The Connecticut Huskies opened the 2012 season on Thursday night with a 37-0 drubbing of their neighbors to the north. The Massachusetts Minutemen are playing their first season in the NCAA's FBS, and the shutout at Rentschler Field was not the debut they had hoped for. The Huskies took advantage of a UMass turnover and blocked a punt on special teams to blow things open and put it away early in the second half.

With UConn already up 13-0, cornerback Dwayne Gratz picked off a Mike Wegzyn pass and returned it 37 yards for a late first-half touchdown. The Huskies already appeared well in control but the pick six in the final two minutes pushed the lead to 20-0. UConn would add another touchdown in the third quarter by bringing the house and blocking a UMass punt, falling on it in the end zone for another score.

UConn quarterback Chandler Whitmer finished the night 15-for-25 for 219 yards, but also threw two interceptions. Both Lyle McCombs and Scott McCummings punched in touchdowns on the ground.

Box Score Hero: UConn sophomore Geremy Davis hauled in five catches for 79 yards.

Rankings Ramifications: UConn's dominating performance will garner recognition, but should not move them into consideration for the polls.

But Did They Cover? The favored Huskies easily covered the 21-point spread.

For More On This Game: Visit The UConn Blog, plus Big East blog Big East Coast Bias.

Next Week's Schedule: UConn will host NC State at Rentschler Field while UMass will take on Indiana at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.

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