Matty V. stated the win boosts UMass' chances for post season. He also mentions 5-10 170 pd Antione Tharpe's big hit in the third quarter.
Matty's three stars from the James Madison game. He looks at UMass' post season chances after the big win at JMU.
The NewLeader.com said UMass sank struggling James Madison.
MassLive.com says UMass mounted a 2nd half comeback.
DNRonline stated UMass rallied.
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Strength-of-schedule update:
William & Mary threw a major scare into North Carolina.
Holy Cross had a bye.
Denard Robinson set a Big Ten rushing record in a 31-41 loss to Penn State. Watched that one. It was a pretty good game.
Stony Brook ran its Big South record to 3-0 with a 41-21 win over Charleston Southern.
Towson lost to Rhode Island, which is quietly have a pretty good season by Ram standards.
Richmond lost to Villanova 28-7.
UNH had a bye.
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Former UMass QB Spencer Whipple threw two INT's in six attempts in his first appearance for the Miami Hurricanes.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
UMass Football Returns 21-14 over JMU
Our plans to travel to Harrisonburg, Va fell through, but UMass football didn't. After wandering in the wilderness for six quarters, UMass football returned.
Matty V will have a tough time picking three heroes in this game.
Kyle Havens was 15-19-163 yards and 2 TD's. If I'm reading the box score right, Kyle had one incompletion in the second half. Nice receiving games by Dan Sheeran, Julian Talley and Andrew Kervis.
The UMass running game returned with Jonathan Hernandez racking up 137 yards with a 4.9 yards/carry against the tough Duke defense.
Anthony Nelson had a scintillating 52 yard punt return.
The defense shut JMU out in the second half. Tyler Holmes had a big sack.
No mistakes on special teams. Caleb Violette was 2 for 2 on field goals.
Great effort by coaches and players. UMass write-up here.
The JMU website has video of the post game press conference as well as audio interviews from both the UMass and JMU sides.
Enjoy the win everyone!
Matty V will have a tough time picking three heroes in this game.
Kyle Havens was 15-19-163 yards and 2 TD's. If I'm reading the box score right, Kyle had one incompletion in the second half. Nice receiving games by Dan Sheeran, Julian Talley and Andrew Kervis.
The UMass running game returned with Jonathan Hernandez racking up 137 yards with a 4.9 yards/carry against the tough Duke defense.
Anthony Nelson had a scintillating 52 yard punt return.
The defense shut JMU out in the second half. Tyler Holmes had a big sack.
No mistakes on special teams. Caleb Violette was 2 for 2 on field goals.
Great effort by coaches and players. UMass write-up here.
The JMU website has video of the post game press conference as well as audio interviews from both the UMass and JMU sides.
Enjoy the win everyone!
Game Day--James Madison Oct 30, 2010
Matty Vautour says today's game between UMass and JMU is a CAA Showdown.
Matty V's Vs Matty G's Week #9 football picks.
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CSN's Terrance Thomas Jr. on the CAA's race for eight.
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"Bando", as in members --- currently and forever-- of the UMass Marching Band is now officially in the Webster on-line dictionary.
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The CAA's Game Day page is here.
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Big East schools thought UNH's Matt Evans was too small.
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A FCS fan loaded data from the division into this football simulation. You can run single games or a 25 game series. It is an excellent time waster.
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William & Mary's Greg Paulus returns to UNC today. The game is on ESPN3 BTW.
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All right, I'm sick of losing. Let's Go UMass!! Beat the Dukes!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Friday before JMU-- Oct 29th, 2010
JMU finally has its UMass game notes up.
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College Football performance has added UMass senior Anthony Nelson to its FCS Wide Receiver of the Year list.
I can't get the NCAA stats to load this morning, but Anthony leads the CAA in catches-per-game with 47-610 6.71 AVE. He also leads the league with 87.1 yards/game. Projecting those totals out to the end of the season would rank him 9th in single season total receiving yards and tie him with Kerry Taylor at 4th with 74 single season receptions.
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MassLive says UMass and JMU are in survival mode.
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Matty Vautour says the Minutemen are trying to recover the early season attitude.
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The Nova Blog ( I didn't know they had one), comments on UMass' looking into I-A Football.
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Georgia State is committed to the CAA for at least six years.
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FAn House says the CAA has become the SEC of FCS. Relevant quote:"If you go Maine all the way down to Virginia, if you're not a Big East player, regionally, the next-best conference is the CAA."
The CAA blogger has the weekly roundup. I think the facts got a little scrambled in the paragraph on the big TV audience for the Colonial Classic.
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Andrew Gaddess previews Week #9 in FCS and predicts, among other things, a 21-10 victory for the Dukes.
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Last week the Presbyterian Blue Hose snapped the longest losing streak in FCS football.
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College Football performance has added UMass senior Anthony Nelson to its FCS Wide Receiver of the Year list.
I can't get the NCAA stats to load this morning, but Anthony leads the CAA in catches-per-game with 47-610 6.71 AVE. He also leads the league with 87.1 yards/game. Projecting those totals out to the end of the season would rank him 9th in single season total receiving yards and tie him with Kerry Taylor at 4th with 74 single season receptions.
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MassLive says UMass and JMU are in survival mode.
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Matty Vautour says the Minutemen are trying to recover the early season attitude.
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The Nova Blog ( I didn't know they had one), comments on UMass' looking into I-A Football.
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Georgia State is committed to the CAA for at least six years.
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FAn House says the CAA has become the SEC of FCS. Relevant quote:"If you go Maine all the way down to Virginia, if you're not a Big East player, regionally, the next-best conference is the CAA."
The CAA blogger has the weekly roundup. I think the facts got a little scrambled in the paragraph on the big TV audience for the Colonial Classic.
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Andrew Gaddess previews Week #9 in FCS and predicts, among other things, a 21-10 victory for the Dukes.
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Last week the Presbyterian Blue Hose snapped the longest losing streak in FCS football.
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Thursday, October 28, 2010
Thrusday before JMU---Oct 28th, 2010
The UMass Daily Collegian says Anthony Nelson is filling some big shoes.
The Collegian also looks at the Mintemen's preparation for James Madison.
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The Colonial Clash drew a record CAA TV audience.
