James Ihedigbo predicts a Seattle win in the Super Bowl.
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Dave Sollazo says former Maryland HC Ralph Friedgen is a great hire for Rutgers.
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I blogged yesterday about Alex Ogle. He's feeling the love at Boise State.
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The "Anchor of Gold" awards Vanderbilt's Player-of-the-Year to Jordan Matthews. One of the plays that got him the award was against UMass.
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Ball State hires a defensive coordinator with Massachusetts roots.
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SB Nation has the five hardest positions to recruit in college football.
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The Tampa Bay Times wonders if recruits should get more time to sign on the dotted line.
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Chris Brown of "Smart Football" looks at how Peyton Manning delivered a historic season for the Broncos.
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Friday, January 31, 2014
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Various recruiting notes 01/30/14
Three players with UMass offers go elsewhere.
I've blogged about Alex Ogle before. He verballed to Boise State.
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Freddie Booth-Loyd a 6-3 310 pound DT has flipped his verbal from Tulane to Temple.
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I've blogged about Jeremiah Jackson before. He verballed to Ball State.
More from the Tampa Bay Times about Jackson.
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I've blogged about Alex Ogle before. He verballed to Boise State.
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Freddie Booth-Loyd a 6-3 310 pound DT has flipped his verbal from Tulane to Temple.
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I've blogged about Jeremiah Jackson before. He verballed to Ball State.
More from the Tampa Bay Times about Jackson.
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Thursday--January 30th, 2014
A Redskins mock NFL draft has Washington taking Rob Blanchflower in the 6th round.
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More money than us: Notre Dame announces a $400 million stadium upgrade. I wonder if the Irish will continue with the announced 2015 game with UMass or buy us out now the Molnar has left.
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The New York has some New Jersey Superbowl heroes including Victor Cruz.
Victor Cruz is relishing a home town Super Bowl shuffle.
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MAC football recruiting updates from Hustle Belt.
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With Marijuana legal in Colorado, a pot shop is marketing a Payton Manning blend.
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A cold weather Super Bowl may not be a good thing. 18,000 seats are still unsold.
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More money than us: Notre Dame announces a $400 million stadium upgrade. I wonder if the Irish will continue with the announced 2015 game with UMass or buy us out now the Molnar has left.
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The New York has some New Jersey Superbowl heroes including Victor Cruz.
Victor Cruz is relishing a home town Super Bowl shuffle.
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MAC football recruiting updates from Hustle Belt.
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With Marijuana legal in Colorado, a pot shop is marketing a Payton Manning blend.
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A cold weather Super Bowl may not be a good thing. 18,000 seats are still unsold.
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Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Recruiting 2014--- Ross Comis II
A couple of more articles on Ross Comis' verbal to UMass.
The Herald Star reports Spencer Whipple had a role in Comis' commit.
The Wheeling News-Register has more.
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The Herald Star reports Spencer Whipple had a role in Comis' commit.
The Wheeling News-Register has more.
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Wednesday--January 29th, 2014
College athletes take the first step towards forming a union. This could be interesting if the five BCS leagues break off and form their own division with paid players, thus becoming semi-pro football in my estimation. As the article says, under the current system, there will be some high hurdles to jump. That may not be the case with the proposed BCS super division. I wonder if the BCS leagues ever heard of the Golden Goose.
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Meanwhile, Alabama still cheats.
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The Boston College blog "BC Interruption" believes the Eagles will be on the cusp of a bowl bid with sure wins over UMass, Maine, Wakes Forest and Syracuse plus one or two tossups.
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Despite an 8-5 season and a bowl, a student newspaper writer is disappointed in the Buffalo's season.
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Bowling Green completes their staff for the 2014 season.
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Northern Illinois gets a verbal from a three-star WR.
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Meanwhile, Alabama still cheats.
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The Boston College blog "BC Interruption" believes the Eagles will be on the cusp of a bowl bid with sure wins over UMass, Maine, Wakes Forest and Syracuse plus one or two tossups.
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Despite an 8-5 season and a bowl, a student newspaper writer is disappointed in the Buffalo's season.
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Bowling Green completes their staff for the 2014 season.
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Northern Illinois gets a verbal from a three-star WR.
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Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Recruiting 2015--Torrence Gibson
 |
| image credit unknown |
Gibson is a Scout four-star QB.
Quote from a January 27th article on Gibson: "In addition to Clemson, Ohio State, Miami, Florida State, Georgia, Pittsburgh and UMass have also been by the school during the current recruiting period. Tennessee is scheduled to stop by on Wednesday. "
ESPN page here.
Recruiting 2014--Ross Comis
 |
| Ben Queen image |
Matty V. has an article here. Note that the article says Whipple is still exploring the JUCO and fifth-year transfer universe as well.
Hustle Belt has another article here.
The West Virginia News has an article on Comis' verbal here.
Commis' Be Recruited page has his complete stats here.
Was Captain of the Class A First Team All-State team.
Hudl.com has highlight video. Comis had 9,255 career yards and 121 TD's.
Tuesday--January 28th, 2014
Gator Country labels UMass as one of the five toughest coaching jobs in the country.
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Football Scoop has more on the article I linked to yesterday regarding coaching salaries in the MAC.
More along the same lines: 100 FBS assistant coaches make at least $400,000 a year.
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Buffalo add three quarterback verbals.
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Toledo loses a three-star QB commit to Wake Forest.
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The Sun Belt's stock rises after the MAC takes a 0-5 hit in the bowl season.
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Fox Sports looks at the demographics of college football fandom.
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Football Scoop has more on the article I linked to yesterday regarding coaching salaries in the MAC.
More along the same lines: 100 FBS assistant coaches make at least $400,000 a year.
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Buffalo add three quarterback verbals.
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Toledo loses a three-star QB commit to Wake Forest.
