Which QB will Temple face? UConn coach not saying
Connecticut football coach Bob Diaco wasn't about to tip his hat as to whether redshirt sophomore quarterback Bryant Shirreffs would be able to play in Saturday's key American Athletic Conference game at Lincoln Finaincal Field against Temple.
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Connecticut football coach Bob Diaco wasn't about to tip his hat as to whether redshirt sophomore quarterback Bryant Shirreffs would be able to play in Saturday's key American Athletic Conference game at Lincoln Financial Field against Temple.
The 6-foot-2, 220-pound Shirreffs suffered a head injury during the second series of Saturday's 20-17 win over previously unbeaten Houston. He was hit by Elandon Roberts, who was called for a targeting penalty and ejected.
Temple (9-2, 6-1 AAC) most likely must win this regular-season finale to clinch the East Division and earn a berth in the inaugural conference title game. The only other way Temple can get in is if South Florida (7-4, 5-2) loses on Thanksgiving to winless Central Florida.
When asked during Monday's AAC conference call with reporters about his quarterback situation, Diaco said "day to day" referring to Shirreffs status.
UConn (6-5, 4-3) replaced Shirreffs with junior Ted Boyle, who was 12 of 22 for 110 yards. For the season Boyle (6-4, 225) has completed 19 of 40 for 160 yards, one interception and no touchdowns.
Temple, as it had to do before an earlier 24-14 win at East Carolina, will likely have to prepare to face either quarterback.
Owls coach Matt Rhule said during the same conference call that it is always a challenge preparing for two quarterbacks.
"Lucky for us we rely on our defense and play what we play," Rhule said. "They are two different styles of quarterbacks."
Shirreffs is more of a running threat, having gained 428 yards (3.2 avg.) and three touchdowns. He has thrown nine touchdown passes and seven interceptions.
Rhule had no injury updates because he wasn't going to see his team until the conference call. One person of interest is running back Ryquell Armstead, who has been sidelined recently with an undisclosed injury.
"Ryquell probably could have played [in Saturday's 31-12 win over Memphis] and it was really my decision to hold him out and see how he is the next couple of days," Rhule said.
Even though UConn was home, the Huskies' win over Houston was considered an upset.
"It was no surprise to us," Rhule said. "They are tough, play great defense, run the football, have playmakers and are extremely well coached."
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