Well, it looks like a season in Purgatory for UMass fans this year. The UMass defense was taken apart by a Southern Illinois offense that looked bigger, faster and more athletic. The only cure is recruiting. I knew just every playmaker on a Minutemen defense that was in the bottom five in most defensive categories had graduated. It looked it against the Salukis. We may test UConn's negative defensive records when we meet BYU and Northwestern. But, that's life. Hit the recruiting trail and get better. Never quit.
The Stadium improvements looked great. The new video board looked good as did the new plaza. The new practice field will help this winter.
The offense never got into any sort of rhythm. I think Brito should start against Charlotte and see if he can jump start the offense. The Salukis got a lot of defensive pressure and that has to improve. We did not do much of anything looked good on offense. I think the potential is there, but it did not show yesterday. Again, suck it up and get better. Go UMass.
Oh, the UMMB sounded great.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MassLive reports UMass falls to Southern Illinois in the home opener.
The Berkshire Eagle said UMass was gashed by the Salukis.
The Southern reports Javon Williams led the Salukis.
Josh Walfish reports Coach Bell said it was a miserable time.
Josh also has a post on the UMass players and coaches response.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UConn kept it close against Illinois.
Charlotte lost a shootout against Appalachian State.
Coastal Carolina scored their first ever win over a Power Five opponent with a 12-7 win over Kansas.
Akron was run over by UAB.
FIU lost to Western Kentucky at home.
Louisiana Tech held off an upset minded Grambling.
Army took Michigan to double overtime.
BYU took Tennessee to double overtime----and won.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------