The UConn secondary was expected to face a stiff challenge matching up with the OU receivers in the upcoming Fiesta Bowl and according to reports out of Arizona that challenge just got a little more difficult. UConn's Mike Lang, a former starter at safety and key reserve, has not made the trip to AZ after being declared academically ineligible. Lang had 41 tackles on the season to go along with two interceptions. He also had eight kickoff returns with a 19.5 yard average per return.
So it's not like they lost their All-American RB or anything, but they do lose a guy who was likely expected to see significant playing time against OU's multiple wide sets. So if you see some other reserve safety futilely chasing down TE James Hanna as he eclipses 100+ yards and his second TD on the night (and yes, that's on the record), remember the name Mike Lang Sooner fans.