Offense key in '09 for football

If there's one similarity between the past few seasons for UConn football it's been the attitude that they do not get the respect they deserve. Despite the fact that the last two seasons have seen a Big East title and the nation's leading rusher in Donald Brown, lack of respect seems to be the theme again as the Huskies open their season this weekend at Ohio.

In the Big East preseason poll, the Huskies were picked to finish sixth in the eight-team league, ahead of only Louisville and Syracuse, and received no first place votes.

The lack of confidence in UConn is understandable, having lost four players to the draft - including Brown. The onus of continuing the Huskies' climb toward respectability falls squarely on the shoulders of the offense as an untested group that will have to fill the vacuous hole left by Brown.

Notre Dame transfer Zach Frazer is tasked with turning around an offense that had a dismal passing game in 2008. Coach Randy Edsall knows he's up for the challenge, however.

"I think Zach throws the ball really well," Edsall said. "He's tough and he's a competitor. He's got a presence that the offensive guys like."

It's this presence in the huddle that Edsall thinks will serve Frazer best.

"He doesn't really get rattled and he takes charge, is confident and reassuring," Edsall said. "As they look at him and look at his eyes they know he's ready to go."

Frazer's primary targets, Isiah Moore, Kashif Moore and Brad Kanuch, have not been particularly productive either and will need to step up.

The key to the Huskies' season is in the offense as the defense once again looks strong. Junior Scott Lutrus is anchoring the linebacking corp and is poised to have a standout season. Although it lost two starters on the line, Julius Williams and Cody Brown, Lutrus is confident in their replacements.

"I think a lot of the young guys have stepped up and coming in this spring we might not have realized the depth we had there," Lutrus said.

Stepping up is Mike Cox and Lindsey Whitten, who Lutrus knows will not disappoint.

"You lose guys like Williams and Brown and it's definitely a big loss," Lutrus said. "But with these guys stepping up it won't be a problem."

The Huskies schedule, however, is among the hardest they have had in several years - highlighted by trips to Morgantown, W. Va. to play West Virginia and an innaugural trip to South Bend, Ind. to take on a Notre Dame team that many are picking to win at least nine games.

The home opener, Sept. 12 against North Carolina, could also be a difficult match-up. Last year the Huskies' game against the Tar Heels was forgettable as UConn had three punts blocked en route to a 38-12 loss.

If Frazer can lead the offense to a more successful passing game than in previous years, the defense is strong enough for the Huskies to make another potential run at the Big East title. Either way, Edsall knows his team is ready to go.

"Overall I thought the team came back in great shape and did a great job over the summer," Edsall said. "They're ready to go and ready to play a game."