As the football season has progressed and expectations — at least from outside the program — exceeded, UConn has created a positive buzz within its fan base for the first time in years.

Finally, there’s hope for better days ahead.

They Huskies will take a shot at making a big statement in the New England football scene and beyond when Boston College visits Rentschler Field in East Hartford on Saturday at noon (CBS Sports Network).

“Our guys are excited to play,” said first-year coach Jim Mora. “I’ve been told that this school has never beat BC. And I’ve been told that it’s somewhat of a rivalry, at least from our standpoint. So, I’ll be interested to see how that is. It’s Homecoming. It will be nice to see some people back on campus and hopefully in the Rent.

“We’re anticipating a good environment there. I’m sure BC will travel well. So, it’s one of those games that you always look forward to — a heck of an opponent, a great challenge, a great environment and a lot to play for.”

The Eagles have dominated the series, owning a 12-0-2 edge as well as a 34-game winning streak against New England programs. It’s their first trip to Rentschler Field since 2003. The two teams will meet again next October in Chestnut Hill, Mass.

It’s been a rocky season for the Eagles (2-5), whose only wins came against Maine and Louisville. They’ve suffered lopsided losses the last two weeks, falling to No. 5 Clemson (31-3) and No. 10 Wake Forest (43-15). They’re averaging 19.3 points per game and giving up 31 points.

But there is talent on the BC roster.

Senior wide receiver Zay Flowers (52 catches, 691 yards, six TDs) is one of the best receivers in the country. A big play waiting to happen, he’s the only player in the country with three touchdown receptions of at least 50 yards against FBS opponents. Veteran quarterback Phil Jurkovec has thrown for 11 touchdowns and 1,556 yards and also has six interceptions.

Flowers reminds Mora of former NFL receiver Isaac Bruce, a Hall of Famer.

“This is a huge challenge for us,” Mora said. “I know what BC’s record is, but I also know what the tape tells me. Studying these guys offensively, defensively and special teams, it’s a good football team. ... Zay is a guy that you have to pay attention to. You can slow him down, but you’re not going to stop him. He’s that good.”

The Huskies (3-5) are still dealing with injuries at key spots, especially on offense. The bye week allowed some players, including starting receiver Keelan Marion, a chance to heal. He could be available for the first time since the season opener.

“He brings a lot of game and confidence to the offense,” quarterback Zion Turner said of Marion. “Just having him back, that energy that he brings to the game, we all know he can ball. So it’s a good feeling if we’re going to have him back.”

UConn is 0-2 vs. Atlantic Coast Conference competition this season, losing to No. 16 Syracuse (48-14) and No. 24 North Carolina State (41-10).

BC coach Jeff Hafley told reporters earlier this week that he has a lot of respect for Mora and the UConn staff.

“They play really hard,” Hafley said. “They play with a lot of energy. They’re really well coached. They play with good fundamentals and technique. I know they’re had some injuries. … It’s a good football team. They’ve been in games and they’ve played some really good teams. So, great respect for their staff and players.

“Our guys are approaching this like they approach Clemson, Wake (Forest), everyone we play.”

News and notes

The two programs share several ties. UConn assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Nick Charlton is a 2011 BC graduate. He also was a graduate assistant for the Eagles from 2012-14. “I think he does an exceptional job and he’s a really good football coach,” Hafley said of Charlton. ... BC offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo and offensive coordinator John McNulty both previously worked as position coaches at UConn in the mid to late 1990s. ... reserve wide receiver Ethon Williams transferred from BC to UConn prior to this season. ... It is the first of three straight home games for UConn, which hosts UMass on Nov. 4 and Liberty on Nov. 12. “Being home with our home crowd, that will definitely give us a big advantage,” Turner said. “We have a lot of real diehard UConn football fans. The energy in The Rent is always high. We love our fans. We’ve just got to keep playing good football for them.”

g.keefe@theday.com