Mike Traini of "Fight Massachusetts" is doing a series of position group studies for 2023.
This one is on the UMass running backs. The major change since the arrival of Coach Brown is the depth at this position. In 2021, we were down to effectively one scholarship running back. UMass could not compete at the FBS level in that situation.
The Minutemen want to be a run heavy offense. Despite our decent-appearing ranking of #68 in rushing average, UMass did not have a rushing attack--a rush game that put pressure on opposing defenses. In 2022 the Minutemen scored only 10 rushing TD's--less than one a game. Doubling that would be a good goal for 2023 and RB room needs to make that happen.
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Mike also has a post on the Minutemen wide receivers. I spent 2022 being noncommittal about the UMass WR's mainly because they were not getting a lot of accurate throws from UMass' quarterbacks. However, there were some drops and an overall lack of speed that definitely did not help.
If UMass is to improve in 2023, the WR group needs to improve its production. In 2022 UMass had only four TD receptions. The Minuteman rushing game spent most of last year running into eight or nine in the box because opposing teams knew we could not throw the ball. Transfers Mark Pope, Christian Wells and Anthony Simpson need to make an impact.
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KTSM.com reports New Mexico State is looking for an encore after last year's bowl game.
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War Eagle says Auburn is looking for "sunny skies" in 2023.
BTW, Auburn is also in the middle of a QB competition.
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