Connecticut Huskies Football: Breaking Down the Offense in 2011

After an 8-5 season, which ended in a loss to Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl, the Connecticut Huskies attempt to continue their success in 2011.

The Huskies bring in a new head coach (Paul Pasqualoni) and bring back seven starters from last year's offense.

From the quarterback to the offensive lineman, each unit is equally important in assuring a successful 2011 campaign.

Here I will go through position by position and grade each unit of the offense.

Huskies fans should not be too optimistic about this 2011 season. After a great run in 2010, which concluded with a trip to Phoenix for the Fiesta Bowl, the team needs to replace four starters on offense including captain Jordan Todman.

If by some miracle a star quarterback emerges from the pack to lead the Huskies, this team could be good. And I mean really good.

True freshman Michael Nebrich enters a hot quarterback battle with Michael Box, the only Huskies QB with starting experience.

Assuming UCONN decides to go with experience, Box will get the start September 1 against the juggernaut that is Fordham.

With a cupcake game preparing for game two versus Vanderbilt, look for both guys to share snaps.

With the quarterback situation being such a mess, new head coach Paul Pasqualoni has another problem at running back.

This off-season, senior leader Robbie Frey chose to leave the program.

Frey, who was arguably one of the best running backs in the Big East, now forces the team to turn to D.J. Shoemate—Not a horrible player to turn to, but definitely a disappointment.

The receiving group is easily UCONN’s best offensive threat.

Senior Michael Smith returns and is going to have to help out whichever QB the Huskies choose to go with.

Also back are both Moores, Isaiah and Kashif, as well as starting tight end Ryan Griffin.

The offense will rely heavily on the offensive line to protect the quarterback in 2011.

With all the questions at the “skill positions," the line brings back three starters and has three starting seniors in 2011.

The unit probably won’t be as good as last year’s group, but they should still hold their own.