UMass Football News--November 30th, 2023

 Transfer portal departures: Shawn Harris, Cameron Carson, Jackson Manning, JC Martin, Michael Oppong and Johnny Hassard. Backup QB Carlos Davis has also said he is leaving.

Johnny Hassard and Cameron Carson are starters. UMass will be bringing in a good number of transfer portal players.

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New Mexico State and Liberty play tomorrow for the CUSA Championship. The Flames are a 14 point favorite.

Doc's Sports Service says take the Aggies and the points.

A Sea of Red looks at New Mexico State.

The Las Cruses News says the Aggies have found a winning culture.

New Mexico State QB Diego Pavia allegedly peed in New Mexico's Lobo logo in late September.

Aggie Coach Jerry Kill could be leaving..

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War Bogle looks at Auburn's bowl projections.

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Sports Illustrated published AI written articles under fake names and author photos.

When SI got caught, they deleted the articles and blamed someone else.

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UMass Football Recruiting 2024--Derek Burns

 Derek Burns, a 6-6 250 pound Edge from Kilgore C.C. in Texas has a UMass offer.

247Sports page here.

Kilgore bio here. 9.5 sacks in 2023

Hudl.com has video.

Named one of the top-ten players in the SWJCFC.

Burns has 19 offers including UMass, Troy, Texas State, ODU and Marshall from FBS. He'd be a good fit in Don Brown's attacking defense.

 

UMass Football News--November 28th, 2023

 The Hampshire Gazette has a story on Delaware joining Conference USA in 2025.

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The Minutemen really, really need a conference home.  Having to play two (or three in 2024) Power Five teams every year to stay solvent is just not a good solution. Playing a Group of Five teams four or five years after signing the contract also can have negative effects.

This year we played three MAC teams. Not long ago Eastern Michigan went 0-11. This year Toledo, Miami of Ohio and Eastern Michigan's record was a combined 27-9. If we were in the conference's East division we would have also played Buffalo, Akron and Kent State who's combined record was 6-30. Every year, in a conference, some teams will be having a bad year and the other conference teams get to play them.

If UMass could join Conference USA, I think it would help the entire dept. Except for Rhode Island, The Minutemen no longer have much in the way of interesting games in the A10. I don't think building the department around the A10 makes much sense in the 2020's.

In addition, change will continue to happen. Once in Conference USA, we would be set up for future changes in sports. Syracuse and Boston College are the odd guys out if the ACC breaks up. There could be a Northeast Football conference some time in the future..

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MassLive.com has a post on how a UMass alum turned Europe into a recruiting source.

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A Daily Collegian writer thinks the solution for the UMass athletics dept problems is primarily a need for more resources.

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Kay'Ron Adams and Billie Wooden earn All-New England honors. 

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UMass Football Recruiting 2024--Malcolm Alcorn-Crowder

 

Malcolm Alcorn-Crowder, a 6-6 297 pound DL from Butler Community College has a UMass offer.

His Butler Grizzlies bio here.

247Sports page here.

Hudl.com has video.

This article covers his upcoming visit to Florida.

Alcorn-Crowder has 20 offers including Power Five offers from Florida, Cincinnati and USC. UMass and UConn have offered from the Northeast. He's originally from Whitman, MA and could play in front of friends and family in Amherst.

UMass Football News--November 26th, 2023

 Well, that was disappointing. The UMass offense, which I had mentioned positively, yesterday, turned the ball over four times early (three physical turnovers and a turnover on downs). The Minutemen had about 150 total yards at halftime and 211 going into the fourth quarter. UMass was never in the game.

The maligned UMass defense played well in the first half. The defense had a goal-line stand and the score could have been a lot more than 19 points at halftime. The defense also created a turnover on UConn's opening drive of the second half to give the Minutemen offense a short field.

Ah well, if being a UMass fan was easy, anyone could do it. A nice crowd turned out on a cold day to support UMass football. 

