East Hartford, Conn. — Behind a career-best performance from running back Cam Edwards and a consistent showing from receiver Skyler Bell, the UConn Huskies held off a late push from Ball State to earn a 31–25 win on Saturday afternoon at Pratt & Whitney Stadium.
Edwards Runs Wild, Bell Stays Consistent
Edwards powered the UConn offense with 194 rushing yards and two touchdowns, including a back-breaking 67-yard score late in the fourth quarter that ultimately sealed the win. It marked a new career high for the sophomore back, surpassing his previous best of 149 yards set against USF in 2023.
Meanwhile, wide receiver Skyler Bell continued his scorching start to the season with 14 catches for 103 yards and a touchdown. Bell has now topped 90 receiving yards in all four games this season and has gone over 100 in three of them.
Huskies Build Momentum in Second Half
UConn (2–2) took a 17–10 lead into halftime and never trailed again. After Ball State cut the deficit to 24–17 with a third-quarter field goal, Edwards answered with a 32-yard touchdown run, pushing the Huskies’ lead back to two scores.
On the Cardinals’ next possession, UConn safety Lee Molette III snagged his first career interception, halting Ball State’s comeback attempt and setting up UConn to control the clock.
Ball State’s Late Push Falls Short
Ball State (1–3) stayed within striking distance and found the end zone with just nine seconds remaining to close the gap to six. But it was too little, too late after Edwards’ 67-yard sprint with under two minutes left had given UConn the cushion they needed.
Quarterback Kiael Kelly led Ball State with 209 yards on 17-of-24 passing, but the Cardinals struggled to finish drives and couldn’t overcome the turnover in the fourth quarter.
Quarterback Play
UConn starter Joe Fagnano had a steady outing, going 20-for-30 for 171 yards and a touchdown, helping keep the offense moving efficiently throughout the contest.
Fast Facts & Notes
- Cam Edwards: 194 rushing yards, 2 TDs (career-high)
- Skyler Bell: 14 receptions, 103 yards, 1 TD
- Lee Molette III: 1st career interception
- UConn improves to 2–2 for the second straight season
- First FBS win of the year for the Huskies
What’s Next:
UConn will look to move above .500 for the first time this season as they host Old Dominion next weekend.
Ball State returns home to face Toledo in their Mid-American Conference opener.