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Newsday says former Minutemen James Ihedigbo is a player no one wants to play against.
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The Kansas City Chiefs have re-signed Jeremy Horne to their practice squad.
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TSN's Craig Haley says this week's UMass-JMU game is a playoff elimination game for one of the squads.
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UConn fans are unhappy with HC Randy Edsell.
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A Notre Dame student assistant was killed when a scissors lift he was using to film the Irish's practice toppled in a wind storm.
The Collegian also looks at the Mintemen's preparation for James Madison.
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The Colonial Clash drew a record CAA TV audience.
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Newsday says former Minutemen James Ihedigbo is a player no one wants to play against.
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The Kansas City Chiefs have re-signed Jeremy Horne to their practice squad.
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TSN's Craig Haley says this week's UMass-JMU game is a playoff elimination game for one of the squads.
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UConn fans are unhappy with HC Randy Edsell.
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A Notre Dame student assistant was killed when a scissors lift he was using to film the Irish's practice toppled in a wind storm.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Wednesday before JMU --Oct 27th, 2010
UMass has its game notes for JMU up. Html version here and .pdf here.
CBS3.com has the Week #8 UMass preview here.
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The CAA has its weekly press release here.
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Andrew Gaddess of the Sports Network speculates on brain injury and wonders if it will be the end of football as we know it.
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A Michigan blogger and HS football coach looks at motivation. Link from the Maize & Brew blog.
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James Madison hopes there was growth in defeat.
Mickey Matthews says the mood at JMU is still good.
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Fan till the end:
Last words of Jeffery Landrigan before he was executed:"Boomer Sooner."
CBS3.com has the Week #8 UMass preview here.
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The CAA has its weekly press release here.
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Andrew Gaddess of the Sports Network speculates on brain injury and wonders if it will be the end of football as we know it.
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A Michigan blogger and HS football coach looks at motivation. Link from the Maize & Brew blog.
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James Madison hopes there was growth in defeat.
Mickey Matthews says the mood at JMU is still good.
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Fan till the end:
Last words of Jeffery Landrigan before he was executed:"Boomer Sooner."
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Recruiting 2011--Paul-Michael Barrows
UMass is interested in Paul-Michael Barrows a 6-3 245 pd TE from Cheshire Academy in CT.
Barrows is a rivals three-star player.
Relevant quote from Rivals:"Delaware has been involved, too, and the Blue Hens were the first team to offer Barrows in the last week or so. UMass is also starting to show increased interest, a welcome sign for Barrows. "Delaware offered me about (six) days ago and I've been talking heavily to UMass so from what it sounds like I think UMass will offer me," Barrows said. "So far, Delaware has offered me a full scholarship."
Barrows holds an offer from the Hens. Also drawing interest from UConn, Penn State and Tulane.
Special thanks to the blog reader who sent me the head's up on Barrows!
Tuesday before JMU--October 26th, 2010
MassLive.com says UMass needs to restore balance to the offense.
Matty Vautour states there are ways to make the "Classic" even classier.
The American Chronicle says last Saturday was a big miss for UMass.
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The UNH student newspaper says there were more UNH fans at the game than UMass.
They also say the victory went beyond the scoreboard and the Cats were razor sharp.
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The Loss moved UMass to #18 in the FCS Coaches poll. William & Mary, Villanova, Delaware and UNh were #5,#6,#7 and #9 respectively.
UMass was also #18 in The Sports Network Poll. William & Mary received two first place votes.
JMU fell to #15.
Appalachian State was an overwhelming #1, said TSN.
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New Hampshire, Land of Excitement: You'll be happy to know Scribbles the horse is feeling better.
Matty Vautour states there are ways to make the "Classic" even classier.
The American Chronicle says last Saturday was a big miss for UMass.
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The UNH student newspaper says there were more UNH fans at the game than UMass.
They also say the victory went beyond the scoreboard and the Cats were razor sharp.
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The Loss moved UMass to #18 in the FCS Coaches poll. William & Mary, Villanova, Delaware and UNh were #5,#6,#7 and #9 respectively.
UMass was also #18 in The Sports Network Poll. William & Mary received two first place votes.
JMU fell to #15.
Appalachian State was an overwhelming #1, said TSN.
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New Hampshire, Land of Excitement: You'll be happy to know Scribbles the horse is feeling better.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Monday before JMU--Oct25th, 2010
Matty Vautour reports that the Colonial Clash organizer was very pleased with the results and the event could continue past the original two year contract. The Blog agrees. The Colonial Clash was clearly one of the top FCS events of 2010. It is highly likely that the Clash will outdraw the 2010 FCS National Championship game.
The only thing wrong with the game is we didn't win it.
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Matty looks at UMass' chances to make the playoffs after Saturday's whipping.
He has three stars from the UNH game. I thought Ke'Mon Bailey had an excellent game, same as Matty.
Matty also says the Minutemen are looking to avoid another collapse.
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The UMass Daily Collegian looks at the UNH game and the recent struggles of the offense.
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The Boston Globe looks at the different paths between UMass and UConn football. We've been over this a thousand times. You get what you pay for.
This might be a good place to mention a new blog by Big Dan. He's a UMass guy stuck in New York and he has an open letter to the UMass President.
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The Kansas City Chiefs have released Jeremy Horne.
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The Sports Network has a couple of CAA stories about William & Mary topping Delaware and Villanova is coping without Matt Szczur.
They also looks at various teams in FCS who have turned their seasons around.
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Keepers College football ratings drops UMass to #20 after the loss to UNH.
He has JMU by less than a point over UMass.
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Meanwhile, Boston College lost their fifth straight game.
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A blog reader was kind enough to send me some recruiting news, but I'm under some time constraints this morning and it will have to wait until tomorrow.
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The only thing wrong with the game is we didn't win it.
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Matty looks at UMass' chances to make the playoffs after Saturday's whipping.
He has three stars from the UNH game. I thought Ke'Mon Bailey had an excellent game, same as Matty.
Matty also says the Minutemen are looking to avoid another collapse.
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The UMass Daily Collegian looks at the UNH game and the recent struggles of the offense.
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The Boston Globe looks at the different paths between UMass and UConn football. We've been over this a thousand times. You get what you pay for.
