Just a note to say the blog will not be updated tomorrow morning. Mrs Blog and I will be away overnight.
I do have some recruiting news that will be up when I get a chance.
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SB Boston says Emil Igwenagu has received an invite to the February NFL combine.
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The Gazette reprints an AP story about Victor Cruz and his journey to the NFL. It's also nice that Victor is staying down-to-earth.
Giants 101 says it will be Victor Cruz and the G-men's defense against the Cowboys.
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Terry Bowden has his work cut out for him at Akron.
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The FCS Championship game is January 7th, and for once, the game is a hot ticket.
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Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
Recruiting 2012--Jameson McShea
 |
| McShea#83 /Ryan Killian/ ESPN image |
UMass has now offered to him.
McShea's ESPN page here.
Rivals page here.
Senior high video here.
McShea also holds an offer from Harvard. He's considering BC, Dartmouth and Maryland.
Friday--December 30, 2011
Matty V. says Coach Molnar is recruiting champions. Note that Molnar says he wants a staff with FCS experience.
The article says Shane Waldron, a graduate assistant from Notre Dame is expected to join the staff at UMass.
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Jeff Thomas also reports on the addition of Phil Elmassian as defensive coordinator at UMass.
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Notre Dame could've used Charlie Molnar as the Irish got poor QB play and fell 14-18 to Florida State in the Champs Sports Bowl. Most coaches will tell you they'll take accuracy over a big arm every time.
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The Boston Globe tells us Toledo beat BYU in the Military Bowl.
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The article says Shane Waldron, a graduate assistant from Notre Dame is expected to join the staff at UMass.
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Jeff Thomas also reports on the addition of Phil Elmassian as defensive coordinator at UMass.
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Notre Dame could've used Charlie Molnar as the Irish got poor QB play and fell 14-18 to Florida State in the Champs Sports Bowl. Most coaches will tell you they'll take accuracy over a big arm every time.
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The Boston Globe tells us Toledo beat BYU in the Military Bowl.
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Thursday, December 29, 2011
Thursday--December 29, 2011 Update
Elmassian's Purdue bio. His hiring story at the Boilermakers.
Recruiting 2012---Mali Evans
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| Image credit unknown |
Evans Rivals page is here.
Interview with Evans here.
Evans also holds offers from Elon, Georgia Southern, Iowa State and Southern University.
Thursday December 29, 2011
Inside the Irish Blog has a writeup on the Champs Bowl. UMass Coach Charlie Molnar gets a mention.
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Toledo outlasted Air Force in the highly entertaining Military Bowl. That runs the MAC's 2011 bowl record to 3-1.
Meanwhile, an older and wiser Terry Bowden returns to coach the Zips.
The last MAC bowl will be the GoDaddy.com bowl on January 8th. NIU coach Dave Doeren does a question-and-answer session with ESPN.
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Back in FCS, TSN has memorable storylines in 2011.
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Victor Cruz doesn't think he's a Pro Bowl snub.
Yahoo Sports Blogger (and UMass alum), Taurus Londono comments on Cruz's selection.
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Toledo outlasted Air Force in the highly entertaining Military Bowl. That runs the MAC's 2011 bowl record to 3-1.
Meanwhile, an older and wiser Terry Bowden returns to coach the Zips.
The last MAC bowl will be the GoDaddy.com bowl on January 8th. NIU coach Dave Doeren does a question-and-answer session with ESPN.
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Back in FCS, TSN has memorable storylines in 2011.
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Victor Cruz doesn't think he's a Pro Bowl snub.
Yahoo Sports Blogger (and UMass alum), Taurus Londono comments on Cruz's selection.
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Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Recruiting 2012--Eric Hayward
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| Rivals image |
Hayward's ESPN page here. ESPN two star recruit.
Rivals.com three star recruit.
Averaged 8+ yards a carry this year.
Hayward also holds offers from Illinois, Arkansas State and Southern Mississippi.
Wednesday--December 28th, 2011
Victor Cruz was named a Pro-bowl alternative. He's currently third in the NFL in total yards receiving.
Besides football, Cruz is also an entrepreneur.
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I watched the Little Caesar's Bowl and Western Michigan lost a game to Purdue that they could have easily won. The Bronco's QB turned the ball over six times (two fumbles and four INT's). That runs the MAC's bowl total to 2-1.
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Next up for the MAC is tomorrow's Military Bowl with Toledo playing Air Force at RFK Stadium in DC.
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Besides football, Cruz is also an entrepreneur.
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I watched the Little Caesar's Bowl and Western Michigan lost a game to Purdue that they could have easily won. The Bronco's QB turned the ball over six times (two fumbles and four INT's). That runs the MAC's bowl total to 2-1.
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Next up for the MAC is tomorrow's Military Bowl with Toledo playing Air Force at RFK Stadium in DC.
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Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Tuesday--December 27, 2011
Dave Sollazzo's Maryland bio.
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ESPN has an extensive writeup on today Little Cesar's Bowl between Western Michigan and Perdue.
Official Bowl site here.
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Central Michigan brought in 17 of their 19 recruits in on one weekend.
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NewsDay asks if Victor Cruz will receive an invite to the Pro Bowl?
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Jeromy Miles has 16 tackles on special teams for the Bengals. Note that 15 of them are solo.
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ESPN has an extensive writeup on today Little Cesar's Bowl between Western Michigan and Perdue.
Official Bowl site here.
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Central Michigan brought in 17 of their 19 recruits in on one weekend.
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NewsDay asks if Victor Cruz will receive an invite to the Pro Bowl?
 |
| Julio Cortez/AP image |
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Jeromy Miles has 16 tackles on special teams for the Bengals. Note that 15 of them are solo.
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Monday, December 26, 2011
Monday--December 26, 2011
UPDATE: Football Scoop is saying Villanova defensive line coach Dave Sollazzo will be joining the UMass staff as defensive line/assistant head coach .
Sollazzo's Villanova bio.
Quote from Sollazzo's bio:
"He was also the Terrapin recruiting coordinator for the previous five years. During his last four years at Maryland, the Terps signed 72 student-athletes ranked among the top 100 nationally at their positions, including 17 All-Americans."
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The Notre Dame football team is enjoying its stay in Orlando. The story has a mention of Coach Molnar.
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If you haven't seen Victor Cruz's 99 yard TD against the Jets, it's the YouTube clip above. One of the remarkable things about the catch is that it was not busted coverage. Cruz makes three different Jet DB's tackle air.
Rex Ryan calls Cruz " a Jets killer".
