 |
| Scout.com image |
Rivals three-star player
Hudl.com has video.
Has an offer from Wisconsin.
Besides UMass, Ancrum has offers from Florida Atlantic, Georgia Southern, Pitt and Wisconsin.
Monday, June 30, 2014
Recruiting 2015--Luke Ancrum
Rivals three-star player
Hudl.com has video.
Has an offer from Wisconsin.
Besides UMass, Ancrum has offers from Florida Atlantic, Georgia Southern, Pitt and Wisconsin.
Monday--June 30th, 2014
SaturdayBlitz.com ranks Mark Whipple as one of the top-ten coaching hires of 2014.
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Bleacher Report looks at the strengths and weaknesses of Penn State.
Rutgers and Maryland are officially part of the Big Ten.
The Nittany Lions go into 2014 with only 11 seniors.
Not counting graduate transfers, the latest version of the UMass roster lists only three seniors, which is got to be a UMass record.
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Giants off the clock thinks Michael Cox will find it hard to make the team this year.
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James Ihedigbo melds in with his new teammates with the Lions.
Ihedigbo's previous DB coach Terry Austin is now the defensive coordinator with Detroit.
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Bleacher Report looks at the strengths and weaknesses of Penn State.
Rutgers and Maryland are officially part of the Big Ten.
The Nittany Lions go into 2014 with only 11 seniors.
Not counting graduate transfers, the latest version of the UMass roster lists only three seniors, which is got to be a UMass record.
- Quayshun Smith SR
- Stanley Andre RSSR
- Daniel Maynes RSSR
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Giants off the clock thinks Michael Cox will find it hard to make the team this year.
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James Ihedigbo melds in with his new teammates with the Lions.
Ihedigbo's previous DB coach Terry Austin is now the defensive coordinator with Detroit.
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Saturday, June 28, 2014
Recruiting 2015--Gladimir Paul
 |
| 247Sports image |
Scout.com page here.
Partial quote from a March 27th article on Scout.com:
"I know I can get bigger, and I told them (Temple) that I’m working on my weight. They think I have a lot of potential.”
Paul finished his junior season with 21 sacks for the 5-7 Vikings, and has been picking up interest and making visits since. The junior will trek to Massachusetts and Connecticut this weekend before a potential trip to Penn State April 5."
Hudl.com has highlights.
Paul has eight offers including UMass, UConn and Temple from FBS.
Saturday--June 28th, 2014
UMass players spend the summer helping at the Holyoke Boys and Girls Club.
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Jesse Allen of Hustle Belt looks at the Boston College-UMass opening game and calls an Eagles win.
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Dan Rubin of BC Interruption critiques the BC and UMass advertising campaigns, and likes the Eagles better.
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"Breaking Down the Buzz" from CBS Sports thinks the Eagles have a chance for 6 or seven wins. Mentions BC-UMass.
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Penn State sold out 21,000 student tickets in a couple of hours.
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Mr. SEC.com thinks Derek Mason will keep the Commodores rolling.
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The Advertiser.com looks at the Sunbelt Conference and the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns hopes for the future. The Cajuns are looking for bigger things, which would open up a slot in the Sunbelt.
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CBS Sports looks at 20 moments that led to the growth of college football since 1984.
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A horse named after Victor Cruz won at the Belmont.
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The Steelers Depot thinks Pittsburgh has a lot of tight ends who can play in the NFL.
USA Today previews the Steelers and mentions Rob Blanchflower.
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Jesse Allen of Hustle Belt looks at the Boston College-UMass opening game and calls an Eagles win.
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Dan Rubin of BC Interruption critiques the BC and UMass advertising campaigns, and likes the Eagles better.
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"Breaking Down the Buzz" from CBS Sports thinks the Eagles have a chance for 6 or seven wins. Mentions BC-UMass.
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Penn State sold out 21,000 student tickets in a couple of hours.
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Mr. SEC.com thinks Derek Mason will keep the Commodores rolling.
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The Advertiser.com looks at the Sunbelt Conference and the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns hopes for the future. The Cajuns are looking for bigger things, which would open up a slot in the Sunbelt.
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CBS Sports looks at 20 moments that led to the growth of college football since 1984.
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A horse named after Victor Cruz won at the Belmont.
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The Steelers Depot thinks Pittsburgh has a lot of tight ends who can play in the NFL.
USA Today previews the Steelers and mentions Rob Blanchflower.
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Friday, June 27, 2014
Recruiting 2016--Kai Gray
 |
| Rivals image |
Partial quote from a June 25th Rivals article:
"To this point, Gray has already taken a visit to Rutgers and has talked about checking out both Virginia Tech and UMass. He will also make his way back to Rutgers for a 7-on-7 this Saturday, Penn State on July 20th for a camp, and either Syracuse or Maryland for a camp.'
Rivals page here.
BeRecruited.com has stats.
Gray recently received his first offer, from UConn.
Friday--June 27th, 2014
The UMass Gridiron Club will have its annual Golf outing July 25th. The following day will feature a "We Build" event for current and former UMass players only at McGuirk Stadium. Details of the event are here.
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ESPN NY says still hungry Victor Cruz is a Giant rock.
Victor has been nominated for a Nickelodeon Kids Sports Choice award.
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Boston College gets a new video board.
The Eagles also get Amherst player Taj-Amir Torres, who verbaled to Boston College yesterday.
BC blog "Soaring to Glory" comments.
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UMass recruit J.T. Kelley played in a new Central Mass All-Star game yesterday.
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UMass recruit Dan DiNicola played in the 36th Shrine All-Star game. There are some quotes from DiNicola on why he chose UMass.
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Syracuse.com has a feature on how the recruiting services rank recruits.
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Where would sports fans be without the internet? A UMass professor is working on making the internet a more efficient, safer medium.
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Thursday, June 26, 2014
Thursday--June 26th, 2014
Some of the changes from the latest UMass roster.
#2--Ross Comis will now share the number with Quayshun Smith
#6-Jamal Wilson switches from #22
#7--Blake Frohapfel shares with D'Metrius Williams
#8--Alex Kenney shares with Shane Huber
#14-Ryan Jacobucci switches from #5
#18-Andrew Verboys ex-Matt Quinn
#23-Charan Singh ex-Greg Oreoya
#26-Jarell Addo ex-Quayshun Smith
#27-Jesse Monteiro ex-Nick Valles
#30-Zeke Edmonds ex-Michael Rapoza
#32-Matt Tuleja ex-Arthur Williams
#37-Andrew Libby ex Tom Brandt
#39-Jordan Fiske ex-Eduardo Cruz
#40-Jon Lucier ex-Dillon Tighe
#41-De'Sean Downey ex Jeff Strait
#43-Matthew Wylie shared with Shadrach Abrokwah
#48-Michael Grasis ex-Vance Barton
#49-Jeremy Rodriguez ex-Galen Clemons
#50-Jack Wynne ex-Justin Anderson
#61-Joe Previte ex Aaron Oberst
#62-Emmett Odegard not assigned last year
#63-Dmitri Angelas not assigned last year
#66-Anthony Fernandez ex Costa Toubelis
#67-Dan DiNicola ex Will Giggi
#70-Ryan Johnson ex Anthony Dima
#71-Basit Dennis not assigned last year
#74-Liam Porter ex Terrel Correia
#79-Jake Largay ex Vincent Westcarr
#82-Connor Lemieux ex #27
#84-Alfred Adarkwah ex E.J. Burston
#87-T.J. Kelley ex Rob Blanchflower
#89-Jon Denton ex Derek Beck
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How Michigan's greed alienated its fans. My first thought when the "Big Five" said they wanted to leave the NCAA and form their own division was this was going to cost their fans an arm and a leg. Paying players and other planned perks is going to be big money. It's going to have to come from somewhere. Tickets, "seat licenses , parking and mandatory contributions to the athletic fund are going to increase.
