“The Zips’ third-quarter struggles continued Saturday as the University of Connecticut Huskies scored 21 points in the quarter on their way to a 44-10 victory at Rentschler Field. The University of Akron has been outscored 51-3 in the third quarter by its five opponents so far in 2007.”
“

The Zips’ third-quarter struggles continued Saturday as the University of Connecticut Huskies scored 21 points in the quarter on their way to a 44-10 victory at Rentschler Field.

The University of Akron has been outscored 51-3 in the third quarter by its five opponents so far in 2007.

The Zips (2-3, 1-0 MAC) led UConn (5-0, 1-0 Big East) 10-9 with 4:04 remaining in the first half, after Jabari Arthur caught a 6-yard touchdown pass from redshirt sophomore quarterback Chris Jacquemain.

UConn’s Tyvon Branch returned the ensuing kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown. The kickoff return was the first given up by the Zips since the 2003 season against Eastern Michigan.

The Zips looked to be on the verge of regaining some momentum on their next drive as they drove the ball to the Huskies’ 3-yard line with 24 seconds remaining in the first half.

On second and goal, Jacquemain was tackled near the sideline. While Jacquemain was pushed out of bounds by two Connecticut defenders, the play was ruled complete while Jacquemain was still in the field of play. With no timeouts left, the Zips were unable to stop the clock from expiring and attempt a field goal.

Akron head coach J.D. Brookhart acknowledged in his post-game press conference that the play shifted the game’s momentum further in UConn’s favor.

I think it affected the momentum of the game, the Zips’ fourth-year head coach said. I think these games are like that;there are swings in momentum that make a difference. It certainly will affect you mentally. They shouldn’t, but they do.

Jacquemain said that, looking back on the play, he should have thrown the ball away to stop the clock and give the Zips another chance to score, but he will learn from the mistake and continue to improve.

I thought I’d made a mistake by not throwing the ball away on that play, Jacquemain said. I thought I got out of bounds to stop the clock. But apparently I didn’t. It’s one of those things I’m going to learn from and get better.

After holding UConn scoreless until its first drive in the second quarter, the Zips’ defense had difficulty stopping the Huskies in the second half.

UConn scored touchdowns on three of its first four possessions of the half.

The Huskies’ Donald Brown ran for a five-yard touchdown on the team’s second drive of the third quarter. UConn quarterback Tyler Lorezen then connected with wide receiver Terence Jeffers on a nine-yard touchdown pass to increase the Huskies’ lead to 30-10. UConn sophomore running back Andre Dixon capped the Huskies’ scoring in the third quarter with a 55-yard touchdown run.

Connecticut would conclude their scoring with a four-yard touchdown run by Lou Allen with 9:42 left in the game.

The Huskies’ offense amassed 465 yards of total offense in the game, 262 of which were gained on the ground.

Zips senior linebacker Brion Stokes gave credit to UConn’s commitment to execution of the running game in the second half.

They got us and I’ll congratulate them because both of them are good backs, he said.

They’re well-coached and they have a good team.

In the first half, they only rushed for 18 yards. In the second half, they tried to come out and establish the run and they did.

Jacquemain started the game over scheduled starter Carlton Jackson because of an undisclosed disciplinary reason.

Jacquemain completed his first 10 passes and completed 19-28 overall for 125 yards, a touchdown and an interception. He was also sacked four times.

Jackson entered the game with 9:42 remaining in the game. He did not complete a pass in three attempts.

Starting running back Bryan Williams rushed for 65 yards on 13 carries while Alex Allen ran for 41 yards on 11 carries.

Arthur caught eight passes for 81 yards and a touchdown. The game marked the fifth time in his career that he has made at least eight receptions.

The 44 points scored by the Huskies are the most points a Zips team has given up since UA lost 51-23 at Miami University on Oct. 15, 2005.

The Zips will travel to Kalamazoo, Mich., Saturday to face the Western Mich. Broncos of the Mid-American Conference’s West Division. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

“
” #1.1361744:2931902010.jpg:JabariArthuratUConn.jpg:Senior wide receiver Jabari Arthur caught eight passes for 81 yards and a touchdown Saturday.:Jeff Harwell / Zips Sports Photography”