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| UMass Athletic Dept/Ralph Notaro image |
Well the defense came to play with maybe the best performance since BYU on November 17th, 2017. The defense had six sacks and 14 TFL. FAU QB Javion Posey got loose for 49 yards and a TD on one play. Subtracting that run leaves FAU with 43 rushes for 70 yards, a 1.6 yards/carry.
The entire defensive line shone, time after time stopping FAU at the line of scrimmage. Senior Jake Byczko and Avien Peah had career nights. RS Sophomore Uchenna Ezewike also had a impressive game. The UMass secondary also played well with Tanner Davis totaling six tackles, 1.5 TFL, one blocked punt for a safety and 1 QB hurry.
In addition, UMass special teams had their best game of the season. George Georgopoulos finally got some forward roll on his punts and dropped two inside the 20 yard line. Samuel Emilus had a 33 yard return.
However the UMass offense was smothered again. FAU defensive pressure flustered Minutemen QB Will Koch. He was usually not able to find receivers or use his legs effectively. The UMass rushing game did look better as Ellis Merriweather ran for 48 yards in eleven carries for a 4.4 yards/carry, his best totals of the season.
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The UMass Daily Collegian says the defense shone and the offense disappointed.
The Hampshire Gazette reports the offense let UMass down.
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