Sports

UConn’s ride will stall at South Florida

Randy Edsall (Getty Images)

You heard the snide remarks from Hartford to Stamford: Randy Edsall missed his shot at a best bet. Once it became apparent that Brian Kelly was Notre Dame’s first choice, there were other openings the UConn coach should have gone after like a sailor at last call.

But Edsall isn’t one to jump. The fact he’s in his 12th season in Storrs, where he took a I-AA program to I-A, is proof enough Edsall doesn’t check the coaching classifieds every morning.

Edsall has won 25 games in the last three seasons. The program’s Academic Progress Rate of 48th out of 120 schools is solid. That might be the most accurate adjective to subscribe to Edsall: solid.

But in the what-have-you-done-for-me-lately planet we share, last season’s amazing 8-5 record — amazing because the team had to overcome the murder of Jasper Howard — capped by a 20-7 upset of South Carolina in the PapaJohns.com Bowl, was forgotten like yesterday’s breakfast when UConn fell to 1-2 after a loss to Temple.

Then, Edsall tossed starting quarterback Cody Endres in late October after repeated rules violations. The Huskies were shut out 26-0 by Louisville, their second straight loss. They were 3-4 overall, 0-2 in the Big East, and a bowl game seemed unlikely.

UConn has won four straight and can win the Big East title Saturday night with a win at South Florida. It would make for a great story, but it’s not going to happen.

The Bulls are coming off the biggest win in program history, a 23-20 overtime upset of Miami that cost Hurricanes coach Randy Shannon his job. They have won four of five under new coach Skip Holtz — Edsall’s predecessor at UConn — and South Florida has as much speed as any team in the Big East.

UConn has been able to hide its lack of a passing game behind the running of Jordan Todman, but not against a team with the athleticism of South Florida. It’ll load the box and force QB Zach Frazer to make a couple of big throws.

The Bulls win and cover the 11⁄2 points even if QB B.J. Daniels (quad injury) isn’t 100 percent. But bet on this: As long as Edsall is in Storrs, he’ll put out solid, resilient teams.

TONIGHT

ARIZONA (-51/2) over Arizona State: The Sun Devils are 1-4 on the road, but the Wildcats have lost three straight and the defense has suffered an epic collapse. Seems as if Mike Stoops’ hair-on-fire approach has worn thin, but these seniors put Arizona football back on the map. One last red swarm for Arizona.

TOMORROW

Northern Illinois (-171/2) over Miami, Ohio (in Detroit): Looking for your next hot, young coach? Miami of Ohio went 1-11 last season under first-year coach Mike Haywood and was picked to finish last in the MAC East. But Northern Illinois has been a MAC power. It wins the MAC title game and covers.

Illinois (-51/2) over FRESNO STATE: Pat Hill loves this kind of game, getting a Big Ten team on home turf. But the Bulldogs’ seven wins came against their seven weakest opponents. In the four losses to quality foes, Fresno gave up an average of 47 points. Illinois has some of the best talent in the Big Ten.

SATURDAY

Pitt (+11/2) over CINCINNATI: Most thought this would decide the Big East title. Pitt needs a lot to fall its way to win the league, and Cincy has been eliminated from bowl eligibility. Does Dave Wannstedt need this game for job security? Take the team getting points.

CENTRAL FLORIDA (-9) over Southern Methodist: Knights DE Bruce Miller makes life miserable for SMU QB Kyle Padron in the Conference USA title game.

WEST VIRGINIA (-201/2) over Rutgers: Mountaineers can win the Big East with a win and a UConn loss. They roll the Scarlet Knights and settle in to watch the Bulls-Huskies that night.

Utah State (+39) over BOISE STATE: Can’t imagine Chris Petersen will leave in Kellen Moore to rack up stats and points.

LOUISIANA TECH (+91/2) over Nevada: Bulldogs haven’t played at home in a month, and suddenly it’s the Wolf Pack who feel the weight of expectations.

OREGON STATE (+161/2) over Oregon: Beavers can become bowl-eligible and prevent the Ducks from playing for the national title. Plus, Ducks have averaged 59 points at home and 40 on the road. And there’s a chance for rain, which could slow down Oregon’s offense.

South Carolina (+5) over Auburn (in Atlanta): The Tigers are awful on pass defense, and the Gamecocks have one of the nation’s best receivers in Alshon Jeffery and one of the best coaches in Steve Spurrier.

Washington (-61/2) over WASHINGTON STATE: Isn’t it apple-picking season or something?

Florida State (+4) over Virginia Tech (in Charlotte): Hokies have won 10 straight. ’Noles just crushed Gators. Two hot teams. Take the points.

Oklahoma (-5) over Nebraska (in Arlington, Texas): There is no way Oklahoma is going to let Nebraska take the Big 12 trophy to the Big Ten.

Southern Cal (-61/2) over UCLA: Pick is strictly contingent on Matt Barkley (high ankle sprain) playing for the Trojans. He’s questionable leaning toward probable.

BEST BETS: Oklahoma, West Virginia, Florida State.

LAST WEEK: 6-9 overall; 0-3 Best Bets.

lenn.robbins@nypost.com