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Central Michigan will provide $18.5 million to athletics from the general fund.
Syracuse will only pay the Chippewas $550,000 for a game at the Carrier Dome, but the Orange will play at Central Michigan this year.
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Davon Jones, a DB form St. Johns Prep in MA, verbaled to Boston College yesterday. He was a teammate of current Minutemen players Shadrach Abrokwah and J.T. Kelley.
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#2--Ross Comis will now share the number with Quayshun Smith
#6-Jamal Wilson switches from #22
#7--Blake Frohapfel shares with D'Metrius Williams
#8--Alex Kenney shares with Shane Huber
#14-Ryan Jacobucci switches from #5
#18-Andrew Verboys ex-Matt Quinn
#23-Charan Singh ex-Greg Oreoya
#26-Jarell Addo ex-Quayshun Smith
#27-Jesse Monteiro ex-Nick Valles
#30-Zeke Edmonds ex-Michael Rapoza
#32-Matt Tuleja ex-Arthur Williams
#37-Andrew Libby ex Tom Brandt
#39-Jordan Fiske ex-Eduardo Cruz
#40-Jon Lucier ex-Dillon Tighe
#41-De'Sean Downey ex Jeff Strait
#43-Matthew Wylie shared with Shadrach Abrokwah
#48-Michael Grasis ex-Vance Barton
#49-Jeremy Rodriguez ex-Galen Clemons
#50-Jack Wynne ex-Justin Anderson
#61-Joe Previte ex Aaron Oberst
#62-Emmett Odegard not assigned last year
#63-Dmitri Angelas not assigned last year
#66-Anthony Fernandez ex Costa Toubelis
#67-Dan DiNicola ex Will Giggi
#70-Ryan Johnson ex Anthony Dima
#71-Basit Dennis not assigned last year
#74-Liam Porter ex Terrel Correia
#79-Jake Largay ex Vincent Westcarr
#82-Connor Lemieux ex #27
#84-Alfred Adarkwah ex E.J. Burston
#87-T.J. Kelley ex Rob Blanchflower
#89-Jon Denton ex Derek Beck
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How Michigan's greed alienated its fans. My first thought when the "Big Five" said they wanted to leave the NCAA and form their own division was this was going to cost their fans an arm and a leg. Paying players and other planned perks is going to be big money. It's going to have to come from somewhere. Tickets, "seat licenses , parking and mandatory contributions to the athletic fund are going to increase.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Central Michigan will provide $18.5 million to athletics from the general fund.
Syracuse will only pay the Chippewas $550,000 for a game at the Carrier Dome, but the Orange will play at Central Michigan this year.
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Davon Jones, a DB form St. Johns Prep in MA, verbaled to Boston College yesterday. He was a teammate of current Minutemen players Shadrach Abrokwah and J.T. Kelley.
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Wednesday, June 25, 2014
UMass plays in the Tangerine Bowl--December 12th, 1964
In 1964 the Minutemen played East Carolina in the only bowl game UMass has ever played in.
The Tangerine Bowl started in 1947 and lasted until 1982.
The Minutemen, featuring players like Bob Gogick and Jerry Whelchel took a 13-0 lead before giving up two touchdowns to East Carolina.
A very kind blog reader has sent me the UMass Daily Collegian's pregame coverage of the game. Special thanks to him for supplying some important UMass football historical information. I'll add the images to the "UMass historical scans" portion of the blog.
Click on the image and Blogger displays a larger view.
The Tangerine Bowl started in 1947 and lasted until 1982.
The Minutemen, featuring players like Bob Gogick and Jerry Whelchel took a 13-0 lead before giving up two touchdowns to East Carolina.
A very kind blog reader has sent me the UMass Daily Collegian's pregame coverage of the game. Special thanks to him for supplying some important UMass football historical information. I'll add the images to the "UMass historical scans" portion of the blog.
Click on the image and Blogger displays a larger view.
Wednesday--June 25th, 2014
UMass football will take possession of the lower part of the new Performance Center July 1st. The UMass website has a short video of the interior of the building.
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Yesterday's article by Dan Malone has been updated to show UMass will play a return dated in 2017 with UConn at Rentschler Field.
Desmond Conner article here.
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Did you know Rhode Island has a fan page? RhodyRamPage has a post about the UMass-Rhode Island game in 2016. It says it's a winnable game for the Rams and also takes a shot at UMass attendance We earned the disrespect by losing to Maine, but Rhody went 3-9 in 2013 and 2-6 in the CAA. The Rams averaged 5,627 in home attendance.
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SB Nation ranks the FBS conferences. The MAC is #9.
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The MAC is doing a good job with its 2015 quarterback verbals.
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The Roanoke Times previews UMass' and Virginia Tech's mutual opponent Boston College.
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The University of Colorado has its 2016 and 2017 OOC schedule completed. Mrs Blog and I are hoping to see Ralphie run in 2015.
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OT, but Rant Sports ranks Jonathan Quick as one of the top-10 former college players in the NHL.
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Yesterday's article by Dan Malone has been updated to show UMass will play a return dated in 2017 with UConn at Rentschler Field.
Desmond Conner article here.
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Did you know Rhode Island has a fan page? RhodyRamPage has a post about the UMass-Rhode Island game in 2016. It says it's a winnable game for the Rams and also takes a shot at UMass attendance We earned the disrespect by losing to Maine, but Rhody went 3-9 in 2013 and 2-6 in the CAA. The Rams averaged 5,627 in home attendance.
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SB Nation ranks the FBS conferences. The MAC is #9.
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The MAC is doing a good job with its 2015 quarterback verbals.
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The Roanoke Times previews UMass' and Virginia Tech's mutual opponent Boston College.
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The University of Colorado has its 2016 and 2017 OOC schedule completed. Mrs Blog and I are hoping to see Ralphie run in 2015.
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OT, but Rant Sports ranks Jonathan Quick as one of the top-10 former college players in the NHL.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Recruiting 2015--- Diasjon Robinson IV
 |
| NJ.com image |
Robinson recently took part in a New Hersey big man academy and played well.
Robinson appears in several of the article's slide show images. All appearing as a coach is E.J. Barthel.
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Tuesday--June 24th, 2014
A new slide show of the football performance center is available here. It looks beautiful.
