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| Image credit unkown |
I've blogged about Donovan before.
ESPN article about UMass offer here.
Donovan's Rivals page here.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Recruiting 2014--Rory Donovan
I've blogged about Donovan before.
ESPN article about UMass offer here.
Donovan's Rivals page here.
Sunday--June 30, 2013
Darren Thellen helped out at the recent football clinic held at Brockton High.
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Vanderbilt loses four players in a sex crimes investigation.
USA Today says this was not the "game changer" the Commodores wanted.
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In yesterday's blog post I listed the away ticket information for the upcoming season. As season ticket holders, Mrs Blog and I get two free tickets to one of the away MAC games.
We picked Buffalo. It's the closest MAC team and the weather should be good in mid-October.
Metro NY reports "The University at Buffalo Division of Athletics announced that contemporary swing revival band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy will be performing as part of the UB Tailgate Concert Series prior to the Bulls’ football game against UMass on Oct. 19."
Full article here.
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The MAC Report Online says the preseason magazines like the NIU Huskies.
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New age recruiting engulfs college football.
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Oregon unveils lime-green helmets.
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Vanderbilt loses four players in a sex crimes investigation.
USA Today says this was not the "game changer" the Commodores wanted.
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In yesterday's blog post I listed the away ticket information for the upcoming season. As season ticket holders, Mrs Blog and I get two free tickets to one of the away MAC games.
We picked Buffalo. It's the closest MAC team and the weather should be good in mid-October.
Metro NY reports "The University at Buffalo Division of Athletics announced that contemporary swing revival band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy will be performing as part of the UB Tailgate Concert Series prior to the Bulls’ football game against UMass on Oct. 19."
Full article here.
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The MAC Report Online says the preseason magazines like the NIU Huskies.
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New age recruiting engulfs college football.
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Oregon unveils lime-green helmets.
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Saturday, June 29, 2013
Saturday--June 29, 2013
UMass will hold a open-to-the-public Topping Out ceremony on Tuesday, July 2nd. I'm going to be there (In'shalla).
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In addition, tickets for the 2013 away games are available through the UMass Ticket Office. The following is a cut-and-paste from an e-mail.
Tickets for all 2013 away football games will go on sale through the UMass Athletic Ticket Office on Monday, July 1 at 9 AM. Game by game pricing:
8/31 @ Wisconsin* $45 per ticket
9/14 @ Kansas State $30 per ticket
10/5 @ Bowling Green $15 per ticket
10/19 @ Buffalo $18 per ticket
11/23 @ Central Michigan $22 per ticket
11/29 @ Ohio $15 per ticket
Purchasing away game tickets through UMass ensures seating with other UMass fans. Fans are encouraged to purchase away game tickets as far in advance as possible as quantities are limited. Tickets can be purchased by calling 1-866-UMASS-TIX (1-866-862-7784).
*The UMass Alumni Association is offering a Ticket & Tailgate package for the Wisconsin game. The tailgate will be held in the Northwood Room with a balcony overlooking the "Badger Bash," the largest and longest running public tailgating party in Madison. The UMass tailgate breakfast includes eggs, french toast, sausage, potatoes, fruit salad, yogurt, croissants, muffins, assorted juices, coffee and tea. A cash bar will also be available. For more information, or to register, click here. To purchase just game tickets for the Wisconsin game, contact the Athletic Ticket Office.
As a UMass Football season ticket holder, you are entitled to 2 (two) FREE tickets at one of the MAC away games (Bowling Green, Buffalo, Central Michigan, or Ohio). If you would like to take advantage of this offer, please reply to this email with which game you would like, your name, and your account number. You can also call the athletic ticket office to request your free tickets (two free tickets per account). In order to ensure your free tickets, please place your request by Friday, August 9.
Individual game tickets for home games at Gillette Stadium will go on sale on Monday, July 8 at 10 AM.
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CBS Sports says UMass has a good shot to exceed their predicted 1.5 over/under 2013 win total.
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Football Schedules ranks UMass #2 in MAC OOC scheduling difficulty.
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OT, but the Denver Post says the Pats were the only NFL team interested in Hernandez after he failed a drug test while he was at Florida.
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In addition, tickets for the 2013 away games are available through the UMass Ticket Office. The following is a cut-and-paste from an e-mail.
Tickets for all 2013 away football games will go on sale through the UMass Athletic Ticket Office on Monday, July 1 at 9 AM. Game by game pricing:
8/31 @ Wisconsin* $45 per ticket
9/14 @ Kansas State $30 per ticket
10/5 @ Bowling Green $15 per ticket
10/19 @ Buffalo $18 per ticket
11/23 @ Central Michigan $22 per ticket
11/29 @ Ohio $15 per ticket
Purchasing away game tickets through UMass ensures seating with other UMass fans. Fans are encouraged to purchase away game tickets as far in advance as possible as quantities are limited. Tickets can be purchased by calling 1-866-UMASS-TIX (1-866-862-7784).
*The UMass Alumni Association is offering a Ticket & Tailgate package for the Wisconsin game. The tailgate will be held in the Northwood Room with a balcony overlooking the "Badger Bash," the largest and longest running public tailgating party in Madison. The UMass tailgate breakfast includes eggs, french toast, sausage, potatoes, fruit salad, yogurt, croissants, muffins, assorted juices, coffee and tea. A cash bar will also be available. For more information, or to register, click here. To purchase just game tickets for the Wisconsin game, contact the Athletic Ticket Office.