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After the first of the year, I going to revise the format of the Blog. I'm going to take out the FCS links and add MAC and FBS sites. One of the links I'm going to have is one you might like to keep. It's future UMass schedules.
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Western Michigan plays Perdue in the Little Caesar's Bowl tomorrow. The Broncos have knocked off a number of BCS teams since 2005.
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Sollazzo's Villanova bio.
Quote from Sollazzo's bio:
"He was also the Terrapin recruiting coordinator for the previous five years. During his last four years at Maryland, the Terps signed 72 student-athletes ranked among the top 100 nationally at their positions, including 17 All-Americans."
 |
| Image credit unknown |
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The Notre Dame football team is enjoying its stay in Orlando. The story has a mention of Coach Molnar.
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If you haven't seen Victor Cruz's 99 yard TD against the Jets, it's the YouTube clip above. One of the remarkable things about the catch is that it was not busted coverage. Cruz makes three different Jet DB's tackle air.
Rex Ryan calls Cruz " a Jets killer".
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After the first of the year, I going to revise the format of the Blog. I'm going to take out the FCS links and add MAC and FBS sites. One of the links I'm going to have is one you might like to keep. It's future UMass schedules.
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Western Michigan plays Perdue in the Little Caesar's Bowl tomorrow. The Broncos have knocked off a number of BCS teams since 2005.
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Saturday, December 24, 2011
Merry Christmas 2011
The Blog and Mrs Blog would like to wish all UMass fans and players and extended football family a very merry Christmas and a happy holidays.
The very best thing about writing the Blog has been meeting other people who follow UMass football.
May 2012 bring everyone peace, health and good fortune.
If Santa brought us a half a dozen three star recruits, it wouldn't hurt either :)
Saturday--December 24, 2011
Victor!!!
Victor Cruz ties NFL record with 99 yard catch.
Cruz sparks Giants win.
Victor Cruz sets two franchise records.
ESPN says it was one Giant play.
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Emil Igwenagu, Tyler Holmes and Jesse Julmiste all made Phil Steele's post-season 2012 FCS All-America teams (.pdf download).
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Phil Steele also rates Akron's hiring of Terry Bowden has the top coaching hire of 2011.
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Boston college's 2012 verbals.
UConn's 2012 verbals.
National team rankings BC #58 UConn # 61
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Forbes rates Texas as the most valuable football team in the USA as the Longhorns brought in $129 million to the university.
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Victor Cruz ties NFL record with 99 yard catch.
Cruz sparks Giants win.
Victor Cruz sets two franchise records.
ESPN says it was one Giant play.
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| Chris Pastier/Getty Image |
Emil Igwenagu, Tyler Holmes and Jesse Julmiste all made Phil Steele's post-season 2012 FCS All-America teams (.pdf download).
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Phil Steele also rates Akron's hiring of Terry Bowden has the top coaching hire of 2011.
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Boston college's 2012 verbals.
UConn's 2012 verbals.
National team rankings BC #58 UConn # 61
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Forbes rates Texas as the most valuable football team in the USA as the Longhorns brought in $129 million to the university.
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Friday, December 23, 2011
Friday--December 23, 2011
No UMass related news on the Internet this morning, but some MAC related news.
Akron waited a while to name a coach, but they landed former Auburn HC Terry Bowden. He's been coaching DII North Alabama and has gone 29-10.
This a a big hire for the Zips and the league. Akron actually has good facilities and Bowden could make an impact in a hurry.
Akron spent $61 million on their facilities in 2007 to upgrade their field. If you haven't seen it, take a look.
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Boston College has hired former Kent State HC Doug Martin as their offensive coordinator.
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Back in the CAA, New Hampshire has turned the page after their playoff loss to Montana State. With sub-par facilities even for FCS, New Hampshire has made the playoffs eight consecutive years and their senior class went 37-15 including 3-1 against UMass.
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The FCS Championship game between Sam Houston State and North Dakota State is a sellout.
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Akron waited a while to name a coach, but they landed former Auburn HC Terry Bowden. He's been coaching DII North Alabama and has gone 29-10.
This a a big hire for the Zips and the league. Akron actually has good facilities and Bowden could make an impact in a hurry.
Akron spent $61 million on their facilities in 2007 to upgrade their field. If you haven't seen it, take a look.
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Boston College has hired former Kent State HC Doug Martin as their offensive coordinator.
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Back in the CAA, New Hampshire has turned the page after their playoff loss to Montana State. With sub-par facilities even for FCS, New Hampshire has made the playoffs eight consecutive years and their senior class went 37-15 including 3-1 against UMass.
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The FCS Championship game between Sam Houston State and North Dakota State is a sellout.
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Thursday, December 22, 2011
Recruiting 2012--Jordan Lucas II
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| Frank Becerra Jr/Journal News image |
The 6-0 184 pd CB is still considering UMass.
Thursday--December 22, 2011
Former UMass standout Mike Dawson has left Boston College where he has been special teams coach for the last three years.
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Could UMass be part of a "new" Big East basketball league? I still think UMass will draw interest from CUSA or Big East football once we get up and running as a FBS football team.
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Yale coach Tom Williams has resigned after it was learned he padded his resume.
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Keepers College Football Ratings picks Sam Houston State over North Dakota State.
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ESPN on why Victor Cruz isn't on the Pro Bowl ballot.
Cruz needs 150 total yards in the Giants last two games to break Amani Toomer's franchise record of 1,383.
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Could UMass be part of a "new" Big East basketball league? I still think UMass will draw interest from CUSA or Big East football once we get up and running as a FBS football team.
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Yale coach Tom Williams has resigned after it was learned he padded his resume.
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Keepers College Football Ratings picks Sam Houston State over North Dakota State.
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ESPN on why Victor Cruz isn't on the Pro Bowl ballot.
Cruz needs 150 total yards in the Giants last two games to break Amani Toomer's franchise record of 1,383.
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Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Recruiting 2012--Abner Logan
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| Be Recruited image |
Terrapin Station reports Logan has verbaled to Maryland. Lead recruiter for Maryland was Keith Dudzinski.
Another article from the Globe about Abner's commitment to the Terps.
Wednesday--December 21, 2011
Another story on Coach Molnar leaving Notre Dame to focus on UMass.
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Michael Fusia, the son of UMass legend Vic Fusia, has a guest editorial in the Hampshire Gazette praising UMass' move to FBS football.
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We've been talking about recruiting the last couple of days. Matty V. Story that I linked to yesterday has the following quote:
"Monday began a dead period in the recruiting calendar that runs until Jan. 3, meaning no in-person meetings or phone calls with recruits. Molnar will likely try to have a staff in place by Jan. 4, when another, albeit short, contact period begins for three days Jan. 4-7. Coaches can call, host or have home/school visits with prospects during that time.
