Kalieb Osborne, in his first career start for the Huskies, led them to a decisive victory over Lafayette.
After a decisive 56-7 victory over Lafayette on Saturday, University of Connecticut quarterback Kalieb Osborne was named the Group of Six Quarterback of the Week by Pro Football Focus's college division.
Despite not getting named the starter until Friday afternoon, the Toledo toledo transfer was in total control of the Huskies offense as they routed by Leopards to start the year at 1-0.
He went 19-of-26 for 265 yards and two touchdowns through the air, though he did have one interception.
Furthermore, he offered a fun dynamic with his legs, running eight times for 90 yards and two touchdowns, including a long run of 30 yards. He averaged more than 11 yards per carry and led a ground game that had 301 yards. He didn't even play the full game, as senior Tucker McDonald entered the game late. He went 6-of-7 for two touchdowns in his own right.
Osborne played for new head coach Jason Candle at Toledo, appearing in seven games for the Rockets last year. He was 32-of-52 for 427 yards and three touchdowns while also averaging 40.3 yards per game rushing.
He beat out McDonald and Tennessee transfer Jake Merklinger for the starting job, though Merklinger also had a wrap on his right hand and wasn't dressed for the contest.
In addition to Osborne's big day, the Huskies got 76 rushing yards from transfer Trey Cornist, 46 from Kenji Christian and 42 from Cyncir Bowers. Javon Brown, trying to step up and fill the shoes of the NFL-bound Skyler Bell, had six catches for 92 yards and a touchdown.
UConn Huskies quarterback Kalieb Osborne (7) reacts after his touchdown pass against the Lafayette Leopards in the first quarter at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. David Butler II-Imagn ImagesUp next
The Huskies will get a much bigger test next week when they welcome Maryland to town for a 3:30 p.m. ET matchup on Saturday. The Terrapins, of the Big Ten Conference, opened up their season on Saturday with a 62-0 win over Hampton.
Maryland was just 4-8 a season ago, and only 1-8 in the conference. They were just 1-4 away from home as well, so it's impossible to think that UConn can play with a power conference foe.
Also in the news for UConn
Three UConn alums will be back in action on Sunday afternoon at 2:45 p.m. ET as the Team USA women's basketball team looks to move to 2-0 at the FIBA Women's World Cup. Paige Bueckers, Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier will lead the Americans against Italy in Berlin, Germany.
Bueckers had 14 points in a Game 1 win.
