Today we open UMass's season with Wisconsin. The Badgers are looking to go to their fourth straight Rose Bowl. They would be a challenge for any non-BCS team, and most BCS-level squads too.
But playing Wisconsin is what we need to to go get to full scholarships in 2015. It is another step to a having a competitive football team. Last year UMass football ran a deficit of a couple of hundred thousand dollars. Last year we were a "provisional" FBS team and we received about 60% of the guarantees normally received by visiting teams. The Michigan game provided $550K. This year Wisconsin will give us $900K. Do the math.
Coach Jimmie Reid always said he wanted UMass to play the best. Coach Whipple, when he was asked if UMass could play and compete as a FBS team said sure we could, but we'd "take our lumps the first couple years".
247 Sports has UMass in the top half of the MAC in 2014 recruiting so far. Most recruiting services showed the Minutemen did well in recruiting in 2013 and those rankings do not include Shakur Nesmith and the three BCS senior transfers.
UMass football is on the rise. Today is part of it. I've going to wear my UMass t-shirt and cheer for the Minutemen.
Go UMass!
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MassLive says Coach Molnar is excited to see the Minutemen play.
The Hampshire Gazette says UMass is set to open against Wisconsin.
Wisconsin wants to keep is simple against the Minutemen.
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The Boston Globe says UMass has a tough opener against the Badgers.
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ESPN says UMass is a heavy underdog against Wisconsin.
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Meanwhile, Maine is excited about Norfolk State. The Black Bears have been a good FCS foe over the years and I respect Maine a lot, but that headline says volumes about where we were and where we are going.
The Kennebec Journal says questions follow the Black Bears to Virginia.
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This is sad. Hope Coach Durkin gets this squared away.
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ESPN says Victor Cruz is on the mend.
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Emil Igwenagu will find out today if he made the Eagles.
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Saturday, August 31, 2013
Friday, August 30, 2013
Friday--August 30, 2013
UPDATE: More MAC football tonight as Western Michigan takes on Michigan State. Again, the game is on the Big Ten Network available on many satellite and cable systems. Game preview from the Broncos side.
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MassLive previews the 2013 UMass defense and special teams.
Dan also has a MAC East preview and a podcast with Bob McGovern.
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Matty V. says UMass is ready to play in front of another massive Big Ten crowd.
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Wisconsin touts itself as reigning champ.
The Badger Blog "Bucky's Fifh Quarter has a Wisconsin Football notebook and contemplates what would be an acceptable win against UMass.
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The Cleveland Plain Dealer previews the MAC"s weekend games.
The MAC Conference site has reviews of last night's league games.
Kent State edged Liberty and may have lost Heisman hopeful Dri Archer
Ball State had a big second half against FCS Illinois State.
The MAC's best win was Bowling Green crushing Tulsa.
Akron was handled by UCF 38-7. The Zips only had 183 yards of offense going into their final series.
The MAC Report Online has stories from the league's games.
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Ryan Delaire (Towson bio) had a big game against UConn last night. He was in the Huskie backfield all game.
Brian Dowling (no bio yet) also had a big catch for the Tigers. Congrats to both!
The UConn Blog called it an unmitigated disaster. The Huskies really need to burn those hideous helmets. They are bad Ju-Ju for the whole UConn team. Nobody could win with those helmets.
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The Giants' Andre Brown broke his leg against the Pats. Michael Cox could see an expanded role.
The Giants Blog "Big Blue" explains the NFL's practice squad rules and mentions Michael Cox would have to pass through waivers to get there.
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MassLive previews the 2013 UMass defense and special teams.
Dan also has a MAC East preview and a podcast with Bob McGovern.
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Matty V. says UMass is ready to play in front of another massive Big Ten crowd.
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Wisconsin touts itself as reigning champ.
The Badger Blog "Bucky's Fifh Quarter has a Wisconsin Football notebook and contemplates what would be an acceptable win against UMass.
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The Cleveland Plain Dealer previews the MAC"s weekend games.
The MAC Conference site has reviews of last night's league games.
Kent State edged Liberty and may have lost Heisman hopeful Dri Archer
Ball State had a big second half against FCS Illinois State.
The MAC's best win was Bowling Green crushing Tulsa.
Akron was handled by UCF 38-7. The Zips only had 183 yards of offense going into their final series.
The MAC Report Online has stories from the league's games.
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Ryan Delaire (Towson bio) had a big game against UConn last night. He was in the Huskie backfield all game.
Brian Dowling (no bio yet) also had a big catch for the Tigers. Congrats to both!
The UConn Blog called it an unmitigated disaster. The Huskies really need to burn those hideous helmets. They are bad Ju-Ju for the whole UConn team. Nobody could win with those helmets.
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The Giants' Andre Brown broke his leg against the Pats. Michael Cox could see an expanded role.