This might be a good place to mention a new blog by Big Dan. He's a UMass guy stuck in New York and he has an open letter to the UMass President.
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The Kansas City Chiefs have released Jeremy Horne.
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The Sports Network has a couple of CAA stories about William & Mary topping Delaware and Villanova is coping without Matt Szczur.
They also looks at various teams in FCS who have turned their seasons around.
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Keepers College football ratings drops UMass to #20 after the loss to UNH.
He has JMU by less than a point over UMass.
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Meanwhile, Boston College lost their fifth straight game.
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A blog reader was kind enough to send me some recruiting news, but I'm under some time constraints this morning and it will have to wait until tomorrow.
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Sunday, October 24, 2010
Sunday after UNH--Oct 24th, 2010
Matty Vautour details UMass' mistakes.
The Boston Globe said the Wildcats were the class of the clash.
The Boston Herald said it was a big miss for UMass.
ESPN says UNH got a big win.
The Worcester Telegram said UMass was humbled.
WEEI.com said UNH ran away with the Clash.
Mass Live said UMass was overrun. They also said UMass' playoff hopes are sliding to the edge.
The Nashua Telegram said the Colonial Clash drew a record 32,848.
The Union leader said it was no close shave.
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Strength of schedule status:
William & Mary, who has been on a tear, extended their run with a win over #2 Delaware.
Holy Cross put themselves back in the Patriot League championship hunt with a win over Colgate.
Michigan had a bye.
Stony Brook beat Coastal Carolina 38-28.
Richmond dominated Towson 28-6.
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The Boston Globe said the Wildcats were the class of the clash.
The Boston Herald said it was a big miss for UMass.
ESPN says UNH got a big win.
The Worcester Telegram said UMass was humbled.
WEEI.com said UNH ran away with the Clash.
Mass Live said UMass was overrun. They also said UMass' playoff hopes are sliding to the edge.
The Nashua Telegram said the Colonial Clash drew a record 32,848.
The Union leader said it was no close shave.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strength of schedule status:
William & Mary, who has been on a tear, extended their run with a win over #2 Delaware.
Holy Cross put themselves back in the Patriot League championship hunt with a win over Colgate.
Michigan had a bye.
Stony Brook beat Coastal Carolina 38-28.
Richmond dominated Towson 28-6.
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Saturday, October 23, 2010
UMass drubbed by UNH 39-13
I didn't feel as bad about this one because we were never in it.
For the second game in a row, UMass just was flat and unfocused. We had a turnover and two penalties in the first four special teams situations. In fact, special teams were terrible all night, as we had a penalty on a field goal attempt that moved the ball out range as well as two bizarre on-side kick attempts.
On the on-side kicks, UNH nearly scored both times as they simply fielded the ball and ran untouched through the UMass kicking team for big gains.
I don't think we used a tactical timeout all game as we struggled to get plays in or set the defense. Despite using all those timeouts, we had two substitution penalties and at least two delay-of-game penalties.
The defense didn't play that badly. UMass forced UNH to punt six times, but the Wildcats were 6-for-6 in the red zone.
Everybody needs to tighten up the mental errors or this is going to be a long season,
UMass' writeup here.
New Hampshire's writeup here.
More tomorrow.
Well, the Colonial Classic was a success!
Almost 33,000 fans showed up to see the first ever Colonial Classic. That's the largest ever crowd to see a CAA league game.
Great turnout by both fan bases. We almost beat the Boston College-Maryland game in Boston.
The attendance was large enough to create a Patriots-level traffic jam as it took us an hour to move a mile away from the stadium.
Game Day UNH---Oct 23rd, 2010
Matty V says UMass is ready to bounce back. He also states UMass has a wide-eyed walk-through at Gillette. Matty Vautour and Matt Goldstein pick the winners in week #8.
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The UMass website has some video and quotes of Friday's walk-through at Gillette Stadium.
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The Boston Herald says UMass-UNH on a big stage.
The Worcester Telegram says local players Bob Blanchflower, Andrew Kervis and Jonathan Hernandez are playing in the big time.
The Laconia Citizen says UMass-UNH are ready for a historic clash.
The Enterprise news says Brockton's Darren Thellen has settled in at safety for UMass.
NESN.com says UMass and UNH are thrilled to be playing at Gillette Stadium.
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UNH LB Matt Evans is the leading tackler in the CAA.
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UNH suspended football player Jerome Wilkins has been receiving support. Wilkins has been released under a $50K bail.
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CAA Game Day is is here. Reminder: Delaware -William & Mary is on Comcast Sports New England at 12:00 Noon.
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UPDATE: From the Gillette Stadium:
1. Driving Directions To Gillette Stadium. For driving instructions to the stadium go to:
Gillette stadium directions.
2. Tailgating. All parking lots except those directly adjacent to the retail stores and the movie theatre are open for tailgating. Tailgating is permitted AFTER 12:30 p.m. Fans are encouraged to use the numbers on the light poles to assist in locating friends during the tailgating period.
3. Parking.
a. Fans arriving from I-495 (South) will park in the South lots of Gillette Stadium. These lots are on both sides of Route 1.
b. Fans arriving from I-95 (Boston) will park in the North lots of Gillette Stadium. These lots are on both sides of Route 1.
c. Fans with parking passes for either the West Club or East Club Lots will enter at P8 (from I-495) or P1 (from I-95).
d. All spectator buses will park on the stadium side of Route 1 by entering either P8 (from the South) or P6 (from the North). UMass buses will park in Lot 20 by entering P8. UNH buses will park in Lot 22 by entering either P1 or P6.
e. Post-game. There is to be no post-game tailgating in the parking lots.
4. Entertainment.
a. The band Changes In Lattitudes will play on the Patriot Place Plaza stage beginning at 11:30 a.m.
b. The UMass Minuteman Band will conduct a pep rally on the Patriot Place Plaza at 1:30 p.m.
c. The UNH band will conduct a pep rally at Bar Louie at 1:30 p.m.
5. Stadium Gates. The stadium gates will open at 2 p.m. for the 3:30 p.m. kick-off. It is strongly recommended that fans do NOT wait until 3:30 p.m. to enter the stadium as lines will be long. Fans are encouraged to enter the stadium early.
