fourth quarter. Enter Joe Fagnano, the backup quarterback who had been waiting for his chance. With his impressive track record of 11 touchdown passes and almost 1,000 yards, Fagnano made an immediate impact upon his arrival.
On his first drive, he connected with star wide receiver Skyler Bell for a stunning 28-yard completion, pushing UConn to the UAB six-yard line. This intense play seemed to spark the entire offense back to life! Just a few plays later, Fagnano tossed a crucial touchdown to Shamar Porter, closing the gap to 23-17 with 8:45 remaining on the clock.
The Defense Steps Up
With the offensive momentum shifting, UConn’s defense, which had struggled earlier, rose to the occasion. They forced a fumble at the UAB 21-yard line, which was recovered by lineman Jack Barton. After a successful review and more quality plays, Fagnano struck again, connecting with wide receiver Jasaiah Gathings for a 21-yard touchdown, nabbing the lead for UConn for the first time at 24-23.
The excitement didn’t stop there! The defense kept up the pressure, managing to force yet another fumble, this time recovered by Kervins Choute. The Huskies regained possession, sending fans into a frenzy.
Capping Off the Comeback
Fueled by a new wave of energy, UConn’s offense found itself in UAB’s territory once again. A standout play from running back Cam Edwards—a dazzling 48-yard touchdown run—sealed the deal, pushing the lead to 31-23.
Even though UConn missed a field goal on their next possession, it didn’t dampen the spirit. The Blazers were given one last chance, but the stifling UConn defense held strong, forcing a turnover on downs. As the clock winded down, all the Huskies had to do was take a knee, effectively ending the game and securing a remarkable comeback victory.
Looking Ahead
For UConn, it’s certainly a moment of celebration. Evers finished the game with 104 passing yards but was overshadowed by Fagnano’s pivotal performance of 72 yards and two touchdowns in just a short amount of time. The victory brings the Huskies’ record to 7-3 and confirms bowl eligibility for the first time since 2022, marking the eighth in the program’s history. The team is off next week but will return to the field on November 23 against Syracuse.
What a game! The energy, the heartbreak, the jubilation—if this is what UConn football has in store for fans, then we can’t wait to see what’s next!