As a UMass Football season ticket holder, you are entitled to 2 (two) FREE tickets at one of the MAC away games (Bowling Green, Buffalo, Central Michigan, or Ohio). If you would like to take advantage of this offer, please reply to this email with which game you would like, your name, and your account number. You can also call the athletic ticket office to request your free tickets (two free tickets per account). In order to ensure your free tickets, please place your request by Friday, August 9.
Individual game tickets for home games at Gillette Stadium will go on sale on Monday, July 8 at 10 AM.
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CBS Sports says UMass has a good shot to exceed their predicted 1.5 over/under 2013 win total.
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Football Schedules ranks UMass #2 in MAC OOC scheduling difficulty.
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OT, but the Denver Post says the Pats were the only NFL team interested in Hernandez after he failed a drug test while he was at Florida.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Recruiting 2014 --Ryan Northrup
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| Hudl.com image |
247 Sports reports UMass has offered to Ryan Northrup, a 6-3 280 pound OG from Norcross HS in Georgia.
Northrup's 247 page here.
Hudl.com page here.
This article mentions Northrup.
Besides UMass, Northrup holds offers from Georgia State, Arkansas State, Charlotte and Mercer.
Friday--June 28, 2013
MassLive reports on the first Chat-with-the-Coach session by Coach Molnar. The article mentions Jordan Broadnax as the potential starter at RB for Minutemen this fall.
I did not think Broadnax has a good freshman season. However, he looked like he gained an extra gear last year. Broadnax led the team in kick returns going 44-932 21.2 AVE 61 LONG.
His rushing stats were 53-126 2.3 AVE 1 TD 12 LONG.
Stacey Bedell never had a chance to show what he could do after suffering a broken collarbone early in the season.
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Sporting News ranks Wisconsin as having the 5th toughest OOC schedule.
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The ESPN College Football blog ranks Vanderbilt's OOC schedule as the 12th toughest in the SEC.
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The same ESPN Blog picks the scores of week #3 in the Big 12 including Kansas State-UMass.
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The BC Blog "BC Interruption" reports the Eagles will have the fewest home games since 1994. They could have added UMass instead of New Mexico State...
BC also adds a verbal from a LB who had a UMass offer.
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An SB Nation Blog has a question-and-answer session about Western Michigan. You remember last year the Broncos blew out UMass 52-14. You will also remember that was the game when UMass has a number of one-game suspensions. The Broncos rang up 551 yards of total offense w/7.4 yards per attempt. UMass had only 218. Western Michigan and Northern Illinois were the two MAC games where UMass was not competitive. The Broncos visit Gillette on October 26th and we'll be hoping for a better performance by the Minutemen.
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I did not think Broadnax has a good freshman season. However, he looked like he gained an extra gear last year. Broadnax led the team in kick returns going 44-932 21.2 AVE 61 LONG.
His rushing stats were 53-126 2.3 AVE 1 TD 12 LONG.
Stacey Bedell never had a chance to show what he could do after suffering a broken collarbone early in the season.
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Sporting News ranks Wisconsin as having the 5th toughest OOC schedule.
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The ESPN College Football blog ranks Vanderbilt's OOC schedule as the 12th toughest in the SEC.
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The same ESPN Blog picks the scores of week #3 in the Big 12 including Kansas State-UMass.
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The BC Blog "BC Interruption" reports the Eagles will have the fewest home games since 1994. They could have added UMass instead of New Mexico State...
BC also adds a verbal from a LB who had a UMass offer.
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An SB Nation Blog has a question-and-answer session about Western Michigan. You remember last year the Broncos blew out UMass 52-14. You will also remember that was the game when UMass has a number of one-game suspensions. The Broncos rang up 551 yards of total offense w/7.4 yards per attempt. UMass had only 218. Western Michigan and Northern Illinois were the two MAC games where UMass was not competitive. The Broncos visit Gillette on October 26th and we'll be hoping for a better performance by the Minutemen.
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Thursday, June 27, 2013
Recruiting 2014--Brujuon Bonner
247 Sports shows UMass has offered to Brujuon Bonner, a 6-3 190 pound Safety from Lakeview HS in Florida.
247 Sports page here.
Besides UMass, Bonner holds offers from Ball State, Middle Tennessee State, Toledo and Western Kentucky.
247 Sports page here.
Besides UMass, Bonner holds offers from Ball State, Middle Tennessee State, Toledo and Western Kentucky.
Thursday--June 27, 2013
UPDATE: NBC Sports Network will televise Brandon London and the Alouettes vs Winnipeg Blue Bombers tonight at 9:00 pm EDT. That's Dish Network channel 159 and Direct TV channel 220. Many other cable systems carry the network.
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The New Haven Register has a story on "guardian caps". Mentions UMass players wearing them during Spring training.
Click on image and Blogger displays a larger view.
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The Giants Blog "Big Blue" looks at Michael Cox's chances to make the G-Men's 53 man roster. I think Cox has a good chance to make the Giants.
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ESPN's Big 12 blog previews Kansas State's OOC schedule.
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The MAC is offering fans a chance to be a "media guy" for a day at the league's football media day next month.