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Matty Vautour reports UMass will play UConn and Rhode Island in 2016. We should beat the Rams and adding UConn is a big deal for our program.
Dan Malone says we're 0-2 against New England opponents since we joined FBS and both games were brutal setbacks for the Minutemen.
UMass, UConn and BC playing regularly would help all three teams. The last time we played Boston College I swapped blog posts with "BC Interruption". In one of my questions I wondered how the Eagles would adjust to the ACC. With BC's high academic standards, I expected BC to end up as another Duke, only without Duke basketball. While BC started strong, to me at least, they have started to slip. They've gone 28-35 over the last five years. The Eagles were 71st in attendance last year, averaging 33,006 per game. Those aren't very good numbers. An active instate rivalry would boost their attendance and add some interest in the program.
UConn's fabulously successful basketball programs have done little for the Huskies conference affiliation. All the weight has swung to football. UConn was 75th in attendance last year, averaging 30,932 per game. Despite all the snark coming from both programs towards UMass, an active rivalry would boost all sides
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The following is a cut-and-past from a Athletic Dept e-mail.
Tickets to all away UMass Football games during the 2014 season are on sale now. Dates, opponents, and prices are listed below:
Sat. 9/13 at Vanderbilt. Tickets - $35 each
Sat. 9/20 at Penn State. Tickets - $45 each.
Sat. 10/4 at Miami OH. Tickets - $22 each.
Sat. 10/11 at Kent State. Tickets - $10 each.
Sat. 10/25 at Toledo. Tickets - $25 each.
Tue. 11/18 at Akron. Tickets - $20 each.
To ensure seating with other UMass fans, purchase tickets through the UMass Athletic Ticket Office by calling 413-545-0810.
For the game at Penn State the UMass Alumni Association has several options available including transportation, lodging and a pig roast tailgate. For more information, click here.
Thank you for your support. We hope to see you on the road cheering on the Minutemen this season!
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SB Nation previews Penn State.
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I thought I was pretty knowledgeable about Canadian football because I watch a fair amount of it in the summer. I've never seen anything like this video from football scoop.
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Matty Vautour reports UMass will play UConn and Rhode Island in 2016. We should beat the Rams and adding UConn is a big deal for our program.
Dan Malone says we're 0-2 against New England opponents since we joined FBS and both games were brutal setbacks for the Minutemen.
UMass, UConn and BC playing regularly would help all three teams. The last time we played Boston College I swapped blog posts with "BC Interruption". In one of my questions I wondered how the Eagles would adjust to the ACC. With BC's high academic standards, I expected BC to end up as another Duke, only without Duke basketball. While BC started strong, to me at least, they have started to slip. They've gone 28-35 over the last five years. The Eagles were 71st in attendance last year, averaging 33,006 per game. Those aren't very good numbers. An active instate rivalry would boost their attendance and add some interest in the program.
UConn's fabulously successful basketball programs have done little for the Huskies conference affiliation. All the weight has swung to football. UConn was 75th in attendance last year, averaging 30,932 per game. Despite all the snark coming from both programs towards UMass, an active rivalry would boost all sides
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
The following is a cut-and-past from a Athletic Dept e-mail.
Tickets to all away UMass Football games during the 2014 season are on sale now. Dates, opponents, and prices are listed below:
Sat. 9/13 at Vanderbilt. Tickets - $35 each
Sat. 9/20 at Penn State. Tickets - $45 each.
Sat. 10/4 at Miami OH. Tickets - $22 each.
Sat. 10/11 at Kent State. Tickets - $10 each.
Sat. 10/25 at Toledo. Tickets - $25 each.
Tue. 11/18 at Akron. Tickets - $20 each.
To ensure seating with other UMass fans, purchase tickets through the UMass Athletic Ticket Office by calling 413-545-0810.
For the game at Penn State the UMass Alumni Association has several options available including transportation, lodging and a pig roast tailgate. For more information, click here.
Thank you for your support. We hope to see you on the road cheering on the Minutemen this season!
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SB Nation previews Penn State.
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I thought I was pretty knowledgeable about Canadian football because I watch a fair amount of it in the summer. I've never seen anything like this video from football scoop.
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Monday, June 23, 2014
Monday--June 23, 2014
Dan Malone says football is important to the future of the AAC. Again, UMass should be a good prospect for the AAC if Whipple can make us into a decent FBS school. The AAC took Tulsa (3-9 last year in FBS), which is a small, 5000 student religious school. UMass has a far bigger athletic and academic footprint.
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Eastern Michigan goes to gray turf.
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A Bleacher Report writer breaks down the Steelers at TE.
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The Orlando Sentinel ranks Buffalo #63 and looks at the Buffs for 2014. The Minutemen close the 2014 season with Buffalo in this year's Black Friday game at McGuirk.
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Saturday Blitz looks at five teams who will miss their departed QB this season. Northern Illinois is one of them. The Huskies blew out the Minutemen in both games played with Jordan Lych. NIU Gets Northwestern, UNLV and Arkansas in three of their first four games in 2014. It should be apparent early how much Jordan meant to the Huskies.
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Penn State enters this season with just 11 seniors.
You can count the number of Minutemen seniors in the latest version of the UMass roster. The players who joined in the Spring now have numbers. Blake Fronapfel has #7.
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Brandon London had only 1 catch for 5 yards in the Larks loss to Ottawa.
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Mrs Blog and I are on our way home today after a week in Boothbay.
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Eastern Michigan goes to gray turf.
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A Bleacher Report writer breaks down the Steelers at TE.
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The Orlando Sentinel ranks Buffalo #63 and looks at the Buffs for 2014. The Minutemen close the 2014 season with Buffalo in this year's Black Friday game at McGuirk.
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Saturday Blitz looks at five teams who will miss their departed QB this season. Northern Illinois is one of them. The Huskies blew out the Minutemen in both games played with Jordan Lych. NIU Gets Northwestern, UNLV and Arkansas in three of their first four games in 2014. It should be apparent early how much Jordan meant to the Huskies.
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Penn State enters this season with just 11 seniors.
You can count the number of Minutemen seniors in the latest version of the UMass roster. The players who joined in the Spring now have numbers. Blake Fronapfel has #7.
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Brandon London had only 1 catch for 5 yards in the Larks loss to Ottawa.
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Mrs Blog and I are on our way home today after a week in Boothbay.
 |
| View from our rental |
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Saturday--June 21st, 2014
Dan Malone has a post on Trey Dudley-Giles and Tajae Sharpe being named to the Athlon Sports preseason All-MAC team.
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Aaron McLean, a 6-6 215 pound WR from Southborough, MA verbaled to UConn yesterday. He drew interest from BC and UMass.
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The Big Ten blog on ESPN says Penn State's opening stretch of four games is a soft spot in their schedule.
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The new college playoffs committee has released their tie-breakers
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Emil Igwenagu didn't get many reps during the Eagles' mini-camp.
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North Jeersey.com says Victor Cruz is out to show more.
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The Colorado Buffs are hoping upgraded facilities will help them improve in the PAC 12.