Jan. 8 is a one-day quiet period, however calls and on-campus meetings are allowed. Jan. 9-12 is another dead period followed by a contact period that runs from Jan. 13-28. Jan. 29 is quiet followed by a dead period from Jan. 30 to Feb. 2. National signing day is Feb. 1."
That's 18 recruiting days left until LOI day February 1st. Remember LOI Day is the first day recruits can be announced. Recruiting can continue after that.
An SB Nation writer explains the "Dead Period".
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Ratings and advertisement sales in the "Baby Bowls" such as the two Bowls MAC teams have played in have been a hit for ESPN.
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Michael Fusia, the son of UMass legend Vic Fusia, has a guest editorial in the Hampshire Gazette praising UMass' move to FBS football.
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We've been talking about recruiting the last couple of days. Matty V. Story that I linked to yesterday has the following quote:
"Monday began a dead period in the recruiting calendar that runs until Jan. 3, meaning no in-person meetings or phone calls with recruits. Molnar will likely try to have a staff in place by Jan. 4, when another, albeit short, contact period begins for three days Jan. 4-7. Coaches can call, host or have home/school visits with prospects during that time.
Jan. 8 is a one-day quiet period, however calls and on-campus meetings are allowed. Jan. 9-12 is another dead period followed by a contact period that runs from Jan. 13-28. Jan. 29 is quiet followed by a dead period from Jan. 30 to Feb. 2. National signing day is Feb. 1."
That's 18 recruiting days left until LOI day February 1st. Remember LOI Day is the first day recruits can be announced. Recruiting can continue after that.
An SB Nation writer explains the "Dead Period".
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Ratings and advertisement sales in the "Baby Bowls" such as the two Bowls MAC teams have played in have been a hit for ESPN.
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Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Tuesday--December 20, 2011
Coach Molnar leaves Notre Dame and will be coaching full time for UMass.
Statement from the UMass website.
More from WSBD.com.
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TSN has no UMass players on it's three FCS All-America teams. Perhaps more surprising was zero Maine players from a team that went two rounds deep into the playoffs.
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The Mac Blog "Hustle Belt" says he has no idea who is going to coach Akron.
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Recruiting is in a NCAA "quiet' period with the coaches not allowed to contact recruits until January 3rd.
Let's look at the MAC's West Division totals.
Northern Illinois (10-3) commits: 13 players, 2 three star, 7 two stars and 1 ones
Toledo (8-4) commits: 20 players, 4 three star, 10 two stars.
Western Michigan (7-5) commits: 0 three stars, 8 two stars and 1 one star
Ball State (6-6) commits: 20 players, 5 three star, 9 two star.
Eastern Michigan (6-6) commits: 15 players, 2 three star, 7 two stars, 1 one star
Central Michigan (3-9) commits: 19 players, 3 three star, 13 two star
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Rivals (with a different way of ranking recruits) has the 2012 MAC team rankings here.
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Statement from the UMass website.
More from WSBD.com.
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TSN has no UMass players on it's three FCS All-America teams. Perhaps more surprising was zero Maine players from a team that went two rounds deep into the playoffs.
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The Mac Blog "Hustle Belt" says he has no idea who is going to coach Akron.
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Recruiting is in a NCAA "quiet' period with the coaches not allowed to contact recruits until January 3rd.
Let's look at the MAC's West Division totals.
Northern Illinois (10-3) commits: 13 players, 2 three star, 7 two stars and 1 ones
Toledo (8-4) commits: 20 players, 4 three star, 10 two stars.
Western Michigan (7-5) commits: 0 three stars, 8 two stars and 1 one star
Ball State (6-6) commits: 20 players, 5 three star, 9 two star.
Eastern Michigan (6-6) commits: 15 players, 2 three star, 7 two stars, 1 one star
Central Michigan (3-9) commits: 19 players, 3 three star, 13 two star
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Rivals (with a different way of ranking recruits) has the 2012 MAC team rankings here.
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Monday, December 19, 2011
Monday December 19, 2011
There is a dearth of football news on the wires this morning, so let's look at recruiting.
In February of 2011, UMass announced 24 recruits. Four of the 24 Derek Beck, John McGrath, Jamal Wilson and Ryan Campbell, ultimately did not appear on the 2011 roster.
Five of the surviving rectuits were defensive players: Iric Harris DB, Randell Jette DB, Quayshun Smith DB, Greg Hilliard LB, and Kyle Morgan DL.
There were fourteen offensive players and a kicker.
Right now ESPN reports we have three commits all on offense.
ESPN gives Jones and Doyle two stars. Mills is NR. I realize the recruiting services ratings can be bogus, but they can give some insight in a macro sense.
ESPN lists the following totals for the MAC East
Ohio (11-4) commits: 11 players, one three star, 6 two star
Temple (10-4) commits: 30 players, 4 three star, 13 two stars, 2 one stars
Kent State (5-7) commits: 16 players, 4 three star, 7 two stars, 1 one star
Bowling Green (5-7) commits: 15 players, 6 three stars, 3 two stars, 1 one star
Miami of Ohio (4-8) commits: 16 players, 3 three stars, 9 two stars.
Buffalo (3-9) commits: 13 players, 2 three stars, 10 two stars, 1 one star
Akron (1-11 and currently no HC) commits: 6 players, 1 three star, 1 two star.
Coach Molnar has some work to do. Eventually, UMass is going to need some defensive players.
In February of 2011, UMass announced 24 recruits. Four of the 24 Derek Beck, John McGrath, Jamal Wilson and Ryan Campbell, ultimately did not appear on the 2011 roster.
Five of the surviving rectuits were defensive players: Iric Harris DB, Randell Jette DB, Quayshun Smith DB, Greg Hilliard LB, and Kyle Morgan DL.
There were fourteen offensive players and a kicker.
Right now ESPN reports we have three commits all on offense.
ESPN gives Jones and Doyle two stars. Mills is NR. I realize the recruiting services ratings can be bogus, but they can give some insight in a macro sense.
ESPN lists the following totals for the MAC East
Ohio (11-4) commits: 11 players, one three star, 6 two star
Temple (10-4) commits: 30 players, 4 three star, 13 two stars, 2 one stars
Kent State (5-7) commits: 16 players, 4 three star, 7 two stars, 1 one star
Bowling Green (5-7) commits: 15 players, 6 three stars, 3 two stars, 1 one star
Miami of Ohio (4-8) commits: 16 players, 3 three stars, 9 two stars.