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BTW, Oregon dodged the bullet with NCAA sanctions. Losing one scholarship a year will have minimum affect on the Ducks.
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A CFL writer previews the Canadian Football league and mentions Brandon London and Anton McKenzie.
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The National Athletic Trainers Association has named UMass' Jennifer Brodeur as Assistant Athletic Traniner of the year.
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College football fans. We're different from other people. I recently ordered an item from a ham radio supply store in Alabama. I saved almost $16 dollars shipping by typing "Roll Tide!" in the remarks section of the online order form.
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The New Haven Register has a story on "guardian caps". Mentions UMass players wearing them during Spring training.
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| Tyrell Smith RSFR 6-5 285 |
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The Giants Blog "Big Blue" looks at Michael Cox's chances to make the G-Men's 53 man roster. I think Cox has a good chance to make the Giants.
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ESPN's Big 12 blog previews Kansas State's OOC schedule.
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The MAC is offering fans a chance to be a "media guy" for a day at the league's football media day next month.
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BTW, Oregon dodged the bullet with NCAA sanctions. Losing one scholarship a year will have minimum affect on the Ducks.
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A CFL writer previews the Canadian Football league and mentions Brandon London and Anton McKenzie.
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The National Athletic Trainers Association has named UMass' Jennifer Brodeur as Assistant Athletic Traniner of the year.
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College football fans. We're different from other people. I recently ordered an item from a ham radio supply store in Alabama. I saved almost $16 dollars shipping by typing "Roll Tide!" in the remarks section of the online order form.
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Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Recruiting 2014--Smerczynski and Smith
UMass loses recruiting battles to Holy Cross for a LB and to Virginia Tech for an OL.
Wednesday--June 26, 2013
UMass has a new faculty athletics representative. Professor Spencer replaces Glen Wong who has strongly supported UMass football in his 20 years in the position.
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WCVB Boston has a story about 11 year old Daron Bryon's attending UMass's football camp.
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The Revere Journal profiles UMass cheerleader Kate Ferrante.
UMass Cheerleaders Facebook page.
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Former UMass player and coach Neal Brown talks Kentucky recruiting.
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The East Carolinian says revenue from booze, use it or lose it.
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The National Football Post has two MAC teams in top non-BCS standings.
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Phil Steele's computer predicts 2013 non-BCS stats.
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WCVB Boston has a story about 11 year old Daron Bryon's attending UMass's football camp.
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The Revere Journal profiles UMass cheerleader Kate Ferrante.
UMass Cheerleaders Facebook page.
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Former UMass player and coach Neal Brown talks Kentucky recruiting.
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The East Carolinian says revenue from booze, use it or lose it.
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The National Football Post has two MAC teams in top non-BCS standings.
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Phil Steele's computer predicts 2013 non-BCS stats.
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Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Tuesday--June 25, 2013
Coach Molnar has Coffee with the coach. Starting this Thursday!
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All the pundits are picking Buffalo to be better this year. USA Today has them at #74.
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USA Today also has a question-and-answer session with Vanderbilt's James Franklin.
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The Orlando Sentinel continues its 2013 season preview with #62--- Ball State.
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Northern Illinois launches a Jordan Lynch for the Heisman campaign.
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A Bleacher Report writer has five exciting Wisconsin players in 2013.
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Opposing Views says despite Victor Cruz signing his free agent tender, the drama isn't over.
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All the pundits are picking Buffalo to be better this year. USA Today has them at #74.
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USA Today also has a question-and-answer session with Vanderbilt's James Franklin.
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The Orlando Sentinel continues its 2013 season preview with #62--- Ball State.
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Northern Illinois launches a Jordan Lynch for the Heisman campaign.
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A Bleacher Report writer has five exciting Wisconsin players in 2013.
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Opposing Views says despite Victor Cruz signing his free agent tender, the drama isn't over.
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Monday, June 24, 2013
Recruiting 2014--Trevor Knight
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| Jodie Andruskevich image |
This article mentions the UMass offer.
This article from last October features Knight.
The New Hampshire Football Report says UMass is interested in Knight as a Safety and kick returner.
Besides UMass, Knight has offers from UNH and Albany.
Monday--June 24, 2013
A Vanderbilt blog has a WR position preview (and a nice image of Darren Thellen coming up to make a tackle) for 2013.
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The MAC Report Online has a composite conference schedule by date.
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Bowling Green suits up their SID for a monster hit.
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The National Football Post has UConn 7th and Temple 9th in the new AAC.
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The Pac-12 and the Big Ten announced a bowl partnership that will knock one of the teams from the ACC or the MAC out of the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl.
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Toledo caves in to social media.
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Boston College adds their 17th verbal for 2014.
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Keron Williams and the BC Lions had a tough start to their season Friday.
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The MAC Report Online has a composite conference schedule by date.
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Bowling Green suits up their SID for a monster hit.
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The National Football Post has UConn 7th and Temple 9th in the new AAC.
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The Pac-12 and the Big Ten announced a bowl partnership that will knock one of the teams from the ACC or the MAC out of the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl.
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Toledo caves in to social media.
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Boston College adds their 17th verbal for 2014.
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Keron Williams and the BC Lions had a tough start to their season Friday.
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Sunday, June 23, 2013
St. John's Eve--June 23, 2013
Today is St. John's Eve, in medieval England and other European countries, bonfires were built to celebrate Mid -Summer.
