UMass played well against a strong Liberty team. New starter AJ Hairston went 13 -25 for 163 yards. He managed the best showing by the Minutemen offense in 2024. UMass had 426 total yards and only 4 penalties for 38 yards and no sacks.
The UMass rushing attack shined totaling 263 yards. Jalen John gained 121 yards and a 7.9 yards/carry average. C.J. Hester had 53 yards and a 5.1 yards/carry. Hairston rushed 6 time for over 10 yards a pop.
The UMass defense did a good job on Kaidon Salter. He had only 58 yards rushing and threw for 114 with no passing TD's.
The Liberty rushing game gained 309 total yards, averaging 6.4 yards a carry.
If we had made that field goal at the end of the game, UMass deserved to win. If we had made kicks in both the overtime games we would be gunning for five wins against UConn..
It was the best game we played this year. We've got a shot against UConn.
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UMass write-up here.
Liberty write-up here.
The Hampshire Gazette reports UMass falls in overtime.
The Daily Collegian said UMass lost in an overtime thriller.
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Eastern Michigan lost to Ohio midweek.
Toledo blew out Central Michigan on the 12th.
Buffalo won a shoot-out against Ball State on the 12th.
CCSU won in double overtime to set up the NEC championship next week.
Miami (Ohio) blew out Kent State on the 13 to become bowl eligible.
Northern Illinois also became bowl eligible on the 13th with a win over Akron.
Mississippi State had a bye.
Georgia had a come back win over Tennessee to keep their CFP hopes alive.
UConn had a bye.
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