Buffalo (3-9) commits: 13 players, 2 three stars, 10 two stars, 1 one star
Akron (1-11 and currently no HC) commits: 6 players, 1 three star, 1 two star.
Coach Molnar has some work to do. Eventually, UMass is going to need some defensive players.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Sunday---December 18, 2011
Temple crushed Wyoming 37-15.
BTW, Temple has 30 verbals so far! The Owls 2012 class has four three star recruits.
Ohio scored with 13 seconds left to defeat Utah State. I watched most of that game. I've got the Temple victory on DVD.
Who could resist a bowl game that had a press conference for the largest potato on wheels.
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Former UMass star and current Leominster coach Dave Palazzi praises Tim Tebow.
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North Dakota State shut down Georgia Southern's vaunted triple option to win 35-7 and move the National Championship Game in Frisco.
Montana made a second half comeback, but it wasn't enough and the Grizzlies fell to Sam Houston State 31-28.
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Saturday, December 17, 2011
Saturday--December 17th, 2011
More from Matty V about Charlie Molnar and the Champs Bowl.
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Boston.com has more on A.J. Doyle's verbal to UMass.
Jeff Thomas from MassLive also comments on Doyle's verbal.
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ESPN has a feature on James Ihedigbo. It article has lots of references to UMass football.
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UMass Lax will play Hofstra at Gillette on April 21st, so UMass football won't be the only Minuteman team to use the facility this year.
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I blogged on Tyler Holmes being named AP First Team All-American yesterday. The CAA website has a story on Homes and the other seven CAA players named to the AP All-American squads.
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Two MAC teams play today in bowl games. Set your DVD! Temple Vs Wyoming at 2:00 pm and Ohio Vs. Utah State at 5:30. Both are on ESPN.
Athlon Sports previews the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl and also previews the New Mexico Bowl.
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The New York Daily News asks "Why isn't Victor Cruz on the Pro Bowl ticket?"
The Giants and the Patriots are the only two teams in the NFL to have two 1,000 yard receivers.
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Boston.com has more on A.J. Doyle's verbal to UMass.
Jeff Thomas from MassLive also comments on Doyle's verbal.
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| Stephen Savoia/AP image |
ESPN has a feature on James Ihedigbo. It article has lots of references to UMass football.
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UMass Lax will play Hofstra at Gillette on April 21st, so UMass football won't be the only Minuteman team to use the facility this year.
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I blogged on Tyler Holmes being named AP First Team All-American yesterday. The CAA website has a story on Homes and the other seven CAA players named to the AP All-American squads.
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Two MAC teams play today in bowl games. Set your DVD! Temple Vs Wyoming at 2:00 pm and Ohio Vs. Utah State at 5:30. Both are on ESPN.
Athlon Sports previews the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl and also previews the New Mexico Bowl.
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The New York Daily News asks "Why isn't Victor Cruz on the Pro Bowl ticket?"
The Giants and the Patriots are the only two teams in the NFL to have two 1,000 yard receivers.
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Friday, December 16, 2011
Friday--December 16, 2011
Matty V. reports that A.J.Doyle has verbaled to UMass. More on Doyle's move from the Herald.
More from Matty on Doyle.
ESPN says Molnar thinks Doyle can potentially complete for a starting spot right away.
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Matty V also has Notre Dame graduate assistant Shane Waldon will likely join the UMass staff.
Head Coach Charlie Molnar is fielding a hundred calls a day.
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Tyler Holmes was named to the Associated Press first team All-American.
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Inside the Irish blog says plans for Molnar to stay with Notre Dame through their bowl game has changed.
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UNH looks at a 2012 schedule that will not include UMass for the first time since 1952.
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Liberty announced that they will investigate a move to FBS.
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Former UMass assistant coach Jim Bradley (1998-2000) is rebuilding Monsignor Farrell HS on Staten Island.
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More from Matty on Doyle.
ESPN says Molnar thinks Doyle can potentially complete for a starting spot right away.
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Matty V also has Notre Dame graduate assistant Shane Waldon will likely join the UMass staff.
Head Coach Charlie Molnar is fielding a hundred calls a day.
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Tyler Holmes was named to the Associated Press first team All-American.
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Inside the Irish blog says plans for Molnar to stay with Notre Dame through their bowl game has changed.
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UNH looks at a 2012 schedule that will not include UMass for the first time since 1952.
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Liberty announced that they will investigate a move to FBS.
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Former UMass assistant coach Jim Bradley (1998-2000) is rebuilding Monsignor Farrell HS on Staten Island.
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Thursday, December 15, 2011
Thursday--December 15, 1011
Jeff Thomas says could Pitt hire Mark Whipple?
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NJ.com says Victor Cruz is becoming a household name.
Cruz has also dropped some passes this year.
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Michigan led the nation in home attendance again this year. Air Force joins UMass on the Wolverines 2012 home OOC schedule.
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Ya never know in recruiting. The saga of Tyrone Figuroa from East Boston, who was going to attend UMass, but backed out at the last minute.
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Preview of the first of the MAC's bowl games this year. Famous Idaho Potato Bowl at 3:30 on Saturday.
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Former Buffalo coach Turner Gill was named HC at Liberty.
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TSN previews this week's FCS Semifinals.
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Long time Harvard coach Joe Restic has passed away. He was a fixture in New England coaching circles for decades.
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NJ.com says Victor Cruz is becoming a household name.
Cruz has also dropped some passes this year.
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Michigan led the nation in home attendance again this year. Air Force joins UMass on the Wolverines 2012 home OOC schedule.
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Ya never know in recruiting. The saga of Tyrone Figuroa from East Boston, who was going to attend UMass, but backed out at the last minute.
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Preview of the first of the MAC's bowl games this year. Famous Idaho Potato Bowl at 3:30 on Saturday.
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Former Buffalo coach Turner Gill was named HC at Liberty.
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TSN previews this week's FCS Semifinals.
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Long time Harvard coach Joe Restic has passed away. He was a fixture in New England coaching circles for decades.
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Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Recruiting 2012--Melquawn Pinkney
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| Republican/Mike Beswick image |
Pinkney won the Norman S. Dagenais Award for the top player in Western Mass. Rushed for 2,899 yards and 43 TD's.
Story here.
ESPN All-state.
YouTube highlight video here.
Also drawing interest from UConn and BC.
Wednesday--December 14, 2011
The Daily Record has a three page story on Charlie Molnar's appointment as the Minutemen's new HC. It's a good read.
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Jeff Thomas says Molnar has his hands full contacting recruits.