On to next year..

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UMass write-up here.

UConn write-up here.

The Hampshire Gazette says it was a disappointing finish. 

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New Mexico State edged Jax State with a late field goal.

Auburn hung with Alabama, but fell on a late TD by the Tide.

Eastern Michigan finished 6-6.

Toledo beat Central Michigan on the 24th, to finish 11-1.

Miami of Ohio generated only 216 yards of offense, but edged Bowling Green to finish 10-2.

New Mexico lost in double overtime to Utah State. The Lobos then fired their coach.

Arkansas State lost to Marshall to finish 6-6.

Penn State blew out Michigan State 42-0 on Friday. 

Army next plays Navy.

Merrimack has finished their schedule.

Liberty finished a perfect 12-0 with a win over UTEP.

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Game Day UConn--November 25th, 2023

 

Last ride of the year. The Minutemen need a win to cap off a season of improvement. UMass is up 40 notches in scoring offense (from 130th to 90th). The Minutemen are up 44 slots in total offense (from 128th to 84th). We need to get the ball to Anthony Simpson and the other receivers and run the rock with Kay'Ron Adams and Greg Desrosiers. Our offense is better.

On defense, a couple of turnovers would help. UConn is #110 in total offense and #121 in scoring offense (18.0 points/game). 

Losing the last game of the season means we have to live with it for an entire year. Plus it's UConn..

I'll be there cheering for our side. Go UMass!

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Through the Maroon looks at the UMass-UConn rivalry. 

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The Daily Collegian reports UMass closes the 2023 season with UConn. 

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The UConn website says the Huskies head to UMass to end the 2023 season. 

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The Hampshire Gazette says the Minutemen welcome UConn to Amherst in the season finale.

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Pick Dawgz says take UMass and the points. 

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Boston College was flattened by Miami last night 45-20. 

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UMass Football News--November 24th, 2023

 Mike Traini of "Fight Massachusetts" previews the UMass-UConn game.

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Spectrum News says UMass football achieved a number of goals in 2023. 

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UMass-UConn will be televised on ESPN+.

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Winner and Whiners predicts a UConn win.

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The UConn Blog (good name) reports the Huskies' underclassmen are showing their stuff.

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The Black Knights reveal new uniforms for the Army-Navy game. 

The Army-Navy game is at Gillette and Providence RI looks to showcase its city. 

Navy's uniforms will honor the "Silent Service".

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UMass Football Blog--Happy Thanksgiving 2023

 Numerous studies have found one of the most effective "happiness" exercises is to regularly review all you have and be grateful for it.

I'm grateful for my life, my family, my friends and my country----and for UMass football to obsess about :)

Happy Thanksgiving to all blog readers and UMass football players, fans and coaches!

UMass Football News--November 22nd, 2023

 

Help the UMass Football team fight hunger by bringing some items to Saturday's game.

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VSIN.com says take UMass and the point vs UConn.

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Western Mass News has UMass-UConn odds, spread and over and under. 

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UConn coach Jim Mora says the Huskies need a lot more NIL money to compete. 

Mora told UConn fans "don't bitch if you don't contribute". 

That's a message UMass fans can take to heart too. Please consider joining the UMass Grid Iron Club or the Midnight Ride Collective. Any contribution will help.

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Former UConn star Tim Boyle is getting ready for his first start at QB for the NY Jets.

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Eastern Michigan became the sixth UMass 2023 opponent to become bowl eligible with a win over Buffalo last night.

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UMass Football News--November 21st, 2023

 

Chris Tucci image

UMass write-up and game notes for UConn here.

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The Hampshire Gazette reports on Don Brown's take on the Liberty game and getting ready for UConn.

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A Sea of Red has a photo gallery from the Liberty-UMass game.

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Doc's Sports says take the Minutemen and the +3 points. 

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The UConn Blog (good name) reports on the Huskies win over Sacred Heart on Senior Day.