6. Ticket Office. The Gillette Stadium Ticket Office will open at 11 a.m. The Ticket Office is located in the Patriot Place Plaza near the ProShop and CBS Scene.
7. Patriot Place. All of the retail and restaurants through-out Patriot Place will be open for business on game day. For more information go to www.patriot-place.com.
Phil Buttafuoco
Gillette Stadium
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The UMass website has some video and quotes of Friday's walk-through at Gillette Stadium.
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The Boston Herald says UMass-UNH on a big stage.
The Worcester Telegram says local players Bob Blanchflower, Andrew Kervis and Jonathan Hernandez are playing in the big time.
The Laconia Citizen says UMass-UNH are ready for a historic clash.
The Enterprise news says Brockton's Darren Thellen has settled in at safety for UMass.
NESN.com says UMass and UNH are thrilled to be playing at Gillette Stadium.
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UNH LB Matt Evans is the leading tackler in the CAA.
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UNH suspended football player Jerome Wilkins has been receiving support. Wilkins has been released under a $50K bail.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAA Game Day is is here. Reminder: Delaware -William & Mary is on Comcast Sports New England at 12:00 Noon.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE: From the Gillette Stadium:
1. Driving Directions To Gillette Stadium. For driving instructions to the stadium go to:
Gillette stadium directions.
2. Tailgating. All parking lots except those directly adjacent to the retail stores and the movie theatre are open for tailgating. Tailgating is permitted AFTER 12:30 p.m. Fans are encouraged to use the numbers on the light poles to assist in locating friends during the tailgating period.
3. Parking.
a. Fans arriving from I-495 (South) will park in the South lots of Gillette Stadium. These lots are on both sides of Route 1.
b. Fans arriving from I-95 (Boston) will park in the North lots of Gillette Stadium. These lots are on both sides of Route 1.
c. Fans with parking passes for either the West Club or East Club Lots will enter at P8 (from I-495) or P1 (from I-95).
d. All spectator buses will park on the stadium side of Route 1 by entering either P8 (from the South) or P6 (from the North). UMass buses will park in Lot 20 by entering P8. UNH buses will park in Lot 22 by entering either P1 or P6.
e. Post-game. There is to be no post-game tailgating in the parking lots.
4. Entertainment.
a. The band Changes In Lattitudes will play on the Patriot Place Plaza stage beginning at 11:30 a.m.
b. The UMass Minuteman Band will conduct a pep rally on the Patriot Place Plaza at 1:30 p.m.
c. The UNH band will conduct a pep rally at Bar Louie at 1:30 p.m.
5. Stadium Gates. The stadium gates will open at 2 p.m. for the 3:30 p.m. kick-off. It is strongly recommended that fans do NOT wait until 3:30 p.m. to enter the stadium as lines will be long. Fans are encouraged to enter the stadium early.
6. Ticket Office. The Gillette Stadium Ticket Office will open at 11 a.m. The Ticket Office is located in the Patriot Place Plaza near the ProShop and CBS Scene.
7. Patriot Place. All of the retail and restaurants through-out Patriot Place will be open for business on game day. For more information go to www.patriot-place.com.
Phil Buttafuoco
Gillette Stadium
Friday, October 22, 2010
Friday before UNH--Oct 22nd, 2010
Stadium image by Fascination Stadium.The Worcester Telegram states playing at Gillette stadium with be a thrill for Hudson's Scott Duggan.
The Milford Daily News give Duggan more ink here.
MassLive.com says UMass is gearing up.
SeaCoastonline says UMass-UNH is always a big game.
EnterpriseNews.com quotes Greg Niland about the game at Gillette.
The Union Leader says the Colonial Clash will feature defenses.
The Patriot Ledger says a whole bunch of players from the Quincy area will be in the Colonial Clash. The list includes UMass' Dominic Wooten, Julian Colarusso and James Carven.
The UNH student newspaper has articles here and here about Saturday's game.
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TSN's Andrew Gaddess predicts a Wildcat win Saturday.
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Remember I said College Football's best offense was in Eugene, OR? ESPN headline:"Oregon bludgeons UCLA".
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UPDATE: Just wanted to say that we're having snow flurries this afternoon at Blog Central...
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Thursday before UNH--Oct 21st, 2010
New Hampshire has its game notes for UMass up.
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Matty Vautour says the New England rivals-----UMass & UNH---are looking forward to the game at Gillette.
The UMass Daily Collegian previews the UNH game here.
WWLP 22News says UMass prepares for the Wildcats.
Ron Chimelis says playing at Gillette is very cool.
WSHM has its UMass Weekly--Week 8.
Wickedlocal.com has a story on freshman UMass safety Ryan Collins.
35 to 40 fans from Fall River are making the trip to Gillette to see Shane Viveiros play.
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UNH expects the biggest traveling crowd in its history for the Gillette game.
The Concord Monitor says the Wildcats are confident.
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Craig Haley has the latest edition of his column "In the FCS Huddle" up.
TSN reports that Villanova's Matt Szczur has been invited to play in the Senior Bowl.
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Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Wednesday before UNH---Oct 20th, 2010
Html version of UMass' game notes here. Pdf here.
UNH's game notes are not up yet.
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The UMass website has 14 minutes of last week's halftime tribute to George N. Parks halftime show on YouTube. Note the sunshine that I spoke of during my previous post. As the UMMB left the field, the sunshine left too. Then in the second half it really left, if you know what I mean.
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Matty Vautour has a story about the UMass-UNH game at Gillette Stadium. The two schools are hoping to top 25,000 in attendance.
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Villanova OL Ben Ijalana has been invited to the 2011 Senior Bowl.
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The Taunton Gazette has a story on former Northeastern and now starting UMass OL Greg Niland.
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The UMass Daily Collegian says the youth movement will make or break UMass this year.
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The Laconia Citizen states the Wildcats are flying high after their JMU win.
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Former UMass football player John "Doc" Enos passed away in Gloucester at the age of 79. He earned one letter at UMass in 1957.
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UNH's game notes are not up yet.
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The UMass website has 14 minutes of last week's halftime tribute to George N. Parks halftime show on YouTube. Note the sunshine that I spoke of during my previous post. As the UMMB left the field, the sunshine left too. Then in the second half it really left, if you know what I mean.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matty Vautour has a story about the UMass-UNH game at Gillette Stadium. The two schools are hoping to top 25,000 in attendance.