The Giants Blog "Big Blue" explains the NFL's practice squad rules and mentions Michael Cox would have to pass through waivers to get there.
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Thursday, August 29, 2013
Thursday--August 29, 2013
UPDATE II: Ryan Delaire having a great game for Towson...
UPDATE 9:30 PM Thursday: FYI Towson 13-10 over UConn with 9:32 to go in the third quarter. Kent State struggled against Liberty. And Ball State is struggling against FCS Illinois State. Bowling Green is shutting out Tulsa.
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Dan Malone has a 2013 UMass offensive preview.
He also has sound bites from the Minutemen's latest practice.
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The Associated Press says Chris Borland makes the Badger defense go.
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The Westwood Patch has an article about four Massachusetts kids playing for UMass. Joe Colton, Brandon Howard, Will Giggi and Matt Quinn are all on the 2013 UMass squad. Colton had a fine freshman year.
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Bleacher Report says Tanner McEvoy is a jack-of-all-trades for the Badgers.
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Wisconsin does a lot of out-of-state recruiting.
In 2012, Massachusetts and Wisconsin were shoulder to shoulder in supplying FBS-level recruits.
ESPN says the race never ends for Badger running backs.
Badger Bits says Wisconsin will dominate UMass.
Wisconsin's new 3-4 defense will get its first chance against the Minutemen.
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The MAC starts its season today with Tulsa at Bowling Green and Illinois State visiting Ball State.
ESPNU will have the Bowl Green-Tulsa and ESPN3 will have the Ball State- Illnois State contest. College Football master TV schedule here.
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Keeper's College football rankings has Wisconsin by 52.45 over UMass and Maine 23.67 over Norfolk State.
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The Daily Blitz ranks Victor Cruz as the #9 player in the NFL East.
Another Giants site thinks Julian Talley may make the Giants practice squad.
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College football players caught being honest.
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UPDATE 9:30 PM Thursday: FYI Towson 13-10 over UConn with 9:32 to go in the third quarter. Kent State struggled against Liberty. And Ball State is struggling against FCS Illinois State. Bowling Green is shutting out Tulsa.
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Dan Malone has a 2013 UMass offensive preview.
He also has sound bites from the Minutemen's latest practice.
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The Associated Press says Chris Borland makes the Badger defense go.
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The Westwood Patch has an article about four Massachusetts kids playing for UMass. Joe Colton, Brandon Howard, Will Giggi and Matt Quinn are all on the 2013 UMass squad. Colton had a fine freshman year.
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Bleacher Report says Tanner McEvoy is a jack-of-all-trades for the Badgers.
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Wisconsin does a lot of out-of-state recruiting.
In 2012, Massachusetts and Wisconsin were shoulder to shoulder in supplying FBS-level recruits.
ESPN says the race never ends for Badger running backs.
Badger Bits says Wisconsin will dominate UMass.
Wisconsin's new 3-4 defense will get its first chance against the Minutemen.
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The MAC starts its season today with Tulsa at Bowling Green and Illinois State visiting Ball State.
ESPNU will have the Bowl Green-Tulsa and ESPN3 will have the Ball State- Illnois State contest. College Football master TV schedule here.
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Keeper's College football rankings has Wisconsin by 52.45 over UMass and Maine 23.67 over Norfolk State.
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The Daily Blitz ranks Victor Cruz as the #9 player in the NFL East.
Another Giants site thinks Julian Talley may make the Giants practice squad.
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College football players caught being honest.
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Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Wednesday--August 28, 2013
UMass has the Minutemen's game notes up as well as a depth chart and media information.
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Matty V. has Coach Molnar is excited to see Camp Randall. Matty mentions Comcast Chanel 885 will have the Big 10 Network in HD. Here's the Big Ten's network finder.
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Dan Malone has all eyes are on Wisconsin defenders Beau Allen and Chris Borland. Allen's and Borland's Wisconsin bios here and here.
Gary Anderson talks about UMass' offense and defense.
Dan also looks at Version 1.1 of the UMass depth chart. Devon Brown moves to the starting Safety. Stacey Bedell and Jamal Wilson are the kick returners (Jordan Broadnax did well last year, but he's out of the Wisconsin game).
UMass is still really young. Thirteen FR or RSFR in the two-deep...
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CBS Boston has Coach Molnar saying UMass is "light years" better.
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The LaCrosse Tribune features former Badger assistant and current UMass DC Phil Elmassian.
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The MAC blog "Hustle Belt" has some game previews from the league's first week:
Bowling Green Vs Tulsa (That should be a very good game)
NIU Vs Iowa (The Huskies vaunted offense did little against Iowa last year.)
Illinois State Vs BSU (FCS Vs one of the better MAC teams)
Western Michigan @ Michigan State (the point spread there is 27 points).
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Victor Cruz is planning to be back by the Giants season opener.
