UMass has a slim one game lead in the Minutemen-Crusaders series (22-21-5) that dates back to 1897.
UMass won the last game on 09/06/08 on a last second field goal by Armando Cuko. That game featured seven lead changes.
Last year, Holy Cross had their most successful season in many years. The Crusaders won their sixth Patriot League championship and finished 9-3. They ended the season ranked #14 in the FCS Coaches Poll after losing to Villanova in the opening round of the FCS Playoffs.
The Crusaders return nine starters. Five on offense and four on defense.
On offense, Holy Cross returns two second team All-Patriot league wideouts SR Luke Chmielinski (5-10 185) and SR Freddie Santana (5-9 185).
Senior QB Ryan Taggart (6-2 214) takes over after Dominic Randolph graduated.
Defensively, Holy Cross returns first team All-Patriot league DE Munde Ohimor (6-3 245) as well FS Alex Johnson (6-0 192). Johnson was first team All-Patriot league and third team All-America in 2009.
Last week against a weak Howard team Holy Cross rolled to a 38-7 win. Hard to say what the win over Howard indicates. The Crusaders were out gained 282 to 315 in total yards and Howard tied Holy Cross in first downs. I would think the Crusaders did not show all they had in that game.
Taggert went 17-29-0 186 yards 3 TD 38 LONG 0 SACKs.
The Crusaders also had a 85 yard TD punt return from Santana.
This is a capable Holy Cross team that UMass needs to take seriously.