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Villanova OL Ben Ijalana has been invited to the 2011 Senior Bowl.
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The Taunton Gazette has a story on former Northeastern and now starting UMass OL Greg Niland.
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The UMass Daily Collegian says the youth movement will make or break UMass this year.
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The Laconia Citizen states the Wildcats are flying high after their JMU win.
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Former UMass football player John "Doc" Enos passed away in Gloucester at the age of 79. He earned one letter at UMass in 1957.
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Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Tuesday before UNH--Oct 19th, 2010
Seacoastonline says defense could rule the day with UNH Vs. UMass.
TNH Sports says Saturday will be the start of a new tradition.
MassLive says memories are great, but UMass needs a win.
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Matty Vautour says CAA coaches are already lobbying for an extra playoff bid.
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UMass dropped to #12 in The Sports Network Poll. More on TSN's poll here.
UMass has the same slot in the NCAA Coaches Poll.
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This sounds hopeful. Key quote: "Saturday's game at Gillette Stadium is sure to be a new record for a crowd to watch a UMass football game against an FCS team. "
It would be nice to break 30,000 for the Colonial Classic. I know some people who will be buying ticket as walk-ups, so the gate may be larger than expected.
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The CAA's weekly press release is here.
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Forget the spread. College football's hottest offense is in Eugene Oregon.
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If this was UMass, he'd be assigned a room in Southwest.
Runaway chimp joins a university class in gaza.
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TNH Sports says Saturday will be the start of a new tradition.
MassLive says memories are great, but UMass needs a win.
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Matty Vautour says CAA coaches are already lobbying for an extra playoff bid.
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UMass dropped to #12 in The Sports Network Poll. More on TSN's poll here.
UMass has the same slot in the NCAA Coaches Poll.
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This sounds hopeful. Key quote: "Saturday's game at Gillette Stadium is sure to be a new record for a crowd to watch a UMass football game against an FCS team. "
It would be nice to break 30,000 for the Colonial Classic. I know some people who will be buying ticket as walk-ups, so the gate may be larger than expected.
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The CAA's weekly press release is here.
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Forget the spread. College football's hottest offense is in Eugene Oregon.
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If this was UMass, he'd be assigned a room in Southwest.
Runaway chimp joins a university class in gaza.
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Monday, October 18, 2010
Monday before UNH---Oct 18th, 2010
More on the UMass Football Team's Walk for Juvenile diabetes.
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Matty Vautour says the Spiders stunned UMass with a late TD.
He also says UMass will have to play better to make the playoffs.
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The UMass Collegian has a story on Saturday's Memorial for George N. Parks.
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Saturday's loss knocked UMass down to #16 in Keeper's FCS College Football ratings.
He has UNH by 1.99 over the Minutemen.
The Richmond loss knocked UMass to #14 in the Digital Sports Daily poll.
The NCAA Coaches Poll and TSN poll won't be out until later today.
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NJ.com has a mention that Victor Cruz has been placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury.
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Andrew Gaddess says Delaware has been playing like #1.
Craig Haley of The Sports Network looks at Saturday's FCS games including UMass' loss to the Spiders.
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Former FCS columnist Tony Moss is leaving to take a post with CBSSports.com.
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Creepy commercials:
Like many football fans I get to watch more than my share of commercials. The following are two of my least favorite.
I find the plastic-faced Burger King-king creepy. It reminds me of Clockwork Orange. I keep expecting the king to pull out a dagger and start stabbing people.
The Sprint commercial about the unfeeling doctor and the football player with a shattered knee is also icky. I don't find the humor in a severe injury.
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Matty Vautour says the Spiders stunned UMass with a late TD.
He also says UMass will have to play better to make the playoffs.
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The UMass Collegian has a story on Saturday's Memorial for George N. Parks.
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Saturday's loss knocked UMass down to #16 in Keeper's FCS College Football ratings.
He has UNH by 1.99 over the Minutemen.
The Richmond loss knocked UMass to #14 in the Digital Sports Daily poll.
The NCAA Coaches Poll and TSN poll won't be out until later today.
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NJ.com has a mention that Victor Cruz has been placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury.
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Andrew Gaddess says Delaware has been playing like #1.
Craig Haley of The Sports Network looks at Saturday's FCS games including UMass' loss to the Spiders.
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Former FCS columnist Tony Moss is leaving to take a post with CBSSports.com.
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Creepy commercials:
Like many football fans I get to watch more than my share of commercials. The following are two of my least favorite.
I find the plastic-faced Burger King-king creepy. It reminds me of Clockwork Orange. I keep expecting the king to pull out a dagger and start stabbing people.
The Sprint commercial about the unfeeling doctor and the football player with a shattered knee is also icky. I don't find the humor in a severe injury.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Sunday after Richmond---Oct 17th, 2010
UMass' writeup of the game.
Richmond's writeup of "a thriller".
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UPDATE: The Boston Globe reports on Saturday's memorial for George N. Parks.
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The Boston Globe said UMass was thrown for a loss.
The Worcester Telegram said a fourth-string QB beat UMass.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch said Montel White led the upset.
They also said Richmond stunned UMass.
MassLive said the defeat undo's a lot of good work.
UPDATE: Matty Vautour has three stars from the Richmond game.
He updates UMass' pathway to the playoffs; a task that just got a lot tougher.
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The CAA's game-day coverage of all the league games.
UNH beat James Madison 28-14.
Villanova hammered Maine 48-18.
Rhode Island kept it close against #2 Delaware.
Stony Brook lost to previously winless Lafayette.
Holy Cross lost to Dartmouth 27-19.
Michigan had four turnovers and eight penalties in a 38-28 loss to #15 Iowa. We feel their pain.
UPDATE: Want to feel a little better? Watch this YouTube video of Sgt. Adam Sniffen, 101st Airborne deliver the game ball to Michigan stadium.
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Richmond's writeup of "a thriller".
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UPDATE: The Boston Globe reports on Saturday's memorial for George N. Parks.
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The Boston Globe said UMass was thrown for a loss.
The Worcester Telegram said a fourth-string QB beat UMass.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch said Montel White led the upset.
