Friday before Maine--Nov 5th, 2010

Matty Vautour says UMass is looking to break a two game losing streak against the Black Bears. He also reports that UMass captain Emil Igwenagu may be available for the game. Two weeks ago Emil got his legs rolled up on for the second time this season.

He also mentions UMass senior Anthony Nelson is now eligible to be an Academic All-American.

The Gazette also has Matty V's and Matt G's week 10 football picks.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ron Chimelis has an article on the growth of UMass rookie DB's Antoine Tharpe and Mike Lee. Tharpe is a true freshman, which makes things even harder.

Last night's UMass football show had wide-receiver-turned-DB Ke'Mon Baily as one of the player guests. He sounded like very intelligent, thoughtful man.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The big game in the CAA this weekend is William & Mary at UNH.

TSN's Andrew Gaddess previews this week's FCS games and predicts a UMass win over Maine.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Gridiron Power Index has UMass at #12. This poll is important as it is one of the inputs the NCAA selection committee considers for selection into the playoff tourney.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Another article on Big East expansion. I picked this one because it mentions the huge decline in status of the Catholic basketball schools. The money is strongly flowing to football. Schools like Providence, Seton Hall and St. John's have nothing athletic programs compared to state schools like UConn or Central Florida. I predict a split in Big East basketball with the Catholic schools being forced into their own league.

A Boston Globe writer thinks the Big East should consider UMass.