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UMass TE Emil Igwenagu was named co-UMass Fall Scholar Athlete along with Megan Collins of Women's soccer.
NFL Draft Scout has Igwenagu ranked #18 in the 2012 pool of FB/TE/H-backs.
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Vladimir Ducasse has been playing TE in the Jets two-TE packages and doing well.
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Mark Whipple has been mentioned as a possible choice at Arizona State. Whipple considers Arizona his home, so I think he'd jump at the chance to become HC.
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No UMass players listed in Saturday's Senior Scout Bowl.
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Jeff Thomas says Molnar has his hands full contacting recruits.
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UMass TE Emil Igwenagu was named co-UMass Fall Scholar Athlete along with Megan Collins of Women's soccer.
NFL Draft Scout has Igwenagu ranked #18 in the 2012 pool of FB/TE/H-backs.
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Vladimir Ducasse has been playing TE in the Jets two-TE packages and doing well.
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Mark Whipple has been mentioned as a possible choice at Arizona State. Whipple considers Arizona his home, so I think he'd jump at the chance to become HC.
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No UMass players listed in Saturday's Senior Scout Bowl.
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Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Recruiting 2012----A. J. Doyle IV
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| Ryan Killan/ESPN.com image |
ESPN says Doyle was the first recruit new UMass HC Charley Molnar called.
Tuesday-- December 13, 2011
I've blogged about this before, but the UMass Library is featuring a display of UMass football history.
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A StateCollege.com blogger lists Mark Whipple as one of the coaches Penn State might contact.
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Another writer says the Big East could survive by inviting Memphis, East Carolina-------and UMass and Temple.
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Toledo appointed interim HC Matt Campbell as their new Head Coach. The Rockets lived up to their name last season as they averaged 42 points/game and went over 60 points twice.
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Keepers College Football Ratings has Sam Houstin State and GSU as favorites in the semifinals of FCS. He also has three of the five MAC teams as favorites in bowl games.
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Can Dez Bryant steal Victor Cruz' dance?
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The Daily Press says the CAA fell short this year in the playoffs.
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A StateCollege.com blogger lists Mark Whipple as one of the coaches Penn State might contact.
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Another writer says the Big East could survive by inviting Memphis, East Carolina-------and UMass and Temple.
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Toledo appointed interim HC Matt Campbell as their new Head Coach. The Rockets lived up to their name last season as they averaged 42 points/game and went over 60 points twice.
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Keepers College Football Ratings has Sam Houstin State and GSU as favorites in the semifinals of FCS. He also has three of the five MAC teams as favorites in bowl games.
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Can Dez Bryant steal Victor Cruz' dance?
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The Daily Press says the CAA fell short this year in the playoffs.
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Monday, December 12, 2011
Recruiting 2012---Quinton Perkins
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| Sentinel&Enterprise/Brett Crawford image |
However, it seems Perkins and UMass aren't that interested in each other right now.
ESPN has Perkins as MIAA All-State.
Monday--December 12, 2011
Bleacher Report has a article on the Champs Bowl. Charlie Molner is slide #2.
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UMass filled its coaching vacancy quickly. Conference-mate Akron is still looking. Hustle Belt has potential names from UCLA, Michigan State, Toledo and Wayne State.
The News-Herald has the top five MAC teams of the BCS era.
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The MAC tied a conference record with five bowl invites.
The Idaho Statesman discusses bowl payouts and reports the bigger the bowl the more likely the selected school is to lose money.
Quote from the article:
"It seems Temple is lucky to be affiliated with the Mid-American Conference for bowl purposes. In financial terms, the MAC's bowl arrangement sounds better than most in terms of taking care of its schools. MAC deputy commissioner Bob Gennarelli said Monday that Temple will receive a $300,000 stipend out of the $750,000 the league receives from the Gildan New Mexico Bowl, and Temple will get 5,000 tickets at no cost and will keep the revenue from any tickets sold. That's the standard deal the MAC has with its affiliated bowls, Gennarelli said. The stipend is based on travel distance, Gennarelli said, not the size of the bowl payout."
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Meanwhile, back in FCS, the dates for the semifinal games have been announced.
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The NY Times says Victor Cruz already has reason to dance.
Cruz had another big night against the Cowboys. He also had a couple of drops and a personal foul.
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UMass filled its coaching vacancy quickly. Conference-mate Akron is still looking. Hustle Belt has potential names from UCLA, Michigan State, Toledo and Wayne State.
The News-Herald has the top five MAC teams of the BCS era.
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The MAC tied a conference record with five bowl invites.
The Idaho Statesman discusses bowl payouts and reports the bigger the bowl the more likely the selected school is to lose money.
Quote from the article:
"It seems Temple is lucky to be affiliated with the Mid-American Conference for bowl purposes. In financial terms, the MAC's bowl arrangement sounds better than most in terms of taking care of its schools. MAC deputy commissioner Bob Gennarelli said Monday that Temple will receive a $300,000 stipend out of the $750,000 the league receives from the Gildan New Mexico Bowl, and Temple will get 5,000 tickets at no cost and will keep the revenue from any tickets sold. That's the standard deal the MAC has with its affiliated bowls, Gennarelli said. The stipend is based on travel distance, Gennarelli said, not the size of the bowl payout."
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Meanwhile, back in FCS, the dates for the semifinal games have been announced.
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The NY Times says Victor Cruz already has reason to dance.
Cruz had another big night against the Cowboys. He also had a couple of drops and a personal foul.
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Sunday, December 11, 2011
Sunday--December 11, 2011
Jeff Thomas says Coach Molnar embraces the challenge of moving UMass to FBS.
BostonInno says Molnar puts Boston College on alert.
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Maine lost to GSU 35-28 in the quarterfinals of the FCS tournament. The Black Bear's run reminds me of UMass in 1999, when the Minutemen had to play Furman and GSU on the road.
UMass beat Furman 30-23 in overtime with a one yard run by Marcel Shipp.
In the next game, Don Brown's defense played GSU tough in the first half with the Minutemen finishing the half down 10-7. The Eagles broke it open late to send the Minutemen home 38-21. Brown left for Northeastern after the season ended.
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Tim Beckman hopes to add to the success of former MAC coaches at BCS schools. The article says Dave Doeren of Northern Illinois, Ron English of Eastern Michigan and Pete Lembo of Ball State all might get the call soon.
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More on Victor Cruz' record setting pace for the Giants.
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Jeromy Miles saw his first action other than special teams on December 4th against Pittsburgh. His 2011 stats and action report here.
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Brandon Walsh, a two-time All-Scholastic QB from Andover will attend UMass with a baseball scholarship.