They also said Richmond stunned UMass.
MassLive said the defeat undo's a lot of good work.
UPDATE: Matty Vautour has three stars from the Richmond game.
He updates UMass' pathway to the playoffs; a task that just got a lot tougher.
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The CAA's game-day coverage of all the league games.
UNH beat James Madison 28-14.
Villanova hammered Maine 48-18.
Rhode Island kept it close against #2 Delaware.
Stony Brook lost to previously winless Lafayette.
Holy Cross lost to Dartmouth 27-19.
Michigan had four turnovers and eight penalties in a 38-28 loss to #15 Iowa. We feel their pain.
UPDATE: Want to feel a little better? Watch this YouTube video of Sgt. Adam Sniffen, 101st Airborne deliver the game ball to Michigan stadium.
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Saturday, October 16, 2010
The Sun came out for George N. Parks
Right on schedule, the sun came out over McGuirk stadium, bathing the UMass Marching Band and the UMass Alumni band in golden light as they played a halftime tribute to George N. Parks.
The blended bands sounded superb. George, surely now the UMass band's "Spirit-in-Sky", would have approved.
A huge crowd of UMass fans and alumni stayed for the post game show.
The blended bands sounded superb. George, surely now the UMass band's "Spirit-in-Sky", would have approved.
A huge crowd of UMass fans and alumni stayed for the post game show.
A dismal football day at McGuirk
This one had bad vibes written all over it.
First, the Yellow Lot was totally inaccessible. I spoke with two groups of UMass season ticket holders who gave up and parked on a lawn somewhere and hiked in. One person who did make it in said " I went to the Orange Bowl with 70,000 people attending with less hassle than this!". Large numbers of UMass police helpfully stood around watching the traffic jam. Even Mrs. Blog, who usually chides me when I go into a rant, said "The traffic control here really stinks."
Then somebody could not find the "Off" switch for the speakers and they blared all through the UMass team's taking the field, stepping all over the UMass band's "Fight UMass".
We also had a new stadium announcer who had definitely quirky game call: "UMass recovers a Richmond fumble for a first down!"
Kyle Havens, who dissected the Michigan secondary a couple of weeks ago, could not have hit the ocean from a rowboat in the first half.
As I prophesied, Matty Vautour's article seriously jinxed our kicking game. Caleb Violette had a punt go through his hands for two (eventually deciding) points. He also missed (an admittedly tough) field goal.
Brandon Levengood shanked a kickoff with two minutes remaining to give the anemic Spiders offense great field position.
The UMass offense got stuffed three straight times on a first-and-goal.
Our defense gave up three straight first downs and a wide open TD reception to close a dismal day.
Hard running UMass TB John Griffin looked like the only person who should be on a playoff team.
Keep it civil in the comments. We're still all Minutemen fans---even though the blog is going to need a couple shots of brandy to get to sleep.
First, the Yellow Lot was totally inaccessible. I spoke with two groups of UMass season ticket holders who gave up and parked on a lawn somewhere and hiked in. One person who did make it in said " I went to the Orange Bowl with 70,000 people attending with less hassle than this!". Large numbers of UMass police helpfully stood around watching the traffic jam. Even Mrs. Blog, who usually chides me when I go into a rant, said "The traffic control here really stinks."
Then somebody could not find the "Off" switch for the speakers and they blared all through the UMass team's taking the field, stepping all over the UMass band's "Fight UMass".
We also had a new stadium announcer who had definitely quirky game call: "UMass recovers a Richmond fumble for a first down!"
Kyle Havens, who dissected the Michigan secondary a couple of weeks ago, could not have hit the ocean from a rowboat in the first half.
As I prophesied, Matty Vautour's article seriously jinxed our kicking game. Caleb Violette had a punt go through his hands for two (eventually deciding) points. He also missed (an admittedly tough) field goal.
Brandon Levengood shanked a kickoff with two minutes remaining to give the anemic Spiders offense great field position.
The UMass offense got stuffed three straight times on a first-and-goal.
Our defense gave up three straight first downs and a wide open TD reception to close a dismal day.
Hard running UMass TB John Griffin looked like the only person who should be on a playoff team.
Keep it civil in the comments. We're still all Minutemen fans---even though the blog is going to need a couple shots of brandy to get to sleep.
Game Day Richmond---Oct 16th, 2010
The UMass Alumni Band is over 900 strong!
Image by Marching.com
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The Weather Channel has a page for McGuirk Alumni Stadium. Looks like the rain will move out by game time.
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Matty Vautour says the Minutemen are eager for a return to McGuirk.
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The Richmond Times Dispatch says the Spiders are playing in a familiar spot.
They also say Richmond and UMass built their rosters in different ways.
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Game Day central for all of today's CAA games.
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Terrance Thomas returns with his weekly CAA column.
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UNH hopes to quiet James Madison's home crowd.
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Josh Buchanan has released his Mid-Season FCS All-American team and it has only one Minuteman on it. Actually, not many CAA players on it.
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Villanova is getting healthier.
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Friday, October 15, 2010
Recruiting 2011-- Brian Dowling II
I've blogged before about UMass recruiting Brian Dowling.
This article mentions him as well as UMass. Dowling has averaged 138 yards/game and has 14 TD's in five games for Wayne Hills HS.
This article mentions him as well as UMass. Dowling has averaged 138 yards/game and has 14 TD's in five games for Wayne Hills HS.
Friday before Richmond--Oct 15th, 2010
Speakers are lining up for George N. Parks memorial.
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Ron Chimelis says UMass' win over Richmond is not preordained.
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Matty Vautour says the Minutemen are wary.
He also picks this week's games.
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This article says Richmond DB Justin Rogers could play at the next level.
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The CAA Blogger has lots of news and video from around the league. He also has a predicted order of finish fan poll.
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Andrew Gaddess has the week #7 FCS Preview.
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William & Mary LB Jake Trantin has left the Tribe for the remainder of the 2010 season.
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Josh Buchanan says Towson QR Hakeem Moore is a potential NFL free agent pick.
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Both Villanova @ Maine and UNH @ JMU will be available on Comcast Sports New England TV this Saturday.
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The Virginia PilotOnline.com looks at the details in moving from FCS to FBS football.
