HARTFORD, CN (WKZO) – In a game that saw no scoring for the first 19 minutes of play, no one could have guessed that the final score would be a combined 69 points. But it was, as Chleb Ravenell scored his 2nd touchdown of the game with 1:35 left to put the Broncos up for good 38-31.
Alex Carder had the best day ever for a Broncos quarterback as he broke Tim Hiller’s record of 471 passing yards in a game, set in 2008 against Central Michigan, topping the former Bronco by 8 yards, finishing with 479. Carder also had 5 touchdowns on 37 of 51 passing.
While Carder was spectacular it was his trio of receivers that made his job so easy. Jordan White did what has become the norm for him finishing the day with 12 receptions and 173 yards plus a TD. White entered the day leading the nation in receptions and 2nd in receiving yards and most likely will now lead the nation in both of those statics at the end of the weekend.
Number 2 and 3 receivers Robert Arnheim and Chleb Ravenell each had career days as well, as they both finished with career highs in receiving yards. Arnheim had 10 receptions for 113 yards and Ravenell had 9 receptions, 123 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Once again, the Broncos struggled to get the running game going as the running backs totaled only 14 yards on 11 carries, 8 of those yards coming on the final play of the game.
After a slow start from both teams, the offenses finally got on track in the 2nd quarter, as Broncos and Huskies combined for 24 points, and at halftime Western led the 2010 Big East Champs 17-7.
After halftime the Huskies came out looking like a new team. They scored 17 straight points and with 12:40 left in the 4th quarter, held a 24-17 lead over the Broncos.
However, the Broncos scored touchdowns on back to back drives, one from Jordan White and the other from Chleb Ravenell, to take a 31-24 lead with under 6 minutes to go.
The Huskies came right back to tie the game up, scoring on a 10 play 80 yard drive, capping it off with a Johnny McEntee pass to Nick Williams for 26 yards for a touchdown.
On the Broncos next possession they went up for good when Carder hit Ravenell for Carder’s 5th and final TD.
The Huskies fumbled the ball with 45 seconds left to end their chances of a comeback.
Western improves their record to 3-2 and 1-0 in the MAC while UConn falls to 2-3.
GAMENOTES: The Broncos were penalized heavily as they were flagged 15 times for 119 yards. It was the most penalties for a Bronco team since 1996…Tight End Dallas Walker scored his first TD of the season in the 2nd quarter to give the Broncos a 14-0 lead…Alex Carder’s 5 TD Passes tied him for the 2nd highest total in game. Carder had 5 TDs passes twice in 2010…Carder’s 37 completions were 5th highest ever for a Bronco QB. Carder holds the record with 43 vs. Toledo in 2010…Freshman Safety Rontavious Atkins caused the only fumble by the Huskies to wrap the game up for the Broncos…Johnny McEntee had 300 yards passing and 4 touchdowns for the Huskies…Lyle McCombs lead the Huskies in rushing with 136 yards rushing and added a receiving touchdown as well…The Broncos host Bowling Green next weekend at 2pm. Next weekend is also homecoming.
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