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The Sun Belt's stock rises after the MAC takes a 0-5 hit in the bowl season.
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Fox Sports looks at the demographics of college football fandom.
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Monday, January 27, 2014
Monday--January 27th, 2014
Mrs Blog and I went to the UMass-Fordham game yesterday. Good to see Coach Whipple there. From Matty V's article on the game:
WHIPPLE PREGAME — New UMass football coach Mark Whipple was a featured attraction prior to the game. After greeting fans in the concourse, he met with Court Club members in a pregame reception. After the national anthem, he threw the ball up as part of a ceremonial tipoff and then took the microphone to address the crowd to a standing ovation."
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iSportsweb.com does yet another coaching hire evaluation.
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CBS Sports, channelling NFL Draft Scout, has Rob Blancheflower as 6th round draft pick.
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A UMass Lax verbal decommits to enter Prep football.
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The MAC is getting hit with a widening pay gap between what its schools can pay and BCS salaries.
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Early playing time for college players is altering recruiting.
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On the other hand, old guys are doing great at coaching college football.
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WHIPPLE PREGAME — New UMass football coach Mark Whipple was a featured attraction prior to the game. After greeting fans in the concourse, he met with Court Club members in a pregame reception. After the national anthem, he threw the ball up as part of a ceremonial tipoff and then took the microphone to address the crowd to a standing ovation."
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iSportsweb.com does yet another coaching hire evaluation.
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CBS Sports, channelling NFL Draft Scout, has Rob Blancheflower as 6th round draft pick.
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A UMass Lax verbal decommits to enter Prep football.
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The MAC is getting hit with a widening pay gap between what its schools can pay and BCS salaries.
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Early playing time for college players is altering recruiting.
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On the other hand, old guys are doing great at coaching college football.
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Sunday, January 26, 2014
Recruiting 2014--- Matthew Wylie
 |
| Ricardo Brazziell image |
Stateman's article here.
This article has a question-and-answer session with Wylie.
Had interest from Vanderbilt, Oklahoma, Stanford, SMU, Texas Tech, Dartmouth, Harvard, Louisiana Tech and UTEP.
Sunday--January 26th, 2014
According to Coach Whipple's Twitter feed, he'll be at the UMass hoops game to greet fans and address the crowd. Some UMass recruits will attend the game also.
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Vanderbilt will again be on the Minutemen's OOC schedule in 2014. The Commodores are expected to change their defensive scheme to a 3-4.
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Old coaching foe K.C. Keeler has been named head coach at Sam Houston State.
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SB Nation has the five most important statistics in winning college football. One of them is explosiveness, something we sorely lacked on offense for the last two years. Hopefully, Coach Whipple still has his old magic on that side of the ball.
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Vanderbilt will again be on the Minutemen's OOC schedule in 2014. The Commodores are expected to change their defensive scheme to a 3-4.
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Old coaching foe K.C. Keeler has been named head coach at Sam Houston State.
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SB Nation has the five most important statistics in winning college football. One of them is explosiveness, something we sorely lacked on offense for the last two years. Hopefully, Coach Whipple still has his old magic on that side of the ball.
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Saturday, January 25, 2014
Saturday--January 25th, 2014
Three Minutemen were named First Team All-Academic by the MAC: Devon Brown, Jeff Strait, Matt Sparks . David Osei and Ricardo Miller were named Honourable Mention.The press release for the whole MAC is here.
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Two MAC players will appear in today's Senior Bowl.
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Bryon Vance looks at the MAC's recruiting visits for the week of January 24th.
Vance also looks at the MAC"s recruiting rankings after this week.
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Bloguin Sports recaps MAC football in 2013.
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NIU's loss to Bowling Green moved the MAC from a potential first to last in non-AQ revenue.
However, the league (and UMass) should see a big jump in revenue from the BCS playoffs.
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A Bleacher Report writer ranks Mark Whipple amoung the worst coaching hires of the college football postseason. (?!)
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- Brown 3.80 Psychology
- Sparks 3.88 Civil Engineering
- Strait 3.93 Biology
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Two MAC players will appear in today's Senior Bowl.
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Bryon Vance looks at the MAC's recruiting visits for the week of January 24th.
Vance also looks at the MAC"s recruiting rankings after this week.
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Bloguin Sports recaps MAC football in 2013.
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NIU's loss to Bowling Green moved the MAC from a potential first to last in non-AQ revenue.
However, the league (and UMass) should see a big jump in revenue from the BCS playoffs.
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A Bleacher Report writer ranks Mark Whipple amoung the worst coaching hires of the college football postseason. (?!)
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Friday, January 24, 2014
Recruiting 2015--Taj-Amir Torres
 |
| Hampshire Gazette file image |
The Hampshire Gazette has an article (second half) about how the change in UMass coaching may impact Torres' recruiting.
Hudl.com has video.
In June of 2013, Torres was the fastest high schooler in New England.
Also receiving attention from Boston College and UConn.
Friday--January 24th, 2014
UMass Football makes it official: Liam Coen, Tom Mesalla and Mike Cassano have joined the UMass coaching staff.
The UMass website has the announcement here.
Cassano will be passing game coordinator/wide receivers coach.
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2014 Season tickets are now on sale. UMass fans have the option of buying all six games or just for Gillette or McGuirk.
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CBS Sports has yet another article rating the head coaching hires in 2014. This one actually mentions Mark Whipple.
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This is a rather cool article from Bryan Vance at Hustle Belt--where do MAC players come from. Each team has graphic with the geographic location of their recruits shown.
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UMass lax loses a potential recruit to Boston College football.
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Bowling Green gets a quarterback transfer from Texas Tech.
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Ohio turns to British Columbia for a running back recruit.
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National Football post rates Western Michigan's verbals as "one of the top five under-the-radar" class.
The UMass website has the announcement here.
Cassano will be passing game coordinator/wide receivers coach.