Today is also a full moon, with the Moon's closest perigee of the year, so there is the potential for largest tides of 2013.
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This ESPN New England Patriots Report mentions Brandon London.
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The Marblehead band will be at this year's UMass Band Day.
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Don Brown. He hurt us when he was at UConn. He's hurting UMass in recruiting at BC.
BC Blog "Soaring to Glory" looks a Eagle recruit Connor Strachan.
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The Orlando Sentinel ranks the Kent State Golden Flashes #64.
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SB Nation's College Football Entertainment Index.
Note that woeful Akron is ranked #84. That's because of the Zips #1-in-the-MAC passing offense.
There's an old saying that "Defense wins the championships, but offense sells the tickets." The UMass offense was at the bottom of college football last year. One of the goals of 2013 would be to jump start the Minutemen offense, even if we did not win many more games. It would set the stage for a better win-loss record in 2014 and 2015.
Today is also a full moon, with the Moon's closest perigee of the year, so there is the potential for largest tides of 2013.
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This ESPN New England Patriots Report mentions Brandon London.
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The Marblehead band will be at this year's UMass Band Day.
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Don Brown. He hurt us when he was at UConn. He's hurting UMass in recruiting at BC.
BC Blog "Soaring to Glory" looks a Eagle recruit Connor Strachan.
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The Orlando Sentinel ranks the Kent State Golden Flashes #64.
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SB Nation's College Football Entertainment Index.
Note that woeful Akron is ranked #84. That's because of the Zips #1-in-the-MAC passing offense.
There's an old saying that "Defense wins the championships, but offense sells the tickets." The UMass offense was at the bottom of college football last year. One of the goals of 2013 would be to jump start the Minutemen offense, even if we did not win many more games. It would set the stage for a better win-loss record in 2014 and 2015.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Saturday--June 22, 2013
Matty V. reports on a pre-teen football phenom who will attend a UMass camp. I've blogged about Kentucky offering to a 7th grader before.
Check out Daron Bryden's website. He might not be that far away from a college offer himself.
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The Orlando Sentenel ranks Ohio as #66 in their 2013 preview.
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Speaking of talented QB's, Wisconsin gets a big 2015 verbal.
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Vanderbilt's Jared Morse returns to the Commodores.
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Speaking of recruiting, Kansas State responds to college football's changing recruiting timeline.
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Victor Cruz kept his workout intensity up.
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Brandon London is planning for life after football. En francais.
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Check out Daron Bryden's website. He might not be that far away from a college offer himself.
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The Orlando Sentenel ranks Ohio as #66 in their 2013 preview.
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Speaking of talented QB's, Wisconsin gets a big 2015 verbal.
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Vanderbilt's Jared Morse returns to the Commodores.
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Speaking of recruiting, Kansas State responds to college football's changing recruiting timeline.
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Victor Cruz kept his workout intensity up.
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Brandon London is planning for life after football. En francais.
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Friday, June 21, 2013
McGuirk construction update
I had an appointment at VAMC Northampton Friday. On the return trip I stopped by McGuirk to see how things were going.
It was a beautiful June day with low humidity. The stadium fields smelled of fresh-mown grass and the campus had that serene feel when all those pesky students are home for the summer.
Work on the new Press Box does not seem to have started yet.
Click on the image and Blogger displays a large view.
It was a beautiful June day with low humidity. The stadium fields smelled of fresh-mown grass and the campus had that serene feel when all those pesky students are home for the summer.
Work on the new Press Box does not seem to have started yet.
Click on the image and Blogger displays a large view.
Summer Solstice --June 21, 2013
Today is the longest day and the earliest sunrise. The latest sunset (here in New England mid-North latitudes) won't occur until June 27th.
Today is also known as Litha (Anglo-Saxon "longest day").
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MassLive has an editorial praising the Jacobson Brothers for their gift to the UMass Football program. Hopefully, some other UMass alums will be inspired to help the program grow.
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This article mentions UMass recruit Logan Laurent.
The Union Leader also has an article mentioning Laurent.
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Sports Illustrated says it's "crazy" that the college football playoff selection committee won't do a dry run in 2013.
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Victor Cruz mirrors Giants workouts while hoping for a better deal.
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Rich Rodriguez thinks huddles are the biggest waste of time in football.
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Today is also known as Litha (Anglo-Saxon "longest day").
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MassLive has an editorial praising the Jacobson Brothers for their gift to the UMass Football program. Hopefully, some other UMass alums will be inspired to help the program grow.
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| Ryan O'Leary image |
The Union Leader also has an article mentioning Laurent.
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Sports Illustrated says it's "crazy" that the college football playoff selection committee won't do a dry run in 2013.
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Victor Cruz mirrors Giants workouts while hoping for a better deal.
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Rich Rodriguez thinks huddles are the biggest waste of time in football.
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Thursday, June 20, 2013
Recruiting 2014--Donald Bedell
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| 247 Sports image |
NJ.com article here.
Rivals page here.
Being recruited by Maryland coach Keith Dudzinski.
Besides UMass, Bedell has offers from UConn, Rutgers and Temple.
Thursday--June 20, 2013
Tulsa World ranks the OOC opponents of the Big Twelve including Kansas State.
SB Nation previews Kansas State.
