Connecticut coach Randy Edsall's homecoming was spoiled as his team turned the ball over five times en route to a 42-30 loss at Syracuse on Saturday. Edsall, a 1980 Syracuse graduate, was far from pleased with the Huskies' performance.
"It's not really complicated to figure out what went on out there," he said. "When you have three fumbles, two interceptions and 10 penalties, and you're playing a team like Syracuse with the athletes they have, your margin for error is very slim."
Senior quarterback Dan Orlovsky completed 39 of 51 passes for 445 yards and sophomore running back Cornell Brockington added 123 yards on the ground, but Connecticut's offensive domination couldn't overcome its many mistakes.
After playing six of their first seven games at home, the Huskies (5-3) are discovering why the Big East is a historically difficult conference in which to compete.
Connecticut, which is 0-2 away from home in its first Big East season, must face Georgia Tech and Rutgers on the road in November.
GAME BALL GOES TO
RB Cornell Brockington -- The Big East's leading rusher managed 123 yards on the ground and a second-quarter touchdown against Syracuse. The sophomore also caught 10 passes for 93 yards.
KEEP AN EYE ON
QB Dan Orlovsky -- The senior completed 39 of 51 passes for 445 yards and three touchdowns in defeat. Orlovsky, who was also intercepted twice, hit 10 different receivers. He has been named the Big East Offensive Player of the Week.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"Every week we're killing ourselves. That's what we keep emphasizing. It's us making the mistakes. It's just something we've got to get over." -- Connecticut tight end Dan Murray, on his team's five turnovers and 10 penalties in a 42-30 loss to Syracuse.
QB Dan Orlovsky, who has already been invited to the Senior Bowl on Jan. 29, set a career high for completions (39) and passing yards (445) in the loss to Syracuse.
STILL NEEDS SOME WORK
Connecticut's five turnovers against Syracuse were the most it has committed since joining the Division I-A ranks three seasons ago. In a disturbing trend, the Huskies gave away four turnovers in a 45-31 win over Temple on Oct. 23.