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Covers predicts all 82 teams eligible for the 2023 bowl season.

Liberty, New Mexico State, Miami of Ohio and Toledo are in. Army will probably need to beat Navy to have five FBS wins (there are not enough 6-6 teams to fill all the available bowl slots so some 5-6 teams will be selected).

Auburn has the tough task of beating Alabama in the Iron Bowl to reach 6-6. 

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UMass Football News--November 20th, 2023

 UConn opens as a 2.5 point favorite over UMass.

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UMass #84 in total offense (362.2/game

UConn is #110 in total offense (319.0/game)

UMass is #90 in scoring offense (23.6 points/game)

UConn is #118 in scoring offense (18.0 points/game)

UMass is #77 in team passing efficiency (129.99)

UConn is #114 in team passing efficiency (114.97)

UMass is #114 in total defense (428.d yards/game)

UConn is #108 in total defense (417.2 yards/game)

UMass is #130 in scoring defense (38.5/points/game)

UConn is #103 in scoring defense (30.0 points/game)

It looks like the Minutemen have the edge in offense and the Huskies in defense. UConn will want to run the ball against UMass' rush defense, which has struggled all year (#127 219.1 yards/game). UMass has better receivers and should be able to consistently move move the ball on short and medium routes.

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New Mexico State QB Diego Pavia beat Auburn during "every critical moment). 

Auburn's loss was "baffling, disappointing and sickening).

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If Army beats Navy on December 9th that will give them six wins, but two of the wins are against FCS teams, so the Black Knights would need an NCAA wavier to play in a bowl game. 

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Villanova, Richmond, Delaware and Albany made the FCS playoffs. 

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UMass Football News--November 19th, 2023

 Well, the UMass-Liberty went just about what was expected. The Minutemen needed to keep it close and make the Flames explosive offense work for points. Instead, Kaidon Salter did, as he has done all year, accounted for four TD's (two passing and two running). Liberty scored on their first five possessions and put the game out of reach early. Liberty has good athletes all over and excellent team speed. The Flames did not punt once.

The UMass offense needed to get going early and did not do so. By the time the UMass offense started to move the ball the game was out of reach. Gino Campiotti had two TD receptions, which was great to see. Taisun Phommachanh continued to be hampered by his leg injury. He's only using half his game.

Liberty, in contention for a New Years Day bowl, could have run it up, but did not. UMass needs to focus on next week's game with UConn. Beating the Huskies will mean four wins and real progress for the program.

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UMass write-up here.

Liberty write-up here.

The Hampshire Gazette reports Kaidon Salter's four touchdowns leads Liberty to Victory. 

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If you missed it, New Mexico State absolutely dominated Auburn 31-10. The Aggies held Auburn to 213 total yards and just handled the Tigers. Amazin'.

Eastern Michigan plays Buffalo Tuesday.

Toledo plays Central Michigan on Friday.

Miami of Ohio was off after playing on Wednesday.

New Mexico beat Fresno State on the road.

Arkansas State did run it up on Texas State 77-31 to become bowl eligible.

Penn State held Rutgers to 221 total yards and two field goals.

Army beat Coastal Carolina 28-21. A win over Navy on December 9th will make the Black Knights bowl eligible.

Merrimack lost to Duquesne in the NEC Championship game.

UConn held Sacred Heart to a field goal and won 31-3. 

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Game Day--Liberty--November 18th, 2023

 Today's game against undefeated Liberty will be a tall order for the Minutemen. Liberty is #7 in total offense, # 4 in team passing efficiency, #10 in scoring. The Flames are also no slouches in defense. Liberty is #42 in total defense and #28 in scoring defense (20.4 points/game).

All the pundits have Liberty as a 28-point favorite. However, UMass is healthy and has a bye week under its belt. The Minutemen defense controlled Army and has played well in spots. If UMass can achieve a couple of turnovers as they did against Army, the Minutemen could make a game of it.