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BostonInno says Molnar puts Boston College on alert.
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Maine lost to GSU 35-28 in the quarterfinals of the FCS tournament. The Black Bear's run reminds me of UMass in 1999, when the Minutemen had to play Furman and GSU on the road.
UMass beat Furman 30-23 in overtime with a one yard run by Marcel Shipp.
In the next game, Don Brown's defense played GSU tough in the first half with the Minutemen finishing the half down 10-7. The Eagles broke it open late to send the Minutemen home 38-21. Brown left for Northeastern after the season ended.
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Tim Beckman hopes to add to the success of former MAC coaches at BCS schools. The article says Dave Doeren of Northern Illinois, Ron English of Eastern Michigan and Pete Lembo of Ball State all might get the call soon.
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More on Victor Cruz' record setting pace for the Giants.
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Jeromy Miles saw his first action other than special teams on December 4th against Pittsburgh. His 2011 stats and action report here.
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Brandon Walsh, a two-time All-Scholastic QB from Andover will attend UMass with a baseball scholarship.
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Saturday, December 10, 2011
Saturday--December 10, 2011
Charley Molnar seeks to make UMass like Boise State.
Molnar said he would eventually like to have his son, Charley Molnar III, join him at UMass.
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The Worcester Telegram on Molnar's appointment.
The Boston Globe says Molnar's a builder.
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Big Blue.com has a post on the amazin' stats Victor Cruz is piling up for the Giants. Cruz is compared to the Giants legendary WR Del Shofner.
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Montana routed Northern Iowa 48-10 last night on a national ESPN game.
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The Portland Press-Herald says Maine has been playing for its future this year.
Maine plays Georgia Southern at 2:00 PM today on ESPN3.
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Molnar said he would eventually like to have his son, Charley Molnar III, join him at UMass.
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The Worcester Telegram on Molnar's appointment.
The Boston Globe says Molnar's a builder.
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Big Blue.com has a post on the amazin' stats Victor Cruz is piling up for the Giants. Cruz is compared to the Giants legendary WR Del Shofner.
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| John Angelillo/UPI/Fotoglif image |
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Montana routed Northern Iowa 48-10 last night on a national ESPN game.
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The Portland Press-Herald says Maine has been playing for its future this year.
Maine plays Georgia Southern at 2:00 PM today on ESPN3.
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Friday, December 09, 2011
Friday---December 9, 2011
Matty V. has a report from Coach Molnar's press conference including some quotes from the coach.
One quote that does not appear in the story came when Molnar was being interviewed by Josh Mauer. Molnar said " I wouldn't have had any interest in UMass if they were I-AA.".
Matty also related Molnar won the press conference.
Related stories from the Boston Globe.
From the Boston Herald.
MassLive.com has more.
The UMass Daily Collegian said Molnar was officially announced as the Minutemen's head coach.
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The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette says Molnar will continue to help Notre Dame prep for the Champs Bowl.
The Champs Bowl game website.
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ESPN says Molnar's likely replacement for the Irish will likely be Norte Dame's offensive line coach Ed Warinner.
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James Ihedigbo likes what he sees in the UMass upgrade.
More on Ihedigbo's comments from the Associated Press.
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Illinois just hired Toledo's Mike Beckman to replace Ron Zook.
Quote from the above article:
"So in targeting Beckman at Toledo, Thomas is simply returning to a league that has a long and distinguished reputation for churning out top-rate head coaches. Michigan’s Bo Schembechler, Ohio State’s Woody Hayes, Notre Dame’s Ara Parseghian and Northwestern’s Randy Walker not only earned their head coaching stripes in the MAC, they all held the head coaching job at Miami of Ohio.
Current Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel was hired after a successful stint at Toledo. Current Alabama head coach Nick Saban was once head coach at Toledo. And current Michigan coach Brady Hoke was head coach at Ball State."
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Richmond hired former Liberty HC Danny Rocco to lead the Spiders.
One quote that does not appear in the story came when Molnar was being interviewed by Josh Mauer. Molnar said " I wouldn't have had any interest in UMass if they were I-AA.".
Matty also related Molnar won the press conference.
Related stories from the Boston Globe.
From the Boston Herald.
MassLive.com has more.
The UMass Daily Collegian said Molnar was officially announced as the Minutemen's head coach.
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The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette says Molnar will continue to help Notre Dame prep for the Champs Bowl.
The Champs Bowl game website.
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ESPN says Molnar's likely replacement for the Irish will likely be Norte Dame's offensive line coach Ed Warinner.
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James Ihedigbo likes what he sees in the UMass upgrade.
More on Ihedigbo's comments from the Associated Press.
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Illinois just hired Toledo's Mike Beckman to replace Ron Zook.
Quote from the above article:
"So in targeting Beckman at Toledo, Thomas is simply returning to a league that has a long and distinguished reputation for churning out top-rate head coaches. Michigan’s Bo Schembechler, Ohio State’s Woody Hayes, Notre Dame’s Ara Parseghian and Northwestern’s Randy Walker not only earned their head coaching stripes in the MAC, they all held the head coaching job at Miami of Ohio.
Current Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel was hired after a successful stint at Toledo. Current Alabama head coach Nick Saban was once head coach at Toledo. And current Michigan coach Brady Hoke was head coach at Ball State."
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Richmond hired former Liberty HC Danny Rocco to lead the Spiders.
Thursday, December 08, 2011
Thursday--December 8, 2011
Matty V. says Charlie Molnar will be named UMass' 28th head coach today at a 4:00 PM press conference at Gillette Stadium.
The Boston Globe says Molnar is the new UMass coach.
The Chicago Tribune says it was just a matter of time.
UPDATE: Watch video of the conference for free.
Also: "UMass will hold a press conference this afternoon at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro to make a major football announcement. You can watch the event live by clicking on the link above beginning at 4pm Thursday. It will also be broadcast live on television in Western Mass on CBS 3 Now (Comcast channel 293, Charter channel 230, Campus channel 79."
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Future Notre Dame schedule lists Temple in 2013 and Akron and Temple in 2015. Do you think with an ex-Irish coach and Gillette, we could, you know.....
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Tyler Holmes was named for the second time as a member of the American College Football Association All-America Team.
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Oklahoman sports columnist Berry Tramel ranks the college football jobs that came open.
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The MAC won five bowl invitations.
Bowl payouts:
Ohio-Utah State---Famous Idaho Potato Bowl ($650,000)
Northern Illinois-Arkansas State- -GoDaddy.com Bowl ($1,500,000)
Western Michigan-Purdue--Little Caesars Pizza Bowl ($1,500,000)
Temple-Wyoming--Gildan New Mexico Bowl ($912,500)
Toledo-Air Force-- Military Bowl ($2,000,000)
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TSN previews the FCS quarterfinals---and predicts a Maine win.
