EAST HARTFORD, Conn. — UConn defeated UMass 35-16 on Friday night, behind a strong performance from quarterback Kalieb Osborne, who threw two touchdown passes and ran for another score.

UMass opened the game with a 24-yard field goal by Derek Morris, taking an early 3-0 lead. However, UConn quickly responded as Osborne connected with Shamar Porter for a 5-yard touchdown on the Huskies’ opening drive. Porter further impacted the game in the third quarter with a blocked punt that he recovered in the end zone, extending UConn’s lead to 28-3.

Osborne finished the night with 173 passing yards. In addition to his touchdown pass to Porter, he threw a 20-yard touchdown strike to J.D. Willoughby late in the second quarter. UConn also capitalized on a fatigued UMass defense when running back Cyncir Bowers broke free for a 70-yard touchdown run just 32 seconds after Willoughby’s score, giving UConn a 21-3 lead at halftime.

Bowers, who rushed 15 times for 131 yards, contributed significantly to the Huskies’ offensive push. He capped UConn’s scoring with a 13-yard touchdown run in the final minutes of the game.

Despite UMass’ efforts, including a short touchdown pass from William “Pop” Watson III to Curtis Kimmons IV in the fourth quarter, the Minutemen were unable to close the gap. The team extended its losing streak to four games with the defeat, dropping their record to 4-4, while UConn improved to 4-3.

The victory marked UConn’s slight edge in the historic series, now leading 39-38-2 since the teams first met in 1897.