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The Bleacher Report takes a long look at the Villanova-to-the-Big East ramifications.
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Ron Chimelis says UMass' win over Richmond is not preordained.
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Matty Vautour says the Minutemen are wary.
He also picks this week's games.
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This article says Richmond DB Justin Rogers could play at the next level.
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The CAA Blogger has lots of news and video from around the league. He also has a predicted order of finish fan poll.
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Andrew Gaddess has the week #7 FCS Preview.
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William & Mary LB Jake Trantin has left the Tribe for the remainder of the 2010 season.
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Josh Buchanan says Towson QR Hakeem Moore is a potential NFL free agent pick.
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Both Villanova @ Maine and UNH @ JMU will be available on Comcast Sports New England TV this Saturday.
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The Virginia PilotOnline.com looks at the details in moving from FCS to FBS football.
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The Bleacher Report takes a long look at the Villanova-to-the-Big East ramifications.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Thursday before Richmond--Oct 14th, 2010
More on the memorial ceremony planned for George N. Parks this Saturday.
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The UMass Daily Collegian says there are still some areas of concern for UMass football.
And they say Homecoming opens the second half of the season for UMass.
Jason Yellin states UMass has been 15-3 in Homecoming games since 1992.
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MassLive.com gives three keys to the Richmond game.
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Matty Vautour jinxes Caleb Violette. He also says UMass starting center John Ihne will be back for the Spiders game.
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UMass coaches and players will walk for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation this Sunday.
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Shane Viveiros and Kyle Havens will guests on the UMass Football Radio Show tonight.
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UMass has an FCS-best six players in the CFL.
Tyler Kirchoff may be the Spider's featured TB when they visit McGuirk Saturday.
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The first CSN Gridiron Power Index ranks UMass as #8. In the past, the Selection Committee has used the Index in playoff selection/bracketing.
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The UMass Daily Collegian says there are still some areas of concern for UMass football.
And they say Homecoming opens the second half of the season for UMass.
Jason Yellin states UMass has been 15-3 in Homecoming games since 1992.
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MassLive.com gives three keys to the Richmond game.
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Matty Vautour jinxes Caleb Violette. He also says UMass starting center John Ihne will be back for the Spiders game.
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UMass coaches and players will walk for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation this Sunday.
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Shane Viveiros and Kyle Havens will guests on the UMass Football Radio Show tonight.
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UMass has an FCS-best six players in the CFL.
- Keron Williams BC Lions
- Anton McKinzie BC Lions
- Brandon London Montreal Alouettes
- Shannon James Hamilton Tigercats
- Courtney Robinson Hamilton Rough Riders
Tyler Kirchoff may be the Spider's featured TB when they visit McGuirk Saturday.
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The first CSN Gridiron Power Index ranks UMass as #8. In the past, the Selection Committee has used the Index in playoff selection/bracketing.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Wednesday before Richmond--Oct 13th, 2010
UMass has its game notes for Richmond up. Html here and pdf here. Note that the game will be available over the internet at UMass video as premium content
Richmond's game notes for UMass in html here. Pdf here.
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TheDay.com states sources say UMass-UConn August 30th, 2012.
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Ron Chinelis says UMass football is getting it done without the quick strike.
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Stony Brook HC Check Priore wants the Sea Wolves to be like UMass. Stony Brook appears to be committed to having a good FCS/I-A program. That would be good for Northeast football and for UMass. If the Sea Wolves could win the Big South and make it to the playoffs, it would give their program some shine.
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Latest CAA press release shows the CAA has five of the top eight ranked FCS teams in the nation.
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NJOnline says Vladimir Ducasse is still learning his position with the NY Jets.
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Villanova's Matt Szczur is questionable for Saturday's game against Maine.
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Richmond's game notes for UMass in html here. Pdf here.
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TheDay.com states sources say UMass-UConn August 30th, 2012.
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Ron Chinelis says UMass football is getting it done without the quick strike.
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Stony Brook HC Check Priore wants the Sea Wolves to be like UMass. Stony Brook appears to be committed to having a good FCS/I-A program. That would be good for Northeast football and for UMass. If the Sea Wolves could win the Big South and make it to the playoffs, it would give their program some shine.
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Latest CAA press release shows the CAA has five of the top eight ranked FCS teams in the nation.
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NJOnline says Vladimir Ducasse is still learning his position with the NY Jets.
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Villanova's Matt Szczur is questionable for Saturday's game against Maine.
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Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Tuesday before Richmond---Oct 12th, 2010
I received an e-mail from a UMMB Alumni Band member alerting me to the fact there will be a huge Alumni Band presence at Saturday's game. As of yesterday morning, 813 alumni band members have signed up to attend George N. Parks memorial. With the current UMass band, there could easily be 1,200+ UMMB and alumni band members at McGuirk Stadium. It's going to be an historic day.
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Ron Chimelis says UMass Football is ready to push the restart button.
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Matty Vautour has more on the Richmond QB situation and news from around the CAA.
More about Richmond's woe's from the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Along with thrid-string QB Nick Hicks, Richmond CB Justin Rogers and RB Garrett Wilkins are being considered.
Could the Spiders put in the triple option by Saturday?
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UMass stayed at #8 in this week's Sports Network poll.
UMass is also #8 in the FCS Coaches poll.
Keeper's College Football Ranking has us at #7. He also has the Minutemen by 19.72 over the Spiders. Keepers point spread undoubtedly reflects the Spiders QB situation.
The Dunkle Index has UMass at #6.
Digital Sports Daily has a look at this week's FCS Top-25 games.
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The CAA's weekly press release is up. I didn't know that the CAA had five of the top 10 defenses in FCS.
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VA Tech OG Greg Nosal had the tip of a finger torn off in last week's game against Central Michigan. The team doctors put the tip on ice and Nosal kept playing.
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Ron Chimelis says UMass Football is ready to push the restart button.
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Matty Vautour has more on the Richmond QB situation and news from around the CAA.
More about Richmond's woe's from the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Along with thrid-string QB Nick Hicks, Richmond CB Justin Rogers and RB Garrett Wilkins are being considered.
Could the Spiders put in the triple option by Saturday?
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UMass stayed at #8 in this week's Sports Network poll.
UMass is also #8 in the FCS Coaches poll.
