CBS Sports reports potential Notre Dame starting RB Greg Bryant will be suspended for the first four games of the 2015 season. That will include the UMass game.
Bryant's Notre Dame bio.
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The Prediction Machine ranks the Minutemen #101 in home field advantage.
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NBC Sports updates conference realignments for 2015.
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The Herald-Dispatch wonders if the Big Twelve raids the AAC, would Marshall jump from Conference USA. Mentions UMass and Army joining the AAC.
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Matt Rhule and Temple have agreed to a contract extension.
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DeJon Wilson is primed to make a mark in the Colorado Buffs defense.
Buffs HC Jim Leavitt sees lots of work to do before fall camp.
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A Bleacher Report writer predicts Rob Blanchflower will not make this year's 53-man Steelers roster.
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Phil Steele has the best and worst over the last three years.
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Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Monday, June 29, 2015
Monday--June 29th, 2015
There's a new version of the 2015 roster up.
It looks as if some of the 2015 recruits are in for the Summer Session. NCAA regulations limit roster to 105 for summer practice; once the season starts there is no limit on the number of players.
Changes (the bios are empty for the 2015 recruits so far):
Kelton Brackett-- DB 5-11 200 wearing # 1 (same as Tajae Sharpe)
Dan Jonah-- WR 5-11 198 wearing #5 (same as Peter Angeh)
Marquis Young--RB 5-11 200 wearing #8 (same as Shane Huber)
Randall West--QB 6-5 220 wearing #13 (worn by Jordan Broadnax last year)
Shaquille Harris-- WR now wearing #14 (ex #86)
James Sosinski-- QB 6-6 240 wearing #17 (same as Jovan Santos-Knox)
Jordan Hamilton-- DB 5-9 200 wearing #20 (same as Lorenzo Woodley)
J.T. Blyden --RB (not on roster)
Andy Isabella-- RB 5-10 185 wearing #23 (same as Blake Lucas)
Mike Caggiano--K 5-11 170 wearing #31 (worn by Iric Harris last year)
Sekai Lindsey--RB 5-9 210 wearing #35 (worn by Stanley Andre last year)
Lee Moses--DB 6-1 190 wearing #40 (same as Jon Lucier)
Kenny Keam--RB 6-0 227 wearing #46 (same as Lucas Amato)
Lamarriel Taylor--WR 6-2 185 wearing #86 (worn by Shaquille Harris last year)
Darrian Josey--WR 6-0 165 wearing #89 (worn by Jon Denton last year)
Elijah Barrows--WR 6-1 180 no number assigned
Dejion Evans--WR 6-3 203 no number assigned
Tom Rodrick--LB 6-3 230 no number assigned
Theo Yongue--K 5-8 165 no number assigned
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Phil Steele looks at first downs per game in 2014: green means 20 best and red means 20 worst. UMass show green in two offensive categories, all red in defense.
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Someone you need to know: Ryan Gallant. see the middle of the article for his work with UMass football.
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Akron football's attendance is the lowest in the nation. Students say they'll go to the games "if they give us free stuff".
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Blowguin.com previews the 2015 NIU Huskies.
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The News & Observer previews the 2015 Boston College Eagles. With two FCS game (only one counts towards bowl eligibility) the Eagles will need to pick up another FBS win to go to a bowl this year.
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Colorado HC Jim Leavitt is encouraged by his defensive line prospects.
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It looks as if some of the 2015 recruits are in for the Summer Session. NCAA regulations limit roster to 105 for summer practice; once the season starts there is no limit on the number of players.
Changes (the bios are empty for the 2015 recruits so far):
Kelton Brackett-- DB 5-11 200 wearing # 1 (same as Tajae Sharpe)
Dan Jonah-- WR 5-11 198 wearing #5 (same as Peter Angeh)
Marquis Young--RB 5-11 200 wearing #8 (same as Shane Huber)
Randall West--QB 6-5 220 wearing #13 (worn by Jordan Broadnax last year)
Shaquille Harris-- WR now wearing #14 (ex #86)
James Sosinski-- QB 6-6 240 wearing #17 (same as Jovan Santos-Knox)
Jordan Hamilton-- DB 5-9 200 wearing #20 (same as Lorenzo Woodley)
J.T. Blyden --RB (not on roster)
Andy Isabella-- RB 5-10 185 wearing #23 (same as Blake Lucas)
Mike Caggiano--K 5-11 170 wearing #31 (worn by Iric Harris last year)
Sekai Lindsey--RB 5-9 210 wearing #35 (worn by Stanley Andre last year)
Lee Moses--DB 6-1 190 wearing #40 (same as Jon Lucier)
Kenny Keam--RB 6-0 227 wearing #46 (same as Lucas Amato)
Lamarriel Taylor--WR 6-2 185 wearing #86 (worn by Shaquille Harris last year)
Darrian Josey--WR 6-0 165 wearing #89 (worn by Jon Denton last year)
Elijah Barrows--WR 6-1 180 no number assigned
Dejion Evans--WR 6-3 203 no number assigned
Tom Rodrick--LB 6-3 230 no number assigned
Theo Yongue--K 5-8 165 no number assigned
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Phil Steele looks at first downs per game in 2014: green means 20 best and red means 20 worst. UMass show green in two offensive categories, all red in defense.
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Someone you need to know: Ryan Gallant. see the middle of the article for his work with UMass football.
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Akron football's attendance is the lowest in the nation. Students say they'll go to the games "if they give us free stuff".
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Blowguin.com previews the 2015 NIU Huskies.
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The News & Observer previews the 2015 Boston College Eagles. With two FCS game (only one counts towards bowl eligibility) the Eagles will need to pick up another FBS win to go to a bowl this year.
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Colorado HC Jim Leavitt is encouraged by his defensive line prospects.
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Saturday, June 27, 2015
Saturday--June 27th, 2015
 |
| UMass website |
If you don't lift the competition UMass DT Robert Kitching won is called "Farmers Walk". Besides the weight (250 pounds in Kitching's case) the barbell tends to want to twist. It creates a massive amount of work for your forearms and the rest of your body.
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The UMass website also has a story about former UMass player Darren Thellen (graduated 2012) working with Brockton young people.
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Matty Vautour does a question & answer session with the Irish Illustrated.
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Dan Rubin of the Boston College blog "BC Interruption" says UMass is one of the teams he loves to hate. Another reason why UMass, BC and UConn should play every year. Nothing is better than beating the team of the guy in the next cubical over :)
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Deregulating conference championship games could be huge for college football.
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Victor Cruz says "this rehab will make me or break me".
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Friday, June 26, 2015
Recruiting 2016--A.J. Dillon II
 |
| NJ.com image |
It turns out he's the grandson of Notre Dame great Thom Gatewood and Dillon will be making a visit to South Bend on the 19th.
Thom Gatewood named to college football Hall-of-Fame.
Dillon holds an offer by UMass as well as a number of other FBS schools.
Friday--June 26th, 2015
The Gridiron Club Golf Classic is coming on August 5th. If you want UMass football to succeed, if you want to win, help Coach Whipple by joining the Gridiron Club. Every membership helps twice. Your donation pays recruiting expenses and enables the staff to bring players in for visits. Your name on the list helps in the culture wars on campus. Irritate the anti-football crowd by joining now. It'll make you feel really good.