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2014 Season tickets are now on sale. UMass fans have the option of buying all six games or just for Gillette or McGuirk.
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CBS Sports has yet another article rating the head coaching hires in 2014. This one actually mentions Mark Whipple.
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This is a rather cool article from Bryan Vance at Hustle Belt--where do MAC players come from. Each team has graphic with the geographic location of their recruits shown.
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UMass lax loses a potential recruit to Boston College football.
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Bowling Green gets a quarterback transfer from Texas Tech.
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Ohio turns to British Columbia for a running back recruit.
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National Football post rates Western Michigan's verbals as "one of the top five under-the-radar" class.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Thursday--January 23rd, 2014
The Boston College Blog "BC Interruption" says BC at UMass in Gillette counts as a home game for the Eagles.
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Mrs Blog and I are thinking about a two game road trip in 2014 to see Vanderbilt and Penn State September 13th and 20th. I've already blogged about Penn State having special ticket prices for the UMass game. Vanderbilt has their single game prices up.
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Cory McCortney of Fox Sports South gives UMass a "C" for Whipple's hiring.
In the link above, the sportswriter gives Louisville a "D" for hiring Bobby Petrino. This writer gives the Petrino hiring an "A+".
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Miami of Ohio adds a three-star WR verbal.
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The cheapest seat for the 2015 college football championship game will be $1,899 per.
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Mrs Blog and I are thinking about a two game road trip in 2014 to see Vanderbilt and Penn State September 13th and 20th. I've already blogged about Penn State having special ticket prices for the UMass game. Vanderbilt has their single game prices up.
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Cory McCortney of Fox Sports South gives UMass a "C" for Whipple's hiring.
In the link above, the sportswriter gives Louisville a "D" for hiring Bobby Petrino. This writer gives the Petrino hiring an "A+".
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Miami of Ohio adds a three-star WR verbal.
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The cheapest seat for the 2015 college football championship game will be $1,899 per.
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Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Recruiting 2014-- Trevon Mathis
Trevon Mathis, a 5-11 170 pound DB from Pittsburg, PA has verbaled to Toledo.
This article says he chose the Rockets over Temple and UMass.
Mathis was a Rivals two-star player with offers from Georgia Tech, Kent State, Old Dominion and JMU.
This article says he chose the Rockets over Temple and UMass.
Mathis was a Rivals two-star player with offers from Georgia Tech, Kent State, Old Dominion and JMU.
Wednesday--January 22nd, 2013
Received my 2014 season ticket application yesterday. There were a couple of items of interest.
Special Event Announcement. There will be a National Signing Day event on February 5th at the Amherst Brewing Company prior to the Hoops game at Mullins center. The time wasn't listed, but there probably be more info before then. Say "Hi" to Whip and hear about the 2014 recruits.
Second, renew your season tickets before February 5th and receive the same seats you had at McGuirk in 2011! Since Mrs Blog and I (and various friends) had been in Section 6, Row I seats 17, 18, and 19 since 1976, it'll be like old times. Hopefully, all the people who have been whining, pissing, bitching, moaning and complaining about the drive to Gillette will make good on their promise to get season tickets. In addition, we're holding on to our great seats in the Putnam Club at Gillette. If you haven’t been there, your really missing a great place to see a game.
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Chad Hunte on Hustle Belt says Mark Whipple is a perfect fit for UMass.
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Well, the UMass Flag Football team is on their way to compete in the Nationals. Go UMass!
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The Tampa Bay Times mentions Trey Dudley-Giles in this article about a five-star recruit's transferring high schools.
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Sports Illustrated grades the new coaching hires in college football and never mentions Mark Whipple.
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OT, but an Alabama fan, still grinding his teeth over the Iron Bowl, thinks Tony Barbee should be fired at Auburn.
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Special Event Announcement. There will be a National Signing Day event on February 5th at the Amherst Brewing Company prior to the Hoops game at Mullins center. The time wasn't listed, but there probably be more info before then. Say "Hi" to Whip and hear about the 2014 recruits.
Second, renew your season tickets before February 5th and receive the same seats you had at McGuirk in 2011! Since Mrs Blog and I (and various friends) had been in Section 6, Row I seats 17, 18, and 19 since 1976, it'll be like old times. Hopefully, all the people who have been whining, pissing, bitching, moaning and complaining about the drive to Gillette will make good on their promise to get season tickets. In addition, we're holding on to our great seats in the Putnam Club at Gillette. If you haven’t been there, your really missing a great place to see a game.
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Chad Hunte on Hustle Belt says Mark Whipple is a perfect fit for UMass.
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Well, the UMass Flag Football team is on their way to compete in the Nationals. Go UMass!
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The Tampa Bay Times mentions Trey Dudley-Giles in this article about a five-star recruit's transferring high schools.
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Sports Illustrated grades the new coaching hires in college football and never mentions Mark Whipple.
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OT, but an Alabama fan, still grinding his teeth over the Iron Bowl, thinks Tony Barbee should be fired at Auburn.
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Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Tuesday--January 21st, 2014
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| MassLive image |
As the article states, Michel should make an impact in the Minutemen receiver corps.
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UMass has announced the most recent Minutemen Hall-of-Fame class. Among the members is Ned Dean, who won a ton of honours as an offensive lineman for UMass during 1973-75. Dean was All New England and All East. Like many of the 1970's players he has been a stout supporter of UMass football in the following decades.
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Kent State releases its MAC and non-conference opponents for 2014. UMass will make its first trip to Dix Stadium.
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Speaking of the MAC, Hustle Belt has several recruiting articles about MAC schools.
EMU picks up a three-star verbal.
Kent State gets a pair of verbals.
Toledo adds two verbals.
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Monday, January 20, 2014
Recruiting 2014-- Hez Trahan
Scout.com says Hez Trahan, a 6-4 250 pound DE from Roman Catholic HS in Philadelphia has committed to Pitt.
