STORRS, Conn. -- UConn, one of several programs being mentioned as a potential candidate for expansion by the Big 12 Conference, is dealing with something new in Bob Diacos third season as its head coach: higher expectations.The Huskies, who went 2-10 in 2014, improved to 6-7 last season. They also handed Houston its only regular-season loss before falling to Marshall 16-10 in the St. Petersburg Bowl -- UConns first bowl game in five years.The team returns 15 starters this season and fans are hoping the Huskies can make a statement loud enough to be heard by those making the expansion decisions in Texas. Diaco said hes not paying attention to what is being said outside the program but embraces the enthusiasm.If you cant get excited about people really wanting you to achieve, then youre in the wrong business, youre in the wrong game, Diaco said. Its the best. I love that.The Huskies ranked just 117th in the nation in total offense last season, but return four starters from its offensive line, and will get back center Ryan Crozier, who missed last season with a knee injury.Junior quarterback Bryant Shirreffs threw for 2,078 yards and nine touchdowns, and ran for 503 yards, a year ago. He is back and so is his top target, Noel Thomas, who caught 54 passes for 719 yards and three TDs.Diaco said Shirreffs isnt a lock to be the teams starting quarterback and is being pushed by senior Garrett Anderson, a junior-college transfer who played some receiver last year.The defense, which gave up just 19.5 points per game, is expected to be the teams strength, led by safety Obi Melifonwu.We have a base, a foundation and a building, said linebacker Matt Walsh. Now were just putting a whole other floor on it.Here are some of the other things to watch for in advance of UConns season opener on Sept. 1 against Maine:KEY GAMESUConns position in the American Athletic Conference could be decided during a key stretch that begins with a Sept. 29 visit to Houston, which lost to the Huskies 20-17 in East Hartford last year. UConn then returns home to face Cincinnati on Oct. 8. Both programs have been mentioned in Big 12 expansion talks. The Huskies also renew their rivalry with Boston College at Chestnut Hill on Nov. 19.RUNNING BACKSThe tailback tandem of Arkeel Newsome and Ron Johnson are back after combining for 1,016 rushing yards last season. Backup Josh Marriner transferred to Old Dominion during the offseason. Two freshmen on the roster, Nate Hopkins and JaKevious Vickers, could also get some carries.DAVIS SWITCHTyler Davis has switched positions. Recruited as a quarterback, the 6-foot-4, 235-pound redshirt freshman will instead be catching passes and running out of the F or slot-back position this year. Diaco said it didnt make much sense to have someone as athletically talented as Davis sitting on the bench as a backup quarterback.Theres so many jobs he can do for the team more than just stand on the sidelines and wait to go in at quarterback after two or three guys have a problem, he said. Get him in a spot where he can be an impact player.GAMEDAY EXPERIENCEAthletic director David Benedict says he wants to improve the game-day experience to get more fans to Rentschler Field. He has cut the prices of some concessions and eased parking restrictions in an effort to encourage tailgating. He also announced that plans for a ticket surcharge that would help pay for new soccer, baseball and softball fields at the school wont be implemented this season.PREDICTIONA 7-5 season and a second consecutive bowl game would be another step forward for UConn, though it may not be enough to convince the Big 12 that UConn football is worth adding.---This story has been corrected to show 2014 record was 2-10.Sam Travis Red Sox Jersey . To the surprise of many, it isnt the Wolverines but their in-state rivals the Michigan State Spartans. Ted Williams Jersey . Numbers Game examines the deal that sees Michael Del Zotto and Kevin Klein switch places. The Predators Get: D Michael Del Zotto. https://www.cheapredsox.com/551z-denyi-reyes-jersey-red-sox.html . McCarthy, a player who played some games in the second tier for Wigan at the start of this season, would go on to shine inside Evertons midfield, outplaying the man he was brought in to replace, on one of the grandest stages in English football. On Saturday, it was fitting that Manchester Uniteds most recent dagger into the chest was delivered by Frenchman Yohan Cabaye, a wonderfully gifted central midfielder who put on an outstanding effort for Newcastle at Old Trafford. Matt Barnes Red Sox Jersey . Pedro scored from a pass by Lionel Messi in the 33rd minute and added two more goals in the 47th and 72nd after Valdes saved his second penalty in four days following his stop in Wednesdays 4-0 over Ajax in the Champions League. Red Sox Jerseys 2019 . The nimble-footed quarterback got his wish, dashing through the snow and a weary defence all the way into the NCAA record book.STERLING, Mass. -- Nothing quite measures up to the latest tribute to retiring Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz.A corn maze dedicated to the player known as Big Papi was unveiled at a ceremony Tuesday in Sterling, Massachusetts.Ortiz had a message for his legions of fans at the unveiling: I love corn.The 8-acre maze was created by Davis Mega Maze and features a cornstalk rendering of Ortizs trademark home run pose of poiinting two fingers to the sky.dddddddddddd Its accompanied by the phrase Thanks Big Papi.The maze opens to the public on Saturday.Davis Mega Maze has been carving a different design into the field every year for about 20 years. This year marks the first time a living celebrity has been featured. ' ' '