 |
| Click on any image and blogger displays a larger view |
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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