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The Giants blog "Big Blue" again predicts Michael Cox will make the final cut.
NJ.com says Julian Talley hopes to make the Giants final 53.
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James Ihedigbo still looks like he will be the starting Safety for the Ravens.
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The Dolphins cut one of Josh Samuda's competitors.
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Matty V. has Coach Molnar is excited to see Camp Randall. Matty mentions Comcast Chanel 885 will have the Big 10 Network in HD. Here's the Big Ten's network finder.
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Dan Malone has all eyes are on Wisconsin defenders Beau Allen and Chris Borland. Allen's and Borland's Wisconsin bios here and here.
Gary Anderson talks about UMass' offense and defense.
Dan also looks at Version 1.1 of the UMass depth chart. Devon Brown moves to the starting Safety. Stacey Bedell and Jamal Wilson are the kick returners (Jordan Broadnax did well last year, but he's out of the Wisconsin game).
UMass is still really young. Thirteen FR or RSFR in the two-deep...
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CBS Boston has Coach Molnar saying UMass is "light years" better.
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The LaCrosse Tribune features former Badger assistant and current UMass DC Phil Elmassian.
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The MAC blog "Hustle Belt" has some game previews from the league's first week:
Bowling Green Vs Tulsa (That should be a very good game)
NIU Vs Iowa (The Huskies vaunted offense did little against Iowa last year.)
Illinois State Vs BSU (FCS Vs one of the better MAC teams)
Western Michigan @ Michigan State (the point spread there is 27 points).
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Victor Cruz is planning to be back by the Giants season opener.
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The Giants blog "Big Blue" again predicts Michael Cox will make the final cut.
NJ.com says Julian Talley hopes to make the Giants final 53.
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James Ihedigbo still looks like he will be the starting Safety for the Ravens.
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The Dolphins cut one of Josh Samuda's competitors.
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Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Tuesday--August 27, 2013
MassLive reports that Rob Blanchflower is out for the opener against Wisconsin.
Hustle Belt also has a post on Blancheflower.
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Malone's article also has a list of true freshmen who will be making the trip. Ten true freshmen apparently made the two-deep. That's quite a bit given the Minutemen will probably take about 50 players to Camp Randall.
On offense:
Hustle Belt also has a post on Blancheflower.
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Malone's article also has a list of true freshmen who will be making the trip. Ten true freshmen apparently made the two-deep. That's quite a bit given the Minutemen will probably take about 50 players to Camp Randall.
On offense:
- Shaq Harris WR 6-2 206
- Lorenzo Woodley RB 6-0 212
- Tyshon Henderson OL 7-7 339
- Fabien Hoeller OL 6-3 290
- Shakur Nesmith WR 6-4 200
Not many surprises on offense. OL and WR were the two shallowest positions positions on the UMass Spring roster. At one time last year the Minutemen were down to eight or so offensive linemen. Harris, Woodley and Nesmith were among the cream of this year's offensive recruits.
On Defense:
- Peter Angeh DL DL 6-2 245
- Steve Casali LB 6-2 225
- Arthur Williams DB 6-3 200
- Jackson Porter DB 6-1 195
- Shane Huber LB 6-3 230
Again, no surprise that Huber and Casali made the two-deep. With only 14 DL on the roster and probably ten or so scholarship players, Angeh is no surprise. I haven't heard much from training camp on Williams and Porter, but both are big and fast (check Porter's bio). The five should give Coach Elmassian more packages and bodies to rotate in.
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Dan Malone also reports Joel Stave RSSO 6-5 225 will start for the Badgers against the Minutemen.
Madison.com says there are a few surprises in the Badgers depth chart.
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Matty Vautour ranks the Minutemen's 2013 opponents.
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The Boston Globe says with transfers, UMass is hoping to go places.
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A Bleacher Report writer predicts Wisconsin's stats against the Minutemen.
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The MAC Blog Hustle Belt picks the conference winners and losers in Week #1
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The Wisconsin Blog "Bucky's Fifth Quarter" predicts the Badgers will run wild against the Minutemen defense.
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The Giants Blog "Big Blue" reports on the G-Men's position battles including Michael Cox.
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Monday, August 26, 2013
Monday--August 26, 2013
I pointed out yesterday that the 2013 Fall roster is up. Today I'm going to talk about numbers.
Most football players have a complicated relationship with their number. It's not unusual for a player four decades after he last put on the pads, to still be playing his number at roulette. A lot of players are fairly superstitious about their number. Some won't change the number that they ended up being assigned, feeling it's bad luck change what fate has arranged. Others feel they play better with a specific number and as they move up in class, they'll ask for a number that had been vacated by a senior.
The 2013 roster has 100 numbered players. That's up nine from 2012, which had 91.
There are six duplicate numbers 4, 5, 7, 19, 57 and 99.
Six numbers are unassigned: 53, 62, 63, 65, 71 and 77.