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Aaron McLean, a 6-6 215 pound WR from Southborough, MA verbaled to UConn yesterday. He drew interest from BC and UMass.
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The Big Ten blog on ESPN says Penn State's opening stretch of four games is a soft spot in their schedule.
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The new college playoffs committee has released their tie-breakers
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Emil Igwenagu didn't get many reps during the Eagles' mini-camp.
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North Jeersey.com says Victor Cruz is out to show more.
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The Colorado Buffs are hoping upgraded facilities will help them improve in the PAC 12.
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Friday, June 20, 2014
Recruiting 2015-- Brett Zanotto and Chandler Jones
Two players UMass had offered chose different schools this week.
Brett Zanotto 6-0 215 LB verbaled to Maryland.
Six-four 310 pound OL Chandler Jones picked Louisville. Jones had more than 10 offers including one from UMass.
Brett Zanotto 6-0 215 LB verbaled to Maryland.
Six-four 310 pound OL Chandler Jones picked Louisville. Jones had more than 10 offers including one from UMass.
Friday--June 20th, 2014
The BC blog "Soaring to Glory" as a post entitled "Mark Whipple melodrama".
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The UMass website reports Trey Dudley-Giles and Tajae Sharpe win preseason All-MAC honors from Athlon Sports.
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Matty Vautour speculates if hockey could join UMass football and Lax in playing a game at Gillette.
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Lancaster online says the UMass Marching Band will be at the Penn State game. Just more icing on the cake for Minutemen fans visiting Happy Valley. Mrs Blog and I are going. Hope we get a bunch of UMass fans to visit that famous stadium.
James Franklin want 107,000 fans for all five Penn State home games.
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Could the new Power Five conference poach players from non-power conferences with no transfer restrictions?
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USA Today ranks Vanderbit #74 in its preseason rankings.
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The UMass website reports Trey Dudley-Giles and Tajae Sharpe win preseason All-MAC honors from Athlon Sports.
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Matty Vautour speculates if hockey could join UMass football and Lax in playing a game at Gillette.
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 |
| AP image |
James Franklin want 107,000 fans for all five Penn State home games.
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Could the new Power Five conference poach players from non-power conferences with no transfer restrictions?
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USA Today ranks Vanderbit #74 in its preseason rankings.
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Thursday, June 19, 2014
Thursday--June 19th, 2014
Good morning! I'm still playing catch up with the blog. Today Mrs Blog and I are going out to Monhegan Island and we'll be gone all day. I'll try again this evening to report some recruiting news.
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I've blogged about the 2014 offensive line before. Dan Malone has a post about the offensive line's potential in the fall.
Unless he gets injured, I would again think Liam Porter would instantly challenge for a starting spot. In the Spring Game, Dave Solazzo's smaller DL stood up the offensive line all game.
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Mark Whipple discusses the improvements in the UMass environment that brought him back to Amherst.
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Whopple is looking forward to bringing football back to the UMass campus.
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Rob Blanchflower comments on the Steelers rookie program.
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Colorado's football coach is simply a matter of time.
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Bitcoin sponsors a bowl game.
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A New Orleans newspaper reports on the explosion of offers to recruits.
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I've blogged about the 2014 offensive line before. Dan Malone has a post about the offensive line's potential in the fall.
Unless he gets injured, I would again think Liam Porter would instantly challenge for a starting spot. In the Spring Game, Dave Solazzo's smaller DL stood up the offensive line all game.
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Mark Whipple discusses the improvements in the UMass environment that brought him back to Amherst.
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Whopple is looking forward to bringing football back to the UMass campus.
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Rob Blanchflower comments on the Steelers rookie program.
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Colorado's football coach is simply a matter of time.
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Bitcoin sponsors a bowl game.
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A New Orleans newspaper reports on the explosion of offers to recruits.
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Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Wednesday--June 18th, 2014
A Bleacher Report writer looks at all the new faces on the Steelers, including Rob Blanchflower.
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Penn Live has a short post mentioning Spencer Whipple's transfer to UMass.
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A couple of posts from Phil Steele:
Two deep class breakdown. UMass does not have many seniors so you know we're going to be low on that list.
Combined experience chart. Ditto.
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Fox Sports ranks the MAC 9th in quarterback talent.
Football.com wonders if NIU is still a national power.
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Football Scoop looks at a study that reports small college players make excellent FBS coaches.
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USA Today ranks BC #81 on their preseason report.
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ESPN says WR Nelson Spruce is Colorado's most important player. Spruce's Buffs bio.
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I'm going to try to catch up some recruiting news soon, perhaps this evening.
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Penn Live has a short post mentioning Spencer Whipple's transfer to UMass.
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A couple of posts from Phil Steele:
Two deep class breakdown. UMass does not have many seniors so you know we're going to be low on that list.
Combined experience chart. Ditto.
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Fox Sports ranks the MAC 9th in quarterback talent.
Football.com wonders if NIU is still a national power.
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Football Scoop looks at a study that reports small college players make excellent FBS coaches.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
USA Today ranks BC #81 on their preseason report.
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ESPN says WR Nelson Spruce is Colorado's most important player. Spruce's Buffs bio.
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I'm going to try to catch up some recruiting news soon, perhaps this evening.
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Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Monday--June 17th, 2014
Special thanks to "Mark" a blog reader and internet ninja who found a link to the Brandon London's stats in the Larks exhibition game.
London went 7-87 to lead all receivers. London's receptions fell off a cliff last year as did all of Montreal's offensive statistics. I watched a number of his games and they didn't throw his way much.
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Dan Malone has a story about Spencer Whipple transferring to UMass. I would think he would have to sit out a year as his is FBS to FBS transfer.
Jesse Allen of "Hustle Belt" also comments.
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The BC blog "Soaring to Glory" says there will be more BC fans at Gilllette than UMass ones in Foxborough.
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The Calgary Sun has another article on Jeremy Horne joining the Stamps.
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USA Today updates the 2014 college football TV schedule.
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al.com wonders why a player can't actually major in college football.
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Fansided releases their bowl predictions for 2014.
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London went 7-87 to lead all receivers. London's receptions fell off a cliff last year as did all of Montreal's offensive statistics. I watched a number of his games and they didn't throw his way much.
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Dan Malone has a story about Spencer Whipple transferring to UMass. I would think he would have to sit out a year as his is FBS to FBS transfer.
Jesse Allen of "Hustle Belt" also comments.
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The BC blog "Soaring to Glory" says there will be more BC fans at Gilllette than UMass ones in Foxborough.
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The Calgary Sun has another article on Jeremy Horne joining the Stamps.
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USA Today updates the 2014 college football TV schedule.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
al.com wonders why a player can't actually major in college football.
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Fansided releases their bowl predictions for 2014.
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Monday, June 16, 2014
Monday--June 16th, 2014
Mrs Blog and I will be up in Boothbay Harbor, ME for a week starting today. The house we rented supposedly has Wi-Fi, so I'll try to keep the blog going. Should there be some defugalty, the blog will be back on the 24th.
