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West Va. rallies to beat UConn

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The Associated Press

Published: October 25, 2009

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - Connecticut nearly pulled out a win for Jasper Howard.

Noel Devine's 56-yard touchdown run in the closing minutes lifted No. 22 West Virginia to a 28-24 win Saturday in the Huskies' first game since the starting cornerback was fatally stabbed outside a university-sponsored dance a week ago.

Devine ran for 171 of his 178 yards in the second half as West Virginia (6-1, 2-0 Big East) overcame the inspired play of the Huskies (4-3, 1-2).

"That's what football is all about - making big plays when your teammates need you," Devine said.

The determined Huskies outgained the Mountaineers 501-387. Sophomore quarterback Cody Endres threw for a career-high 378 yards and two scores. Marcus Easley caught five passes for a career-high 157 yards, including an 88-yard TD.

"We really wanted to go out and get this win for Jazz, but we came up short," Easley said.

Connecticut was done in by its own second-half miscues. David Teggart missed two field goal tries, and a fumble and three interceptions ended other promising drives.

UConn coach Randy Edsall will fly his team to Howard's funeral Monday in Miami.

"I just feel empty," Edsall said. "The kids played their hearts out and did what we asked them to do. This is a special group of kids. We've got to take this and just learn how to play like this all the time."

NO. 5 CINCINNATI 41,

LOUISVILLE 10

CINCINNATI - Standing on the sideline in a sweat suit and baseball cap, injured quarterback Tony Pike watched his backup do a nearly perfect job.

Sophomore Zach Collaros threw only two incompletions while passing for 253 yards and three touchdowns, steadying Cincinnati in the Bearcats' first game without their star QB.

The Bearcats (7-0, 3-0) are off to their best start since 1954 despite losing Pike, a senior whose strong arm is the perfect fit for their no-huddle, spread offense. He didn't suit up four days after having surgery on his non-throwing forearm, watching from the sideline with his left arm tucked inside his jacket.

His understudy proved to be a quick study against lowly Louisville (2-5, 0-3).

SYRACUSE 28, AKRON 14

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Delone Carter gained a career-high 170 yards rushing and scored three touchdowns, Greg Paulus hit Marcus Sales for an 11-yard score and Syracuse snapped a two-game losing streak.

Syracuse (3-4), which had lost two straight Big East games, avenged a 42-28 loss to the Zips a year ago in the Carrier Dome in the first-ever meeting between the teams. It was the fifth straight loss for Akron (1-6).

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