UConn Beats UMass 37-0 In Renewal Of Rivalry

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Chandler Whitmer threw for 219 yards and Connecticut scored touchdowns on offense, defense and special teams to beat Massachusetts 37-0 Thursday night, spoiling the Minutemen's debut as a bowl subdivision program.

Connecticut's defense dominated the game, holding UMass to just 59 yards of offense and limiting the Minutemen to three first downs. UMass did not have an offensive snap in UConn territory.

Lyle McCombs rushed for 82 yards and a first-quarter touchdown, one of two by the offense. UConn also scored on a 37-yard interception return by cornerback Dwayne Gratz and on a blocked punt.

Chad Christen added field goals of 36, 47 and 19 yards.

This was the 72nd meeting between the two programs but the first since 1999, when both teams were Division I-AA.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.