#4
#5
Most football players have a complicated relationship with their number. It's not unusual for a player four decades after he last put on the pads, to still be playing his number at roulette. A lot of players are fairly superstitious about their number. Some won't change the number that they ended up being assigned, feeling it's bad luck change what fate has arranged. Others feel they play better with a specific number and as they move up in class, they'll ask for a number that had been vacated by a senior.
The 2013 roster has 100 numbered players. That's up nine from 2012, which had 91.
There are six duplicate numbers 4, 5, 7, 19, 57 and 99.
Six numbers are unassigned: 53, 62, 63, 65, 71 and 77.
#4
- Shakur Nesmith WR FR
- Randell Jette DB RSSO
Nesmith could be a recruiting steal. Jette wore #17 last year. #4 was worn by departed WR Marken Michel.
#5
- Peter Argeh DL FR
- Ryan Jacobucci WR RSFR
Argeh is a scholarship recruit. #5 is an unusual number for a DL. Jacobucci originally signed with FCS New Haven. # 5 was worn by Michale Cox last year.
#7
- Mark Johnson QB FR
- D'Metrius Williams DB SO
Williams wore #13 last year. Johnson's Be Recruited page. D.J. Adeoba wore #7 last year.
#19
- Connor Lemeiux WR FR
- Hunter Caggiano DB JR
I've blogged about Lemeiux before. Caggiano last played for Assumption. There was no #19 on last year's roster
#57
- Nick Berus LS FR
- Leo Krizanovic DL RS FR
Berus' NCSA recruiting profile here. Krizanovic held #57 last year.
#99
- Logan Laurent P FR
- Michael Dowe, Jr DL SO
I've blogged about Laurent before. Dowe last played for WNEC. Charles Thompson wore #99 in 2013.
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Matty V. reports Mike Wegzyn is improved and ready for the 2013 season.
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Rant Sports picks five teams who could go winless in 2013. UMass is one of them. BTW, Boston College is another.
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Wisconsin plans on playing the subs on special teams against UMass.
Bleacher Report has eight new starters for the Badgers in 2013.
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Julian Talley got a lot of snaps, but no stats against the Jets.
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Michigan Live says Western Michigan will struggle this year, but not against UMass.
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Sunday, August 25, 2013
Sunday--August 25, 2013
Good Morning from Jaffrey! Mrs Blog and are home safe after 31 hours of travel time from the cruise ship to New Hampshire. All is well and we had no major hassles.
We did a lot better than the passengers from this ship. Mrs Blog and I spoke with a guy from Australia who would be getting a refund, but no refund on his airline costs. The offer of a free cruise won't help him much as he will pay another round of air fares to take advantage of it.
Internet time from the Radiance of the Seas was 75 cents a minute! And it didn't like the Blogger interface. It cost me about $15 to write the header of the last post.
I missed the Blog, UMass news and you guys.
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The 2013 Fall roster is up!!! Check out all the new players and number changes.
One interesting number right off the bat: #5, the number assigned to the featured UMass running back in the FCS era, is held by Peter Argeh, a FR DL.
I'll have a lot more to say about the roster as I bring the Blog back up to speed this week.
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UMass Sports Luncheons are back. Excellent food and a chance to hear Coach Molnar discuss UMass football on a weekly basis.
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A couple of UMass videos are up. The interview from UMass Media Day, which I missed this year.
Coach Molnar said Jordan Broadnax is out of the Wisconsin game. Rob Blanchflower is iffy.
Trey Dudley-Giles will be our punt returner.
With Broadnax out, Stacey Bedell is the #1 RB and Lorenzo Woodley is #2.
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Video Offensive Line breakdown by Coach Johnson.
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The La Crosse Tribune reports Wisconsin has some injuries on their OL. The article features Tyler Marz a 6-7 321 pound sophomore.
The Wisconsin Journal-Sentinel says Gary Anderson has won the trust of the Badger players.
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The NY Giants say Michael Cox is an "extra effort" player.
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We did a lot better than the passengers from this ship. Mrs Blog and I spoke with a guy from Australia who would be getting a refund, but no refund on his airline costs. The offer of a free cruise won't help him much as he will pay another round of air fares to take advantage of it.
Internet time from the Radiance of the Seas was 75 cents a minute! And it didn't like the Blogger interface. It cost me about $15 to write the header of the last post.
I missed the Blog, UMass news and you guys.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The 2013 Fall roster is up!!! Check out all the new players and number changes.
One interesting number right off the bat: #5, the number assigned to the featured UMass running back in the FCS era, is held by Peter Argeh, a FR DL.
I'll have a lot more to say about the roster as I bring the Blog back up to speed this week.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UMass Sports Luncheons are back. Excellent food and a chance to hear Coach Molnar discuss UMass football on a weekly basis.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A couple of UMass videos are up. The interview from UMass Media Day, which I missed this year.
