UConn 2023 Future Odds: National Championship, Conference, Regular Season Wins and Player Props

Jim Mora endeared himself to the UConn fanbase in 2022, leading the program back to a bowl for the first time in seven seasons. What will he do for an encore? Expectations are a bit higher now, meaning the honeymoon phase is over. The Huskies are certainly strong in few areas, but building on last year’s success won’t be easy.

Read on as we break down some key 2023 UConn stats in our team preview.

UConn Huskies At A Glance

Mora Working Magic at UConn

Jim Mora was an instant hit at UConn. So much, in fact, that he should’ve gotten more love for National Coach of the Year. The job he did in Year One was that good. The Huskies — considered a laughingstock under Mora’s predecessor, Randy Edsall — went 6-7, surpassing their win total from the previous three years combined.

They also became bowl-eligible for the first time since 2015, falling 28-14 to Marshall in the Myrtle Beach Bowl. Fortunately for Mora, several key contributors return, including senior linebacker Jackson Mitchell. The in-state product was a fixture in UConn’s turnaround, recording the fourth-most tackles in the nation with 140. Defensively, the Huskies ranked 62nd in scoring, a drastic improvement from their performance under Edsall.

Stability will be important, especially on offense. Quarterback Zion Turner returns after appearing in all 13 games as a freshman. Turner showed promise but also struggled at times, and the leash may not be particularly long. He played arguably his worst game in the loss to Marshall, going 9-of-27 for 166 yards and three interceptions.

Leading rusher Victor Rosa (636 yards, 11 TD) also returns, as does Christian Haynes, a legitimate NFL prospect along the offensive line. The Huskies also lost some key transfers, including receivers Keelan Marion and Aaron Turner, creating the need for underclassmen to step up.

UConn has been a bit of a nomad since the break-up of the original Big East, so questions about the program’s future continue to linger. But after falling flat during Edsall’s second stint, they appear to be on the right track again. The UConn football roster is greatly improved. That may lead to some strong 2023 UConn stats.

National Championship Odds: This Isn’t Basketball

UConn’s men’s and women’s basketball programs are among the most distinguished in the nation. They’ve combined to win 16 national championships. Expect that number to grow in the coming seasons. Football, on the other hand, is not. The Huskies were a feel-good story in 2022. But that’s about all they were. The Huskies are a +100000 pick, and even that seems too low.

Conference Odds: Livin’ a Life of Independence

The Huskies will spend their third straight season as an FBS independent after leaving the American Athletic Conference. They’re reportedly a target for the Big 12 in the next wave of realignment, but nothing has yet to materialize. Regardless, even if it did, it wouldn’t impact the Huskies this season.

Regular Season Wins: Surprise No More

Without a doubt, UConn was one of the country’s biggest surprises. Remember, the Huskies were projected for just 2.5 wins. Can they exceed expectations again? That’ll obviously be a lot tougher. There’s no real consistency with UConn’s NCAA football schedule, but that’s generally the case with most independents.

Five of the Huskies’ upcoming opponents made bowls last season, not counting James Madison, which went 8-3 but was ineligible due to FCS transition rules. The Huskies are currently listed as a 16.5-point underdog to NC State in the Aug. 31 opener.

Fortunately, that’s at home, as is a Sept. 23 date with Duke. But the Huskies also have to visit SEC powerhouse Tennessee (Nov. 4). Yeesh. Four of the final five games are on the road. That stretch will ultimately go a long way toward defining UConn’s season. Keep that in mind as you assess the 2023 UConn stats.

To Make Playoffs: It’s Nice to Dream, But…

Playoffs? Playoffs?! You had to figure there’d be at least one reference in here to that iconic rant. The Huskies are obviously moving in the right direction, but they’re nowhere near ready to compete with the upper echelon of college football. Frankly, they may never be. And that’s OK. UConn’s a basketball school anyway.

For college football picks, betting odds, analysis and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

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