The UMass brain trust managed a slick bit of scheduling for 2008. UMass' schedule is loaded with strong teams next fall. We face four '07 playoff teams (UNH, JMU, Delaware and Richmond) as well as BCS power Texas Tech. Holy Cross was 7-4 and could well contend for the Patriot League title.
The goal of playing in the FCS division is to make the playoffs. So we did not need another strong team on the the 2008 schedule. Bryant fits the bill nicely as they are transitioning to FCS/I-AA and will count (I believe) as a FCS win towards playoff eligibility. Since they are a New England team, we will not have to pay a large guarantee.
Bryant just released their 2008 schedule.
They signed 18 recruits to begin their move to FCS/I-AA.
Former UMass player Lorenzo Perry transferred to Bryant an became a DII All-American. He's been drafted by the new All-American Football League.
I've blogged about Perry before .