UMass Football News---August 24th, 2017

Kevin Dillon of MassLive.com has a post on Shane Huber and his decision to give up football but remain active in the program. It's a shame Huber won't get to play his senior season. Kudos to him to stay positive and try to help UMass this year.

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Matty Vautour has a story about UMass presenting walk-on Alfred Adarkwah with a scholarship.

Mike Traini of "Fight Massachusetts" also has a post on Adarkwah.

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Matty also has a story about Isiah Rogers being the primary punt and kick returner for the Minutemen.

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The Boston Herald has a story about A.D. Ryan Bamford's plans of McGuirk improvements and flexibility in scheduling.

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Athlon Sports previews the Hawaii-UMass game and predicts a Warriors win 38-34.

West Hawaii Today previews the 2017 Warriors schedule and predicts a 37-34 win in Amherst.

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The Montgomery Adviser reports on Troy coach Neal Brown and his school's future schedules including a 2020 trip to UMass. I think Brown will be HC at a Power Five school by then.

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The Salt Lake Tribune has a story about former UMass LS Emmitt Odegard.

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The Jackson Free Press previews Mississippi State.

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UMass Football News--August 23rd, 2017

UMass will wear a helmet sticker to honor Michael Boland who passed away during the off season.

Matty Vautour reports on the revamped UMass offensive line and the rest of the offensive starters.

One goal for the offense is to run the ball better. UMass was #124 out of 128 teams in rushing offense in 2016. A good part of that came from playing five Power Five teams (not many Group-of-Five teams rack up big rushing totals against SEC teams), but UMass did not do much better against lesser competition. Whipple's FCS offense featured a strong running game to go with his down-the field passing. I think Marquis Young is a good RB, but he needs more room to operate. Did you see the latest two-deep chart? This year Ray Thomas-Ishman weighs 350, Lucas Kotler 315, Derek Dumais 330, Jake Largay 325 and Jack Driscoll 300. Looks like the OL beefed up. Of the ten OL in the two-deep only one weighs less than 300. Let's hope that translates into more holes for Young to run into.

Nearly all the Minutemen wins so far in FBS have been defensive grinds. The lone game where the UMass offense dominated was the 2015 game against Buffalo where Marquis Young ran for 240 yards. It would be beneficial if we could do more of that in 2017.

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Matty also reports Shane Huber is at peace with walking away from football.

Shane Huber's Twitter statement here.

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The UMass Daily Collegian says UMass is getting ready for Hawaii.

The Hawaii Tribune-Herald says the opening game will tell a lot about UMass and Hawaii.

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Mike Traini of "Fight Massachusetts" previews the 2017 Minutemen schedule.

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Hawaii flies east for the UMass game and lands in ----- New York?

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Coastal Carolina transitions from Fall Camp to in-season play.

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The Dispatch previews the Mississippi State-UMass game.

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This article reports UMass will play FCS Southern Illinois in 2020. The currently listed UMass 2020 schedule is here.

Stephen Hewitt of the Boston Herald reports UMass is comfortable as an Independent.

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ESPN ranks UMass fans #117 in fan happiness. We're ahead of UConn and only 8 slots behind BC.

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BTW, this was the best image I took of the eclipse. The air was not very steady here. Note the sunspot group near the sun's equator. Click on the image and Blogger displays a larger view.

UMass Football News--August 13th, 2017

UMass held a football practice that was open to season ticket holders. Everyone got a UMass t-shirt and some more swag. Whipple was upbeat. He said the QB situation was "the best since I've been in college football". Marquis Young is up 10 pounds (he's listed as 215 on the latest roster). He said Shane Huber's college career might be over. Whipple said for the first time since he's returned, the Minutemen have some "3's". He said he felt our "1's" could "play with anybody", but we haven't had the depth to play in the fourth quarter.

Whipple felt UMass has done well the last two years, but "needed one more recruiting class".

In the scrimmage, freshman Jesse Britt made two nifty catches. I've blogged about Britt a couple of times before.

Ross Comis was wearing a knee brace, but moved well. He looks fully recovered.