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Dan Malone has a post on Blake Frohnapfel feeling comfortable in a leadership role.
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The MAC blog "Hustle Belt" is running a "Top 70 Players in the MAC series" Khary Bailey-Smith is #70. Khary's UMass bio.
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BYU fans say adding Toledo to the Cougars' 2016 slate is "one step above Weber State".
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Western Michigan's 2016 recruiting class is now ranked 27th in the nation with 13 three-star recruits.
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A sportswriter says the Big 12 should raid some of the Group-of-five schools to become a "mega-conference".
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James Ihedigbo says he out-performed his contract last year.
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A Bleacher Report writer looks at the Steelers' depth at TE including Rob Blanchflower.
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Dan Malone has a post on Blake Frohnapfel feeling comfortable in a leadership role.
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The MAC blog "Hustle Belt" is running a "Top 70 Players in the MAC series" Khary Bailey-Smith is #70. Khary's UMass bio.
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BYU fans say adding Toledo to the Cougars' 2016 slate is "one step above Weber State".
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Western Michigan's 2016 recruiting class is now ranked 27th in the nation with 13 three-star recruits.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
A sportswriter says the Big 12 should raid some of the Group-of-five schools to become a "mega-conference".
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
James Ihedigbo says he out-performed his contract last year.
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A Bleacher Report writer looks at the Steelers' depth at TE including Rob Blanchflower.
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Thursday, June 25, 2015
Thursday--June 25th, 2015
 |
| Robert Kitching wins Strongman Throphy |
Robert Kitching won the trophy.
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UMass LB Trey Seals is interviewed by Matty Vautour on the recent tragedy in South Carolina.
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A BYU blog says the Cougars 2016 schedule, which includes UMass, is the school's toughest yet. As will the Minutemen's 2016 slate. No Eastern Michigans on an independent's schedule.
Speaking of BYU, they've added another MAC team the previously mentioned 2016 schedule.
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The team BYU is adding is Toledo and Bloguin previews the Rockets in this article.
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Marshall, an ex-MAC team, is adding some former Southern Conference teams including Appalachian State to it's future schedule.
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Fan Sided has the top 10 quarterback-receiver duos in college football. Frohnapfel to Sharpe is not listed.
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Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Wednesday--June 24th, 2015
While I was away, the Orlando Sentinel ranked UMass as #91 in their 2015 preview.
The Sentinel also ranks college football conferences for 2015.
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According to RotoWorld, UMass OL Tyrell Smith is a potential NFL draft pick. In the NFL, the LT is usually the highest paid player on the team. Good protection on the QB's blind side (if he's right handed) makes the offense work.
The Minutemen were tied for 9th, in the MAC in sacks against, but UMass played four Power Five teams. Eleven of the team's 28 sacks came against Colorado, Vanderbilt, BC and Penn State. Only Eastern Michigan had more pass attempts than the Minutemen in 2014.
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Athlon Sports ranks Coach Whipple as #93 in the head coach ranks.
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The National Association of College Marketing Administrators has a study on how to get students to attend games.
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247Sports looks at Notre Dame's match-up with college football's top teams.
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Temple football gets a big boost from the return on Robby Anderson.
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Steelers Depot looks at Pittsburgh's depth at TE including Rob Blanchflower.
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The Sentinel also ranks college football conferences for 2015.
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According to RotoWorld, UMass OL Tyrell Smith is a potential NFL draft pick. In the NFL, the LT is usually the highest paid player on the team. Good protection on the QB's blind side (if he's right handed) makes the offense work.
The Minutemen were tied for 9th, in the MAC in sacks against, but UMass played four Power Five teams. Eleven of the team's 28 sacks came against Colorado, Vanderbilt, BC and Penn State. Only Eastern Michigan had more pass attempts than the Minutemen in 2014.
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Athlon Sports ranks Coach Whipple as #93 in the head coach ranks.
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The National Association of College Marketing Administrators has a study on how to get students to attend games.
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247Sports looks at Notre Dame's match-up with college football's top teams.
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Temple football gets a big boost from the return on Robby Anderson.
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Steelers Depot looks at Pittsburgh's depth at TE including Rob Blanchflower.
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Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Tuesday--June 23rd, 2015
This story (scroll down to the third entry) has the Vegas odds of UMass winning the MAC as 40-1.
Temple is 30-1 in the AAC and UConn is 100-1. BC is 100-1 in the ACC. Florida International is 30-1 in Conference USA.
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Bloguin.com considers who will win the MAC in 2015.
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SB Nation says you could make a pretty good NFL team out of former college two-star recruits, including Victor Cruz.
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I blogged a couple of days ago about satellite recruiting camps. The Charleston Daily Mail says those coaches who oppose 'em should instead embrace the opportunity. Mentions UMass.
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ESPN looks at new starters for Colorado in 2015.
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The Irish blog "one foot down" previews our mutual opponent Temple.
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A Miami newspaper says it's time for Florida International students to stop cheering for "the U".
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A UConn Blog thinks the AAC is OK for the time being.
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OT, but the Hartford Courant says UConn basketball is open to playing more New England teams---such as UMass.
Temple is 30-1 in the AAC and UConn is 100-1. BC is 100-1 in the ACC. Florida International is 30-1 in Conference USA.
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Bloguin.com considers who will win the MAC in 2015.
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SB Nation says you could make a pretty good NFL team out of former college two-star recruits, including Victor Cruz.
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I blogged a couple of days ago about satellite recruiting camps. The Charleston Daily Mail says those coaches who oppose 'em should instead embrace the opportunity. Mentions UMass.
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ESPN looks at new starters for Colorado in 2015.
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The Irish blog "one foot down" previews our mutual opponent Temple.
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A Miami newspaper says it's time for Florida International students to stop cheering for "the U".
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A UConn Blog thinks the AAC is OK for the time being.
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OT, but the Hartford Courant says UConn basketball is open to playing more New England teams---such as UMass.
Monday, June 22, 2015
Monday--June 22nd, 2015
Yesterday was the summer solstice, so today we start tipping back towards shorter days---and football. 23,000 showed up at Stonehenge. I'm a happy guy when there's football to watch.
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College Spun comments on early recruiting including Coach Whipple inviting a sixth grader to a camp.
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Phil Steele looks at the 2014 pass/run ratio as compared to 2013. Seven of the top eight teams with high run ratios were bowl teams in 2014.
The running game was not a weapon for the Minutemen last year. I'm sure Whipple would like to boost our totals for this season.
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Kent State hopes to turn the corner in 2015.
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NIU, the MAC's winningest team over the last five years, looks to reverse sagging attendance.
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Hustle Belt's Mike Karpinski updates the MAC's latest recruiting.
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NJ.com looks at experienced players returning and mentions UMass.
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The Palm Beach Post says the graduate transfer rule has supporters and opponents.
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The Orlando Sentinel reports selling beer at college stadiums is becoming more widespread. UMass should consider it at McGuirk. If beer is available at Gillette, then it should be at McGuirk. It would also be a nice source of revenue.
