Following his team’s 38-25 homecoming win over Louisville last Oct. 18, Connecticut Jasper Howard sat matter-of-factly in front of a group of reporters.
When asked about his forced fumble and recovery early in the second half, Howard responds You have to play each play like it’s the last play you’ll ever play. Exactly one year ago today, those words still echo in the hearts of his teammates and coaches following his murder.
You can read them as you enter the team’s complex in Storrs, CT. But while his words are an easy reminder of how to take nothing for granted, the last year has been anything but easy for everyone involved. The Huskies were hosting Louisville on Connecticut homecoming.
Both schools were looking for their first Big East win of the season. The Huskies scored a touchdown early in the second half to take a 21-13 lead. That when Howard stepped up to keep momentum on Connecticut’s side.
Following the Husky touchdown the Cardinals drove from their own 15 yard line to Connecticut’s 14. Another score seemed inevitable, especially after the Cardinals’ Bilal Powell broke through and appeared to have a ten yard run to put Louisville four yards from the end zone.
That’s when, at the end of the run, Jazz reached in and ripped the ball out of Powell’s arm and quickly fell on it. The play helped the Huskies bury Louisville the rest of the game.
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