He's a Rivals two star player.
Besides Pitt, Trahan had offers from UMass and JMU.
A Pitt blogger comments.
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He's a Rivals two star player.
Besides Pitt, Trahan had offers from UMass and JMU.
A Pitt blogger comments.
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Monday--January 20th, 2014
Dan Malone has Whipple's assistant coaches staff coming together.
So right now:
Former UMass coach Keith Dudzinski will be recruiting New Jersey and New England for Maryland, which will put him in competition with the Minutemen's prime recruiting area.
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Two former UMass coaches Bob Shoop and Sean Spencer will join James Franklin at Penn State.
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Eastern Michigan picks up a pair of commits.
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So right now:
- Mark Whipple--Head coach and probably offensive coordinator
- Tom Masella--Defensive coordinator
- Liam Coen- QB Coach
- Dave Sollazzo--Defensive line
- Ted Daisher- Linebackers/special teams
- Mike Golden--Strength & conditioning
- Offensive line/running game coordinator (ex-Dave Johnson)
- TE coach/ recruiting coordinator (ex Shane Waldron)
- Wide receiver coach (ex-Allen Suber)
- Running Backs coach (ex-Roderick Plummer) Marcel Shipp?
- Defensive Backs coach (ex-Greg Burns)
- Director of Football operations (ex-Jordan Jarry)
Former UMass coach Keith Dudzinski will be recruiting New Jersey and New England for Maryland, which will put him in competition with the Minutemen's prime recruiting area.
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Two former UMass coaches Bob Shoop and Sean Spencer will join James Franklin at Penn State.
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Eastern Michigan picks up a pair of commits.
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Saturday, January 18, 2014
Recruiting 2014--- Brenon Thrift
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| Hudl.com image |
Thrift is listed as a "soft verbal" to Temple by Scout.com.
Rivals two-star player. Scout.com three-stars.
Three stars by 247 Sports.
Hudl.com has stats and senior highlights.
Thrift had offers from Temple, West Virginia and Pitt.
Saturday--January 18th, 2014
A USA Today writer using a game simulator declares the 2012 Minutemen the worst team of the decade.
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A Bleacher Report writer power ranks the 18 new head coach hires in FBS.
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Hustle Belt looks at the 2014 MAC recruiting classes with 19 days to go before letter-of-intent day.
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Miami of Ohio adds three transfers from Notre Dame.
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A coaching change may lead to a loss of a top recruit for Toledo.
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58% of college administrators favor the power conferences forming their own division.
Sports Illustrated says momentum shifting towards automony for the power conferences.
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A Bleacher Report writer power ranks the 18 new head coach hires in FBS.
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Hustle Belt looks at the 2014 MAC recruiting classes with 19 days to go before letter-of-intent day.
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Miami of Ohio adds three transfers from Notre Dame.
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A coaching change may lead to a loss of a top recruit for Toledo.
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58% of college administrators favor the power conferences forming their own division.
Sports Illustrated says momentum shifting towards automony for the power conferences.
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Friday, January 17, 2014
Friday-- January 17th, 2014
UPDATE: Coach Whipple is supposed to be a guest at WBRK 1340 AM Open Mike Sports at 9:30 am. Radio link here.
UPDATE II: Above link not working for me.
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I had an appointment at VAMC Northampton yesterday, so I stopped and took a couple of images of the McGuirk construction.
Most of the windows are in on the new field house. It's going to be a nice looking building. Click on the image and Blogger displays a bigger view.
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Dan Malone has highlights from Whipple's introductory press conference.
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Hustle Belt looks at Buffalo's Khalil Mack and the NFL draft.
Mack's skipping the Senior Bowl.
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A Bleacher Report writer has Rob Blanchflower as an under-the-radar NFL draft gem.
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I have no idea what this event was about, but Victor Cruz was there.
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UPDATE II: Above link not working for me.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
I had an appointment at VAMC Northampton yesterday, so I stopped and took a couple of images of the McGuirk construction.
Most of the windows are in on the new field house. It's going to be a nice looking building. Click on the image and Blogger displays a bigger view.
 |
| Lest we forget what the old one looked like |
Dan Malone has highlights from Whipple's introductory press conference.
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Hustle Belt looks at Buffalo's Khalil Mack and the NFL draft.
Mack's skipping the Senior Bowl.
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A Bleacher Report writer has Rob Blanchflower as an under-the-radar NFL draft gem.
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I have no idea what this event was about, but Victor Cruz was there.
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Thursday, January 16, 2014
Thursday--January 16th, 2014
There have been several news articles speculating that Whipple would try to bring back Mike Cassano. AJC.com says Cassano has been hired by UMass as an assistant coach.
Cassano's University of Miami bio.
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The UMass website has quotes about Mark Whipple from Ken Whisenhunt, Bill Cowher, players from UMass and Miami and more.
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An 0-for-five Bowl season propels the MAC to the bottom of ESPN's conference rankings.
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The Daily Chronical wonders if NIU's Jordan Lynch will get a chance to play QB in the NFL.
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New Penn State coach James Franklin pledges to "dominate the region" in recruiting.
He's already "destroying" Vanderbilt's 2014 recruiting class.
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Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Wednesday --January 15, 2014
I'm chopping cabbage for coleslaw last evening and the telephone rings and it's Mark Whipple on a recorded message for the Athletic Dept. Good to hear that voice again.
I hope UMass fans from both the East and West will get season tickets in 2014. Gillette is a great place to watch football and it will be good to see the McGuirk renovations.
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Mark Chimelis says UMass finally has reason to cheer.
Former player and coach reactions to Whipple's hiring.
UMass football introduces Mark Whipple as new head coach.
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Matty V. says Whipple II has a chance to be memorable.
Matty says Whipple is officially back.
