Connecticut quarterback Chandler Whitmer (10) fires a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against the South Florida, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

John F. Silver

The University of Connecticut may be at that point after a 13-6 loss to South Florida. In one sense, the Huskies played hard, tried hard and showed focus and energy. The defense, even against a depleted South Florida team,  was terrific save for one drive that went 8 plays in 80 yards.

The offense?

Well, I like what Chandler Whitmer did, 284 yards passing, but he threw two interceptions and they Huskies didn’t run the ball well.

We’ve seen this game before, it’s been the same every game this season, and in the end this is who the Huskies are. UConn had a devastating three straight turnovers to end the game. None of it was on the coaching, none of it was really on the talent. Bad things happens to bad teams.

At 3-6, 0-4 in the Big East, is there any arguing that?

Some years teams don’t click and I haven’t seen a good four quarters out of the Huskies this season. Considering they’ve been out-sc0red 59-3 in the second half since the Buffalo game. The three turnovers at the end of the game are exactly what’s wrong with the Huskies. They can’t get anything positive going this season. I would think Whitmer’s passing ability would make the offense more dangerous, but it looks as pedestrian as ever. Six points?

“It’s crazy to put up numbers like that and put up six points and no touchdowns and lose the game,” Whitmer said. “That’s why it’s hard to look at stats. The biggest stat that matters we didn’t get. It’s tough.”

Those final three turnovers were the game. What happened on each is simple.

On the Lyle McOCmbs fumble at the UConn 38, it was a bad exchange with Whitmer. The snap was high, it threw the timing of the play off, McCombs fumbled it.

On the first interception, Whitmer was taking a shot over the top to Geremy Davis on a post route. the safety was out of position, but, Whitmer — who was sacked four times — was hit while he threw essentially gifting the ball to USF.

Then there is the final interception. Whitmer goes for an easy slant for about 5 yards to Davis. A defender tips it, it hits tyler Bullock’s helmet, and it gets intercepted.

That’s shooting yourself in the foot. Turnovers happen, but those turnovers were more unforced than the other variety.

“If we hadn’t stubbed ourselves in the fourth quarter; you just can’t have that many bad things happen in a tight game like this and a lose game and be successful,” Paul Pasqualoni said. ” Too many bad things, crazy things. You can’t turn it over like that and expect to come out with a win.”