University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
1-1 , 0-0
Syracuse
1-1 , 0-0
Huskies Fall in Overtime
9/6/2025 4:57:00 PM | Football
SYRACUSE, NY – The UConn Huskies lost an 27-20 overtime decision to the Syracuse Orange Saturday afternoon at the JMA Wireless Dome in front of 39,391.
UConn quarterback Joe Fagnano completed 24 of 43 passes for 259 yards, while wideout Skyler Bell set a new career-high with 11 receptions totaling 105 yards. Eight of Bell's 11 catches came in the second half.
On the ground, Mel Brown provided a spark with 72 rushing yards on five carries, including a touchdown. Cam Edwards carried it 21 times for 75 yards in the loss. Defensively, D'Mon Brinson had seven total tackles and an interception. Linebacker Oumar Diomande led the team with nine tackles including a sack.
UConn's defense twice stopped the Orange on downs inside their own 10-yard line in the first half, and used a strong effort all half to build a 14-3 lead. The Huskies struck first on a trick play in the second quarter as wideout John Neider took a pass behind the line of scrimmage then found tight end Alex Honig all alone in the end zone for a 7-0 second quarter lead.
After a Syracuse field goal, UConn made it 14-3 as Brown burst off right tackle and scampered 45 yards for a score late in the second.
At the start of the third quarter, UConn capitalized on an early drive beginning at their own 10-yard line. Fagnano led the offense efficiently, completing a key 34-yard pass to Cam Edwards on a third down, ultimately setting up a 35-yard field goal by Chris Freeman at 9:55, extending UConn's lead to 17–6.
Syracuse's Angeli led a pair of fourth quarter scoring drives of 90 yards and 80 yards with just over seven minutes left to take a 20-17 lead. UConn move the ball down the field in the last 1:18 and got a Chris Freeman 41 yard field goal to knot the game back up at 20-20 and send it to overtime.
In overtime, quarterback Angeli threw a 10-yard pass to Will Nixon, followed by a 7-yard completion to Johntay Cook II, setting up the decisive play. On third down, Angeli connected with Ross-Simmons for a 6-yard touchdown pass, giving SU a 27-20 lead after Woody's successful extra point. UConn's subsequent drive was thwarted by incomplete passes from Fagnano and a crucial pass breakup by Antoine Deslauriers on fourth down, sealing SU's win. This marked the first overtime game for UConn since a triple OT win at Louisville in 2012.
Syracuse's offensive effort was spearheaded by quarterback Steve Angeli, who completed 33 of 53 passes for 417 yards and two touchdowns, despite throwing one interception. Yasin Willis contributed on the ground with 48 rushing yards on 11 attempts, including a touchdown. Justus Ross-Simmons was a key target, catching five passes for 83 yards and two touchdowns.
The Huskies are 1-1 on the season and will head to Delaware on Saturday, September 13 at 3 p.m.
Team Stats
UCO 7, SYR 0
UCO - Honig,Alex 15 yd pass from Neider,John (Freeman,Chris kick) 10 plays, 60 yards, TOP 04:56
UCO 7, SYR 3
SYR - Woody,Tripp 38 yd field goal 4 plays, -1 yards, TOP 00:55
UCO 14, SYR 3
UCO - Brown,Mel 45 yd run (Freeman,Chris kick), 6 plays, 77 yards, TOP 02:29
UCO 14, SYR 6
SYR - Woody,Tripp 32 yd field goal 8 plays, 61 yards, TOP 01:02
UCO 17, SYR 6
UCO - Freeman,Chris 35 yd field goal 10 plays, 73 yards, TOP 05:02
UCO 17, SYR 12
SYR - Ross-Simmons,Justus 53 yd pass from Angeli,Steve () 7 plays, 90 yards, TOP 01:34
UCO 17, SYR 20
SYR - Willis,Yasin 3 yd run (Gill Jr.,Darrell pass), 10 plays, 80 yards, TOP 01:18
UCO 20, SYR 20
UCO - Freeman,Chris 41 yd field goal 8 plays, 52 yards, TOP 00:47
UCO 20, SYR 27
SYR - Ross-Simmons,Justus 6 yd pass from Angeli,Steve (Woody,Tripp kick) 5 plays, 25 yards, TOP 00:00
