Newport, R.I. — A confident Bob Diaco made a bold prediction Tuesday about his UConn football team's upcoming season.

Make that extremely bold.

"We're going to win every game," Diaco stated without any hesitation or reservation when asked about his expectations during American Athletic Conference media day in Newport. "We're going to play as one of four teams in the playoffs and win a national championship."

Most football fans likely consider the UConn coach's expectations on the crazy side considering the Huskies were picked to finish last in the East Division in the AAC preseason poll.

This is the same team that went 2-10 last season in Diaco's first year and looked completely overmatched at times. UConn won just one conference game.

The Huskies haven't had a winning season since 2010, going 15-33 in the last four seasons.

Diaco's prediction brought a chuckle and a smile from some media members gathered around him on Tuesday.

"You laugh, so that's OK," Diaco said. "I'm good on that."

Diaco wasn't finished with his predictions, saying that UConn is going to go to BYU and Missouri this season and "smack them in the mouth."

He firmly believes what he says. He's bubbling over with optimism and enthusiasm.

He talked about the positive culture and brotherhood that he's built since arriving at UConn. He's excited for preseason practice to begin Thursday when the Huskies report.

The season opener is Sept. 3 against Villanova in East Hartford.

"We're winning every day," Diaco said. "We've got our culture strong enough now. ... I can't wait to get back and all join together. The team shows up on Thursday, that's exciting. We're going to focus on today and the work that needs to get done today.

"But our expectation is that we're going to win the football games. The score at the end of the game, we're going to have at least one more point than our opponent."

The going undefeated theme also was echoed by senior Andrew Adams, who along with junior Andreas Knappe made the trip from Storrs for media day.

"I think we can go undefeated," Adams said. "That's always our goal. I truly believe that. There's nobody on our schedule that we can't beat.

"So I think we're going to go undefeated."

Cincinnati is the overwhelming favorite to capture the inaugural American Championship, which will be held for the first time on Dec. 5. The Bearcats also were chosen to win the East Division, receiving 29 of 30 first place votes. Central Florida is second, followed by Temple, East Carolina, South Florida and UConn.

With 13 first-place votes, Memphis is the frontrunner in the West Division. Houston (10) is a close second, followed by newcomer Navy (7), Tulane, Southern Methodist University and Tulsa.

g.keefe@theday.com

Twitter: @GavinKeefe