Coach Molnar said Jordan Broadnax is out of the Wisconsin game. Rob Blanchflower is iffy.
Trey Dudley-Giles will be our punt returner.
With Broadnax out, Stacey Bedell is the #1 RB and Lorenzo Woodley is #2.
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Video Offensive Line breakdown by Coach Johnson.
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The La Crosse Tribune reports Wisconsin has some injuries on their OL. The article features Tyler Marz a 6-7 321 pound sophomore.
The Wisconsin Journal-Sentinel says Gary Anderson has won the trust of the Badger players.
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 |
| Roster View image |
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Monday, August 19, 2013
Friday, August 16, 2013
Friday--August 16, 2013
Mrs Blog and I are starting the third phase of our Alaska adventure by taking a cruise boat down the Alaska coast ending up in Vancouver by next Friday. We'll be stopping at Juneau, Skagway, Ketchican, etc. Hopefully, all is well with our ship. If you missed it, there was another cruise ship breakdown that happened right here in Seward last week. We talked with several of the passengers and they were not happy campers. I think the ship has Wi-Fi, so the blog will continue.
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MassLive says the Minutemen are looking for more offense this year.
The Gazette also has a link to an image of the press box tear down.
Video: UMass practice highlights and interviews.
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Bill McGovern looks at the UMass tight ends.
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The MAC blog "Hustle Belt" looks at intra-MAC rivalries.
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USA Today ranks Kansas State as #24.
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Maine coach Jack Cosgrove invited some Maine National Guardsmen who just returned from Afghanistan to take part in a Black Bear practice.
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Josh Samuda is the feature of this article from the Sun-Sentinel.
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MassLive says the Minutemen are looking for more offense this year.
The Gazette also has a link to an image of the press box tear down.
Video: UMass practice highlights and interviews.
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Bill McGovern looks at the UMass tight ends.
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The MAC blog "Hustle Belt" looks at intra-MAC rivalries.
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USA Today ranks Kansas State as #24.
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Maine coach Jack Cosgrove invited some Maine National Guardsmen who just returned from Afghanistan to take part in a Black Bear practice.
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 |
| James Ihedigbo goes for the ball/ AP image |
Josh Samuda is the feature of this article from the Sun-Sentinel.
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 |
| Glacier Prince William Sound |
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Thursday--August 15, 2013
The UMass Daily Collegian has an article on true freshmen who have impressed in training camp.
A cut-and-paste from the above article: Final note from Molnar on freshmen: “Those guys I mentioned are all gonna play this year. There’s gonna be others but those guys are clearly gonna be in the rotation.”
Freshmen bios here.
Lorenzo Woodley here.
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Video: Coach Molar talks about the "Minutemen March".
More video: UMass defensive line.
Yet more video: Scrimmage highlights and interviews.
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Matty V. has an article featuring Michigan transfer Ricardo Miller. UMass' website article on Miller here.
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MassLive has an article on Michael Cox's bid to make the Giants.
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The MAC has signed a six-year deal with the "Famous Idaho Potato Bowl".
Hustle Belt also ranks the league's non-conference schedule. They have UMass as the 2nd toughest.
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This article mentions Michael Cox as a kick returner.
ESPN NY also mentions Cox as a special teams player.
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Josh Samuda needs to pass-protect better to keep his job with the Dolphins first team offensive line.
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Brandon London was held out of the Larks latest practice due to a bone bruise.
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Phil Steele says Buffalo HC Mike Quinn is on the hot seat.
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Football Scoop says August 29th is going to be a great day to watch college football.
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A cut-and-paste from the above article: Final note from Molnar on freshmen: “Those guys I mentioned are all gonna play this year. There’s gonna be others but those guys are clearly gonna be in the rotation.”
Freshmen bios here.
Lorenzo Woodley here.
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Video: Coach Molar talks about the "Minutemen March".
More video: UMass defensive line.
Yet more video: Scrimmage highlights and interviews.
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Matty V. has an article featuring Michigan transfer Ricardo Miller. UMass' website article on Miller here.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MassLive has an article on Michael Cox's bid to make the Giants.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The MAC has signed a six-year deal with the "Famous Idaho Potato Bowl".
Hustle Belt also ranks the league's non-conference schedule. They have UMass as the 2nd toughest.
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This article mentions Michael Cox as a kick returner.
ESPN NY also mentions Cox as a special teams player.
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Josh Samuda needs to pass-protect better to keep his job with the Dolphins first team offensive line.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brandon London was held out of the Larks latest practice due to a bone bruise.
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Phil Steele says Buffalo HC Mike Quinn is on the hot seat.
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Football Scoop says August 29th is going to be a great day to watch college football.
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 |
| Surprise glacier Prince William Sound |
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Recruiting 2013--Connor Lemieux
 |
| NCSA image |
Sentinel-Enterprise news story here
NCSA profile here.