Andrew Ford was running the first offense. Randall West had a couple of nice passes.

Rayquan Thomas looks visibly slimmer.

Click on the images and Blogger displays a larger view.

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Spectrum and Hawaii Telecom will broadcast the UMass/Eleven Sports production of UMass/Hawaii game.

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UMass Football News--August 10th, 2017

Matty Vautour has a post on UMass Kicker Logan Laurent goal of no drama in field goals.

If we deserve any ridicule since UMass moved to FBS, it comes in the kicking game. Laurent was #115 in field goals per game in 2016. Our seven field goals puts us in the bottom ten in offensive production from that position. If we were just average, we would get 12-15 field goals per season.

The article says freshman Michael Schreiner will handle kickoffs.

Matty also reports redshirt freshman Avien Peah 6-2 260 has been getting reps at fullback.

Shane Huber is back home in New Jersey dealing with another knee injury. Hope he gets better soon.

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UMass has updated the Fall roster----somewhat. Freshmen are listed but mostly no bios yet.

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The Herald News has a post about Coach Mac during his time at UMass.

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Former UMass LS Emmett Odegard has found success at Utah State.

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Victor Cruz wants to show Chicago he still has gas left in the tank. Cruz's Bears bio.

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UMass Football News--August 9th, 2017

Dick MacPherson has passed away. He was head coach at UMass from 1971 to 1979.  His 73 games is third on the UMass all-time games coached list. He won five Yankee Conference championships and led UMass to the first FCS Championship.

The UMass administration promptly cut his scholarships the next year and he left for Syracuse where he became a Hall-of-Fame coach.

He was a great guy and boy could he tell football stories.

The Gazette has an AP story about Coach Mac.

Matty Vautour has a post on UMass coaches remembering MacPherson.

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Matty has a story about Bryton Barr, a 6-0 225 pound transfer from Towson. I've blogged about Barr before. With Shane Huber's status uncertain, he'll bring depth to the linebacker position.

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CBS Sports rates UMass dead last in FBS football. Many sports "writers' just go through the motions. If it draws eyeballs, it's OK.  They get paid to crank out stuff, that's it.

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A "Chowder and Champions" writer picks UConn to go six-and-six. Note that he picks the Huskies to beat both USF and UCF. USF is a consensus Top-25 pick and Athlon has UCF picked second in the AAC East.

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MASSACHUSETTS, A STATE GRIPPED WITH TERROR

Another underwear-wearing driver crashes his car doing 100-miles an hour in East Bridgewater.

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UMass Football News--August 8th, 2017

Matty Vautour has a post on Tyshaun Ingram moving to running back. You remember Ingram averaged 7.3 yards/carry in HS.

Matty Vautour also reports Shane Huber is still dealing with knee problems.

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USA Today predicts the records of all 130 FBS teams including UMass at 3-9. They also pick Ohio, USF and Appalachian State to win their conference divisions.

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Meanwhile, at BYU, Riley Burt and the wonderfully named Squally Canada compete to be the lead back for the Cougars.

Also in the RB mix is KJ Hall who ran for 101 yards against UMass last year.

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Sports on Earth previews the Sun Belt including sections on UMass opponents Georgia Southern, Appalachian State and Coastal Carolina.

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Old Dominion opens training camp.

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Maine finds training camp without three of their top players challenging.

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The AAC has become a launching pad for Power Five coaches.

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THE BLOG IS STILL NOSTALGIC FOR THE FIVE COLLEGE AREA

Man in underwear steals Northampton police cruiser.

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UMass Football News--July 31st, 2017

Mark Chiarelli of MassLive relates UMass TE Adam Breneman thinks there are some winnable games in 2017.

Mark also reports Andrew Ford and Ross Comis will split time as QB in early camp and Shane Huber was not dressed for the first practice.

Matty Vautour also has a post on UMass opening training camp. He relates UMass has put in a waiver request to have Syracuse transfer RB Jordan Fredricks eligible to play this year. Whipple did not sound too hopeful the NCAA would grant the request.