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The Boston Herald says he's excited to be UMass coach again.
Quote from the Herald article:"
UMass opens the 2014 season against Boston College, where Whipple’s former right-hand man, Don Brown, is the defensive coordinator.
“I told Donny I know all his blitzes,’’ said Whipple, who will be busy from the get-go as the early recruiting period resumes tomorrow."
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The Berkshire Eagle reports Whipple is here to get jewelry. Hopefully, Whipple can waive that Super Bowl ring under the nose some four-star quarterback...
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Staten Island.com confirms Tom Masella is leaving Wagner for UMass.
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Chad Hunte of "Hustle Belt" says he expects to see a different UMass team in 2014.
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Fox Sports Ohio says MAC football could open the 2014 season with a mid-week splash.
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UMass fans will get a Penn State ticket bargain when we visit this fall.
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I hope UMass fans from both the East and West will get season tickets in 2014. Gillette is a great place to watch football and it will be good to see the McGuirk renovations.
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Mark Chimelis says UMass finally has reason to cheer.
Former player and coach reactions to Whipple's hiring.
UMass football introduces Mark Whipple as new head coach.
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Matty V. says Whipple II has a chance to be memorable.
Matty says Whipple is officially back.
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The Boston Herald says he's excited to be UMass coach again.
Quote from the Herald article:"
UMass opens the 2014 season against Boston College, where Whipple’s former right-hand man, Don Brown, is the defensive coordinator.
“I told Donny I know all his blitzes,’’ said Whipple, who will be busy from the get-go as the early recruiting period resumes tomorrow."
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 |
| Whipple's rings from his Twitter feed |
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Staten Island.com confirms Tom Masella is leaving Wagner for UMass.
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Chad Hunte of "Hustle Belt" says he expects to see a different UMass team in 2014.
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Fox Sports Ohio says MAC football could open the 2014 season with a mid-week splash.
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UMass fans will get a Penn State ticket bargain when we visit this fall.
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Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Tuesday--January 14th, 2014
From the Athletic Dept e-mail:
UMass Amherst tomorrow morning will officially introduce Mark Whipple back to campus as the new head coach of your Minutemen football team. We hope you’ll join us in welcoming Coach Whipple back to Amherst by tuning in as our 11 a.m. press conference is streamed live on the UMass Athletics website.
Coach Whipple returns to UMass for his second stint as the Minutemen’s head coach. In his first turn at the helm, 1998-2003, the Minutemen won the NCAA Division I-AA National Championship and made two more postseason appearances. Coach Whipple compiled an overall record of 49-26 with the Minutemen.
It’s fitting that a successful coach is returning to our program just as the team prepares to return to playing home games in McGuirk Stadium on campus. The Minutemen will play three of their six 2014 home games in Amherst and three — including the August 30 season opener vs. the Boston College Eagles — at Gillette Stadium.
Season tickets, which include full packages, Gillette Stadium packages, and McGuirk Stadium packages, are available now.
Since he last coached the Minutemen, Coach Whipple has:
Coach Whipple is uniquely qualified to help our team build a winning tradition in the Mid-American Conference and the FBS. Please join us in welcoming him back to campus. And remember to order your season tickets today.
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Matty V. says Mark Whipple's old players are pulling for him.
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Dan Malone takes an early look at UMass' 2014 schedule. Since the MAC is an unbalanced league and since there are nine league games and only six or seven teams in each of the MAC's division, every two years the Minutemen's schedule will include different teams.
This year's iteration is tougher than the previous two years.
The Minutemen lose:
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The Boston Globe says Mark Whipple is back at the helm of UMass Football.
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Nicholas Lewis of Hustle Belt looks at the regime change at UMass.
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The MAC had a substantial lead over the Sun Belt and Mountain West in bowl viewership.
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UMass Amherst tomorrow morning will officially introduce Mark Whipple back to campus as the new head coach of your Minutemen football team. We hope you’ll join us in welcoming Coach Whipple back to Amherst by tuning in as our 11 a.m. press conference is streamed live on the UMass Athletics website.
Coach Whipple returns to UMass for his second stint as the Minutemen’s head coach. In his first turn at the helm, 1998-2003, the Minutemen won the NCAA Division I-AA National Championship and made two more postseason appearances. Coach Whipple compiled an overall record of 49-26 with the Minutemen.
It’s fitting that a successful coach is returning to our program just as the team prepares to return to playing home games in McGuirk Stadium on campus. The Minutemen will play three of their six 2014 home games in Amherst and three — including the August 30 season opener vs. the Boston College Eagles — at Gillette Stadium.
Season tickets, which include full packages, Gillette Stadium packages, and McGuirk Stadium packages, are available now.
Since he last coached the Minutemen, Coach Whipple has:
- Helped shape Ben Roethlisberger into a Super Bowl champion as quarterbacks coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Helped the 2008 Philadelphia Eagles reach the NFC Championship game as an offensive assistant coach.
- Guided the 2009 and 2010 University of Miami Hurricanes offense through two of the best statistical seasons in program history as assistant head coach/offensive coordinator.
- Served as quarterbacks coach for the Cleveland Browns.
Coach Whipple is uniquely qualified to help our team build a winning tradition in the Mid-American Conference and the FBS. Please join us in welcoming him back to campus. And remember to order your season tickets today.
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Matty V. says Mark Whipple's old players are pulling for him.
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Dan Malone takes an early look at UMass' 2014 schedule. Since the MAC is an unbalanced league and since there are nine league games and only six or seven teams in each of the MAC's division, every two years the Minutemen's schedule will include different teams.
This year's iteration is tougher than the previous two years.
The Minutemen lose:
- Northern Illinois 12-2
- Central Michigan 6-6
- Western Michigan 1-11
- Ball State 10-2
- Toledo 7-5
- Kent State 4-8
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The Boston Globe says Mark Whipple is back at the helm of UMass Football.
