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FACTS & STATS: Site: Peden Stadium (24,000) -- Athens, Ohio. Television: None. Home Record: UConn 0-0, Ohio 0-0. Away Record: UConn 0-0, Ohio 0-0. Neutral Record: UConn 0-0, Ohio 0-0. Conference Record: UConn 0-0, Ohio 0-0. Series Record: Connecticut leads, 1-0.

GAME NOTES: For just the second time ever, the Connecticut Huskies and the Ohio University Bobcats will meet on the gridiron, as the two schools open their respective 2009 campaigns this Saturday at Peden Stadium. The only other matchup between the two programs took place in 2002, as the Huskies pounded Ohio, 37-19.

The Huskies took a step back in 2008 after sharing the Big East title in 2007, but the team still finished with a respectable 8-5 ledger, earning a second straight bid to a bowl game. UConn collected a convincing win over Buffalo in the International Bowl defeating the Bulls, 38-20. With the win over the Bulls the Huskies are now 14-1 against MAC opponents since joining the FBS.

As for the Bobcats, they had to scratch and claw just to grab four wins this past season, finishing the year with their sixth losing season in the last nine years.

The biggest need entering the season-opener for the Huskies will be replacing tailback Donald Brown, who rushed for over 2,000 yards in 2008. Jordan Todman comes into the opener as the starter, but look for Andre Dixon to see plenty of work. Todman averaged 6.3 ypc in 2008, while Dixon was a tremendous player in 2007 for UConn before losing his spot to Brown. Zach Frazier will be under center against Ohio, and he should feel comfortable under new offensive coordinator Joe Moorehead, who held the same position at Akron. Frazier will need to build chemistry with some new wideouts as sophomore Michael Smith and Kashif Moore will see plenty of playing time on Saturday. Brad Kanuch is the most experienced player at the position, but he was not much of a factor in 2008. Even without Brown in the backfield, the Huskies will likely lean on the run, while the passing attack comes together.

The Huskies are fortunate to have plenty of talent returning on the defensive side of the football, especially at the linebacking position. Scott Lutrus is a force who made 106 tackles last season and figures to be even better in 2009. The standout has played all three linebacker positions and is tremendous in coverage. He should get some help from the physical Greg Lloyd (6-1, 244- pound junior), as well as Lawrence Wilson who made 73 stops last season. Although the front line lost some important players, there is still plenty of talent on the roster that can fill in those holes without the team missing a beat. Lindsey Witten has plenty of experience on the outside, but expect big things from true freshman Jesse Joseph, who will be starting opposite of Witten. Coach Randy Edsall is also hoping Kendall Reyes and Twyon Martin will gel quickly as a tandem on the inside. With the departure of corner Darius Butler, the Huskies will need Jasper Howard to elevate his play, and considering he collected four INTs in 2008, he has the talent and ability to lead this otherwise inexperienced backfield.

Although the season is right around the corner, the Bobcats have plenty of questions on the offensive side of the football. especially at quarterback. Last season Theo Scott won the starting job, but after suffering an injury, Boo Jackson took over for the remainder of the season. Jackson did not perform well enough to earn the starting spot, but if Scott is still hampered by the injury, Jackson could be under center on Saturday. Whoever is quarterbacking this team, he will have a true receiving threat at his disposal in Taylor Price, who led the team with 51 receptions, 694 yards and five touchdowns. The ground game does not have a clear cut tailback either as the team will likely rely on a few different options early in the year. As of now, Donte Harden will see a large portion of the carries, but sophomore Vince Davidson could also make an impact.

Last year the Bobcats had a very tough time against the run, but with three key starters back up front this should be a much more experienced front line. Kris Luchsinger is clearly the leader for Ohio, and he should be ready to make some noise as a disruptive force. The captain of this unit however resides at the linebacker position, as Noah Keller will look to be the straw that stirs this drink. Keller racked up 104 tackles last year, and will be joined once again by Lee Renfro, who collected 83 stops. The passing defense was outstanding for the Bobcats in 2008 and with the return of Steven Jackson at free safety, and Thad Turner at cornerback this unit should once again perform well in passing situations.

The loss of Donald Brown will surely effect the Huskies, but not so much this weekend, as Connecticut is stronger than the Bobcats on both sides of the ball.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Connecticut 31, Ohio 13