I think the key to the game is the UMass offense. If the Minutemen can score close to, or over 30 points then we could put some pressure on Liberty, who has not really had to face much adversity in this season.

I'll be watching and cheering for the Minutemen. Go UMass!

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The Hampshire Gazette reports UMass is seeking to hand Liberty their first loss.

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Against the Spread says to take Liberty over "the clearly inferior" UMass team. 

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The Daily Collegian has a post on how three UMass players found their way home. 

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On Thursday night, Boston College lost to Pitt 24-16, dropping the Eagles record to 6-5.

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UMass Football News--November 17th, 2023

 

Parker Peters image

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Liberty's website has Game Day UMass.

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Doc's Sports says take Liberty to cover the 28-point spread.

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Bang the Book.com has Liberty 45 UMass 15.

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The San Diego Tribune reports the Flames look to keep a perfect  season intact.

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Lancaster Online.com says continued perfection is Liberty's goal this Saturday.

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Pick Dawgz says take the over in the UMass-Liberty game.

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UConn athletic dept image

Jackson Mitchell has left his mark on the UConn program. Mitchell is one of the top defensive players in the Group-of-Five. 95 TT so far in 2023 and he averages 9.5/game.

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UMass Football News--November 16th, 2023

 The UMass Daily Collegian says UMass looks to extend the two-game winning streak at #25 Liberty.

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Garrett Cote talks conference realignment and UMass.

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Doc's Sports Service thinks Liberty will cover the 28-point spread. 

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In 2017 Liberty was named a Purple Heart University (the first in the state of Virginia) by the Military Order of the Purple Heart in honor of the University's support of service members and their families 

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A Sea of Red has bowl predictions for Liberty after Week #11.

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Flames QB Kaidon Salter has been named a semifinalist for college football's Maxwell Award.

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UConn gets ready for Senior Day against Sacred Heart.

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Miami of Ohio clinched a MAC East title and a berth in the conference championship game. 

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UMass Football News--November 15th, 2023

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Liberty embraces the "disrespect" in college football polls.

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Notes and quotes from Flames coach Jamey Chadwell's press conference on UMass week.

I had missed Bill Durkin was O-line coach at Liberty. From his Flames bio:

"Durkin began his coaching career as a strength and conditioning coach at his alma mater, the University of Massachusetts from 1995-96. He was a four-year letterman, a two-year team captain, and a first-team all-conference selection in both 1992 and 1993. He added consensus first-team All-American honors in 1993 and was later named to the Yankee Conference 50th Anniversary All-Star Team."

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Liberty's Media Room take on the UMass game.

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Last night Toledo completed an 18-point dramatic comeback to edge Bowling Green 32-31. That win moved the Rockets to 10-1 and still in play for a New Year's Day bowl.

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Eastern Michigan edged Akron 30-27 in double overtime.

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UMass Football News--November 14th, 2023

 UMass preps for 2023's final road game against Liberty.

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The College Football Network predicts the Flames will play Louisville in the Fiesta Bowl.

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Image credit unknown

Flames QB Kaidon Salter is currently ranked #4 in pass efficiency . He's behind Bo Nix of Oregon, but ahead of Alabama's Jelen Milroe..

Liberty is currently #7 in total offense averaging 496 yards/game and 7.06 yards/play. 

The Flames are #29 in scoring defense allowing 20.1 points/game.

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College Sports News has Kaidon Salter and players to watch in the UMass-Liberty game.

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The current undefeated college football teams.

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UMass Football News--November 13th, 2023

 

Mike Traini of "Fight Massachusetts" recaps the Merrimack game.

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UMass opens as a 27.5 underdog to Liberty.

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Sports Book.com has Liberty vs UMass odds, tips and betting trends.

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Flames QB Kaidon Salter was responsible for five TD's in Liberty's win over Old Dominion.

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FBS Schedules.com reports Liberty will host New Mexico State in the CUSA championship game on December 1st. The game will be televised on the CBS Sports network.

