This turned out to be a pretty good game. The UMass offense's lack of production negated a pretty heroic effort by the Minutemen defense. Western Michigan scored 7 points in the first half and was held to 4-11 on third downs. Five UMass defensive players had nine or more tackles.
Western Michigan has probably the best defense in the MAC. As a case in point, they held Michigan State scoreless in the second half of their game against the Spartans.
However, UMass could have done better. A holding penalty turned a rushing TD into a field goal.
In the third and fourth quarters UMass drove to the Broncos' 13, 15 and 25 yard lines. We ended up scoring zero points. In the first of these AJ Hairston took an absolutely horrific sack that ruined that chance. He threw an INT to stop the second.
Despite the loss, the Minutemen defense is rapidly improving. We can still win some games in the MAC if the offense gets better.
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The Minuteman Command reports UMass loses to Western Michigan in their MAC conference opener.
The Hampshire Gazette reports UMass suffers a fifth straight loss.
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Temple rallied past UTSA by scoring 21 points in the third quarter.
Maine handled Bryant 34-14.
Iowa had a bye.
Missouri had a bye.
UMass' next opponent Kent State, fell to Oklahoma 44-0.
Buffalo beat Eastern Michigan in overtime.
Central Michigan Michigan was upset by Akron.
Miami (Ohio) held Northern Illinois to 220 total yards and beat the Huskies 25-14.
Ohio was upset by Ball State 20-14.
Bowling Green had a bye.
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Current MAC standings is here. Buffalo and Western Michigan currently lead the league at 2-0.
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