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Nicholas Lewis of Hustle Belt looks at the regime change at UMass.
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The MAC had a substantial lead over the Sun Belt and Mountain West in bowl viewership.
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Monday, January 13, 2014
Monday--January 13th, 2014
UPDATE: It's official. Mark Whipple will be the new UMass head coach.
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Dan Malone covers the current state of the UMass Football staff.
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Matty V. at the Gazette has potential names for the remaining positions on the staff. Matty mentions Dave Sollazzo has been retained, but does not mention the other current coaches.
Mentioned are:
Dan Malone has a story about Liam Coen joining the Minutemen.
Yesterday I had a link to Coen's Twitter feed. Rasheed Rancher was one of the people checking in.
The following are from UMass-Maine 2007 in Orono. Click on the image and Blogger displays a larger view.
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Dan Malone covers the current state of the UMass Football staff.
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Matty V. at the Gazette has potential names for the remaining positions on the staff. Matty mentions Dave Sollazzo has been retained, but does not mention the other current coaches.
Mentioned are:
- Mike Cassano -assistant director of player personnel at Georgia Tech.
- Mike Dawson-Defensive quality control Philadelphia Eagles.
- Sean Spencer- Defensive line coach Vanderbilt.
- Brian Christ- WR coach Bridgewater College.
- Chis Malone-Virginia State offensive line coach and running game coordinator.
- Frank Forucci- Assistant head coach/defensive line coach Becker College.
- Paul Gorham- former HC Sacred Heart/medical leave.
- Brian Smith- defensive quality control NY Jets.
- Charles Walker- defensive quality control Vanderbilt.
Dan Malone has a story about Liam Coen joining the Minutemen.
Yesterday I had a link to Coen's Twitter feed. Rasheed Rancher was one of the people checking in.
The following are from UMass-Maine 2007 in Orono. Click on the image and Blogger displays a larger view.
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| Coen throws |
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| To Rancher |
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| who shakes the DB |
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| Touchdown! |
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Sunday--january 12th, 2014
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| Liam Coen UMass Football Blog image |
UPDATE: Several sources say Liam Coen will be joining UMass as quarterback coach.
Coen's Twitter feed.
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| Bill Lyons image |
Dan Malone reports Tom Masella will join UMass' coaching staff as Defensive Coordinator.
I just did a link about Mesalla back on January 6th.
Mesalla and I had an extended one-on-one conversation in the old white alumni tent at McGuirk. If I remember right, Whipple was in Boston with a player to accept a "Golden Helmet" award and Mesalla was giving the weekly Sports Luncheon talk. Interesting guy to talk to and intense.
He's been a defensive coordinator four times including FBS Louisiana Tech.
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NBC Sports has a short article on Whipple's hire.
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James Franklin will take four Vanderbilt coaches with him to Penn State including former UMass assistant coach Bob Shoop.
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OT, but Mrs Blog and I had a great time watching UMass basketball make a great comeback against St. Bonaventure.
If you havn't had a chance to catch this team, they're really fun to watch when they turn it on. I think there is still tickets available for most of the remaining home games.
Saturday, January 11, 2014
January 11th, 2014 --- It's Mark Whipple!
A number of media outlets report Mark Whipple will be the next coach of the UMass Minutemen.
Dan Malone reports here.
MassLive has twitter reaction to the hire.
Matty V. says UMass hit a home run with Whipple.
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Let the UMass Football Blog join the approval in getting Coach Whipple back. He'll make an impact with the Minutemen.
The only caution I would make would be to expect too much in the first couple of years. Remember Whipple had Marcel Shipp and Kerry Taylor already on board when he arrived.
I attended a function where Whipple was asked about going FBS. He said we could do it but, "We'd take our lumps the first couple of years." I think it'll take three or four years before UMass will be in a position to compete in the top levels of the MAC.
Let's back the coach until then!
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It will be interesting to see if Whipple will keep the remaining staff. Coach Sollazzo and Mike Golden are popular with the players.
The vacant positions are:
Dan Malone reports here.
MassLive has twitter reaction to the hire.
Matty V. says UMass hit a home run with Whipple.
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Let the UMass Football Blog join the approval in getting Coach Whipple back. He'll make an impact with the Minutemen.
The only caution I would make would be to expect too much in the first couple of years. Remember Whipple had Marcel Shipp and Kerry Taylor already on board when he arrived.
I attended a function where Whipple was asked about going FBS. He said we could do it but, "We'd take our lumps the first couple of years." I think it'll take three or four years before UMass will be in a position to compete in the top levels of the MAC.
Let's back the coach until then!
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It will be interesting to see if Whipple will keep the remaining staff. Coach Sollazzo and Mike Golden are popular with the players.
The vacant positions are:
- Defensive coordinator (ex-Phil Elmassian)
- Offensive coordinator (ex-John Bond)
- Special teams/OLB Coach (ex-Ted Daisher)
- Wide receivers (ex-Alan Suber)
Whipple will probably function as his own offensive coordinator, but somebody is really, really needed as QB coach.
Some interesting quotes from Coach Sollazzo in this article by Matty V.
“I like it here. I’m going to do everything I can to stay here,” he said. “I think this is a great school and the sky is the limit here. I think it’s a sleeping giant.”
Some interesting quotes from Coach Sollazzo in this article by Matty V.
“I like it here. I’m going to do everything I can to stay here,” he said. “I think this is a great school and the sky is the limit here. I think it’s a sleeping giant.”
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Defensive coordinator will probably be the biggest hire. Five NFL staffs were fired recently. I wonder if Coach Whipple would try to get somebody there or add a college coach.
List of current FBS head coaches with their offensive and defensive coordinators.
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Friday, January 10, 2014
Friday--January 10th, 2014
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| image credit unknown |
Carter's Cincinnati bio.
