Unlike last year’s matchup, the 2024 edition of the Wasabi Fenway Bowl was not even close.
From the opening kickoff to the clocks hitting zeroes, UConn dominated the University of North Carolina. They ran the ball all over the Tar Heels’ defense and hit enough pass plays to keep their opposition off-balanced.
On defense, UConn was stout and stifling. North Carolina could not move the ball consistently, if at all. Their run game was completely shut down, while throwing the ball was a massive issue all game.
The impressive performance resulted in UConn capping off one of its best football seasons in recent memory with a bowl game victory.
How did the result fully come to pass, and who were the most significant contributors? Follow along as we recap the results from this year’s Fenway Bowl.
UConn runs roughshod over Tar Heels in Fenway Bowl
Heading into the game, it was likely that UConn would try to lean on their rushing attack. It has been a considerable strength for the Huskies this season, whether in terms of generating points or helping to open up the passing attack.
Fortunately for UConn, and unfortunately for UNC, their rushing attack was more than ready to handle the load in the Fenway Bowl.
On the first play from scrimmage, running back Mel Brown ripped off a 47-gain on a handoff. It immediately set the tone for the Huskies, punching the Tar Heels in the mouth and establishing that they were ready to play.
UConn is off and running! On the first play from scrimmage, Mel Brown races for a 47-yard gain. Great blocking and running has the Huskies into UNC territory immediately.
— Brandyn Pokrass (@BPok24) December 28, 2024
Brown continued to play well throughout the rest of the game, showcasing nice speed and vision in between the tackles. The running back racked up 96 yards on 11 carries, averaging 8.7 yards per carry.
In addition to Brown, Cam Edwards was extremely effective out of the Huskies’ backfield. He had 17 carries, which he turned into 74 yards, including a leaping touchdown that helped seal the game for UConn.
Even Victor Rosa chipped in for the Huskies later in the game, notching 21 important yards that helped ice the game away against the Tar Heels.
A road grating, run-heavy drive for the Huskies is topped off by a Cam Edwards rushing TD. Displaying their overall toughness on offense, UConn now takes a 24-7 lead. pic.twitter.com/DdQEicNjmM
— Brandyn Pokrass (@BPok24) December 28, 2024
In total, UConn had 210 net rushing yards on Saturday. They consistently moved the football. More importantly, the Huskies showed that they could play power football against Power-4 opponents.
UConn had a great 2024 season that was capped off with a bowl victory. With a strong rushing attack as their foundation, UConn is in a position to build upon their success to an even bigger degree.
The Huskies’ passing game worked when needed
It was not just the rushing attack that succeeded for UConn, though.
Quarterback Joe Fagnano led the attack, throwing for 151 yards with a completion percentage of 70 percent. He hit all of the short passes that were called, whether it was a slant, hitch, or screen pass. Fagnano also displayed an ability and willingness to push the ball down the field, which was most apparent on his touchdown pass to standout wideout Skyler Bell.
Joe Fagnano hits Skyler Bell for a 38-yard score for the first touchdown of the Fenway Bowl. pic.twitter.com/1vDzUJRysO
— Thomas Christopher (@ThomasCP_NFL) December 28, 2024
Most importantly, Fagnano was able to extend plays and create plays outside of structure. Whenever the quarterback was on the move, North Carolina’s defense was off balance, allowing UConn to pick up yardage consistently.
The crown jewel of this style of play for UConn came on Fagnano’s other touchdown pass. Rolling out to his right, the quarterback threw a dart to tight end Alex Honig, who made the leaping catch in the endzone.
TD UConn. Fagnano rolls out and hits Alex Honig for the TD, and the TE celebrates with a home run swing. The Huskies lead 17-7. @LeagueWinnersFB pic.twitter.com/3MdGCYYLvZ
— Brandyn Pokrass (@BPok24) December 28, 2024
It was, by all accounts, a great way for UConn to close out its season through the air. Now, the Huskies will have to show that they are able to build upon the success in 2025.
UNC’s offense shut down completely
While the offense was a big factor behind UConn’s win, the team’s defense played arguably just as big of a role in the Fenway Bowl.
The Huskies held North Carolina to 206 total yards on offense, with 110 coming through the air and 96 coming on the ground. UConn’s defensive line dominated the line of scrimmage, thanks in large part to Jack Barton and Pryce Yates. Barton had two tackles for loss and was constantly in the Tar Heels’ backfield. Yates, who had had six tackles, three tackles for loss, and a sack, won the defensive MVP of the game.
Additionally, Jayden McDonald flew around and made tackles all game; he notched a team-high of six and even had a tackle for loss.
North Carolina’s shining light on offense was Caleb Hood; he carried the offense on his back for their only scoring drive of the game, rushing for over 50 yards and throwing an impressive touchdown pass to John Copenhaver.
Due to relying on freshman Micheal Merdinger to play most of the game at quarterback and starting multiple true freshmen at other spots, the Tar Heels were never really in a good spot on Saturday. UConn had them beat in experience, and asking players to be mostly successful in their first appearances is a tall task.
UConn’s defense is in a very good place heading into next season, but the Tar Heels are a bit of a question mark. With Bill Belichick at the helm, though, it would not be surprising to see the Hall-of-Fame coach get the most out of the latent talent on North Carolina’s roster.
Other notes
- Caleb LaValle was a heat-seeking missile all game long. He should be a centerpiece for Belichick’s offense if he remains with the Tar Heels.
- Beau Atkinson played very well for North Carolina and notched one of their two sacks. He should also be another fun piece for the Tar Heel going forward.
- Skyler Bell will be an excellent piece for whatever school lands him in the portal. He is a great vertical threat and can make any defender miss with the ball in his hands.
- UNC has to fix its discipline as a team, both with penalties and general play. Belichick’s hire should help with this aspect considerably.
- Joe Fagnano and Pryce Yates were named as the offensive, and defensive MVP of the contest, respectively.
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Brandyn Pokrass
Graduated Summa Cum Laude from Fairleigh Dickinson University in May 2023 with a Communications Degree, a concentration in Multimedia Journalism, and a minor in Broadcasting. Received an M.A. in Communication from Fairleigh Dickinson University in May 2024. Wrote for Jets Insider for two years, previously hosted a Knicks podcast for Let's Talk Knicks, and contributed to Inside the Iggles. Currently a writer for Jets X-Factor. Avid movie watcher, gym goer, music listener, and MMA fan.