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OT, but the News-Times says Western Massachusetts hopes to get some Olympic venues in 2024 if Boston gets the bid. Mentions Mullins, like I did in an early blog post.
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College Spun comments on early recruiting including Coach Whipple inviting a sixth grader to a camp.
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Phil Steele looks at the 2014 pass/run ratio as compared to 2013. Seven of the top eight teams with high run ratios were bowl teams in 2014.
The running game was not a weapon for the Minutemen last year. I'm sure Whipple would like to boost our totals for this season.
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Kent State hopes to turn the corner in 2015.
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NIU, the MAC's winningest team over the last five years, looks to reverse sagging attendance.
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Hustle Belt's Mike Karpinski updates the MAC's latest recruiting.
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NJ.com looks at experienced players returning and mentions UMass.
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The Palm Beach Post says the graduate transfer rule has supporters and opponents.
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The Orlando Sentinel reports selling beer at college stadiums is becoming more widespread. UMass should consider it at McGuirk. If beer is available at Gillette, then it should be at McGuirk. It would also be a nice source of revenue.
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OT, but the News-Times says Western Massachusetts hopes to get some Olympic venues in 2024 if Boston gets the bid. Mentions Mullins, like I did in an early blog post.
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Saturday, June 20, 2015
Recruiting 2016--Keyion Dixon
Several news sources say Keyion Dixon, a 6-3 182 pound WR from Glastonbury, CT verbaled to UConn yesterday.
Story here.
Dixon also held offers from UMass and Temple.
Story here.
Dixon also held offers from UMass and Temple.
Saturday--June 20th, 2015
This article mentions UMass coaches attending a satellite recruiting camp in South Florida.
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The Colorado Buffs have suspended DT Josh Tupou for the 2015 season.
The Colorado blog "Ralphie Report" has a comment.
Topou's Colorado bio.
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I mentioned before that Phil Steele has UMass as #14 on his "most improved for 2015" list.
247Sports has the whole list including three other MAC teams.
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CBS Sports features P.J. Fleck who could be the MAC's hottest coach right now.
He certainly is the MAC's hottest recruiter.
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The Steelers Depot says Rob Blanchflower must stay healthy and perform in Pittsburgh's training camp.
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NY Daily Post says Tom Coughlin is not going to rush Victor Cruz back from his knee injury.
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James Ihedigbo says he's ready to face the NFL's top quarterbacks.
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The Colorado Buffs have suspended DT Josh Tupou for the 2015 season.
The Colorado blog "Ralphie Report" has a comment.
Topou's Colorado bio.
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I mentioned before that Phil Steele has UMass as #14 on his "most improved for 2015" list.
247Sports has the whole list including three other MAC teams.
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CBS Sports features P.J. Fleck who could be the MAC's hottest coach right now.
He certainly is the MAC's hottest recruiter.
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The Steelers Depot says Rob Blanchflower must stay healthy and perform in Pittsburgh's training camp.
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NY Daily Post says Tom Coughlin is not going to rush Victor Cruz back from his knee injury.
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James Ihedigbo says he's ready to face the NFL's top quarterbacks.
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Friday, June 19, 2015
Friday--June 19th, 2015
I received an e-mail with the following:
The Minutemen will take on the Fighting Irish in one of football's greatest venues, Notre Dame Stadium, on September 26. As a loyal UMass Football supporter, you are eligible to purchase up to 4 tickets to the game. Tickets are $75 each and can be purchased by calling the Athletic Ticket Office at 413-545-0810 or toll free at 1-866-UMASS-TIX (1-866-862-7784). Please order by Friday, July 17 to secure your tickets before it's too late.
All seat locations will be determined and assigned in late July based on your Minutemen Club membership level and then priority point total within each level. The UMass seat block will consist of upper level corner/end zone seating at Notre Dame Stadium. Tickets will be mailed in early August.
Please note that requests for more than four tickets will be considered (based on availability) by Minutemen Club membership level and priority point total on July 20. If tickets remain and we are able to fulfill your request, a ticket representative will contact you in late July to complete your additional purchase. When ordering tickets, please indicate how many additional tickets you would be interested in if they become available.
Bleacher Report has a position-by-position 2015 review of Notre Dame's roster.
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Two stories by Dan Malone about UMass A.D. Ryan Bamford's plans.
Bamford wants to increase UMass support in the Boston Area.
If the Olympics comes to Boston, Bamford wants UMass involved.
How about some Olympic basketball in Mullins? The new practice center would be ready and then there's the Basketball Hall-of-Fame.
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Colorado HC Mike MacIntyre says better days are coming for the Buffs.
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A couple of UConn stories:
The Huskies need to take Villanova seriously. The Wildcats are loaded this year.
UConn flips a recruit from James Madison.
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Central Michigan's HC John Bonameco has throat cancer.
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Phil Steele looks at net upsets by team in 2014. The Minutemen had zero. UMass had at least two chances in 2014, but we have yet to upset a top MAC team or an OOC FBS team.
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Remember a while ago I had a post about Venezuela news readers promise to get naked if Venezuela won in Copa America? Well, Venezuela won (VERY NOT WORK SAFE)
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Thursday, June 18, 2015
Recruiting 2018--Artir Sitkowski
 |
| Hudl.com image |
Article here. Mentions UMass.
247Sports page here.
Besides UMass and Rutgers, Sitkowski is drawing interest from Syracuse, BC and Temple.
Thursday--June 18th, 2015
The Q&A session with new UMass A.D. Ryan Bamford is available on the UMass website.
Dan Malone has a report on Bamford's Q&A.
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The Minutemen website also has a video interview with new UMass WR Darrian Josey.
Josey's a 6-2 165 pound WR from Boyton Beach, FL.I've blogged about Josey before. He's got some serious speed as he was the Palm Beach County 100-meter champ. Josey should fit right in with Whipple's vertical passing game.
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The UMass feed has an image of UMass LB John Robinson-Woodgett working out with what looks to be a "fat bar". Thick bars really feel different. The regular bar weights 45 pounds; fat bars come in various sizes but the standard one only weighs 10 pounds more. It feels like it weighs about 75 :)
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The Herald-Dispatch says graduate QB's are redefining college football. Mentions Blake Frohnapfel.
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Various media reports say the early signing period for college football recruiting has been tabled for a year.
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The Colorado Buffs move into a new $156 million dollar football complex this year.
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Dan Malone has a report on Bamford's Q&A.
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The Minutemen website also has a video interview with new UMass WR Darrian Josey.
Josey's a 6-2 165 pound WR from Boyton Beach, FL.I've blogged about Josey before. He's got some serious speed as he was the Palm Beach County 100-meter champ. Josey should fit right in with Whipple's vertical passing game.
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The UMass feed has an image of UMass LB John Robinson-Woodgett working out with what looks to be a "fat bar". Thick bars really feel different. The regular bar weights 45 pounds; fat bars come in various sizes but the standard one only weighs 10 pounds more. It feels like it weighs about 75 :)
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The Herald-Dispatch says graduate QB's are redefining college football. Mentions Blake Frohnapfel.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Various media reports say the early signing period for college football recruiting has been tabled for a year.