Carter also interviewed for Eastern Michigan in December.
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Matty V. says Don Brown has joined the list to be interviewed. I am somewhat surprised that Brown is actually put himself in the running. I didn't think he'd leave BC. The chance to be a FBS head coach and a state pension may be the reason.
Whipple or Brown would be, I believe, impact coaches---- and that's something we desperately need.
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MAC Seniors in various All-Star games.
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The Nashua Telegraph says UMass was "very high" on Sean McDonnell.
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Raw Data: UConn's football coaches salaries.
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A Scout.com article says there will be additional realignments.
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Tom and Gisele: Not like Mrs. Blog and I.
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Thursday, January 09, 2014
Recruiting 2014-- Alex Kenney
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| Image credit unknown |
State College.com has more.
Was going to run indoor track for Penn State. Quote from the article:" While in high school Kenney, was a 14-time Pennsylvania state track medalist, finishing second in the 100 meters (:10.63) and third in the 200 (:21.42) at the 2010 State Championships. He also set a state indoor record in the 60 meters (:6.80) in 2010. Kenney left State College Area High School having set seven school track and field records."
Also ran back kicks for the Nittiany Lions.
Was a Rivals four-star recruit back in 2009.
Thursday--January 9th, 2014
UNH coach Sean McDonnell says "No Thanks" to a UMass offer.
Dan Malone has the original post saying UMass was interested in McDonnell.
McDonnell has done more with less than just about any coach in FCS. McDonnell's UNH bio.
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Remember, former UMass star Alex Miller is an assistant OL coach at UNH.
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Rob Ambrose, who was one of the names thrown around for the UMass coaching search has been given a contract extension at Towson.
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The Pac-10 releases their schedule for 2014 including Colorado at Gillette on September 6th.
The Seattle Times looks at the Pac-10's OOC opponents.
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Ball State's Willie Snead has declared for the NFL draft.
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OT, but Sports Illustrated says UMass' OOC basketball wins will go a long way in Selection Day.
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Dan Malone has the original post saying UMass was interested in McDonnell.
McDonnell has done more with less than just about any coach in FCS. McDonnell's UNH bio.
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Alex Miller |
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Rob Ambrose, who was one of the names thrown around for the UMass coaching search has been given a contract extension at Towson.
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The Pac-10 releases their schedule for 2014 including Colorado at Gillette on September 6th.
The Seattle Times looks at the Pac-10's OOC opponents.
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Ball State's Willie Snead has declared for the NFL draft.
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OT, but Sports Illustrated says UMass' OOC basketball wins will go a long way in Selection Day.
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Wednesday, January 08, 2014
Recruiting 2014--Deionte Gaines
Florida Recruiting reports Deionte Gaines, a 5-8 170 pound WR/Athlete from Orlando, FL verbaled to Colorado State.
Gaines had an offer from UMass and took a visit to Amherst.
Gaines was a Rivals three-star player and had more than a dozen offers.
Gaines had an offer from UMass and took a visit to Amherst.
Gaines was a Rivals three-star player and had more than a dozen offers.
Wednesday--January 8th, 2014
In the "Live News" slider on the Hampshire Gazette's site it said that Mark Whipple did not interview for the UMass job Tuesday as previously reported. Instead he will interview later in the week.
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The BC Blog "BC Interruption" considers if Don Brown would leave the Eagles for UMass.
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Bleacher Report looks at why so many schools fire their head coaches.
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NJ.com reports that former BC head coach Spaziani is interested in the HC job at UMass.
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Bleacher Report ranks the MAC last in conference power ratings primarily because of the conference's 0-5 bowl flameout.
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USA Today has the Neilsen ratings for all the bowls. Again, the MAC did not fare well.
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Miami adds a transfer QB from Notre Dame.
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The BC Blog "BC Interruption" considers if Don Brown would leave the Eagles for UMass.
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Bleacher Report looks at why so many schools fire their head coaches.
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NJ.com reports that former BC head coach Spaziani is interested in the HC job at UMass.
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Bleacher Report ranks the MAC last in conference power ratings primarily because of the conference's 0-5 bowl flameout.
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USA Today has the Neilsen ratings for all the bowls. Again, the MAC did not fare well.
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Miami adds a transfer QB from Notre Dame.
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Tuesday, January 07, 2014
Tuesday--January 7th, 2014
The Viking Age covers Josh Samuda's signing to a future/reserve contract.
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Athlon Sports has winners and losers from the Bowl season; the MAC is among the losers.
Bowling Green signs a four-star recruit.
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One sports writer thinks an FCS-style 16 team playoff would be the way to go for FBS. Each conference champion would get a slot including the MAC.
The LA Times looks ahead to the college football playoffs.
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Eight assistant coaches at Penn State resigned Monday. Included were the Nittany Lions defensive coordinator and the recruiting coordinator.
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The final 2013 Top-25 polls. Wisconsin and Vanderbilt both made the top 25. Kansas State received some votes in the Coaches Poll.
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James Ihedigbo was one of the twenty highest graded safeties in the NFL in 2013.
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Last night's BCS Championship showed why college football is the greatest game.
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Athlon Sports has winners and losers from the Bowl season; the MAC is among the losers.
Bowling Green signs a four-star recruit.
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One sports writer thinks an FCS-style 16 team playoff would be the way to go for FBS. Each conference champion would get a slot including the MAC.
The LA Times looks ahead to the college football playoffs.
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Eight assistant coaches at Penn State resigned Monday. Included were the Nittany Lions defensive coordinator and the recruiting coordinator.
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The final 2013 Top-25 polls. Wisconsin and Vanderbilt both made the top 25. Kansas State received some votes in the Coaches Poll.
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James Ihedigbo was one of the twenty highest graded safeties in the NFL in 2013.
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Last night's BCS Championship showed why college football is the greatest game.