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The Boston College Blog "BC Interruption" says the betting line on the UMass-Eagles should be BC minus eleventy billion.
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The Old Rochester Regional Athletic Hall of Fame announces its 2014 hall-of-fame inductees. One is former UMass player Peter Borsari. Pete was a four year letter winner at UMass 1982, '83, '84 and '85..
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The Giants blog "Big Blue View" wonders if there will be a roster slot for Michael Cox this year.
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The Hamilton Tiger-Cats beat the Larks in an exhibition game. I can't find any box score, but Brandon London had at least two catches.
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USA Today previews #94 Akron. The Minutemen play @ Akron on 11/18. Last year UMass lost by one point.
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USA Today also previews #79 Buffalo. That will be the Black Friday game at McGuirk.
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The Boston College Blog "BC Interruption" says the betting line on the UMass-Eagles should be BC minus eleventy billion.
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The Old Rochester Regional Athletic Hall of Fame announces its 2014 hall-of-fame inductees. One is former UMass player Peter Borsari. Pete was a four year letter winner at UMass 1982, '83, '84 and '85..
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The Giants blog "Big Blue View" wonders if there will be a roster slot for Michael Cox this year.
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The Hamilton Tiger-Cats beat the Larks in an exhibition game. I can't find any box score, but Brandon London had at least two catches.
 |
| Both images from the Alouettes web site |
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USA Today previews #94 Akron. The Minutemen play @ Akron on 11/18. Last year UMass lost by one point.
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USA Today also previews #79 Buffalo. That will be the Black Friday game at McGuirk.
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Saturday, June 14, 2014
Saturday---June 14th, 2014
Single game tickets for Boston College, Colorado and Eastern Michigan at Gillette are now available.
Parking is FREE at Gillette. Grab somebody and go.
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The Penn State Blog "Black Shoe Diaries" reports, citing numerous sources, that Spencer Whipple will transfer to UMass.
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OOC opponent Vanderbilt is looking at a six-man quarterback competition to start in the fall.
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This article by the Enterprise mentions UMass walk-on Joe Previte.
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Sporting News looks at if the non-BCS leagues need their own playoff structure.
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James Ihedigbo is building chemistry in the Lions backfield.
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Fan Sided looks at the running backs, including Michael Cox, battle to make the 2014 Giants squad.
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The CFL has a new team this year: the Ottawa RedBlacks (no I don't know what it means either). Former UMass standout Anton McKenzie will play for them.
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Parking is FREE at Gillette. Grab somebody and go.
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The Penn State Blog "Black Shoe Diaries" reports, citing numerous sources, that Spencer Whipple will transfer to UMass.
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OOC opponent Vanderbilt is looking at a six-man quarterback competition to start in the fall.
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This article by the Enterprise mentions UMass walk-on Joe Previte.
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Sporting News looks at if the non-BCS leagues need their own playoff structure.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James Ihedigbo is building chemistry in the Lions backfield.
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Fan Sided looks at the running backs, including Michael Cox, battle to make the 2014 Giants squad.
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The CFL has a new team this year: the Ottawa RedBlacks (no I don't know what it means either). Former UMass standout Anton McKenzie will play for them.
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Friday, June 13, 2014
Friday--June 13th, 2014
UMass has a special season ticket offer: buy four season tickets and receive four complimentary tickets to the UMass hoops opening game. Deadline is today at 5:00 pm. Call 1-866-UMASS-TIX.
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Dan Malone has a post on Jeremy Horne joining the Calgary Stamps.
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While UMass is raising private funding for the McGuirk upgrades, the Massachusetts legislature approves $1 billion dollars for an upgrade to the South Boston Convention Center.
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Sports Chat Place previews the 2014 Minutemen.
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Black Shoe Diaries says UMass has absolutely no shot at winning when we play at Penn State.
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Mr. SEC thinks if the Power Five split from the NCAA, UConn has the best chance of the non-power schools to be picked up by a Big Five conference.
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BC Interruption says the Boston College brain trust is taking the UMass game seriously.
Speaking of the Eagles, USA Today previews BC and thinks they'll win five games in 2014.
BTY, BC is #128th in the FBS nation in % of offensive yards returning.
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A Bleacher Report writer thinks UMass and UConn will finish last in both their conferences.
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Syracuse has offered 188 players scholarships for the 2015 recruiting class.
The Orange coaching staff sent one recruit 64 letters in a single weekend.
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Dan Malone has a post on Jeremy Horne joining the Calgary Stamps.
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While UMass is raising private funding for the McGuirk upgrades, the Massachusetts legislature approves $1 billion dollars for an upgrade to the South Boston Convention Center.
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Sports Chat Place previews the 2014 Minutemen.
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Black Shoe Diaries says UMass has absolutely no shot at winning when we play at Penn State.
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Mr. SEC thinks if the Power Five split from the NCAA, UConn has the best chance of the non-power schools to be picked up by a Big Five conference.
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BC Interruption says the Boston College brain trust is taking the UMass game seriously.
Speaking of the Eagles, USA Today previews BC and thinks they'll win five games in 2014.
BTY, BC is #128th in the FBS nation in % of offensive yards returning.
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A Bleacher Report writer thinks UMass and UConn will finish last in both their conferences.
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Syracuse has offered 188 players scholarships for the 2015 recruiting class.
The Orange coaching staff sent one recruit 64 letters in a single weekend.
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Thursday, June 12, 2014
Recruiting 2015-- Joe Parsons II
Earlier I blogged about Joe Parsons, a 6-5 285 pound OL from Xaverian Bros HS verbaling to UMass.
ESPN Boston has a story about Parsons joining the Minutemen.
Hustle Belt also has a short post on Parsons.
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ESPN Boston has a story about Parsons joining the Minutemen.
Hustle Belt also has a short post on Parsons.
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Thursday--June 12th, 2014
UMass AD John McCutcheon is interviewed by Ron Chimelis and sees hope and progress.
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FWIW, I see definite progress in UMass football. Remember, Coach Whipple has only been here for about five months. Yesterday, it was reported the Minutemen signed perhaps the highest rated player ever to commit to the Minutemen---- and he's going to be playing (Insh'allah) in August.
Assistant coaches are saying with the program. Former players who left the program have returned. The train-wreck offense has added two FBS transfers and five JUCO's ---- one of whom is a former four-star recruit. That's a lot of progress in five months.
Sometimes it's tough to ignore the sour commentary coming from the press, but we're going to be OK.
Go UMass!
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Mrs Blog and I have flipped sides. We've been in Section 6, Row I every year since 1976. Yesterday, I called the Ticket Office and said we would switch over to the other side. The past was FCS; 2014 is a new beginning.
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Former UMass player Jeremy Horne has joined the Calgary Stampeders.
Horne's Stamps bio here.
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Fox Sports previews Vanderbilt.
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Anthony Dima who had been released by the Browns, has been added to the Houston Texans squad.
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A Bleacher Report writer power ranks conferences by coaching stability.
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FWIW, I see definite progress in UMass football. Remember, Coach Whipple has only been here for about five months. Yesterday, it was reported the Minutemen signed perhaps the highest rated player ever to commit to the Minutemen---- and he's going to be playing (Insh'allah) in August.