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The Richmond Spiders named former Liberty coach Danny Rocco as head coach.
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The Boston Globe says Molnar is the new UMass coach.
The Chicago Tribune says it was just a matter of time.
UPDATE: Watch video of the conference for free.
Also: "UMass will hold a press conference this afternoon at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro to make a major football announcement. You can watch the event live by clicking on the link above beginning at 4pm Thursday. It will also be broadcast live on television in Western Mass on CBS 3 Now (Comcast channel 293, Charter channel 230, Campus channel 79."
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Future Notre Dame schedule lists Temple in 2013 and Akron and Temple in 2015. Do you think with an ex-Irish coach and Gillette, we could, you know.....
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Tyler Holmes was named for the second time as a member of the American College Football Association All-America Team.
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Oklahoman sports columnist Berry Tramel ranks the college football jobs that came open.
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The MAC won five bowl invitations.
Bowl payouts:
Ohio-Utah State---Famous Idaho Potato Bowl ($650,000)
Northern Illinois-Arkansas State- -GoDaddy.com Bowl ($1,500,000)
Western Michigan-Purdue--Little Caesars Pizza Bowl ($1,500,000)
Temple-Wyoming--Gildan New Mexico Bowl ($912,500)
Toledo-Air Force-- Military Bowl ($2,000,000)
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TSN previews the FCS quarterfinals---and predicts a Maine win.
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The Richmond Spiders named former Liberty coach Danny Rocco as head coach.
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Wednesday, December 07, 2011
Wednesday--December 7, 2011
The Chicago Tribune says a Notre Dame source expects Molnar to land the UMass job.
The Berkshire Eagle has a story about Molnar and some quotes on what he looks for in a quarterback.
The UMass Daily Collegian says Molnar may make a move to the Minutemen.
The Irish Illustrated has a post on Molnar's possible move to UMass.
The ESPN Notre Dame blog says ND coach chip Kelly relates nothing is official yet on Molnar's move.
Report from Football Scoop.
Relevant quote: "The Minutemen are getting a proven offensive coach in Molnar and his background in the MAC will surely help the transition to FBS."
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Fox Sports looks at FBS conference breakdowns after the latest shift. Mentions possible changes in the MAC.
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Opposing Views.com lists the 10 best non-BCS bowl games including the NIU-Arkansas State GoDaddy Bowl.
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Old Dominion's Bobby Wilder says freshman QB Taylor Heinicke is the best QB in FCS football.
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The Savannah Morning News says Maine continues to prove the experts wrong.
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Tuesday, December 06, 2011
Tuesday--December 6, 2011
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| Time-Dispatch image |
The Boston Globe says UMass will announce Molnar's appointment this week.
The Globe also says Molnar's familiarity with the MAC is what attracted McCutcheon.
Bonus material on Molnar here and here.
UPDATE: Football Scoop claims to have confirmed Molnar is UMass' next coach.
UPDATE II: Matty says Molnar's signing is "imminent".
The Fort Wayne Journal says Molnar could be on the move.
NBC Sports says Molnar targeted for UMass job.
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Montana may get a ESPN Friday night game this week. The Grizzlies last Friday night ESPN game was against UMass in 2006.
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I was remiss in not keeping up with Victor Cruz's dream season with the Giants. He's on track to become the Giants all-time single season receiving leader.
Joe Witt, the Packers DB coach says Cruz is a Pro-Bowl player.
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| Al Bello/Getty image |
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Monday, December 05, 2011
Monday--December 5, 2011
UMass adds to the the coaching search committee: UMass Board of Trustees member Henry Thomas III and UMass Deputy Chancellor Todd Diacon.
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The UMass Daily Collegian has an article on "What UMass can learn from the Patriots". We talk about upgrading football here, but as I keep saying, it's not just about football. It's about more opportunities for women's sports, more alumni involvement, more support from the state. As a UMass grad, it jerks my jaws when someone uses that "safety school" line on me.
Becoming a top flight public university like the University of Michigan or UCLA requires UMass to excel in all aspects. Athletics is just part of that.
All of us football types are just as interested in UMass having top shelf academics and research. I just don't understand the people who think the two are mutually exclusive. All the top flight public universities play DI football. Comparing UMass to Harvard or Yale or Cal Tech (as one facility senate member did) is mixing apples and oranges big time.
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Three Pitt assistant coaches are moving to Arizona. The article mentions Calvin Magee as a candidate for the UMass HC job.
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The "Hustle Belt" blog looks at the MAC's bowl invite candidates.
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The CAA went 1-3 in the FCS playoffs Saturday. The CAA website has video and interviews from the games.
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Keepers College Football Ratings has Maine a 15 point underdog to GSU in the next round of the playoffs.
TSN's Craig Daley looks at Saturday's FCS playoff games.
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The UMass Daily Collegian has an article on "What UMass can learn from the Patriots". We talk about upgrading football here, but as I keep saying, it's not just about football. It's about more opportunities for women's sports, more alumni involvement, more support from the state. As a UMass grad, it jerks my jaws when someone uses that "safety school" line on me.
Becoming a top flight public university like the University of Michigan or UCLA requires UMass to excel in all aspects. Athletics is just part of that.
All of us football types are just as interested in UMass having top shelf academics and research. I just don't understand the people who think the two are mutually exclusive. All the top flight public universities play DI football. Comparing UMass to Harvard or Yale or Cal Tech (as one facility senate member did) is mixing apples and oranges big time.
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Three Pitt assistant coaches are moving to Arizona. The article mentions Calvin Magee as a candidate for the UMass HC job.
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The "Hustle Belt" blog looks at the MAC's bowl invite candidates.
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The CAA went 1-3 in the FCS playoffs Saturday. The CAA website has video and interviews from the games.
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Keepers College Football Ratings has Maine a 15 point underdog to GSU in the next round of the playoffs.
TSN's Craig Daley looks at Saturday's FCS playoff games.
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Sunday, December 04, 2011
Sunday--December 4, 2011
Neil Brown had been mentioned as contender for the HC position at Alabama-Birmingham. Arkansas assistant Garrick McGee has been named HC at UAB.
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UMass legend Dave Palazzi is starting another at Leominister.
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Ouch! New Hampshire lost at Montana State on a missed extra point.
Maine held Appalachian State to 3 net yards rushing and crushed the Mountaineers 34-12.
