The UConn Huskies kicked off the 2024 Wasabi Fenway Bowl with a dominant performance, leading to a 27-14 victory over the North Carolina Tar Heels in Boston. This victory marks UConn’s first bowl win since 2010, an eagerly awaited achievement for the program, which had reached only its 10th bowl game in history.
UConn set the tone early, with Mel Brown rushing for an impressive 47 yards on the very first play, positioning the Huskies just outside the red zone. They capped a strong opening drive with a 32-yard field goal, showcasing their offensive prowess. Defensively, the Huskies were formidable, limiting the Tar Heels to just 14 total yards in the first quarter and forcing two consecutive three-and-outs.
The scoring escalated when UConn’s Joe Fagnano connected with Skyler Bell for a 38-yard touchdown pass, giving the Huskies an early edge. The Tar Heels quickly responded with a 95-yard kickoff return by Chris Culliver, pulling the score closely to 10-7. However, UConn refused to relinquish their momentum, executing an 11-play, 79-yard drive that culminated in a touchdown pass from Fagnano to Alex Honig, extending their lead to 17-7. They further solidified their advantage with a two-yard touchdown run from Cam Edwards just before halftime, making it 24-7.
In the second half, UConn maintained control, adding a 24-yard field goal early on. Although the Tar Heels sparked some hope with a late touchdown, their efforts ultimately fell short, as UConn held firm to secure the win. The victory wrapped up their season with an impressive 9-4 record, demonstrating their growth and resilience.
This win is not only a testament to UConn’s determination but also a promising sign for the future. The Huskies have shown they can compete at a high level, and this bowl victory could serve as a significant stepping stone as they aim for continued success in the upcoming seasons.