Assistant coaches are saying with the program. Former players who left the program have returned. The train-wreck offense has added two FBS transfers and five JUCO's ---- one of whom is a former four-star recruit. That's a lot of progress in five months.
Sometimes it's tough to ignore the sour commentary coming from the press, but we're going to be OK.
Go UMass!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mrs Blog and I have flipped sides. We've been in Section 6, Row I every year since 1976. Yesterday, I called the Ticket Office and said we would switch over to the other side. The past was FCS; 2014 is a new beginning.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Former UMass player Jeremy Horne has joined the Calgary Stampeders.
Horne's Stamps bio here.
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Fox Sports previews Vanderbilt.
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Anthony Dima who had been released by the Browns, has been added to the Houston Texans squad.
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A Bleacher Report writer power ranks conferences by coaching stability.
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Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Recruiting 2014---Drew Harris & Lukas Kolter
 |
| 247Sports image |
Drew Harris, a former Rivals four star recruit, is probably the highest ranked recruit ever to sign with the Minutemen.
247Sports page here.
Scout.com page here.
This article from 2013 features Harris.
The other player is Lukas Kolter a 6-3 310 pound DT from Germany. With UMass switching to the 3-4 this year, a big nose tackle would help. The only player that has typical nose tackle size currently on the roster is 6-1 300 pound Robert Kitching. In Spring ball, Daniel Maynes, 6-2 285 was the first string NT.
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Wednesday---June 11th, 2014
You may have been following the seating change comments over the last few days. I received a letter from the Athletic Dept yesterday detailing the optional changes.
They want to move the team, the band and the UMass fans to the opposite side because, unlike in the past, the November 12th game against Ball state, a Wednesday night game and November 28th, Friday game against Buffalo will be nationally televised.
They want the cameras showing the UMass band and UMass fans rather than the nearly empty visiting stands. The November 28th game is particularly problematic as that's the dreaded Black Friday Afternoon Game. It's Thanksgiving, so the students will be gone.
The previous Black Friday game at Gillette drew a two-year season low of 6,300 fans. I doubt McGuirk will draw any more.
Mrs Blog and I have been in Section 6, Row I seats 19-20 since 1976. We have a lot of attachment to those seats, but we'll probably move to be with UMass fans and help the team. Perception is reality for many, so we need to look good if we want to get picked up by a conference.
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Dan Malone reports a NFL.com writer thinks the UMass-Colorado matchup will be the worst in FBS. To me the game is not "puzzling" at all. The Buffs have fared poorly recently. They need wins. UMass gets one game at Gillette and Colorado gets two at their place. The series starts at Gillette. How puzzling is that?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan also has a story on the possibility the Minutemen will have to play as an independent at least for a few years. Everyone knows this is not viable long term, but with the decision not to go all-sports in the MAC, it was a possibility when the decision was made.
Comcast Sports Net New England says UMass braces for life as an independent.
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Jesse Allen of Hustle Belt looks at the running back situation for UMass in 2014.
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Elijah Robinson, a New Jersey QB with a UMass offer, verbaled to BC yesterday.
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Tostitos drops the Fiesta Bowl.
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They want to move the team, the band and the UMass fans to the opposite side because, unlike in the past, the November 12th game against Ball state, a Wednesday night game and November 28th, Friday game against Buffalo will be nationally televised.
They want the cameras showing the UMass band and UMass fans rather than the nearly empty visiting stands. The November 28th game is particularly problematic as that's the dreaded Black Friday Afternoon Game. It's Thanksgiving, so the students will be gone.
The previous Black Friday game at Gillette drew a two-year season low of 6,300 fans. I doubt McGuirk will draw any more.
Mrs Blog and I have been in Section 6, Row I seats 19-20 since 1976. We have a lot of attachment to those seats, but we'll probably move to be with UMass fans and help the team. Perception is reality for many, so we need to look good if we want to get picked up by a conference.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone reports a NFL.com writer thinks the UMass-Colorado matchup will be the worst in FBS. To me the game is not "puzzling" at all. The Buffs have fared poorly recently. They need wins. UMass gets one game at Gillette and Colorado gets two at their place. The series starts at Gillette. How puzzling is that?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan also has a story on the possibility the Minutemen will have to play as an independent at least for a few years. Everyone knows this is not viable long term, but with the decision not to go all-sports in the MAC, it was a possibility when the decision was made.
Comcast Sports Net New England says UMass braces for life as an independent.
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Jesse Allen of Hustle Belt looks at the running back situation for UMass in 2014.
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Elijah Robinson, a New Jersey QB with a UMass offer, verbaled to BC yesterday.
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Tostitos drops the Fiesta Bowl.
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Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Recruiting 2015--- Joe Parsons verbals to UMass
 |
| NCSA image |
Dan Malone has the story.
Parsons' NCSA recruiting profile here.
ESPN Boston reports on Parsons verbal.
Parsons was not rated by any recruiting service I could find.
Tuesday--June 10th, 2014
As UMass continues to search for a conference, the Minutemen could play temporarily as an independent.
UMass' affiliation to the MAC runs out in two years. That's a short time to build a FBS winner even for Whipple. As the article says, it would be prudent to have a plan "B" if nothing is set by that time.
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Hustle Belt comments on former UMass HC Charlie Molnar's hiring at Idaho. I haven't seen any announcement yet by the Vandals.
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The Register and Democrat reports former UMass legend Rene Ingoglia has been named to the Frontier Hall-of-Fame.
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One the the TE's ahead of Rob Blanchflower on the Steelers roster was injured during last week's practice.
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Like UMass, OOC opponent Vanderbilt is looking for a quarterback.
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ESPN Boston says Boston College toughest stretch in its 2014 schedule will be in November.
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Meanwhile, back in FCS, the Towson cheerleading squad is in trouble after an incident involving beer and adult diapers.
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UMass' affiliation to the MAC runs out in two years. That's a short time to build a FBS winner even for Whipple. As the article says, it would be prudent to have a plan "B" if nothing is set by that time.
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Hustle Belt comments on former UMass HC Charlie Molnar's hiring at Idaho. I haven't seen any announcement yet by the Vandals.
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The Register and Democrat reports former UMass legend Rene Ingoglia has been named to the Frontier Hall-of-Fame.
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One the the TE's ahead of Rob Blanchflower on the Steelers roster was injured during last week's practice.
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Like UMass, OOC opponent Vanderbilt is looking for a quarterback.
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ESPN Boston says Boston College toughest stretch in its 2014 schedule will be in November.
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Meanwhile, back in FCS, the Towson cheerleading squad is in trouble after an incident involving beer and adult diapers.
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Monday, June 09, 2014
Recruiting 2015---Dhany Dye
 |
| Scout.com image |
Hudl.com has Junior video highlights.
Scout.com page here.
This article from October of 2013 features Dye.
Besides UMass, Dye is getting contacts from Georgia, Purdue, South Carolina, South Florida and Utah.