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The Colorado Buffs move into a new $156 million dollar football complex this year.
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Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Recruiting 2016--Abdoul Kouyate
 |
| Student Sports image |
247Sports three-star athlete.
Hudl.com has video.
Currently, UMass is Kouyate's only offer. Drawing interest from Boston College, Syracuse and Rutgers.
Wednesday--June 17th, 2015
Stats from Phil Steele's magazine:
Bad
UMass led the nation with five close losses. However 85.9% of teams with four or more close losses improved their record the next year.
The Minutemen were #120 out of 128 FBS teams in Steele's Special teams ranking. Lots of MAC company for UMass as Central Michigan was ranked #116, Eastern Michigan #118, Buffalo #119.
The Minutemen were also #120 in Sacks By with a meager 1.25 sacks/game.
Good
After two years of offensive futility, UMass was #56 in yards per play at 5.75, which was ahead of some traditional offensive powers such as BYU, Houston, Kentucky, Louisville and Oklahoma State.
The Minutemen were #49 in sacks per pass attempt with 5.4%, which again is pretty good, considering opponents knew UMass couldn't run the ball.
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Chat with UMass A.D. Ryan Bamford online today at 11:00 AM.
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Matty V. has a story about Ryan Bamford's plans for the athletic dept, cost-of-attendance and UMass' attempt to find a home for football.
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Early signing period will be voted on in the next 48 hours.
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Scout.com rates the quarterbacks Notre Dame will be facing in 2015 including Blake Frohnapfel.
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Fan Sided previews the 2015 Colorado Buffalos.
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The Chicago Sun-Times thinks Notre Dame's receiving duo of William Fuller and Corey Robinson are among the tops in FBS.
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Bad
UMass led the nation with five close losses. However 85.9% of teams with four or more close losses improved their record the next year.
The Minutemen were #120 out of 128 FBS teams in Steele's Special teams ranking. Lots of MAC company for UMass as Central Michigan was ranked #116, Eastern Michigan #118, Buffalo #119.
The Minutemen were also #120 in Sacks By with a meager 1.25 sacks/game.
Good
After two years of offensive futility, UMass was #56 in yards per play at 5.75, which was ahead of some traditional offensive powers such as BYU, Houston, Kentucky, Louisville and Oklahoma State.
The Minutemen were #49 in sacks per pass attempt with 5.4%, which again is pretty good, considering opponents knew UMass couldn't run the ball.
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Chat with UMass A.D. Ryan Bamford online today at 11:00 AM.
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Matty V. has a story about Ryan Bamford's plans for the athletic dept, cost-of-attendance and UMass' attempt to find a home for football.
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Early signing period will be voted on in the next 48 hours.
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Scout.com rates the quarterbacks Notre Dame will be facing in 2015 including Blake Frohnapfel.
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Fan Sided previews the 2015 Colorado Buffalos.
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The Chicago Sun-Times thinks Notre Dame's receiving duo of William Fuller and Corey Robinson are among the tops in FBS.
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Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Tuesday--June 16th, 2015
I received my 2015 copy of Phil Steele's magazine yesterday. Two full pages on UMass.
Phil has the Minutemen at 4th in the MAC East. He has us #14 in his "most improved" teams for 2015 (Temple was #6 and Ball State was #9).
He has UMass #95 in his Power Poll (UConn is #102).
In his 2016 NFL draft section he has Blake Frohnapfel as #18 in the top 30 QB's and Tajae Sharpe as #23. Jovan Santos-Knox is rated #27 in the top 30 ILBs.
Steele also has UMass #11 in his two-deep class breakdown.
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The UMass website has eight Minutemen named to Athlon Magazine's preseason All-MAC teams.
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The Notre Dame blog "One Foot Down" says UMass and Temple are "filler' games for the Irish.
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CBS Sports has Mark Whipple as a "2" on a 0-5 hot seat rating for 2015. Unless Whipple is caught robbing a bank, his job security has to be among the highest in FBS.
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Western Michigan's P.J. Fleck is named by Athlon as one of the top 15 "Coaches on the Rise".
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NFL.com looks at the 15 smartest players in college football. Three of the fifteen play in the MAC and does not include Blake Frohnapfel.
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Steelers Depot says Rob Blanchflower will get a second chance this summer.
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Toledo's HC Matt Campbell gets in trouble for leading a team prayer back in 2012.
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Monday, June 15, 2015
Monday--June 15th, 2015
Slow football news day on the intertubes so far.
Let's look at the MAC's OOC schedules. As everyone knows, it takes six wins to be bowl eligible (although how that'll work with 42 bowl games in 2016 I don't know). A winless or 1 win OOC result makes a winning conference record a necessity. My predicted results:
Akron- 1-3 or 2-2
@ Oklahoma
Pittsburgh (Akron beat Pitt last year 20-10)
Savannah State
@ UL Lafayette (9-3 in 2014)
Bowling Green 1-3 (win over Purdue)
Tennessee (neutral site)
@ Maryland
Memphis (10-3 in 2014)
@ Purdue
Buffalo 2-2
Albany
@Penn State
@ Florida Atlantic
Nevada (7-6 in 2014)
Kent State 1-3
@ Illinois
Delaware State
@ Minnesota
Marshall
Miami (Ohio) 1-3
Presbyterian (Miami lost to 9-4 FCS Eastern Kentucky in 2014)
@ Wisconsin
Cincinnati
@ Western Kentucky
Ohio 2-2
@Idaho
Marshall
SE Louisiana (FCS 9-4 in 2014)
@ Minnesota
UMass (2-2 it's going to take an upset of Colorado or Temple)
@Colorado
Temple
@Notre Dame
Florida International
Ball State 2-2
VMI
@Texas A&M
@ Northwestern
Georgia State (1-11 in 2014)
Central Michigan 1-3
Oklahoma State
Monmouth
@Syracuse (beat CMU 40-3 in 2014)
@ Michigan State
Eastern Michigan 0-4
Old Dominion
@Wyoming
Army
@LSU
Northern Illinois 2-2 (could the Huskies beat BC?)
UNLV
Murray State
@Ohio State
@ Boston College
Toledo 2-2 (with a win over Iowa State)
Stony Brook
@ Arkansas
Iowa State
Arkansas State
Western Michigan 1-3
Michigan State
@ Georgia Southern (Sun Belt champ in 2014)
Murray State
@ Ohio State
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Today's U says Matt Rhule has built Temple into a possible contender.
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Brian Kelley says only one or two of his players would be admitted to Notre Dame if they weren't athletes.