Old Dominion lost to GSU as both sides rang up 500+ yards of offense.
Towson surprised everyone in the CAA this year, but the Tigers ran out of gas against Lehigh
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Should the Florida A&M band get the death penalty? When we were in FCS, I always hoped for a UMass-Florida A&M or Grambling OOC game. Having the UMMB and Rattlers' bands on the field would have been cosmic!
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UMass legend Dave Palazzi is starting another at Leominister.
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Ouch! New Hampshire lost at Montana State on a missed extra point.
Maine held Appalachian State to 3 net yards rushing and crushed the Mountaineers 34-12.
Old Dominion lost to GSU as both sides rang up 500+ yards of offense.
Towson surprised everyone in the CAA this year, but the Tigers ran out of gas against Lehigh
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Should the Florida A&M band get the death penalty? When we were in FCS, I always hoped for a UMass-Florida A&M or Grambling OOC game. Having the UMMB and Rattlers' bands on the field would have been cosmic!
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Saturday, December 03, 2011
Saturday--December 3, 2011
Matty V. reports Alabama-Birmingham is also interested in Neal Brown.
Matty also adds some names to the potential UMass coaching pool:
Curtis Luper--Auburn RB Coach and recruiting coordinator. Would we get some Texas recruits? Luper is a Texas native. L.A. Love was a excellent player for us.
Matty also says UMass could look at former Texas A&M coach Mike Sherman. Sherman is a Mass native and, according to Wikipedia, runs a pro-set offense which would fit our personnel.
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The Eagle-Tribune says Brian White, RB coach for Florida, is also interested in UMass. White is originally from Haverhill. Bonus material on White.
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Victor Cruz has a hip injury, but is listed as "probable' for the Giants game against Green Bay Sunday.
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Rene Ingoglia will be ESPN3's game analyst for today's Maine-Appalachian State contest.
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Let's hope the faculity senate doesn't try this.
Ukrainian feminists, concerned over the possible exploitation of women at the EURO 2012 soccer draw, are protesting topless.
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Matty also adds some names to the potential UMass coaching pool:
Curtis Luper--Auburn RB Coach and recruiting coordinator. Would we get some Texas recruits? Luper is a Texas native. L.A. Love was a excellent player for us.
Matty also says UMass could look at former Texas A&M coach Mike Sherman. Sherman is a Mass native and, according to Wikipedia, runs a pro-set offense which would fit our personnel.
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| AP image |
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The Eagle-Tribune says Brian White, RB coach for Florida, is also interested in UMass. White is originally from Haverhill. Bonus material on White.
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Victor Cruz has a hip injury, but is listed as "probable' for the Giants game against Green Bay Sunday.
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Rene Ingoglia will be ESPN3's game analyst for today's Maine-Appalachian State contest.
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Let's hope the faculity senate doesn't try this.
Ukrainian feminists, concerned over the possible exploitation of women at the EURO 2012 soccer draw, are protesting topless.
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Friday, December 02, 2011
Friday--December 2, 2011
Blogger was down this morning. I could not get in even to moderate comments.
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The faculty senate passes a resolution against the stadium upgrade. MassLive.com has another story.
Not great arguments from one faction of the facility. The Collegian has some illuminating quotes.
"And Sugerman, a lecturer of anthropology, also noted that while the football program’s budget will see a spike, some programs such as University Health Services have been cut back. This includes UHS’ recent cuts in hours and closure of its pharmacy."
Not even Enron's accountants could trace causality between the UMass infirmary and UMass football.
"Bogartz, a professor of psychology, said that the collegiate version of the sport was the “exploitation of student gladiators.”.
Man, I wish I had been athletic enough to play DI football and been exploited.
Mrs blog and I have traveled extensively in the US. States with widely different cultures support their state schools. Walk around Mississippi State, Washington State, Michigan State and others and look at the facilities. Then look at the New England land grant universities like URI, UMass and UNH. The campuses look like minimum security prisons. What would make the citizens of other states identify with their Universities? What could it be? What could it be?
Meanwhile, the Collegian also has an article lamenting the lack of UMass Pride. All the flagship state universities have a common thread-- a high level of involvement with their alumni, the state's citizens and the state's legislators. Maybe the blog's readers can see a link that the faculty can't.
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Meanwhile back in the real world:
The Boston globe has UMass opens football HC search. This article mentions a new name: Mike Kruczek.
MassLive has a story on the search committee and the three former UMass players that are included.
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MassLive has a story on UMass meeting with Neal Brown.
Red Raiders.com has an article on Brown's meeting with UMass. Check out the comments. And you thought some of our commenters were nuts.
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NESN has a story about James Ihedigbo's watching Patriots games when he was in UMass dorms.
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Current UMass player Brian Dowling remembers a "miracle" high school game. Dowling played quite a bit as a true freshman for the Minutemen as a kick returner.
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The faculty senate passes a resolution against the stadium upgrade. MassLive.com has another story.
Not great arguments from one faction of the facility. The Collegian has some illuminating quotes.
"And Sugerman, a lecturer of anthropology, also noted that while the football program’s budget will see a spike, some programs such as University Health Services have been cut back. This includes UHS’ recent cuts in hours and closure of its pharmacy."
Not even Enron's accountants could trace causality between the UMass infirmary and UMass football.
"Bogartz, a professor of psychology, said that the collegiate version of the sport was the “exploitation of student gladiators.”.
Man, I wish I had been athletic enough to play DI football and been exploited.
Mrs blog and I have traveled extensively in the US. States with widely different cultures support their state schools. Walk around Mississippi State, Washington State, Michigan State and others and look at the facilities. Then look at the New England land grant universities like URI, UMass and UNH. The campuses look like minimum security prisons. What would make the citizens of other states identify with their Universities? What could it be? What could it be?
Meanwhile, the Collegian also has an article lamenting the lack of UMass Pride. All the flagship state universities have a common thread-- a high level of involvement with their alumni, the state's citizens and the state's legislators. Maybe the blog's readers can see a link that the faculty can't.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meanwhile back in the real world:
The Boston globe has UMass opens football HC search. This article mentions a new name: Mike Kruczek.
MassLive has a story on the search committee and the three former UMass players that are included.
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MassLive has a story on UMass meeting with Neal Brown.
Red Raiders.com has an article on Brown's meeting with UMass. Check out the comments. And you thought some of our commenters were nuts.
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NESN has a story about James Ihedigbo's watching Patriots games when he was in UMass dorms.
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Current UMass player Brian Dowling remembers a "miracle" high school game. Dowling played quite a bit as a true freshman for the Minutemen as a kick returner.
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