Sunday--November 4th, 2012

The UMass-NIU game played out the way the pundits predicted. The Minutemen were no match for the Huskies. That said, UMass could have played better. UMass dropped passes that would have sustained drives. We dropped an interception that would have saved a NIU touchdown. The defense didn't wrap up on numerous tackles that led to long Husky gains. A couple of fumbles stopped a UMass drive and set up the Huskies for an easy score.

Perhaps the long season and the schedule (all those road games) have made an impact on the struggling Minutemen. I think UMass needs to have something positive happen. It's just very tough when there is no positive reinforcement for the players.

As I said yesterday, UMass has played some very good teams this year. I watched Vanderbilt beat Kentucky (an established SEC team with full FBS scholarships) 40-0, a score not far from UMass' results. NIU is one of the best teams in the country. It's another argument for FBS playoffs because BCS teams will be able to avoid Northern Illinois in bowl games. The Huskies would send some big name teams home in a FCS-style 16 game playoff.

And a big Whiskey-Tango-Foxtrot to the NIU community for a 11,114 attendance for a 9-1 team!

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

Northern Illinois' write-up here.

UMass' write-up here .

Matty V. said UMass continued to struggle.

MassLive said UMass got thumped.

The Chicago Tribune said NIU mauled UMass.

Boston.com said UMass was routed.

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

Misery loves company Dept: New England football continues have a brutal year.

Boston College fell to 2-7. The Eagles are officially non-bowl eligible.

And UConn is in the basement of the Big East.

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