New-look UConn routs FCS-member Lafayette 56-7 to begin Jason Candle era

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut's first-year head coach Jason Candle led his team to a dominant 56-7 victory over FCS opponent Lafayette on Saturday. Quarterback Kalieb Osborne spearheaded the effort, completing 19 of 26 passes for 265 yards and scoring two touchdowns through the air and on the ground. Osborne connected with two UConn players for crucial touchdowns - Javon Brown with a 24-yard reception and Kenji Christian with an 18-yard connection midway through the first quarter.

The Huskies maintained a commanding lead, scoring 14 points in each of the next two quarters to reach a 49-0 advantage. Osborne also carried the ball eight times for 90 yards. Lafayette, seeking its first win against an FBS team since defeating Rutgers in 1971, was outgained 671-209. The Leopards scored their lone points with 44 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter on a 75-yard drive.

Lafayette's performance against Georgetown last weekend was declared a no-contest due to weather. Besides a new coaching staff, UConn added 87 new players to a program that returned only one starter: offensive lineman Ty Chan. The Huskies are set to host Maryland on September 12.