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Liberty is #25 in the AP poll. The Flames are just outside the top-25 in the College Coaches poll. Penn State fell to #12 in both polls after losing to Michigan.

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UMass Football News--November 12th, 2023

Christina Merrell image

 Josh Wallace was on the field for Michigan's win over Penn State yesterday.

Through nine games, Josh has graded out as Michigan's second best corner.

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With a road win over Western Kentucky, New Mexico State is in the CUSA championship game.

Auburn clobbered Arkansas 48-10 to reach bowl eligibility.

Eastern Michigan lost to Toledo Wednesday. 

Miami of Ohio beat Akron Wednesday night.

Arkansas State fell to South Alabama 21-14.

Penn State lost to Michigan 24-15. Penn State fans threw debris on the field and chanted "Fire Franklin" during the loss.

Army eked out a 17-14 win over Holy Cross on a blocked punt.

Merrimack beat Central Conn State to clinch an appearance in the NEC Championship game.

Liberty rolled over Old Dominion 35-3 in the first half to run their record to 10-0. MSN has Liberty's offense as one of the top-10 in college football.

James Madison crushed UConn 44-6 to achieve a 10-0 record. 

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UMass Football Recruiting 2024--Dodge Sauser

 

JUCO Football Frenzy image

Dodge Sauser, a 6-5 300 OL from Iowa Central C.C. has a UMass offer.

Hudl.com has video. 

247Sports page here.

Ex-Iowa State.

Besides UMass, Sauser has FBS offers from Western Kentucky, Old Dominion and New Mexico. There should be plenty of playing time up for grabs in Amherst in future years. Sauser could find a home playing for Coach Miller.

UMass Football News--November 10th, 2023

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 UMass "X" feed has a six-minute video updating the football season.

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The Midnight Ride Collective has their latest podcast featuring Mike Traini of "Fight Massachusetts" and Alex Agrella.

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Liberty puts its unbeaten season on the time against Old Dominion's tough defense.

If the Flames are unbeaten and the highest ranked Group-of-Five team they have a chance to be chosen to Fiesta, Cotton or Chic-Fil-A Peach Bowl.

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UConn prepares for #21 James Madison.

The Athletic looks into the legendary UConn-UCF Civil Conflict trophy.

JMU's home game against UConn is sold out.

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The UMass-UConn series dates back to 1897 (a UMass win 36-0) and UMass has played UConn 76 times (2nd most in UMass history). The Minutemen lead the series 38-36-2.

There is no trophy for the "U-Game". Many fans think there should be one. If UMass and UConn stay independent, it would be about the only trophy available to both teams.

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UMass Football News--November 9th, 2023

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 Toledo coasted to victory over Eastern Michigan last night 49-23. It was 35-0 at the half. The Rockets clinched the MAC West Title and ran their record to 9-1.

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Miami of Ohio shut out Akron 19-0 last night and moved their record to 8-2. The Redhawks continue to lead the MAC East.

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Liberty is ranked #25 in the 2023 Coaches Poll and receiving votes in the AP poll.

The Flames are eyeing a 10-0 record with this week's game against Old Dominion. 

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UConn's coach Mora is asked about getting the Huskies younger players some game time.

The Huskies prep for #21 and undefeated James Madison.

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UMass Football Recruiting 2024--Alex Conn

 Alex Conn, a 6-6 330 pound OT from Iowa Western C.C. has a UMass offer.

247Sports page here.

Hudl.com has video. 

Entered the transfer portal from Nebraska. 

Conn has FBS offers from UMass and Old Dominion. There should be playing time available in Amherst in 2024. He could be a good fit playing for Coach Miller.

UMass Football News--November 7th, 2023

 Garrett Cole of the Hampshire Gazette say UMass relished their first back-to-back wins since 2018.

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The GB Packers added Ellis Merriweather to their practice squad yesterday.