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An early signing period could be coming soon.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Let's look at the MAC's OOC schedules. As everyone knows, it takes six wins to be bowl eligible (although how that'll work with 42 bowl games in 2016 I don't know). A winless or 1 win OOC result makes a winning conference record a necessity. My predicted results:
Akron- 1-3 or 2-2
@ Oklahoma
Pittsburgh (Akron beat Pitt last year 20-10)
Savannah State
@ UL Lafayette (9-3 in 2014)
Bowling Green 1-3 (win over Purdue)
Tennessee (neutral site)
@ Maryland
Memphis (10-3 in 2014)
@ Purdue
Buffalo 2-2
Albany
@Penn State
@ Florida Atlantic
Nevada (7-6 in 2014)
Kent State 1-3
@ Illinois
Delaware State
@ Minnesota
Marshall
Miami (Ohio) 1-3
Presbyterian (Miami lost to 9-4 FCS Eastern Kentucky in 2014)
@ Wisconsin
Cincinnati
@ Western Kentucky
Ohio 2-2
@Idaho
Marshall
SE Louisiana (FCS 9-4 in 2014)
@ Minnesota
UMass (2-2 it's going to take an upset of Colorado or Temple)
@Colorado
Temple
@Notre Dame
Florida International
Ball State 2-2
VMI
@Texas A&M
@ Northwestern
Georgia State (1-11 in 2014)
Central Michigan 1-3
Oklahoma State
Monmouth
@Syracuse (beat CMU 40-3 in 2014)
@ Michigan State
Eastern Michigan 0-4
Old Dominion
@Wyoming
Army
@LSU
Northern Illinois 2-2 (could the Huskies beat BC?)
UNLV
Murray State
@Ohio State
@ Boston College
Toledo 2-2 (with a win over Iowa State)
Stony Brook
@ Arkansas
Iowa State
Arkansas State
Western Michigan 1-3
Michigan State
@ Georgia Southern (Sun Belt champ in 2014)
Murray State
@ Ohio State
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Today's U says Matt Rhule has built Temple into a possible contender.
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Brian Kelley says only one or two of his players would be admitted to Notre Dame if they weren't athletes.
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An early signing period could be coming soon.
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Saturday, June 13, 2015
Saturday--June 13th, 2015
If you havn't been following A.D. Bamford's Twitter feed you should. Some good information there.
He says UMass will not have a bowl tie-in in 2016 due to the short lead time. There is a possibility of some TV rights, if I understand correctly. I wonder if NESN would be interested.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mark Blaudshun says UMass, BC and UConn need a scheduling alliance. Yes they should. Despite the ill-informed snark over at BC Interruption, a three-way series between the New England FBS schools would help everyone.
Boston college averaged 34,270 in 2014 (ACC average was over 50,000) and UConn averaged 27,461. A three-way series would help travel costs and a FBS "Bean Pot" would mean something.
Blaudshun also said Bamford's scheduling has given UMass a chance.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Former UMass legend Steve Baylark partners with Cross Fit Rendition to reach youths interested in sports.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
West Virginia Metro News has an audio interview with UMass QB Blake Fronapfel. His segment starts about 11:30 into the podcast.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Bleacher Report story says MAC coaches average 2.30 years of tenure before they leave.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
CBS Sports says take the under in Notre Dame wins.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Fox Sports has winners and losers now that the realignment wave has mostly finished in college football
--------------------------------------------------------------
Auburn plans to have a 10,000+ square foot video board operative by this fall.
-------------------------------------------------------------
College football can't come fast enough. I watched USA-Sweden battle (?) to a scoreless tie while flipping back in forth with the Red Sox blowing an 8-2 lead.
Too bad the FIFA game wasn't a Venezuelan Team. WARNING, NOT WORK SAFE.
He says UMass will not have a bowl tie-in in 2016 due to the short lead time. There is a possibility of some TV rights, if I understand correctly. I wonder if NESN would be interested.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mark Blaudshun says UMass, BC and UConn need a scheduling alliance. Yes they should. Despite the ill-informed snark over at BC Interruption, a three-way series between the New England FBS schools would help everyone.
Boston college averaged 34,270 in 2014 (ACC average was over 50,000) and UConn averaged 27,461. A three-way series would help travel costs and a FBS "Bean Pot" would mean something.
Blaudshun also said Bamford's scheduling has given UMass a chance.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Former UMass legend Steve Baylark partners with Cross Fit Rendition to reach youths interested in sports.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
West Virginia Metro News has an audio interview with UMass QB Blake Fronapfel. His segment starts about 11:30 into the podcast.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Bleacher Report story says MAC coaches average 2.30 years of tenure before they leave.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
CBS Sports says take the under in Notre Dame wins.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Fox Sports has winners and losers now that the realignment wave has mostly finished in college football
--------------------------------------------------------------
Auburn plans to have a 10,000+ square foot video board operative by this fall.
-------------------------------------------------------------
College football can't come fast enough. I watched USA-Sweden battle (?) to a scoreless tie while flipping back in forth with the Red Sox blowing an 8-2 lead.
Too bad the FIFA game wasn't a Venezuelan Team. WARNING, NOT WORK SAFE.
Friday, June 12, 2015
Recruiting 2016--Frank Darby III
I've blogged about Frank Darby, a 6-1 190 pound WR from Lincoln, NJ a couple of times before.
This article from yesterday by NJ.com talks about his performance at a Rutgers skills camp.
Darby has offers from UMass, Pitt, Old Dominion, Iowa and Delaware.
This article from yesterday by NJ.com talks about his performance at a Rutgers skills camp.
Darby has offers from UMass, Pitt, Old Dominion, Iowa and Delaware.
Friday--June 12th, 2015
I've linked to Phil Steele's % of tackles returning, % of offensive yards returning and % of lettermen returning.
Today I thought I'd take a look at MAC returning starters. Figures from the Athlon Sports 2015 College Football magazine
Offense:
3 Miami (Ohio)
4 Akron, Toledo
5 Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan
6 Buffalo, Northern Illinois
7 Kent State
9 UMass, Ohio, Western Michigan
10 Bowling Green, Ball State
Note on UMass: the Minutemen return 10 starters from the end of season two-deep, if you consider Shadrach Abrokah as the starter. I would consider the TB position as the top up-for-grabs position in Summer camp. Whipple could keep Rodney Mills as H-Back or move him to TE. I think he'll do the former unless he thinks there is really no production available from other candidates for TE. Back while I was away, Dan Malone's report on the Spring Game said Lorenzo Woodley's stock was up and TE's were down.
Defense:
3 Buffalo
5 Bowling Green, Central Michigan
6 Akron (five Power Five transfers coming in)
7 Kent State, Western Michigan, Ohio, Ball State, Eastern Michigan
8 Miami (Ohio) Northern Illinois, Toledo
9 UMass
Bonus:
Colorado 6 Offense-9 defense
Florida International 6 offense-8 defense
Temple 7 offense-10 defense
Notre Dame 7 offense 10 defense
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Mississippi State Blog "For whom the cowbell Tolls" says the Bulldog's series with UMass makes sense.