Wednesday--August 14, 2013
Matty V. says the Minutemen cornerbacks are ready to benefit from last year's experience.
He also report on D'Metrius Williams 2.0.
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Dan Malone reports Khary Bailey-Smith is a big cog in the UMass defensive secondary machine.
He's also started a UMass podcast.
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The Detroit News talks about the new targeting rule and MAC.
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Rant Sports says there are plenty of changes in the Wisconsin offense for 2013.
One sports writer thinks the Badgers can give Michigan a contest for the Big 10 title.
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The NY Jets have moved John Griffin to IR.
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The Jets website says Vlad Ducasse is working on flexibility and versatility.
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The Sun-Sentinel says Josh Samuda is still playing starting RG for the Fish.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
James Ihedigbo still has the #1 spot at Safety for the Ravens.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
He also report on D'Metrius Williams 2.0.
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Dan Malone reports Khary Bailey-Smith is a big cog in the UMass defensive secondary machine.
He's also started a UMass podcast.
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The Detroit News talks about the new targeting rule and MAC.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rant Sports says there are plenty of changes in the Wisconsin offense for 2013.
One sports writer thinks the Badgers can give Michigan a contest for the Big 10 title.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The NY Jets have moved John Griffin to IR.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Jets website says Vlad Ducasse is working on flexibility and versatility.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Sun-Sentinel says Josh Samuda is still playing starting RG for the Fish.
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James Ihedigbo still has the #1 spot at Safety for the Ravens.
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 |
| Leaving Seward harbor on a tour boat |
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Tuesday--August 13, 2013
Freshman walk-on WR Shakur Nesmith if the focus of two articles:
One from Matty V.
And another from Dan Malone.
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MassLive has a link to a video interview with Dave Johnson, the UMass O-line coach.
The MAC is negotiating another Bowl game with ESPN. I've always wanted to see Alabama in the Fall :)
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Wisconsin starting linebacker Ethan Armstrong hopes to be available for the UMass game.
A Bleacher Report writer counts UMass as an easy win for the Badgers.
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Vanderbilt's season tickets sales go over 16,000.
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SI.com looks at potential 2014 MAC NFL Draft candidates. Mentions Rob Blanchflower.
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ESPN NY says Michael Cox continues to run hard in practice.
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Troy Polamalu says he blew the coverage in Victor Cruz's TD against the Steelers.
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One from Matty V.
And another from Dan Malone.
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MassLive has a link to a video interview with Dave Johnson, the UMass O-line coach.
The MAC is negotiating another Bowl game with ESPN. I've always wanted to see Alabama in the Fall :)
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Wisconsin starting linebacker Ethan Armstrong hopes to be available for the UMass game.
A Bleacher Report writer counts UMass as an easy win for the Badgers.
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Vanderbilt's season tickets sales go over 16,000.
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SI.com looks at potential 2014 MAC NFL Draft candidates. Mentions Rob Blanchflower.
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 |
| Gene Puskar image |
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Troy Polamalu says he blew the coverage in Victor Cruz's TD against the Steelers.
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 |
| Sea Otters in Resurrection Bay |
Monday, August 12, 2013
Monday--August 12, 2013
Dan Malone has the second half of his "Ten UMass players to watch in 2013".
In this article:
In this article:
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Hustle Belt ranks the MAC's head Coaches.
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Wisconsin also has open practices this week.
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A vacationing Kansas State blogger has a post on the Cats years before Bill Synder.
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USA Today summarizes college football rule changes for 2013.
A Texas newspaper says offense rules in college football.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pro football, it's a business: the jets have already reassigned John Griffin's number.
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 |
| C.W. Griffin image |
Josh Samuda suffered a hand injury in the Dolphins first exhibition game.
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NJ.com has an article on Michael Cox's first game with the Giants.
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 |
| Exit Glacier Kenai Fjords National Park |
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Sunday--August 11, 2013
UMass practices will be open to fans this week. This a a big change from the previous coaching regime. Maybe some blog readers can make some of the practices and give us a report.
The UMass website also has some details on the open practices.
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Dan Malone has "ten UMass players to watch this season". The first installment of six:
The UMass website also has some details on the open practices.
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Dan Malone has "ten UMass players to watch this season". The first installment of six:
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Michael Cox led the Giants with 33 yards on nine carries and Victor Cruz caught a TD pass in the Giants win over the Steelers.
ESPN says Cruz picks up where he left off.
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| Brad Penner image |
ESPN says Cruz picks up where he left off.
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| Gene Puscar image |
Brandon London caught the Alouettes only TD in a 38-13 loss to the Argonauts.
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Phill Steele's initial power rankings have the Minutemen last in the MAC.
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Faniq has more on John Griffin's broken leg.