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The Wisconsin secondary is losing players at an alarming rate.
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A Bleacher Report writer has one thing to fear about every FBS team including UMass.
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Bloguin's ultimate November and December College Football Road Trip includes two MAC teams.
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The Big Ten's move to a nine-game schedule has knocked one MAC opponent off of Ohio State's 2015 schedule.
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The Baltimore Ravens website has The Competition: the Safeties.
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Thirty-two year old Anton McKenzie is in a battle for a roster spot with the BC Lions with a 23 year old rookie.
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SB Nation previews Kansas State.
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The Wisconsin secondary is losing players at an alarming rate.
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A Bleacher Report writer has one thing to fear about every FBS team including UMass.
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Bloguin's ultimate November and December College Football Road Trip includes two MAC teams.
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The Big Ten's move to a nine-game schedule has knocked one MAC opponent off of Ohio State's 2015 schedule.
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The Baltimore Ravens website has The Competition: the Safeties.
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Thirty-two year old Anton McKenzie is in a battle for a roster spot with the BC Lions with a 23 year old rookie.
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Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Wednesday--June 19, 2013
The kickoff times and TV schedule for the 2013 Minuteman season has been released.
2013 UMass Football Schedule
Aug. 31 - at Wisconsin (BTN) - 12:00 PM
Sep. 7 - Maine (ESPN3) - 2:00 PM
Sep. 14 - at Kansas State - 7:00 PM
Sep. 21 - Vanderbilt - 12:00 PM
Sep. 28 - Bye Week
Oct. 5 - *at Bowling Green - 3:30 PM
Oct. 12 - *Miami (OH) - BAND DAY - 3:00 PM
Oct. 19 - *at Buffalo (Time Warner Cable SportsChannel) - 3:30 PM
Oct. 26 - *Western Michigan - HOMECOMING - 3:00 PM
Nov. 2 - *Northern Illinois - 12:00 PM
Nov. 9 - Bye Week
Nov. 16 - *Akron - 1:00 PM
Nov. 23 - *at Central Michigan - 1:00 PM
Nov. 29 (Fri.) - *at Ohio, TBA (#ESPNU/ESPN3) - TBA
Matty V. has some broadcast notes on the schedule here.
The MAC Conference website has game times and TV schedules for the entire conference. Bowl games are included. UMass will have to wait another year for a chance at appearing in a mid-week game.
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Phil Steele thinks UMass season ticket holders will get to see a potential College Football National Champion on September 21st.
CBS Sports ranks Vandy and Kansas State in 2013's softest OOC schedules.
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NorthJersy.com has a story about former UMass WR Brian Dowling transferring to Towson. Good luck to Brian and hope he has a great career with the Tigers.
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USA Today previews #85 Kent State.
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ESPN says Victor Cruz is not in control.
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2013 UMass Football Schedule
Aug. 31 - at Wisconsin (BTN) - 12:00 PM
Sep. 7 - Maine (ESPN3) - 2:00 PM
Sep. 14 - at Kansas State - 7:00 PM
Sep. 21 - Vanderbilt - 12:00 PM
Sep. 28 - Bye Week
Oct. 5 - *at Bowling Green - 3:30 PM
Oct. 12 - *Miami (OH) - BAND DAY - 3:00 PM
Oct. 19 - *at Buffalo (Time Warner Cable SportsChannel) - 3:30 PM
Oct. 26 - *Western Michigan - HOMECOMING - 3:00 PM
Nov. 2 - *Northern Illinois - 12:00 PM
Nov. 9 - Bye Week
Nov. 16 - *Akron - 1:00 PM
Nov. 23 - *at Central Michigan - 1:00 PM
Nov. 29 (Fri.) - *at Ohio, TBA (#ESPNU/ESPN3) - TBA
Matty V. has some broadcast notes on the schedule here.
The MAC Conference website has game times and TV schedules for the entire conference. Bowl games are included. UMass will have to wait another year for a chance at appearing in a mid-week game.
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Phil Steele thinks UMass season ticket holders will get to see a potential College Football National Champion on September 21st.
CBS Sports ranks Vandy and Kansas State in 2013's softest OOC schedules.
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NorthJersy.com has a story about former UMass WR Brian Dowling transferring to Towson. Good luck to Brian and hope he has a great career with the Tigers.
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USA Today previews #85 Kent State.
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ESPN says Victor Cruz is not in control.
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Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Recruiting 2014--Jocqui Ellison
Jocqui Ellison , a 5-10 170 pound WR from Tampa, looks like he will verbal to USF.
Besides UMass, Ellison had offers from Ball State, Bowling Green and Indiana.
Besides UMass, Ellison had offers from Ball State, Bowling Green and Indiana.
Tuesday--June 16, 2013
Three UMass players were named to Phil Steele's preseason All-MAC team.
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The Jets released Travis Tripucka.
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For the 20th consecutive year, student tickets to Wisconsin games sold out in two hours.
Saturday Blitz looks at Big Ten QB's including Wisconsin.
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CBS Sports has the full slate of FBS games released and Division odds for each conference.
A potential MAC tie-in bowl could be held in Montgomery, AL.
An SB Nation writer predicts the 2013-2014 bowls.
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Phil Steele's combined experience chart.
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NFL.com has Wes Welker Vs Victor Cruz
An NFL agent says Croz's only option is to sign the the deal the Giants offered.
