Justin Holman’s return under center wasn’t enough for the UCF Knights, as they fall to the UConn Huskies 40-13 to move to 0-6 on the season.

“Well obviously, I am very disappointed on the outcome and the continued mistakes we make offensively and defensively,” said O’Leary…”I told the team after the game that I didn’t have too many positive comments to say to them.”

Holman returned under center for the Knights but threw a couple of errant second quarter interceptions that led to Husky touchdowns, as the offensive struggles continued even with Holman back in the lineup.

Holman started the game 8-10 and looked sharp for the Knights on their opening drive, which led to a field goal. However, he struggled for much of the remainder of the game, as dropped passes and turnovers plagued Holman and the Knights.

“We as an offense got to do a better job at working and sustaining throughout the game,” said wide receiver Nick Patti. “We can’t let one mistake throw us into a tiff.”

UCF entered the week leading all FBS teams with the most combined games missed on offense due to injuries at 28. Holman, along with running back Dontravious Wilson and wide receiver Taylor Oldham all returned to the field against UConn, but the same story continued for the struggling offense.

“I feel like we prepared for this game like we do for every other game,” said defensive lineman Jamiyus Pittman. “We knew what to expect; we watched from film and we didn’t do what we were supposed to do.”

Arkeel Newsome would put UConn on the board during their opening drive with a 5-yard touchdown run to give the Huskies a 7-3 lead.

Momentum would stay with UConn, as the UCF return team would blunder their way to a safety on the ensuing kickoff. The mental mistakes plagued the Knights, as they were flagged five times for 52 yards in the first half.

Holman would throw back to back interceptions in the second, both of which would give UConn great field position that led to Husky touchdowns. UConn went into halftime with a 23-3 lead.

The second half was much of the same, as UConn opened the third quarter with a 71-yard return that led to a field goal. UCF just never seemed to find their groove, offensively or defensively, and seemed flat throughout the second half.

“I think the big thing is that you just have to move forward,” said O’Leary. “We missed some guys here that probably could have helped the situation. You just have to continue working with them.”

UConn would add another field goal and two more touchdowns (Ron Johnson 12yd run, Newsome 8yd run) in the third quarter.

The Knights would add a 45 yd field goal by Matthew Wright and Nick Patti hauled in an 11yd touchdown in the waning minutes of the game to complete the scoring.

UCF hits the road next week to take on the undefeated Temple (5-0, 2-0) Owls at 7:30 p.m. EST.