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Hustle Belt ranks UMass special teams #6 in the MAC, but behind Ball State who graduated both their punter and kicker. How's that for logic.
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| Seward Harbor on a rainy day |
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Saturday--August 10, 2013
EAT CAKE YOU MISERABLE PEASANTS.
You remember in my previous post I thought the Blog might go dark for a week due to my next stop's lack of internet. True to their literature, my resort has very limited internet access. There is a FIVE paragraph sign-up agreement at the front desk internet access station that concludes with the statement a 30-minute limit will be strictly enforced under all circumstances.
I guess I'll just have to use the resort Wi-Fi....
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The NCAA says UMass must meet 15,000 attendance average or face a ten year probation period. Don't get excited. Just not having the "Black Friday" day game this year should put us half way to the requirement. UMass averaged 12,030 for the other four games.
Matty V. reports UMass is confident we'll meet the requirement.
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UMass coaching staff and defenders are planing for the new targeting rule.
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With rested knees, Vincent Westcarr hopes to help UMass win in 2013.
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The MAC Blog "Hustle Belt" ranks the Minutemen's O-line as 12th in the thirteen team MAC.
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The Worcester Telegram says there's a new challenge for Emil Igwenagu.
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Bad news for John Griffin. From the article:"Rex Ryan said running back John Griffin sustained a serious leg injury, possibly a fracture. It is bad news for a position ravaged by injuries to Joe McKnight and Chris Ivory and Mike goodson’s absence."
UPDATE: Griffin's leg is broken.
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USA Today has Wisconsin at #31.
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Four former Vanderbilt players charged with aggravated rape.
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You remember in my previous post I thought the Blog might go dark for a week due to my next stop's lack of internet. True to their literature, my resort has very limited internet access. There is a FIVE paragraph sign-up agreement at the front desk internet access station that concludes with the statement a 30-minute limit will be strictly enforced under all circumstances.
I guess I'll just have to use the resort Wi-Fi....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The NCAA says UMass must meet 15,000 attendance average or face a ten year probation period. Don't get excited. Just not having the "Black Friday" day game this year should put us half way to the requirement. UMass averaged 12,030 for the other four games.
Matty V. reports UMass is confident we'll meet the requirement.
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UMass coaching staff and defenders are planing for the new targeting rule.
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| Kevin Gutting image |
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The MAC Blog "Hustle Belt" ranks the Minutemen's O-line as 12th in the thirteen team MAC.
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| AP image |
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| Andrew Weber/AP image |
UPDATE: Griffin's leg is broken.
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USA Today has Wisconsin at #31.
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Four former Vanderbilt players charged with aggravated rape.
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Friday, August 09, 2013
Friday--August 9, 2013
Mrs Blog and I will be moving down to Seward, AK today. The lodge we're staying in apparently does not have Wi-Fi. So, the blog may be down until August 16th. Several readers have mentioned some public hot sports and I'll try to hit some of them, it it fits into our schedule. If it doesn't work out, I'll be back in a week.
Maybe UMass will have a Fall 2013 roster up by then...
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MassLive has Coach Mike Golden is making an impact on the Minutemen football team.
They also have sound bites from Coach Molnar on the latest practice.
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Matty V. says the veteran UMass defensive line is looking to set the tone for the Minutemen defense.
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Hustle Belt has a UMass training camp notebook.
Hustle Belt also has the Minutemen defense as 12th in the 13 team MAC
Jimmy Kelly has UMass ready for some football.
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Phil Steele has an updated changes list for 2013, including Brandon Hill's transfer to Monmouth.
Pro Football Focus gives Josh Samuda a poor grade in the Dolphins first preseason game.
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ESPN New York says Michael Cox is a guy worth rooting for.
John Griffin should get some snaps against the Lions tonight.
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Wisconsin had a special guest to their first practice week.
Bill Synder's effect on the Cats goes beyond football.
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Maybe UMass will have a Fall 2013 roster up by then...
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MassLive has Coach Mike Golden is making an impact on the Minutemen football team.
They also have sound bites from Coach Molnar on the latest practice.
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Matty V. says the veteran UMass defensive line is looking to set the tone for the Minutemen defense.
- Kevin Byrne SR
- Galen Clemens SR
- Robert Ketching SO
- Leo Krizanovic RS FR
- Daniel Maynes RS JR
- Brandon Potvin RSSR
- Trey Seals RSSO
- Three true Freshmen
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Hustle Belt has a UMass training camp notebook.
Hustle Belt also has the Minutemen defense as 12th in the 13 team MAC
Jimmy Kelly has UMass ready for some football.
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Phil Steele has an updated changes list for 2013, including Brandon Hill's transfer to Monmouth.
Pro Football Focus gives Josh Samuda a poor grade in the Dolphins first preseason game.
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ESPN New York says Michael Cox is a guy worth rooting for.
John Griffin should get some snaps against the Lions tonight.