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Monday, January 06, 2014
Recruiting 2014-- Liam Porter
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| 247 Sports image |
247 page here.
Played one year for Boston college.
Originally a Rivals three-star recruit.
Hudl.com has 2013 video highlights.
I blogged about Porter back on October 8, 2010.
Monday--January 6th, 2014
Rod Chimelis says Mark Whipple is the best choice.
If Whipple is indeed named UMass' head coach it will be interesting to see who he brings in to be Defensive Coordinator.
You remember Don Brown left after only two years with Whipple at UMass. The next defensive coordinator under Whipple was Neil McGrath. UMass ranked 1st in total defense in the A10 in 1999. McGrath is currently at Brown.
The next DC was Tom Mesalla. He's currently at Wagner.
I doubt Don Brown would return, but I suppose anything is possible. Lots of college and NFL staffs have been let go recently. Whipple would have lots of choices, but maybe not a lot of $$ to work with.
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The MAC went 0-5 in bowl games as Arkansas State scored with 32 seconds remaining to beat Ball State 23-20 in the GoDaddy Bowl last night.
Western Michigan has been upgrading its facilities.
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Texas is still the most valuable college football team.
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The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says college football fans might miss the BCS.
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If you missed it the FCS Championship game between Towson and North Dakota State was a low-energy affair (cameras caught Towson RB Terrence West in a long, jaw-cracking yawn at the start of the game).
Brian Dowling had three catches for 48 yards, but was ridden out of his receiver pattern on one play and it resulted in a critical interception. I thought Ryan Delaire had an All-American year for Towson. He took a bad angle on a rush that allowed another North Dakota State score.
If Whipple is indeed named UMass' head coach it will be interesting to see who he brings in to be Defensive Coordinator.
You remember Don Brown left after only two years with Whipple at UMass. The next defensive coordinator under Whipple was Neil McGrath. UMass ranked 1st in total defense in the A10 in 1999. McGrath is currently at Brown.
The next DC was Tom Mesalla. He's currently at Wagner.
I doubt Don Brown would return, but I suppose anything is possible. Lots of college and NFL staffs have been let go recently. Whipple would have lots of choices, but maybe not a lot of $$ to work with.
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The MAC went 0-5 in bowl games as Arkansas State scored with 32 seconds remaining to beat Ball State 23-20 in the GoDaddy Bowl last night.
Western Michigan has been upgrading its facilities.
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Texas is still the most valuable college football team.
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The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says college football fans might miss the BCS.
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If you missed it the FCS Championship game between Towson and North Dakota State was a low-energy affair (cameras caught Towson RB Terrence West in a long, jaw-cracking yawn at the start of the game).
Brian Dowling had three catches for 48 yards, but was ridden out of his receiver pattern on one play and it resulted in a critical interception. I thought Ryan Delaire had an All-American year for Towson. He took a bad angle on a rush that allowed another North Dakota State score.
Saturday, January 04, 2014
Saturday --January 4th, 2014
The Minnesota Vikings signed Josh Samuda to their reserve squad.
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James Ihedigbo fine $15,750 for a hit in the Ravens season finale.
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Seven scholarship players leave Western Michigan.
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Today is the FCS National Championship game. It's on ESPN2 at 1:00 pm.
Towson meets North Dakota. Towson plans to give the ball to their FCS record-setting RB.
Former UMass players Ryan Delaire and Brian Dowling play for the Tigers.
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Think Auburn's last second win over Alabama was a fluke play? The Tigers had their punt return team in and were ready for the opportunity.
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New England fans don't like losers. UMaine Hockey went 2-9-6 last year at home and their season ticket sales went from 3,600 to 1,844.
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Google stats started covering the UMass Football Blog in May of 2007. As of this morning there have been 1,000,524 page views. The Blog actually started in 2005; there were about another 600,000 page views before Google started tracking.
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James Ihedigbo fine $15,750 for a hit in the Ravens season finale.
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Seven scholarship players leave Western Michigan.
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Today is the FCS National Championship game. It's on ESPN2 at 1:00 pm.
Towson meets North Dakota. Towson plans to give the ball to their FCS record-setting RB.
Former UMass players Ryan Delaire and Brian Dowling play for the Tigers.
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Think Auburn's last second win over Alabama was a fluke play? The Tigers had their punt return team in and were ready for the opportunity.
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New England fans don't like losers. UMaine Hockey went 2-9-6 last year at home and their season ticket sales went from 3,600 to 1,844.
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Google stats started covering the UMass Football Blog in May of 2007. As of this morning there have been 1,000,524 page views. The Blog actually started in 2005; there were about another 600,000 page views before Google started tracking.
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Friday, January 03, 2014
Friday--January 3rd, 2014
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| Click on image for larger view |
Matty V. reports that sources say Whipple will interview for the job. Matty also adds a doozy of a rumor -- that Don Brown will join Whipple as his defensive coordinator.
That would be a grand slam for Minutemen fans, but Brown would probably have to take a big pay cut for that to happen.
Whipple's Cleveland bio for recent UMass fans.
In this article on December 29th, Don Brown had this to say:
"In the aftermath of Charley Molnar’s dismissal at UMass, BC defensive coordinator Don Brown, who did stints in Amherst as a defensive coordinator (1998-99) and head coach (2004-08), has surfaced as a possible successor. Brown said he has had no contact with UMass.
“That’s so far from me right now, I haven’t talked to a soul,’’ Brown said. “I have no comment on that deal.’’
Whipple would be a good hire for UMass. He knows the area and he knows the challanges we face. In his previous stint with the Minutemen, the UMass offense went from 0 to 60 in about 3.2 seconds. He'd have to bring in some offensive talent to duplicate that feat.
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Former Minuteman Brian Dowling is happy at Towson.
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James Ihedigbo got high grades for his play this year for the Ravens.
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