Giants RB Andre Brown is working with Michael Cox to help him learn the playbook.
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The Jets released Travis Tripucka.
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For the 20th consecutive year, student tickets to Wisconsin games sold out in two hours.
Saturday Blitz looks at Big Ten QB's including Wisconsin.
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CBS Sports has the full slate of FBS games released and Division odds for each conference.
A potential MAC tie-in bowl could be held in Montgomery, AL.
An SB Nation writer predicts the 2013-2014 bowls.
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Phil Steele's combined experience chart.
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NFL.com has Wes Welker Vs Victor Cruz
An NFL agent says Croz's only option is to sign the the deal the Giants offered.
Giants RB Andre Brown is working with Michael Cox to help him learn the playbook.
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Monday, June 17, 2013
Monday--June 17, 2013
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| Hampshire Gazetter image |
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USA Today reports Kentucky HC Mark Stoops has offered to an 8th grader.
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Akron gets a highly rated QB recruit.
Ohio becomes the first MAC school to top $1 Million in ticket revenue.
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A Bleacher Report writer power ranks Wisconsin's 2013 season.
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And now pink jersey's for Mississippi State?
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Sunday, June 16, 2013
Sunday--June 16, 2013
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| Bob Camp image |
Tripucka's Jets bio page here. Three UMass players on the Jets squad? That would be outstanding!
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Would the State of Alabama support a third bowl?
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Will the new Targeting rule change college football?
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NFL.com says the Giants were planning to slash Victor Cruz's tender offer.
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The Maine Black Bears led the CAA in football APR.
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ESPN analyses Vanderbilt's 2013 season.
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New Hampshire, land of excitement.
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Saturday, June 15, 2013
Recruiting 2014--Elijah Stanley
SB Nation reports Elijah Stanley, a 6-6 210 pound dual-threat QB (and also a consensus four-star power forward) signed with Mississippi State to play both sports.
SB Nation article here.
Stanley had offers from UMass, Boston College, Marshall and Virginia in football.
SB Nation article here.
Stanley had offers from UMass, Boston College, Marshall and Virginia in football.
The Ides of June--June 15, 2013
MassLive has a post on the UMass promo video.
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The long-running soap opera of Victor Cruz's contract was temporally resolved as he signed a $2.87 Million one year tender offer yesterday. The Giants will continue to work on a long term contract for Cruz.
USA Today story.
ESPN.
Lots more news stories about Cruz's contract, but they're all saying the same things.
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USA Today previews #88 Temple.
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Brandon London, who is coming off a season ending knee injury, went 43-843 19.6 AVE 3 TD's in 2012 for the Larks.
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| USA Today Sport image |
USA Today story.
ESPN.
Lots more news stories about Cruz's contract, but they're all saying the same things.
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USA Today previews #88 Temple.
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Brandon London, who is coming off a season ending knee injury, went 43-843 19.6 AVE 3 TD's in 2012 for the Larks.
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Friday, June 14, 2013
Recruiting 2014-- Tre'Quan Smith II
I've blogged about WR Tre'Quan Smith before.
The Orlando Sentinel reports he verbaled to UCF.
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The Orlando Sentinel reports he verbaled to UCF.
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Friday--June 14, 2013
We're all in for 2013 UMass football!!
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The MAC Blog "Hustle Belt" features UMass punter Coulter Johnson. Johnson's UMass bio.
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The UMass website has more on the Big Ten Network's televising the UMass-Wisconsin game.
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Some Phil Steele stats:
% of lettermen returning.
% of offensive yards returning.
% of tackles returning. The Minutemen are #6
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NCAA Football 2013 Team rankings.
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John Griffin gets a lot of reps with the Jets first team.
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Why I love college football: you get variety. The biggest guy in Air Force's OL is LT Matt Rochelle 6-3 260. The Falcons LG is David Lore 6-1 235. Guys 6-7 320 don't fit in fighter jet cockpits. If you weigh 235 pounds, you wouldn't make Alabama's scout team. But Air Force was #2 in the entire NCAA with 316.2 yards rushing/game. They lost to mighty Michigan last year by 6 points. And BTW, the Falcons opening OOC opponent this year is Colgate.
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Thursday, June 13, 2013
Recruiting 2014---Montel McBride
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| Chris Hays image |
This article features McBride's recruiting. UMass was the first to offer.
Rivals three-star recruit.
The Orlando Sentinel has a post on McBride here.
MicBride holds 15 offers including Ohio from the MAC.
Thursday--June 13, 2013
A fair amount of Wisconsin news this morning.
The Badgers will host UMass at 11:00 CT on August 31st. The Big Ten Network will be televising the game.
The Big Ten Network's 2013 Week #1 preview including UMass at Wisconsin.
I get the Big Ten Network with my Dish Network Sports package. The Big Ten Network has a game finder for various cable and satellite systems here.
A 14 year old Wisconsin cancer survivor is finding his Badger dreams coming true.
Wisconsin will have a lot of youth in their secondary when they open against UMass.
Athlon Sports says Gary Anderson is a perfect fit for the Badgers.
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ESPN looks at "The Group of Five's" efforts to add more bowls to their repertoire.
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Boston College adds another Flutie to their list.
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Tom Coughlin gets antsy about Victor Cruz's absence.