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Doc's Sports reports Liberty opens as a 13-point favorite over Old Dominion. The Flames has 603 total yards of offense last week against LA Tech. Liberty QB Kaidon Salter finished with a QB rating of 213. He went 16-23 for 297 yards. The Flames are rollin'.

Bleacher Reports says take the over in the Liberty-Old Dominion game.

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I watched the UConn-Tennessee game on DVD last evening. The Huskies actually moved the ball pretty well against the Vols. UConn's best weapon was the Ta'Quon Roberson-to-TE Justin Joly combo. They combined for 8-89 yards. UConn gave back-to-back INT's for touchdowns and also lost a fumble for a TD. 

The Huskies gave up some long plays that put UConn behind early. UConn is a 24.5 underdog to JMU this Saturday. They should beat Sacred Heart and the UMass game is a toss-up.

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UMass Football News--November 6th, 2023

 

The 14,000+ fans who went to Homecoming deserve a tip of a hat. The UMass football fan base has been, IMHO, amazingly resilient over the last four years. With near zero positive reinforcement, UMass football fans keep showing up. For example, Liberty who has had tons of success since joining FBS had 21,647 fans for their Homecoming. That was the Flames highest ever Homecoming crowd. The Minutemen's Homecoming crowd looks pretty good in that context. If we win more, UMass fans will show up.

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More images from Homecoming here.

Video from the Merrimack game here. 

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Merrimack stays #2 in the NEC Power Rankings. 

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Speaking of Liberty, the Flames jumped to #25 in the FBS AP poll.

Liberty is a 13.5 favorite over Old Dominion next Saturday.

I don't think UMass has ever beaten a Top-25 team. A Minutemen win in two weeks is unlikely, but within the realm of possibility.

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Tennessee made a sizable jump in the Top-25 Coaches poll after defeating UConn Saturday. 

SB Nation looks at UConn's future opponents (including UMass) after Week #10. 

UConn is a 26.5 underdog to JMU for next Saturday's game.

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UMass Football News--November 5th, 2023

Kalina Kornacki image

 Well, a funky fourth quarter kinda obscured a excellent effort by the UMass defense. The Minutemen defense only gave up 226 total yards for the game. Eighty-four of those yards came on the Warriors final dive against the second-team UMass defense. Just like New Mexico State, Brown put in the second team with four minutes to go and, just like New Mexico State, the opposing team moved the ball in 40-yard chunks.

The UMass defense held Tyvon Edmonds to 75 rushing yards and 0 TD's.

Unlike the Army game, Taisun Phommachanh struggled to find a rhythm passing. Again, being a pocket passer is not really his thing.

Greg Desrosiers and Kay'Ron Adams combined for 250 yards rushing. UMass is #70 in rushing offense.

UMass left seven points on the table by taking a knee on Merrimack's two yard line to close the game. I dunno if we are good enough to be gentlemen 😀

It's the third win of the season and I'll take it. UMass had over 14,000 in attendance, so it was a good crowd.

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UMass write-up here.

Merrimack write-up here.

The Hampshire Gazette reports the Minutemen ground game dominated. 

The UMass Daily Collegian said Greg Desrosiers ran UMass to victory. 

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New Mexico State clinched a bowl bid with a win over Middle Tennessee State. 

Auburn beat Vanderbilt 30-15. The Tigers are one win away from a bowl bid.

Eastern Michigan plays Toledo on Wednesday.

Miami of Ohio plays Akron Wednesday.

Arkansas State also moved to five wins with a victory over the Ragin Cajuns.

New Mexico was blown out by UNLV.

Penn State held Maryland to -49 yards rushing.

Army forced six turnovers in a massive upset of Air Force. The Falcons were 8-0 and probably headed to a New Year's Day bowl.

Army's win opens the door for Liberty, who blasted Louisiana Tech 56-30. 

Tennessee rang up 650 total yards of offense and scored three defensive TD's in a win over UConn.

