UConn switched quarterbacks last week to try to pump life into an anemic offense, but still struggled in a blowout loss to Purdue.

Now the Huskies are trying another route.

Noel Mazzone, who worked with UConn interim head coach Lou Spanos at UCLA in 2012 and 2013, has been added to the staff as an offensive analyst. He has 35 years of college coaching experience, most recently serving as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Arizona from 2018-20.

With Mazzone in charge of the offense, the Wildcats averaged 26.9 points and 440.1 yards per game in 2019 and 17.4 points and 369.4 yards last season in five games.

Prior to that, Mazzone was the offensive coordinator at Texas A&M (2016-17) and UCLA (2012-15).

"I've known Mazzone, I worked with him and had success with him," Spanos said during his weekly media Zoom session. "I value his philosophy and knowledge of the game. I think he will help our staff."

Help is needed.

Under offensive coordinator Frank Guifre, UConn (0-3) already has been shut out twice this season, scoring just 28 points in three games (9.3 per game).

"He's definitely opening our eyes to how we run things," freshman running back Nate Carter said. "He's been a big help. Throughout practice and throughout the week, he's going to be able to help us offensively on how to see new things and how to be able to use the talent that we have to the best of our ability."

The Huskies have had decent starts, mounting their best drives in the first quarter during which they've scored 14 points. But they managed only 14 points in the final three quarters, including just seven after halftime, and were outscored 111-14 during that span.

Carter said the Huskies must do a better job capitalizing on their chances.

"We only get so many of those opportunities," he said. "When we get into the red zone, we need to be able to capitalize and finish those drives and put the ball in the end zone. It's just doing the little things."

The Huskies are ranked 129th out of 130 FBS teams in total offense at 197.3 yards per game. They're 121st in rushing offense (82.3 per game) and 123rd in passing offense (115).

Two years ago, with the offense featuring the same quarterbacks — Jack Zergiotis and Steven Krajewski — and primary running back, Kevin Mensah, UConn was more productive, averaging 18.9 points. Mensah rushed for over 1,000 yards for the second straight season.

This season, Mensah has just 107 yards in three games, averaging 2.7 per carry.

Despite the poor offensive showing, Spanos sees potential.

"We have weapons," he said. "We have to put them in the best position to be successful."

While Krajewski is listed as the No. 1 quarterback for the second straight week on the depth chart, Spanos hasn't decided on a starter for Saturday's game at Army (2-0). Zergiotis, redshirt junior Micah Leon and freshman Tyler Phommachanh are the other options.

Zergiotis started the first two games before being replaced.

"Our performance is not to our standard," Spanos said. "So, we're going to see throughout the week of practice who can give us the best opportunity (to win). We'll see."

Mazzone has experience working with quarterbacks on the collegiate level. He helped develop Philip Rivers (North Carolina State), Brett Hundley (UCLA), Brock Osweiler (Arizona State) and Josh Rosen (UCLA). All went on to become pros.

It would be a surprise to see any significant improvement in UConn's offense with Mazzone on the staff.

Mazzone is a football coach, not a magician.

Scoring some points would be a good place to start.

g.keefe@theday.com