Last year, Sio Moore was in a linebacker core that featured some of the best at the position that UConn has ever produced, Greg Lloyd, Scott Lutrus and Lawrence Wilson.

When Moore's opportunity came, he made the most of it, turning himself into a feared, multi-dimensional linebacker and the unquestioned vocal leader of this season's defense.

When he looks at redshirt freshmen Ty-Meer Brown and Byron Jones, he sees a lot of what he went through last season.

"I was in the same situation," Moore said after UConn's 16-10 win over South Florida on Saturday, spurred by the defense. "When the opportunity showed, I was able to make something happen. Those two guys now are making themselves big-time factors."

Making just his second start of the year, Brown made eight tackles and intercepted South Florida quarterback B.J. Daniels inside the red zone, leading to a Dave Teggart field goal just before halftime.

"I see them with that fire in the eyes," Moore said. "Byron is an athletic freak and Ty-Meer is a blue-collar, hard-working guy."

Jones, a New Britain native, made his third start and second at cornerback, contributing seven tackles and returning a fumble for the Huskies' only touchdown.

"Regardless of whether Jones is a safety or a corner, it just gives you an idea of the kid's versatility and his value," UConn coach Paul Pasqualoni said.

A week after Brown and Jones struggled in a road loss to West Virginia, they played two of the biggest roles in the biggest win of the season.

"They had it tough last week, they really did," Pasqualoni said. "It was great for them to make a couple of big plays."

UConn's defense came up big on third down as well, with Trevardo Williams and Yawin Smallwood breaking up third-down passes that forced South Florida to attempt field goals that they missed.

"This puts us right back in the race," Moore said. "It can be anybody's game, anybody's championship."

UConn quarterback Johnny McEntee was 13-for-23 passing for just 103 yards and was sacked seven times, but he didn't throw an interception and UConn held the ball for over 34 minutes.

After not getting many snaps in the last few games, backup quarterback Scott McCummings ran his package well, too, running for 18 yards and completing a 32-yard pass to Ryan Griffin to set up a Teggart field goal.

The Huskies (3-4, 1-1 Big East) committed just three penalties and were 7-for-18 on third down, finishing with 19 first downs.

"The third-down production is not what we want it to be but we're moving in the right direction there," Pasqualoni said. "I'm pleased with the effort. Obviously we have some things to clean up but it's always great to make these corrections and move on with a win."

Said Teggart: "That's UConn football right there. Keep them close, play great defense and win at the end. There's something about the Connecticut Huskies this time of year."

With a tough road game against Pittsburgh on national television looming next Wednesday, the Huskies can't let off the gas.

"This puts us at 1-1 in the Big East. That's what it does," Pasqualoni said. "Every one of these games is critical and they're not easy to win. They're precious."

Pasqualoni awarded game balls to defensive lineman Kendall Reyes and Teggart.

o.poole@theday.com