Sunday, September 12, 2021

UMass Football News--September 12th, 2021



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 Hey! It was a football game! The Minutemen played a spirited effort against a Power Five school. First off, the offense looked a lot better. Brady Olsen went 14-219 yards. The Minutemen racked up 20 first downs and averaged 5.68 yards/play.

There were a couple of sparkling plays. Eric Collins had a great reception for a TD in the third quarter. Olsen hit Merriweather with a nicely designed slant for another TD in the fourth quarter. The offense had several long drives; we even ran a couple of option plays. Zamir Wise ran the wildcat to mix up the UMass tendencies. 

The defense had a FF, five TFL and generally held their own against a BC offensive line with four pre-season All-ACC picks. UMass easily beat the spread and the Minutemen fans gave the team an ovation at the end of the game.

We fumbled a kickoff for a BC touchdown and gave up 96 yard return. Olsen missed a couple of throws, but did well for his first start as a true freshman. Some things we could have done better, but it was visible progress. I think we are going to win some games this year.

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The Hampshire Gazette say the Minutemen missed some opportunities

The Gazette also reported tailgating returned to McGuirk.

BC Interruption said the game gave Eagles fans heartburn.

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Pitt beat Tennessee on the road 41-34.  

Wisconsin held Eastern Michigan to 90 total yards of offense and won 34-7

Coastal Carolina beat Kansas 49-22.

Toledo came within an eyelash of upsetting Notre Dame.

Purdue ran over UConn 49-0.

In maybe the biggest upset of 2021 so far, Jacksonville State beat Florida State on a "Hail Mary" TD.

Liberty had a bye.

Rhode Island beat Albany in a defensive struggle. The Rams are still my pick for the CAA North.

Maine was crushed by James Madison 55-7.

Army held off Western Kentucky 38-35

New Mexico State lost to New Mexico 34-25.

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