BTW, I haven't mentioned that Mississippi State fans are the only fans with a dispensation making ringing cowbells legal.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The CT Post says Syracuse or BC should be UConn's big rivals.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This article about Chip Kelly mentions former UMass assistant coach Bill McGovern (1987-90, 1992-93) and UMass.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Football Schedules has a downloadable .pdf MAC helmet schedule here.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Today I thought I'd take a look at MAC returning starters. Figures from the Athlon Sports 2015 College Football magazine
Offense:
3 Miami (Ohio)
4 Akron, Toledo
5 Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan
6 Buffalo, Northern Illinois
7 Kent State
9 UMass, Ohio, Western Michigan
10 Bowling Green, Ball State
Note on UMass: the Minutemen return 10 starters from the end of season two-deep, if you consider Shadrach Abrokah as the starter. I would consider the TB position as the top up-for-grabs position in Summer camp. Whipple could keep Rodney Mills as H-Back or move him to TE. I think he'll do the former unless he thinks there is really no production available from other candidates for TE. Back while I was away, Dan Malone's report on the Spring Game said Lorenzo Woodley's stock was up and TE's were down.
Defense:
3 Buffalo
5 Bowling Green, Central Michigan
6 Akron (five Power Five transfers coming in)
7 Kent State, Western Michigan, Ohio, Ball State, Eastern Michigan
8 Miami (Ohio) Northern Illinois, Toledo
9 UMass
Bonus:
Colorado 6 Offense-9 defense
Florida International 6 offense-8 defense
Temple 7 offense-10 defense
Notre Dame 7 offense 10 defense
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Mississippi State Blog "For whom the cowbell Tolls" says the Bulldog's series with UMass makes sense.
BTW, I haven't mentioned that Mississippi State fans are the only fans with a dispensation making ringing cowbells legal.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The CT Post says Syracuse or BC should be UConn's big rivals.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This article about Chip Kelly mentions former UMass assistant coach Bill McGovern (1987-90, 1992-93) and UMass.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Football Schedules has a downloadable .pdf MAC helmet schedule here.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Thursday--June 11th, 2015
Start times for the Minutemen's home games vs Temple and Kent State have been announced.
Temple's announcement.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Complete MAC Conference TV schedule through September 19th.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Athlon Sports ranks Mark Whipple #93 among all 128 FBS coaches.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Boston College blog "BC Interruption" envies UMass' Mississippi State game.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
NBC Sports looks at the over-and-under odds for PAC-12 teams including Colorado.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Fan Sided.com previews Toledo and predicts a nine win season for the Rockets.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Phil Steele has UMass, Temple and Notre Dame in the top ten of all FBS in % of tackles returning for 2015.
The Minutemen lost only NG Daniel Maynes (44 TT), Leo Krizanovic (15 TT) and ILB StanleyAndre (128 TT) from the November 2014 two Deep chart.
Returning in the two-deep are:
DE Peter Angeh Jr 6-2 258
Enock Asante Jr 6-2 264
NT Robert Kitching SR 6-1 307
DT Sha-Ki Holines RSSO 6-3 260
ILB Shane Huber SO 6-3 250
Vondel Langston RSJR 6-2 220
ILB Jovan Santos-Knox JR 6-2 240
Steve Casali RSSO 6-2 234
OLB Da'Sean Downey SO 6-5 234
John Robinson Woodgett RSJR 6-2 228
OLB Trey Seals RSSR 6-4 237
Peter Ngobidi JR 6-2 221
Kessan Messiah SR 6-4 237
CB Randall Jette RSSR 5-11 180
SS Joey Colton SR 5-10 195
FS Khary Bailey-Smith SR 6-2 194
Zeke Edmonds SO 6-0 200
CB Trey Dudley-Giles SR 5-11 182
Jackson Porter RSSO 6-1 192
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
NBC Sports report some people think Notre Dame is a College Football Playoff contender.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Akron offers to a kid in junior high.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Temple's announcement.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Complete MAC Conference TV schedule through September 19th.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Athlon Sports ranks Mark Whipple #93 among all 128 FBS coaches.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Boston College blog "BC Interruption" envies UMass' Mississippi State game.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
NBC Sports looks at the over-and-under odds for PAC-12 teams including Colorado.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Fan Sided.com previews Toledo and predicts a nine win season for the Rockets.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Phil Steele has UMass, Temple and Notre Dame in the top ten of all FBS in % of tackles returning for 2015.
The Minutemen lost only NG Daniel Maynes (44 TT), Leo Krizanovic (15 TT) and ILB StanleyAndre (128 TT) from the November 2014 two Deep chart.
Returning in the two-deep are:
DE Peter Angeh Jr 6-2 258
Enock Asante Jr 6-2 264
NT Robert Kitching SR 6-1 307
DT Sha-Ki Holines RSSO 6-3 260
ILB Shane Huber SO 6-3 250
Vondel Langston RSJR 6-2 220
ILB Jovan Santos-Knox JR 6-2 240
Steve Casali RSSO 6-2 234
OLB Da'Sean Downey SO 6-5 234
John Robinson Woodgett RSJR 6-2 228
OLB Trey Seals RSSR 6-4 237
Peter Ngobidi JR 6-2 221
Kessan Messiah SR 6-4 237
CB Randall Jette RSSR 5-11 180
SS Joey Colton SR 5-10 195
FS Khary Bailey-Smith SR 6-2 194
Zeke Edmonds SO 6-0 200
CB Trey Dudley-Giles SR 5-11 182
Jackson Porter RSSO 6-1 192
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
NBC Sports report some people think Notre Dame is a College Football Playoff contender.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Akron offers to a kid in junior high.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Wednesday--June 10th, 2015
The UMass website has a story on the football team returning to campus for summer school and summer workouts. Lots of quotes from Whipple and Frohnapfel.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone has a story and some quotes from Whipple about the upcomming season.
Whipple was asked on the Jack Arute show about his take on deflategate.
Malone also has details on the MAC bowl tie-ins for 2015.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Matty V. reports AP does not project UMass in a bowl for 2015.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
UMass recruit Andy Isabella won 100 and 200 in a regional Ohio track meet. His 10.51 in the 100 broke the local record.
More here with quotes from Isabella.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
A Georgia Tech blog has a long interview with Ryan Bamford. Includes a paragraph about UMass' conference search.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Akron's defense in 2015 will feature five Power Five transfers.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Phil Steele has UMass #13 in percent of returning offensive yards.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
OT, but UMass hoops signed three-star guard Unique McLean.
Partial quote from an article on Scout.com dated yesterday:
About UMass, McLean said, “When I went on the visit Coach Kellogg and Coach Allison made me feel right at home, and I think the Atlantic 10 is the perfect conference for me.”
This is a commitment that should get the Minutemen going in the class of 2016 as not many guards will be headed to the Atlantic 10 with his combination of size and athleticism.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone has a story and some quotes from Whipple about the upcomming season.
Whipple was asked on the Jack Arute show about his take on deflategate.
Malone also has details on the MAC bowl tie-ins for 2015.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Matty V. reports AP does not project UMass in a bowl for 2015.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
UMass recruit Andy Isabella won 100 and 200 in a regional Ohio track meet. His 10.51 in the 100 broke the local record.
More here with quotes from Isabella.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
A Georgia Tech blog has a long interview with Ryan Bamford. Includes a paragraph about UMass' conference search.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Akron's defense in 2015 will feature five Power Five transfers.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Phil Steele has UMass #13 in percent of returning offensive yards.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
OT, but UMass hoops signed three-star guard Unique McLean.