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John Griffin gets some carries in the Jets camp.
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Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Recruiting 2014--- Greg Stroman
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| NCSA image |
Stroman's 247 Sports page here.
This Washington Post article features Stroman.
NCSA recruiting profile.
Besides UMass, Stroman holds offers from Virginia, VA Tech and Norfolk State.
Wednesday--June 12, 2013
Tampa Bay cut Nick Speller. Hopefully he'll get another chance with some other team.
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Holly Anderson says every college football fan should back a MAC team.
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UMass was ranked 9th in the MAC in the latest APR stats by the NCAA. Coaching changes usually cause a lot of transfer/leaving, which can affect a school's APR. Coach Molnar seems to be a disciplinarian on academics, so UMass' score should improve.
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The Group of Five Conference are looking into new destinations for bowl games. Many of them are in warm weather locations, so hopefully Coach Molnar will provide a long weekend in Florida or California for UMass fans some time in the not-too-distant future.
Orlando in December?
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The Giants blog "Big Blue View" previews the G-Men's mandatory mini-camp.
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Will Boston College and UConn schedule a series? A UMass-BC-UConn Cup would a winner for all the schools. It's a money saving bus trip for all three schools and a chance to bring your fan base to two local games.
Speaking of UConn, USA Today says they're #92.
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UMass fans planning to make the trip to Wisconsin will visit maybe the best college football town in America.
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Kansas State gets ninth place in this ranking of the Big 12's OOC schedules.
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Holly Anderson says every college football fan should back a MAC team.
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UMass was ranked 9th in the MAC in the latest APR stats by the NCAA. Coaching changes usually cause a lot of transfer/leaving, which can affect a school's APR. Coach Molnar seems to be a disciplinarian on academics, so UMass' score should improve.
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The Group of Five Conference are looking into new destinations for bowl games. Many of them are in warm weather locations, so hopefully Coach Molnar will provide a long weekend in Florida or California for UMass fans some time in the not-too-distant future.
Orlando in December?
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| Mike Cox/ NY Giants image |
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Will Boston College and UConn schedule a series? A UMass-BC-UConn Cup would a winner for all the schools. It's a money saving bus trip for all three schools and a chance to bring your fan base to two local games.
Speaking of UConn, USA Today says they're #92.
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UMass fans planning to make the trip to Wisconsin will visit maybe the best college football town in America.
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Kansas State gets ninth place in this ranking of the Big 12's OOC schedules.
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Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Recruiting 2014--Chris Davis, JR
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| Chris Hays/Orlando Sentinel image |
Sentinel article here.
Rivals page here.
247 Sports page here.
YouTube video highlights.
UMass offered on May 24th. Davis holds 12 other offers including UConn and Western Michigan.
Tuesday--June 11, 2013-- A Major Gift to UMass Football
UMass announced Monday that Martin Jacobson has donated $2.5 Million to the Athletic Dept for construction of the new 5,800 sq foot press box. Mr Jacobson is a 1968 graduate of my old school, the Isenberg School of Business.
Kudos to Mr. Jacobson for his generosity and commitment to UMass football. The new press box will really add to McGuirk. UMass football is on the rise! I'm excited about the 2013 season and the seasons to come.
UPDATE: UMass video link about the announcement.
MassLive.com has another story about the gift.
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Recruiting 2021-- Keegan Haggerty of CT Plunkett wants to play for UMass.
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Wisconsin QB Danny O'Brien has left the team.
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Speaking of the Badgers, UMass fans who make the trip will see TE Jocob Petersen 6-4 241, who was first-team Big Ten All-Coaches team.
Petersen was the second-leading receiver for the Badgers in 2012 going 27-355 13.1 AVE 31 LONG 25.4 AVE/GAME.
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A Bleacher Report writer says Badger running backs James White and Melvin Gordon will each score multiple TD's against the Minutemen.
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| Image by Thom Kendall |
UPDATE: UMass video link about the announcement.
MassLive.com has another story about the gift.
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Recruiting 2021-- Keegan Haggerty of CT Plunkett wants to play for UMass.
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Wisconsin QB Danny O'Brien has left the team.
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Speaking of the Badgers, UMass fans who make the trip will see TE Jocob Petersen 6-4 241, who was first-team Big Ten All-Coaches team.
Petersen was the second-leading receiver for the Badgers in 2012 going 27-355 13.1 AVE 31 LONG 25.4 AVE/GAME.
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| Mark Cunningham/Getty image |
A Bleacher Report writer says Badger running backs James White and Melvin Gordon will each score multiple TD's against the Minutemen.
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Monday, June 10, 2013
Monday--June 10, 2013
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| Image credit unknown |
The idea behind the 3-4 is for the three down linemen to occupy as many of the offensive linemen as possible, thereby freeing the four linebackers to make the play. If UMass has to double team Allen, that would leave the inside Wisconsin LB's free to stop the run. As a nose guard, Allen would be responsible for the "A" gaps on both sides of Matt.
Allen went 18 ST 19 AT 37 TT 7.5-31 TFL 2.5- Sacks 1 FF in 2012.
The Pats had a lot of success with the 3-4 using 325 pound Vince Wolfork as the run stopper.
The Badgers only gave up 322.6 yards a game in total offense in 2012. That was good for #15 nationally. They were especially good against the run, with opponents only gaining an average of 128.9 yards a game.
