The stage is set for a compelling clash at Boston’s iconic Fenway Park as the UConn Huskies (9-3) prepare to face the Army Black Knights (6-6) in the 2025 Wasabi Fenway Bowl, with kickoff scheduled for 2:15 p.m. ET and national coverage on ESPN. This Saturday’s matchup brings together two programs with contrasting recent histories, plenty of intrigue on both sidelines, and a bowl game that could etch new milestones into the record books.
For UConn, the stakes are historic. A win would grant the Huskies their first-ever 10-win season in FBS history, capping off a remarkable period of resurgence for a program that had previously reached nine victories in back-to-back seasons for the first time. This achievement is even more impressive given that all three of UConn’s losses this year came in overtime—against Syracuse, Delaware, and Rice—underscoring just how close the Huskies came to an even more dazzling record. As noted by HERO Sports, six UConn players earned Group of Five All-American honors, highlighting the talent spread across the roster.
But as is often the case in college football, the bowl season brings its own set of challenges. The Huskies enter the Fenway Bowl without head coach Jim Mora, who departed for Colorado State after engineering a dramatic turnaround in Storrs. Mora’s four-year tenure included three bowl trips—no small feat for a program that had only one postseason appearance in the previous 11 years. Taking the reins for this game is interim coach Gordon Sammis, who will also be moving on after the bowl, set to join TCU as offensive coordinator. Jason Candle, fresh off a successful stint at Toledo, is waiting in the wings to take over UConn in 2026.
If the coaching carousel wasn’t enough, UConn’s roster has been hit by the transfer portal and opt-outs. Star quarterback Joe Fagnano, who threw for over 3,000 yards and boasted an eye-popping 28-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio, will not play after entering the portal. Several other starters are also absent, but standout receiver Skyler Bell—a Biletnikoff Award finalist with 1,278 yards and 13 touchdowns on 101 catches—has been rallying his teammates to suit up for one last game together. Running back Cam Edwards, who racked up over 1,100 yards and 15 touchdowns from scrimmage, has also confirmed his intention to play, providing a crucial anchor for the Huskies’ offense.
With Fagnano out, the spotlight shifts to backup quarterback Nick Evers. While Evers saw limited action this season, he started eight games in 2024 and is known for his mobility, which could add a new wrinkle to the UConn attack. Offensive production has been a strong suit for the Huskies, who rank 12th nationally with 36.9 points per game. However, their defense has been inconsistent, surrendering 25.8 points per contest and struggling mightily against the run—allowing 185.5 rushing yards per game, which ranks 114th in the nation. The linebacker tandem of Byrun Parham and Oumar Diomande, both among the team’s top tacklers and sack leaders, will need to step up against Army’s relentless ground game.
Speaking of Army, the Black Knights arrive in Boston after a season marked by resilience and late momentum. After a rocky start—including a surprising loss to FCS Tarleton State and back-to-back defeats in American Conference play—Army rebounded with key wins over UAB, Charlotte, Air Force, Temple, and UTSA. Their bowl eligibility was clinched just before a heartbreaking 17-16 loss to Navy, a game that typified Army’s penchant for close contests. In fact, four of Army’s six victories this season came by three points or fewer, and their three most recent losses were by a combined nine points.
At the helm for Army is Jeff Monken, a proven postseason leader with a 5-1 bowl record, including three Armed Forces Bowl triumphs. The Black Knights are making their first appearance in the Fenway Bowl, but their postseason pedigree is strong—they’ve won six of their last seven bowl games dating back to 2010, including a 27-6 rout of Louisiana Tech in last year’s Independence Bowl.
Army’s offense revolves around the triple-option attack, which remains one of college football’s most distinctive and difficult-to-defend schemes. Quarterback Cale Hellums is the engine of this system, having rushed for 1,178 yards and 16 touchdowns while completing just over half of his pass attempts for 586 yards. The Black Knights average 245.5 rushing yards per game, ranking fifth nationally, though their passing game is the least productive in the country. Supporting Hellums are running backs Noah Short and Hayden Reed, who combined for nearly 900 yards on the ground.
Defensively, Army has been stout, ranking in the top 50 nationally by allowing just 22.1 points and 349.9 yards per game. Linebacker Andon Thomas leads the way with 108 tackles, and the unit excels at limiting explosive plays—a critical asset against a UConn team that likes to score in bunches. The Black Knights’ bend-but-don’t-break approach has led to low-scoring affairs, with only two opponents managing to top 30 points against them all season.
As for the betting landscape, Army enters as an 8.5- to 9.5-point favorite, with moneyline odds hovering around -325 to -340 and the over/under set at 42.5 to 43.5 points. The consensus among analysts is that Army’s run-first approach and defensive steadiness make them favorites, especially given UConn’s absences. However, the Huskies’ ability to keep games close—every loss this year came by a single possession—suggests that a blowout is unlikely. In fact, in each of the last two Fenway Bowls, the underdog emerged victorious, and UConn’s resilience has become a defining trait.
Predictions for the game vary, but most expect a tightly contested battle. Athlon Sports projects a 23-20 UConn win, while others give Army the edge by a touchdown. The prevailing wisdom is to expect a low-scoring affair, with the under on total points being a popular pick. As one analyst put it, “Army is expected to win, but it isn’t going to blow out UConn, even if it is down a handful of players. Evers’ potential as a dual-threat quarterback is an added bonus.”
Beyond the statistics and odds, this Fenway Bowl is a testament to college football’s enduring unpredictability. UConn’s quest for a historic 10th win, Army’s drive to add another bowl trophy to its case, and the swirling storylines of coaching changes and player departures all set the stage for a bowl game that could go down to the wire. With both teams accustomed to close finishes—having played in a combined 16 one-score games this season—fans can expect a hard-fought contest, where every possession could prove pivotal.
As the teams take the field in Boston, all eyes will be on which program can seize the moment and write the next chapter in their respective histories. Whether it’s UConn’s bid for a milestone victory or Army’s effort to continue its postseason dominance, the Fenway Bowl promises drama, grit, and the kind of football that keeps fans glued to the action until the final whistle.