June 9th, 2014
The Boston Herald has an article on walk-on Joe Previte. The Brockton High graduate played OL and DL in high school. At 6-2 285 it would appear Previte would be a better fit at DL in college.
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gmenhq.com does a feature on Victor Cruz that mostly features his time at UMass.
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The Montreal Gazette says Brandon London is out to prove himself after a bad year in 2013.
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The Advocate says autonomy for the "big five" will increase their domination over the rest of college football.
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Besides Rob Blanchflower, the Steelers have another MAC draft choice, Dri Archer.
Speaking of Rob Blanchflower, SportsMedia.com looks at the TE's ahead of him on the Steelers roster.
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UConn's leading rusher, Lyle McCombs has left the team. In our first game in FBS on August 12th, 2012 McCombs ran for 89 yards on 23 carries and scored one TD.
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Vanderbilt's new coach wants to make the Commodores into a national brand.
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gmenhq.com does a feature on Victor Cruz that mostly features his time at UMass.
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The Montreal Gazette says Brandon London is out to prove himself after a bad year in 2013.
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The Advocate says autonomy for the "big five" will increase their domination over the rest of college football.
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Besides Rob Blanchflower, the Steelers have another MAC draft choice, Dri Archer.
Speaking of Rob Blanchflower, SportsMedia.com looks at the TE's ahead of him on the Steelers roster.
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UConn's leading rusher, Lyle McCombs has left the team. In our first game in FBS on August 12th, 2012 McCombs ran for 89 yards on 23 carries and scored one TD.
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Vanderbilt's new coach wants to make the Commodores into a national brand.
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Saturday, June 07, 2014
Saturday--June 7th, 2014
Kick off times and TV coverage has been announced for several of the 2014 games.
Dan Malone has more.
The MAC conference website has schedule updates for all the league teams.
The 3:00 pm starting times for the first two Gillette should be pretty sweet. Arrive at Noon and tailgate until kickoff. There should be a big turnout for the BC-UMass game. If we get good weather for 2014 games, UMass could lead the MAC in attendance.
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The Worcester Telegram has a story about local players included in the eight walk-ons announced by UMass yesterday.
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The Sentinel & Enterprise has an article on UMass legend Milt Morin.
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News OK comments on the SEC's OOC schedule including Vanderbilt-UMass.
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College Football Schedules looks at college football teams who don't leave their home state until October.
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The Tribune has a Q&A session with new Bowling Green HC Dino Barbers. The Falcons play at McGuirk on September 27th.
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The Independent says autonomy for the big five conferences is a game-changer in college football.
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NAIA Campbellfull will has a DB back recruit who's a little unusual.
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Dan Malone has more.
The MAC conference website has schedule updates for all the league teams.
The 3:00 pm starting times for the first two Gillette should be pretty sweet. Arrive at Noon and tailgate until kickoff. There should be a big turnout for the BC-UMass game. If we get good weather for 2014 games, UMass could lead the MAC in attendance.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Worcester Telegram has a story about local players included in the eight walk-ons announced by UMass yesterday.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Sentinel & Enterprise has an article on UMass legend Milt Morin.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
News OK comments on the SEC's OOC schedule including Vanderbilt-UMass.
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College Football Schedules looks at college football teams who don't leave their home state until October.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Tribune has a Q&A session with new Bowling Green HC Dino Barbers. The Falcons play at McGuirk on September 27th.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Independent says autonomy for the big five conferences is a game-changer in college football.
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NAIA Campbellfull will has a DB back recruit who's a little unusual.
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Friday, June 06, 2014
Friday--June 6th, 2014
Dan Malone reports UMass adds eight walk-ons to the Minutmen 2014 class.
ESPN Boston also did a story about the additions.
Five of the eight are from Massachusetts, which will keep the Bay State percentage up. Included are:
Alfred Adarkwah---WR-6-4 175 pounds from Worcester. I've blogged about Adarkwah before.
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J.T. Kelley--WR 6-6 215 pounds from St. Johns HS
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Basit Dennis--OL/DL 280 pounds from Worcester Academy. ESPN Boston reports on him walking on for UMass
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Andrew Libby--Athlete-6-0 195 pounds Saco Maine. I've blogged about Libby several times in the past.
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Jon Lucier--TE--6-6 215 pounds from Holden, MA. ESPN reported on Lucier's committing to UMass back in February. NCSA recruiting profile here.
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John Previte --OL/DL 285 pounds from Brockton, MA. Was All-State on defensive line. Previte was named All-New England in the fall of 2013 for Northfield Mt. Hermon.
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Jeremy Rodriguez--DB 6-2 205 Hillsdale, NJ. East Coast Prep bio here (scroll).
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Matthew Wylie--K 6-5 190 pounds Dipping Springs TX. I've blogged about Wylie before.
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Just as a WAG, I'd speculate Adarkwah and Wylie have the greatest chance of playing as true freshman in 2014...
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Dan Malone reports former UMass head coach Charlie Molnar will join Idaho as a position coach.
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OT, but Sports Illustrated reports John Calipari has signed a contract with Kentucky that SI calls "jaw dropping"
The Montgomery Advertiser says Tony Barbee might rejoin Calipari at Kentucky.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ESPN Boston also did a story about the additions.
Five of the eight are from Massachusetts, which will keep the Bay State percentage up. Included are:
Alfred Adarkwah---WR-6-4 175 pounds from Worcester. I've blogged about Adarkwah before.
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J.T. Kelley--WR 6-6 215 pounds from St. Johns HS
----------------------------------------------------------------
 |
| Hudl.com image |
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Andrew Libby--Athlete-6-0 195 pounds Saco Maine. I've blogged about Libby several times in the past.
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 |
| NCSA image |
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John Previte --OL/DL 285 pounds from Brockton, MA. Was All-State on defensive line. Previte was named All-New England in the fall of 2013 for Northfield Mt. Hermon.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
 |
| East Coast Prep image |
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Matthew Wylie--K 6-5 190 pounds Dipping Springs TX. I've blogged about Wylie before.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just as a WAG, I'd speculate Adarkwah and Wylie have the greatest chance of playing as true freshman in 2014...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone reports former UMass head coach Charlie Molnar will join Idaho as a position coach.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OT, but Sports Illustrated reports John Calipari has signed a contract with Kentucky that SI calls "jaw dropping"
The Montgomery Advertiser says Tony Barbee might rejoin Calipari at Kentucky.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, June 05, 2014
Thursday--June 5th, 2014
UMass announces the renaming of the 100 yard club. What ever it is called, it's the primary fund raising and support group for Minutemen Football. Please join. the lowest level is $100 and you will receive:
- Special Event Invitations
- Minutemen auto decal
- Minutemen Club E-newsletter
- Priority ticket points
- In-season Gridiron Club Newsletter
Higher levels of giving get more perks. If $100 is too rich, they'll take any donation. Even a $10 donation helps. It also supplies an important element in the culture wars. You'd be listed as a contributor; the total number of people interested in UMass football really helps establish a constituency for UMass football. That's important.