Partial quote from an article on Scout.com dated yesterday:
About UMass, McLean said, “When I went on the visit Coach Kellogg and Coach Allison made me feel right at home, and I think the Atlantic 10 is the perfect conference for me.”
This is a commitment that should get the Minutemen going in the class of 2016 as not many guards will be headed to the Atlantic 10 with his combination of size and athleticism.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, June 09, 2015
Recruiting 2017--Carter Warren
 |
| Sam Hellman image |
NJ.com article here.
247Sports page here.
Hudl.com has video.
Warren holds an offer from Rutgers. Besides UMass, drawing interest from Boston College, Penn State, Michigan and Virginia Tech.
Tuesday--June 9th, 2015
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone has a post about the Mississippi State game with quotes from the Bulldogs AD and from coach Whipple.
The Mississippi Clarion-Ledger has some details of the contract.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan also has a story on MAC commissioner Jon Steinbrecher getting a three year extension of his contract. Has quotes about UMass football.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matty Vautour reports on UMass making the Mississippi game official.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Football Scoop's Zack Barnett doesn't like UConn's new rivalry game or the UMass-Mississippi State series. UConn should have checked with UCF before announcing the trophy, but OTOH, I often wonder why schools do not snap up sports writers to be their A.D. :)
The University Herald says the rivalry game between UConn and UCF is going one with or without UCF's consent.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jesse Allen of Hustle Belt thinks Blake Frohnapfel is the 6th best QB in the MAC. No Jesse, just no.
P.J.Fleck's 2016 recruiting class is currently ranked #28 in the nation.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fox Sports says 2015 might be Notre Dame's best shot at the college playoffs.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Orlando Sentinel says the Temple Owls are making steady progress.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, June 08, 2015
Recruiting 2016--Adian Howard III
I've blogged about Aidan Howard twice before.
The 6-3 185 pound WR from Monroeville, PA recently verbaled to Virginia.
The 6-3 185 pound WR from Monroeville, PA recently verbaled to Virginia.
Monday--June 8th, 2015
UPDATE II: UMass officially announces the series with Mississippi State.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE: Dan Malone has a post on the Bulldog game.
Matty Vautour reports the Minutemen will host Mississippi State on September 24th, 2016. Wow! The Bulldogs were rated #1 in the country for five straight weeks in 2014. At least we won't have to face Dak
Prescott who rang up 4,435 yards of offense in 2014 (he's a senior).Sporting News has Mississippi State as 6th in the SEC West in 2015. Athlon has them 7th.
Fox Sports has a post about the game.
All this came about when Tulane canceled it's game against the Bulldogs.
Bulldog HC Dan Mullen looks to continue to build Mississippi State's success.
Mississippi State's 2015 schedule.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
AAC commissioner Mike Aresco is still working to get the league into the Power Five group.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three Notre Dame players have been named preseason All-Americans.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, June 06, 2015
Recruiting 2016---DeAndre Huff
 |
| Hudl.com image |
247 Sports three-star player.
MaxPreps has stats.
Besides UMass, Huff has FBS offers from Minnesota, Rutgers, Indiana, Charlotte and Georgia State.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday--June 6th, 2014
I can's get this to link on Ryan Bamford's Twitter feed, but he said:
"Tulane on our schedule. Still have 2 more home games to go but we're close. Stay tuned!"
So the wheels are still turning on the 2016 schedule.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The 2016 College Football Hall-of-Fame ballot features two Minutemen, Steve Schubert and Rene Ingoglia.
More on the 2016 ballot from the National Football Foundation.
I saw both play. Steve Schubert was untouchable in UMass' 28-7 win over Boston College in 1972. Ingoglia had the best run I ever saw at McGuirk.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phil Steele report UMass will be second in the nation in % of lettermen returning in 2015.
NBC Sport has some thoughts about Steele's post.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Scout Notre Dame blog "Irish Illustrated" expects a 27 point win over UMass and says the Minutemen are the least talented, least capable 2016 opponent.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
A Fox Sports article names the top five underated teams in 2015 college football: Notre Dame and Temple are two of the five.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
While I was away, ESPN published this preview of Temple.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Hartford Courant says Steve Addazio has turned Boston College football around.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Tulane on our schedule. Still have 2 more home games to go but we're close. Stay tuned!"
So the wheels are still turning on the 2016 schedule.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The 2016 College Football Hall-of-Fame ballot features two Minutemen, Steve Schubert and Rene Ingoglia.
More on the 2016 ballot from the National Football Foundation.
I saw both play. Steve Schubert was untouchable in UMass' 28-7 win over Boston College in 1972. Ingoglia had the best run I ever saw at McGuirk.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phil Steele report UMass will be second in the nation in % of lettermen returning in 2015.
NBC Sport has some thoughts about Steele's post.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Scout Notre Dame blog "Irish Illustrated" expects a 27 point win over UMass and says the Minutemen are the least talented, least capable 2016 opponent.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
A Fox Sports article names the top five underated teams in 2015 college football: Notre Dame and Temple are two of the five.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
While I was away, ESPN published this preview of Temple.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Hartford Courant says Steve Addazio has turned Boston College football around.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, June 05, 2015
Friday---June 5th, 2015
UMass announces a home and home series with Tulane and Louisiana Tech.The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports on the series. Dan Malone also has a post on the announcement.
Matty V. has a report on the additions to the schedule.
Tulane went 3-9 in the AAC last year with wins over SE Louisiana, UConn (yeah!) and Houston. Athlon predicts the Green Wave 5th in the AAC West this year. Sporting News also predicts a 5th place finish.
The Orlando Sentinel previews Tulane as #108 in 2015.
So the 2016 schedule now looks like:
2016 UMass Football Updated Schedule:
Sept. 3 - at Florida
Sept. 10 - Connecticut
Sept. 17 - at Boston College
Oct. 1 - Tulane
Oct. 8 - at Old Dominion
Oct. 15 - Louisiana Tech
Oct. 29 - at Appalachian State
Nov. 5 - at Troy
Nov. 19 - at BYU
Nov. 26 - at Hawaii
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Minutemen now have three home games for 2016. NCAA regulations require at least five. UMass
will probably add an FCS team to make it to four. If the Minutemen can sign another FBS team, we will end up playing four games in Gillette and one at McGuirk.
So, assuming UMass can scout up the necessary FBS game, why not play two FCS teams in 2016? That would allow a three and three split between Gillette and Amherst. Note that Boston College will play home games against Maine and Howard this year. A home schedule of UConn, Tulane, Louisiana Tech and another FBS team would still be an excellent home schedule for UMass fans. There would be more name recognition than MAC schools.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Tulane has one player from Massachusetts: Aaron Golub.
Golub is legally blind. Sports Illustrated has an inspiring story on his success in football.
A quartet of four-star recruits took a visit to Tulane.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Athlon Sports has the best young college football coaches among them are Matt Campbell (Toledo), P.J. Fleck (Western Michigan) and Neal Brown (Troy).
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Victor Cruz will have his own brand of sneakers this year: Air Cruz
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, June 04, 2015
Recruiting 2016--Elias Reynolds and Mason Moran
Two players with UMass offers verbaled to other schools recently.
