The UMass website previews the 2022 Minutemen defensive line.
The Minutemen have had few FBS-level defensive ends since the move from FCS football. In general, we have not had a pass rush and little in the way of edge contain. The MAC had some very good QB's and some really average FBS-level ones. We made most opposing QB's look very well indeed.
In 2022 UMass was ranked #128 in sacks (less than one/game). The Minutemen were #127 in tackles for loss (3.5/game).
Hopefully, transfer Marcus Bradley 6-3 275 and Marcus Cushnie 6-2 250 will be blocks Coach Brown can build a defense around.
This year UMass will have eight DL's with game experience and two true freshmen. Someone did a study of NFL defensive linemen and found the average DL took almost three times as many steps per game than offensive linemen did (because DL's have to chase the play). So DL line depth is an issue. You have to rotate defensive linemen or they're gassed by the fourth quarter. We'll see starting with Tulane if the UMass defensive line has made progress.
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The Hampshire Gazette reports Josh Atwood has traded defense for offense.
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An ESPN writer ranks all 131 FBS teams in tiers. Save time and scroll to the end.
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ESPN details it's opening week coverage of college football. Announcers Jack Benjamin and Brian Kinchen will call the UMass-Tulane game on ESPN+.
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Fan Duel looks at the odds for UConn's opener against Utah State.
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Action Sports predicts six wins and a bowl game for Tulane in 2022.
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