Gridiron Club brochure. (.pdf download)
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The cost of Big Ten opponents keeps rising. UMass will receive $850,000 for its game at Penn State. MAC schools will receive between a high of $1.1 million for Miami (Ohio) at Michigan to a low of $500,000 for Purdue-Central Michigan.
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Boston College picks up a verbal from Sharrieff Girice, a 6-1 190 pound RB from CT. He had offers from UMass, Rutgers, UNH and Albany.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On May 26th, I blogged about Malik Henderson, a 6-0 174 pound DB from FL. Yesterday, he verbaled to Pitt.
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Athlon Sports ranks Penn State #22 in its pre-2014 rankings.
Athlon also ranks Mark Whipple as #104 coach in FBS.
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2014 OOC opponent Vanderbilt adds a QB transfer from LSU.
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NJ.com says Victor Cruz will love the Giants new offense.
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Wednesday, June 04, 2014
Recruiting 2015--Gary Mccrae
 |
| McCrae #4/ image credit unknown |
247Sports page here.
YouTube junior highlights here.
Besides UMass, McCrae has offers from Cincinnati, Southern Mississippi and Temple.
Wednesday--June 4th, 2014
Tickets for Gillette Stadium go on sale June 6th! Mrs Blog and I already have our season tickets and friend will be joining us this year. Grab somebody and take them to Foxborough; you'll make a convert.
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The UMass website has a post about Phil Steele picking four Minutemen to his preseason All-MAC teams.
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Steelers Depot says not all of Pittsburgh's draft picks will make the team (but thinks Rob Blancherflower has a good shot).
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Athlon Sports predicts the MAC in 2014.
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Berry Tramel ranks the ACC's OOC schedule UMass and Maine get a mention in BC's ranking.
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CBS Sports ranks the SEC's OOC schedule and opines Vanderbilt's is the weakest in FBS.
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Chris Cullum of Hustle Belt wonder if the MAC should get rid of its divisions.
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The NFL muscles in on Thursday night college football games.
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James Ihedigbo improves the chemistry of the Lions secondary.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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The UMass website has a post about Phil Steele picking four Minutemen to his preseason All-MAC teams.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steelers Depot says not all of Pittsburgh's draft picks will make the team (but thinks Rob Blancherflower has a good shot).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Athlon Sports predicts the MAC in 2014.
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Berry Tramel ranks the ACC's OOC schedule UMass and Maine get a mention in BC's ranking.
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CBS Sports ranks the SEC's OOC schedule and opines Vanderbilt's is the weakest in FBS.
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Chris Cullum of Hustle Belt wonder if the MAC should get rid of its divisions.
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The NFL muscles in on Thursday night college football games.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James Ihedigbo improves the chemistry of the Lions secondary.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, June 03, 2014
Tuesday--June 3rd, 2014
Dan Malone reports Phil Steele has four Minutemen on his preseason All-MAC teams.
Trey Dudley-Giles was named 1st team kick returner and 3rd team punt returner. In 2013 Dudley-Giles went 12-147 12.2 AVE 30 LONG in punt returns. For kick returns he totaled 30-669 22.3 AVE 41 LONG.
Dudley-Giles tied for 3rd in the MAC in kick return average.
Tajae Sharpe was named 3rd team as a wide receiver. Sharpe was 9th in the MAC in receptions per game. His totals were 61-680 4TD's 38 LONG 56.7 YARDS/Game 5.1 REC/GAME.
Randall Jette was named 3rd team at cornerback. Jette was 6th in the MAC in passes defended with 11 BKUP and 1 INT. He was also 9th in the league in FF and 3rd in fumbles recovered.
Stanley Andre was named to the 4th team All-Preseason at LB. Andre tied for 6th in the MAC with 42 UT 69 AT 111 TT 9.2 AVE/G and 1 INT.
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Athlon Sport ranks UMass as #121 in the FBS universe for 2014. It's a mostly positive review focusing on the newcomers to the offense.
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The Orlando Sentinel has ten MAC players to watch in 2014.
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The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has a chat that mentions Rob Blanchflower.
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Get set for the inaugural MAC-affiliated Boca-Raton Bowl
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The new playoffs may force changes in college football officiating.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OT, but former UMass cheerleader Jenny Dell and NESN have parted ways.
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Trey Dudley-Giles was named 1st team kick returner and 3rd team punt returner. In 2013 Dudley-Giles went 12-147 12.2 AVE 30 LONG in punt returns. For kick returns he totaled 30-669 22.3 AVE 41 LONG.
Dudley-Giles tied for 3rd in the MAC in kick return average.
Tajae Sharpe was named 3rd team as a wide receiver. Sharpe was 9th in the MAC in receptions per game. His totals were 61-680 4TD's 38 LONG 56.7 YARDS/Game 5.1 REC/GAME.
Randall Jette was named 3rd team at cornerback. Jette was 6th in the MAC in passes defended with 11 BKUP and 1 INT. He was also 9th in the league in FF and 3rd in fumbles recovered.
Stanley Andre was named to the 4th team All-Preseason at LB. Andre tied for 6th in the MAC with 42 UT 69 AT 111 TT 9.2 AVE/G and 1 INT.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Athlon Sport ranks UMass as #121 in the FBS universe for 2014. It's a mostly positive review focusing on the newcomers to the offense.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Orlando Sentinel has ten MAC players to watch in 2014.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has a chat that mentions Rob Blanchflower.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Get set for the inaugural MAC-affiliated Boca-Raton Bowl
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The new playoffs may force changes in college football officiating.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OT, but former UMass cheerleader Jenny Dell and NESN have parted ways.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, June 02, 2014
Recruiting 2015--Cinjun Erskine IV
I've blogged about Cinjun Erskine three times before. Erskine is a 6-2 205 pound left-handed QB from Barnegat, NJ.
He ranked by NJ.com as the #49th recruit in New Jersey.
NJ.com updates his recruiting status here.
Besides UMass, Miami (FL) has also offered from FBS.
He ranked by NJ.com as the #49th recruit in New Jersey.
NJ.com updates his recruiting status here.
Besides UMass, Miami (FL) has also offered from FBS.
Monday--June 2nd, 2014
Slow news day for college football. Also, I'm up in Maine with an equally slow Wi-FI connection, so today's blog maybe somewhat sparse.
UMass season tickets are available from a low of $100 for all six games. Get yours now!
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James Ihedigbo says the Lions will play hard hitting, vicious football
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ESPN says Boston College will have a different look in their receiving corps in 2014.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The new NCAA summer rules kick in as Penn State returns to workouts.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A sports book has odds on making the college football playoff. Some of the teams on the list may reflect the hopes of a rabid fan base rather than the chances of being one of the top four teams in the nation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UMass season tickets are available from a low of $100 for all six games. Get yours now!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James Ihedigbo says the Lions will play hard hitting, vicious football
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ESPN says Boston College will have a different look in their receiving corps in 2014.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The new NCAA summer rules kick in as Penn State returns to workouts.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A sports book has odds on making the college football playoff. Some of the teams on the list may reflect the hopes of a rabid fan base rather than the chances of being one of the top four teams in the nation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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