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Game Day--Merrimack November 4th, 2023

 

The Minutemen are 1-3 against FCS opponents over the last three years. UMass needs to win this game. A win will continue to build momentum for the season and set up the last two games of 2023. Merrimack is a run-first offense. If UMass can contain  RB Tyvon Edmonds, then the Minutemen defense should be able to control the Warriors offense. 

UMass is #87 in total offense in FBS in 2023. The Minutemen need to continue to run and mix in the passing attack. UMass has scored more than 30 points only twice this season. This would be a game the Minutemen should be able to score.

I'll be there cheering for the Minutemen. Go UMass!!

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The UMass Midnight Ride Collective has a metaverse themed graphic for today's game here.

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Mike Traini of "Fight Massachusetts' has a UMass-Merrimack game preview here.

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The Amherst Wire reports UMass attempts its first winning streak since 2018. 

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CBS Sport has Minutemen-Warriors game info and how to watch.

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The UConn-Tennessee game is available on the SEC Network if your provider offers it.

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Liberty-Louisiana Tech is available on the CBS Sports Network at 6:00 pm. 

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UMass Football News--November 3rd, 2023

Homecoming

 The UMass Twitter feed has Minutemen players talking about Homecoming and the Merrimack game.

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Liberty looks to avoid another November slump. 

At 8-0 the Flames has already clinched a spot in CUSA championship game. 

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USA Today predicts Tennessee 43 UConn 13.

The Huskies are "energized" by the chance to play the Volunteers.  

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Bleacher Report predicts New Mexico State, Eastern Michigan, Miami of Ohio, Auburn, Toledo and Penn State will have bowl bids.  

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UMass Football News--November 2nd, 2023

 

The Hampshire Gazette reports UMass is eyeing a winning streak.

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Army is an 18 point underdog to Air force this weekend.

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Toledo ran their record to 8-1 Tuesday night with a 31-13 win over Buffalo. 

A 2-point loss to Power Five Illinois is the only blemish on the Rockets record. Toledo has to be considered one of the Group-of-Five's top teams.

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UConn prepares to do their best against #19 Tennessee. 

The Vols look to build momentum against the Huskies. 

UConn is a 35-point underdog in this game.

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Penn State (7-1), New Mexico State (6-3), Toledo (8-1) and Miami of Ohio (7-2) are bowl eligible. Miami of Ohio leads the MAC East and Toledo has a 2-game lead in the MAC West.

Auburn is 4-4, but they still get to play Vanderbilt (2-7), Arkansas (2-6) and Group-of -Five New Mexico State, so they have a good chance of hitting six wins.

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UMass Football News--November 1st, 2023

 

Kay'Ron Adams and Billy Wooden are the UMass student athletes-of-the-week.

Adams is currently #5 in FBS in rushing yards. With three games to go, he should finish at well over 1,000 yards.

Wooden is second on the team with 39 TT and 3rd in UT. Those are really good totals for a DL. The usual task of a defensive lineman is to engage the O-line and linebackers or the strong safety make the tackles. In addition, he leads the team in TFL (9) and also leads with 5.5 sacks. Billy is having a hell of a year..

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The UConn Daily Campus has an article on why the Huskies should join the MAC. 

A UMass-UConn alliance to join the MAC would solve a lot of problems for both programs. It would give the MAC exposure to two large East Coast media markets. UConn would join as a football-only member, but if the Huskies agreed to play a couple of basketball games with conference members, it would sweeten the deal.

If UMass was offered as an all-sports deal, I would take it. UMass could schedule some New England and strong basketball opponents in their out-of-conference schedule.

Meanwhile, UConn prepares for #19 Tennessee.

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 The UMass Daily Collegian reports UMass is prepping for Merrimack.

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I was watching a replay of last Saturday's Miami-Virginia game on the treadmill yesterday. UMass shoulda recruited this Cavalier QB.

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