I've blogged about Mason Moran before. He verbaled to Oregon State.
Elias Reynolds, a three-star LB from Brooklyn who held a UMass offer verbaled to Rutgers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
I've blogged about Mason Moran before. He verbaled to Oregon State.
Elias Reynolds, a three-star LB from Brooklyn who held a UMass offer verbaled to Rutgers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday--June 4th, 2015
 |
| From the UMass football feed |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
CBS Sport and the MAC have reached a multi-year TV agreement.
Dan Malone comments.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brandon London announces his retirement from football.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
UMass has a Father's Day special on football tickets.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
In 2016, Boston College and Georgia Tech will play at Aviva Stadium in Ireland on Spetember 3rd.
Speaking of BC, their top returning receiver, Dan Crimmins, has left the team.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
BYU Blog "Vanquish the Foe" talks about the 2016 season and says UMass will suck.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
NBC Sports says with media rights contracts on the horizon, Conference USA needs a big year.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, June 03, 2015
Wednesday--June 3rd, 2015
Dan Malone reports Jean Sifrin was waved by the Colts. That's a shocker; I expected Sifrin to make a strong run at making an NFL roster. Hope he gets picked up by a team with more patience.
Colt Blog "Horseshoe Heroes" blog has more.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
College Football Talk has: former UAB players react to the Blazers bringing back football. Mentions Kelton Brackett.
The Kansas City Star says now UAB has to start rebuilding their program.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Frederickson.com mentions Blake Frohnapfel's first team preseason All-Mac Selection by Phil Steele.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
More 2016 schedule gymnastics: try to keep up. Southern Mississippi scheduled a home-and-home series with Kentucky. That means their October meeting with BYU has to be moved. Which may then lead to the UMass game at Provo being moved to another date.
You remember BYU and UMass announced a series that would have UMass play @ BYU on October 8th, 2016. Other than the 10/08/16 date, the Minutemen have four open 2016 dates.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
I don't often agree with the Boston College blog "BC Interruption", but they pour scorn on UConn for establishing a new Trophy Game with UCF. They say "Why not UMass?".
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The College Football Play is considering a work-around for Army-Navy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Colt Blog "Horseshoe Heroes" blog has more.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
College Football Talk has: former UAB players react to the Blazers bringing back football. Mentions Kelton Brackett.
The Kansas City Star says now UAB has to start rebuilding their program.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Frederickson.com mentions Blake Frohnapfel's first team preseason All-Mac Selection by Phil Steele.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
More 2016 schedule gymnastics: try to keep up. Southern Mississippi scheduled a home-and-home series with Kentucky. That means their October meeting with BYU has to be moved. Which may then lead to the UMass game at Provo being moved to another date.
You remember BYU and UMass announced a series that would have UMass play @ BYU on October 8th, 2016. Other than the 10/08/16 date, the Minutemen have four open 2016 dates.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
I don't often agree with the Boston College blog "BC Interruption", but they pour scorn on UConn for establishing a new Trophy Game with UCF. They say "Why not UMass?".
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The College Football Play is considering a work-around for Army-Navy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, June 02, 2015
Tuesday--June 2nd, 2015
Phil Steele names ten Minutemen to his preseason All-Mac Teams.
Dan Malone has an article on Steele's selections. Both articles only list the UMass selections; Phil Steele's website has all the MAC honorees.
The UMass players are:
QB Blake Frohnapfel,SR (first team)
WR Tajae Sharpe,SR (first)
TE Rodney Mills,SR (first)
LB Jovan Santos-Knox,SR (first)
CB Randall Jette,SR (first)
CB Trey Dudley-Giles,SR (third)
KR Khary Bailey-Smith,SR (third)
RB Shadrach Abrokwah,JR (fourth)
OL Tyrell Smith,JR (fourth)
LB Kassan Messiah,Sr (fourth)
As Dan notes, nine of the ten players were recruited by Coach Molnar. Despite all that went wrong with his tenure at UMass, the man could recruit.
In addition, I think Shane Huber SO and Marken Michel SR and Sha-Ki Holines SO have a chance to make this year's All-MAC team.
Hustle Belt also has a post on Phil Steele's All-MAC team. UMass ties for fourth in the MAC in total number of selected players.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The UMass website reports the Minutemen-Buffs game has its kickoff time set and the game will be carried on the PAC-12 Network. UMass fans should be able to watch the game on either Comcast or Dish Network.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In a stunning turn of events, UAB is going to reinstate football. Dan Malone says Kelton Brackett is still coming to UMass. Tough that Brackett will not be able to play again with his teammates, but as a senior, his options are severely limited. He should be a significant addition to the UMass secondary this year. Brackett's UAB bio.
Matty Vautour also has a post on Brackett.
ESPN has more on UAB's move to reinstate football.
UDA Today says UAB is back all the team's momentum from 2014 is dead.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
College football matrix has UMass tied for 8th in the nation in returning starters.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Irish blog "Slap the sign" previews Notre Dame's season including UMass. Clearly I did not spend enough time on considering the name of the UMass Football Blog when I started it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UMass plays at Ball State on November 12th, the Cardinals have a new field surface this year.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone has an article on Steele's selections. Both articles only list the UMass selections; Phil Steele's website has all the MAC honorees.
The UMass players are:
QB Blake Frohnapfel,SR (first team)
WR Tajae Sharpe,SR (first)
TE Rodney Mills,SR (first)
LB Jovan Santos-Knox,SR (first)
CB Randall Jette,SR (first)
CB Trey Dudley-Giles,SR (third)
KR Khary Bailey-Smith,SR (third)
RB Shadrach Abrokwah,JR (fourth)
OL Tyrell Smith,JR (fourth)
LB Kassan Messiah,Sr (fourth)
As Dan notes, nine of the ten players were recruited by Coach Molnar. Despite all that went wrong with his tenure at UMass, the man could recruit.
In addition, I think Shane Huber SO and Marken Michel SR and Sha-Ki Holines SO have a chance to make this year's All-MAC team.
Hustle Belt also has a post on Phil Steele's All-MAC team. UMass ties for fourth in the MAC in total number of selected players.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The UMass website reports the Minutemen-Buffs game has its kickoff time set and the game will be carried on the PAC-12 Network. UMass fans should be able to watch the game on either Comcast or Dish Network.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In a stunning turn of events, UAB is going to reinstate football. Dan Malone says Kelton Brackett is still coming to UMass. Tough that Brackett will not be able to play again with his teammates, but as a senior, his options are severely limited. He should be a significant addition to the UMass secondary this year. Brackett's UAB bio.Matty Vautour also has a post on Brackett.
ESPN has more on UAB's move to reinstate football.
UDA Today says UAB is back all the team's momentum from 2014 is dead.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
College football matrix has UMass tied for 8th in the nation in returning starters.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Irish blog "Slap the sign" previews Notre Dame's season including UMass. Clearly I did not spend enough time on considering the name of the UMass Football Blog when I started it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UMass plays at Ball State on November 12th, the Cardinals have a new field surface this year.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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