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Wisconsin had a special guest to their first practice week.
Bill Synder's effect on the Cats goes beyond football.
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Thursday, August 08, 2013
Thursday--August 8, 2013
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| John Murson image |
Rotoworld says Michael Cox impressing at the G-Men's training camp.
Another newspaper thinks Giants RB's are fighting for their jobs.
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ESPN says John Griffin should get some snaps against the Lions Friday.
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Daniel Malone says sophomore Matt Sparks is a veteran now.
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MassLive writer Ron Chimelisis always ready with an encouraging word.
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Matty V. says Stanley Andre embraces his leadership role.
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Hustle Belts says UMass football is strangers in a strange land.
Another Hustle Belt writer ranks UMass WRs/TE's as 12th in the thirteen team MAC.
Hustle Belt readers predict UMass to go 0-8 in the league.
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The MAC hopes to build on a banner season.
Northern Illinois hopes to take another step.
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James Ihedigbo still has the starting Safety position at the Ravens camp.
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Josh Samuda continues to work with the Dolphins first-string OL.
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| Mt. McKinley highest peak in North America |
Click on image for a larger view.
Wednesday, August 07, 2013
Wednesday--August 7, 2013
Good Morning from Fairbanks, AK. Well, our adventure quotient has picked up, but we are still having a hoot here in the land of the Midnight Sun.. At our stay in the Denali outback, we met a very nice couple who turned out to be from Madison, WI. They were Badger season ticket holders.We instantly had lots to talk about.
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Pick and choose from articles you've already read while I was offline:
Colter Johnson hopes to build on last year's MAC-leading performance.
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In what could be UMass' deepest position, five running backs compete to start.
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The MAC Report Online asks how much can the Minutemen improve?
UMass quarterbacks ranked 10th in the MAC.
The MAC blog "Hustle Belt" thinks 2014 UMass QB Randell West is an intriguing signing.
UMass will return some home games to Mcguirk in 2014.
The Minutemen reached all the way to Deutschland for OL Fabian Hoeller.
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Hustle Belt ranks the Minutemen's running backs last in the MAC.
Saturday Blitz picks the best MAC games of 2013.
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Pick and choose from articles you've already read while I was offline:
Colter Johnson hopes to build on last year's MAC-leading performance.
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In what could be UMass' deepest position, five running backs compete to start.
- Stacey Bedell
- Jordan Broadnax
- Jamal Wilson
- Lorenzo Woodley
- Daquan Mack (along with the other UMass recruits)
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| Lorenzo Woodley/ Kevin Gutting image |
The MAC Report Online asks how much can the Minutemen improve?
UMass quarterbacks ranked 10th in the MAC.
The MAC blog "Hustle Belt" thinks 2014 UMass QB Randell West is an intriguing signing.
UMass will return some home games to Mcguirk in 2014.
The Minutemen reached all the way to Deutschland for OL Fabian Hoeller.
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Hustle Belt ranks the Minutemen's running backs last in the MAC.
Saturday Blitz picks the best MAC games of 2013.
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| Landing at Katnishna "International" airport after a Denali sightseeing flight |
Sunday, August 04, 2013
Recruiting 2016--Nasseir Upshur
Philly.com reports UMass has offered to sophomore Nassir Upshur, a 6-3 220 pound TE from Imhotep HS in PA.
Philly.com's article here.
Hudl.com page here.
Philly.com's article here.
Hudl.com page here.
Sunday--August 3, 2013
Good morning from Denali National Park. After this post, the blog will have three days of down time, as Mrs blog and I will be in Denali Park's outback. See everybody on Wednesday.
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The Blog's vast army of reporters continue to send me links including this article by the NY Times about Michael Cox.
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MassLive says Coach Molnar is READY for fall camp.
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James Ihedigbo isn't going to give up the starting Safety position with the Ravens easily.
The Baltimore Sun has a story about the competition between Elam and Ihedigbo. Go Ihedigbo!
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Whoa! The Montreal Alouettes fired their HC after five games. I've been watching the Larks' games because of Brandon London and because CFL is the only game in town for another week or so. The Alouttes offense looked out-of-synch all season.
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This ESPN article mentions both John Griffin and Vladimir Ducasse.
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The Blog's vast army of reporters continue to send me links including this article by the NY Times about Michael Cox.
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MassLive says Coach Molnar is READY for fall camp.
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James Ihedigbo isn't going to give up the starting Safety position with the Ravens easily.
The Baltimore Sun has a story about the competition between Elam and Ihedigbo. Go Ihedigbo!
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Whoa! The Montreal Alouettes fired their HC after five games. I've been watching the Larks' games because of Brandon London and because CFL is the only game in town for another week or so. The Alouttes offense looked out-of-synch all season.
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This ESPN article mentions both John Griffin and Vladimir Ducasse.
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