Keeper's College Football Ranking has us at #7. He also has the Minutemen by 19.72 over the Spiders. Keepers point spread undoubtedly reflects the Spiders QB situation.
The Dunkle Index has UMass at #6.
Digital Sports Daily has a look at this week's FCS Top-25 games.
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The CAA's weekly press release is up. I didn't know that the CAA had five of the top 10 defenses in FCS.
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VA Tech OG Greg Nosal had the tip of a finger torn off in last week's game against Central Michigan. The team doctors put the tip on ice and Nosal kept playing.
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Monday, October 11, 2010
Monday before Richmond--Oct 11th, 2010
Chris Phillips of the Examiner.com reviews the first half of the UMass season.
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The Richmond Times-Dispatch says Richmond QB Aaron Corp is out for at least a couple weeks.
Matty Vautour has a comment on the article referenced above.
UPDATE: Corp officially out for the season.
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The UMass website has a cool article on the UMass-UNH Colonial Clash. Seventy-nine players from Massachusetts and New Hampshire will be on the two squads when they meet at Gillette stadium.
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I realize Towson is in everbody's rear view mirror now, but I've posted a short image gallery of the UMass-Tigers game on Picassa. Nothing special in images, but it gives you an idea what the place looked like. Towson has a nice stadium and their video board is the best I've seen in FCS/I-A football.
Click on the image and Blogger gives a much larger view.
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YouTube video of Oregon State's DT Stephen Paea bench pressing 225 pds 44 times. Wow!
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If you missed last week's game stats between Murray State and Missouri State, you missed a lot. The aptly-named Murray State Racers won 72-59. The two teams had 1,423 yards of offense, 49 first downs and 131 points.
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The Richmond Times-Dispatch says Richmond QB Aaron Corp is out for at least a couple weeks.
Matty Vautour has a comment on the article referenced above.
UPDATE: Corp officially out for the season.
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The UMass website has a cool article on the UMass-UNH Colonial Clash. Seventy-nine players from Massachusetts and New Hampshire will be on the two squads when they meet at Gillette stadium.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I realize Towson is in everbody's rear view mirror now, but I've posted a short image gallery of the UMass-Tigers game on Picassa. Nothing special in images, but it gives you an idea what the place looked like. Towson has a nice stadium and their video board is the best I've seen in FCS/I-A football.
Click on the image and Blogger gives a much larger view.
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YouTube video of Oregon State's DT Stephen Paea bench pressing 225 pds 44 times. Wow!
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If you missed last week's game stats between Murray State and Missouri State, you missed a lot. The aptly-named Murray State Racers won 72-59. The two teams had 1,423 yards of offense, 49 first downs and 131 points.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Sunday before Richmond--Oct 10th, 2010
The big news for UMass was the injury situation for next week's opponent Richmond.
This article says Richmond expects to start third-string QB Nick Hicks against UMass next week.
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In the strength-of-schedule race, UMass did pretty good.
William & Mary ran its win total to five with a 26-7 victory over Rhode Island.
Holy Cross beat Brown. The Crusaders are making a pretty good comeback after a disastrous start.
Stony Brook won 27-9 over VMI.
Michigan lost to Michigan State 34-17. That result leaves the Wolverines at 5-1.
Towson gave JMU a battle before falling 17-13.
UMass opponents are 16-13 collectively. William & Mary may be a top-five team in FCS. Stony Brook has a good shot at the Big South title.
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All the CAA results here.
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Appalachian State won their 23rd consecutive Southern conference game yesterday.
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Craig Haley says if Montana and Appalachian State leave, FCS won't collapse.
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Saturday, October 09, 2010
Off Week Saturday--Oct 10th, 2010
More from MassLive.com on the memorial for George N. Parks next weekend. Note that many local hotels are sold out. UMass official are working with some Springfield hotels to take the overload.
Could we get a sellout for the game?
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The UMass Daily Collegian looks at status of football during the bye week.
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At URI, the feeling of defeat is lost.
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Matt Goldstein and Matty Vautour pick this week's football results.
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Big game for UNH at home against Richmond this week. The game is available on Comcast Sports New England from most satellite and cable providers.
Game Day page with info on all today's CAA League games here.
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The Blog totally understands:
For the first time since 1999, Michigan and Michigan state are undefeated going into today's game. A Michigan State fan is delaying heart surgery in order to see the game.
Meanwhile, UM and MSU students stand guard over campus landmarks.
Could we get a sellout for the game?
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The UMass Daily Collegian looks at status of football during the bye week.
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At URI, the feeling of defeat is lost.
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Matt Goldstein and Matty Vautour pick this week's football results.
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Big game for UNH at home against Richmond this week. The game is available on Comcast Sports New England from most satellite and cable providers.
Game Day page with info on all today's CAA League games here.
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The Blog totally understands:
For the first time since 1999, Michigan and Michigan state are undefeated going into today's game. A Michigan State fan is delaying heart surgery in order to see the game.
Meanwhile, UM and MSU students stand guard over campus landmarks.
Friday, October 08, 2010
Friday of the off week--Oct 8th, 2010
Memorial for George N. Parks will held at Homecoming on Oct 16th. Amherst Bulletin story here.
Official UMass webpage here.
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Former UMass star Brandon London has signed with the Montreal Aloulettes.
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The Sports Network's Andrew Gaddess previews Week 6 in the Division in his "In the FCS Huddle" column.
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The Seacoast Online says New Hampshire needs to finish strong.
UPDATE: UNH DB JeRome Wilkins charged with rape.
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After a long time wandering in the wilderness, Georgia Southern is ranked #13 in the FCS nation.
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There is a new CAA Football and A10 Basketball Blog. I've added it to my links in the sidebar.
Official UMass webpage here.
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Former UMass star Brandon London has signed with the Montreal Aloulettes.
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The Sports Network's Andrew Gaddess previews Week 6 in the Division in his "In the FCS Huddle" column.
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The Seacoast Online says New Hampshire needs to finish strong.
UPDATE: UNH DB JeRome Wilkins charged with rape.
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After a long time wandering in the wilderness, Georgia Southern is ranked #13 in the FCS nation.
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There is a new CAA Football and A10 Basketball Blog. I've added it to my links in the sidebar.