Last year Wisconsin didn't play a MAC team. They did play an FCS team and held Northern Iowa to one first down rushing and 51 yards of rushing offense.
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Phil Steele reports UMass will be #121 in returning career offensive line starts 2013. That's the lowest in the MAC.
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And now, face mask logos?
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Meanwhile, Victor Cruz parties with Nas.
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Sunday, June 09, 2013
Sunday--June 8, 2013
The Washington Post has a story about Maryland DT Justin Anderson's transfer to UMass.
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The Worcester Telegram has a post on the UMass Football 101 Woman's Clinic which will be held this coming Friday at Gillette.
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Play Fantasy Football? The Giants Blog "Big Blue" says Victor Cruz is a must have player.
NFL.com has Victor as one of the NFL's Top-Twenty receivers.
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In the Minutemen's opening game, we're going to have to deal with Wisconsin's running game.
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Anytime a school hires a new coach that seems to trigger turnover in the schools roster. BC hired Steve Addazio and at least six Boston College players have left the Eagles. BC Interruption has posts here and here.
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The Worcester Telegram has a post on the UMass Football 101 Woman's Clinic which will be held this coming Friday at Gillette.
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Play Fantasy Football? The Giants Blog "Big Blue" says Victor Cruz is a must have player.
NFL.com has Victor as one of the NFL's Top-Twenty receivers.
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In the Minutemen's opening game, we're going to have to deal with Wisconsin's running game.
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Anytime a school hires a new coach that seems to trigger turnover in the schools roster. BC hired Steve Addazio and at least six Boston College players have left the Eagles. BC Interruption has posts here and here.
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Saturday, June 08, 2013
Saturday--June 8, 2013
Good Morning from soggy Jaffrey.
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UMass has announced that Justin Anderson, a 6-5 280 pound DL from Maryland has transferred to UMass.
Matty V. has a story about Anderson here.
Anderson's Maryland bio here.
Anderson had a productive sophomore season for the Terps with 22 TT 5.5 TFL and 2 sacks. He would probably be most effective for the Minutemen as a DE, but the UMass DL is short on size, which means Anderson might end up playing DT. He could be an impact player if healthy.
Hafis Williams 6-1 295 and Charles Thompson 6-2 282 graduated. That leaves Kevin Byrne 6-3 290 and Robert Kitching 6-1 300 as the heavyweights on UMass' DL.
Other DL:
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UMass has announced that Justin Anderson, a 6-5 280 pound DL from Maryland has transferred to UMass.
Matty V. has a story about Anderson here.
Anderson's Maryland bio here.
Anderson had a productive sophomore season for the Terps with 22 TT 5.5 TFL and 2 sacks. He would probably be most effective for the Minutemen as a DE, but the UMass DL is short on size, which means Anderson might end up playing DT. He could be an impact player if healthy.
Hafis Williams 6-1 295 and Charles Thompson 6-2 282 graduated. That leaves Kevin Byrne 6-3 290 and Robert Kitching 6-1 300 as the heavyweights on UMass' DL.
Other DL:
- Stanley Andre 6-2 240
- Galen Clemons 6-2 275
- Trey Seals 6-4 231
- Brandon Potvin 6-1 282
- Daniel Maynes 6-2 230
In addition, UMass has four DL recruits coming in. Bios on them here.
- Peter Angeh 6-2 245
- Enock Asante 6-2 260
- Peter Ngobidi 6-2 260
- Elijah Wilkerson 6-4 310
It's easier to play defense. I would expect several of the freshmen to get some PT in 2013. Anderson adds depth to the UMass DL. The Minutemen defense lost late leads in a couple of games last year. It looks as if we will have greater depth, which means more players being rotated during the game. Hopefully that means individual players won't be gassed in the fourth quarter and a stronger UMass defense in 2013.
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Phil Steele has an performance measure he call his stock market indicator. One of the "Bull Market" teams slated for improvement is UMass, which is tied for fifth most improved in 2013. Read the article for the methodology and what the numbers mean.
Bull Market:
- UMass 4.5
- B.C. 3.5
- Miami (Ohio) 3
- Wisconsin 3
- Western Michigan 2.5
- Eastern Michigan 2
- UConn 1.5
Bear Market:
- Vanderbilt -5
- Bowling Green -4.5
- Central Michigan -4
- Ball State -4
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NCAA Football.com says the Northern Illinois Huskies are eager to show their worth.
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Meanwhile, in other college football news, the SEC has racked up its sixth major NCAA infraction in four years. Only the MAC and the Big 12 have avoided a post season ban in any sport.
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Friday, June 07, 2013
Recruiting 2014--Courtel Jenkins
Courtel Jenkins, a 6-2 310 pound DL from Wayne, NJ verbaled to Miami (Florida).
Story here.
Jenkins had offers from UMass, Maryland, Pittsburgh and Buffalo.
Story here.
Jenkins had offers from UMass, Maryland, Pittsburgh and Buffalo.
Recruiting 2014-James McHale
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| ESPN image |
This article features McHale and his recruiting.
Scout.com three-star recruit.
ESPN video interview here.
HcHale holds offers from Syracuse and Temple. The article says he likes to fish. Western Mass would be the place for him with Quabbin and rainbow trout in the Deerfield river.