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Hawaii football tries to connect with millennials.

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Coastal Carolina officially opens training camp.

Coastal Carolina players dedicate the 2017 season to coach Joe Moglia.

The Chants dismiss a promising RB after he is arrested.

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Tennessee opens Fall camp with a QB battle.

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Boston College also opens Fall Camp.

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UMass Football News--July 6th, 2017

Washington Valor image

Former UMass player Tracey Belton won the Arena Football league defensive player-of-the-week award.

Washington Valor press release.

This article features Belton.

Belton was the 2016 Arena Football Defensive Player-of-the-Year.

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The current UMass roster lists eleven LB's:

Jarell Addo #26 LB 6-0 190 RSJR DNP 2016
Bryton Barr #44 LB 6-0 225 RSJR Transfer from Towson
James Bowe, #13 LB 6-0 192 SO 11-0 GP-GS 12 UT 14 AT 26 TT
Colbert Calhoun #35 LB 5-11 219  SR 12-8 GP-GS 28 UT 30 AT 58 TT 4.0 TFL 1 PD 1 FF
Steve Casali #34 LB 6-1 236 RSSR12-12 GP-GS 47 UT 58 AT 105 TT 9.5 TFL 6 PD 1 FF 3 FR
Jake Froehlich #47 LB 6-1 245 RSSO Transfer from Oregon
Shane Huber #8 LB 6-3 237 RSSR 4-3 GP-GS 7 UT 13 AT 20 TT 2.5 TFL 2 PD
Tedrick Lowery #6 LB 6-0 221 SR 8-8 GP-GS 14 UT 23 AT 37 TT 2.0 TFL 2 PD 1 FR
Jeremy Rodriguez #49 LB 6-1 227 RSJR 12-0 GP-GS 3 UT 7 AT 10 TT
Mike Ruane #33 LB 6-0 227 FR Spring enrollee
Adam Tucker #58 LB 6-1 192 RSFR DNP 2016

Last year, new UMass defensive coordinator Ed Pinkham played a 4-3 defense at Western Michigan. I don't know if he'll do the same with the Minutemen.

In a 3-4 defense Steve Casali totaled 105 total tackles. He'll be a fixture in the 2017 defense.

Shane Huber is coming off a second knee injury. He was injured in the fourth game of the 2016 season. It usually takes about a year to recover from an ACL, so he may or may not be ready for the start of 2017. If healthy, he'll start as a senior.

Colbert Calhoun and Tedrick Lowery, both seniors had 16 starts between them. Both should see plenty of playing time.

Jake Froelich and Bryton Barr are both unknowns at this time. I would think Froelich would play inside and Barr outside.

With four senior linebackers, I would think the UMass coaching staff would like to reshirt 2017 recruit Mike Ruane.

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April 20th, 2017---Spring Game Day!

Hope to see everyone at the Spring Game tonight. It's also an excellent time to renew or join the Gridiron Club. I just got my "thank you for your recent donation" letter from the athletic dept yesterday.

If you can't afford the basic membership, send any donation. Your name on the football donor list really helps in the culture wars. They'd probably rather have 100 people send $10 than one person send $1000. Being a member shows people care about the program. Your name has a real "force multiplier" effect. Help UMass football win.

Details on the Spring game here.

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Matty Vautour has a post on the Spring game. He notes Shane Huber (still rehabbing a torn ACL) plus Ali Ali-Musa, DaSean Downey and Sha-Ki Holines will all sit out the game. Those are four defensive starters, so hopefully they'll all be ready to go by summer.

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Dawgnation.com has details of the contract UMass received for playing at Georgia in 2018.

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UMass' last opponent of the coming season BYU, will feature running backs by committee.

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Thursday--April 13th, 2017

UMass football players nominated for the SAMYS leadership award: Steve Casali, Shane Huber and Raquan Thomas.

Adam Breneman was nominated for the Newcomer of the Year award.

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I watched most of Mississippi State's Spring game last Saturday. Bulldog QB Nick Fitzgerald threw four INT's and was not in sync with his receivers. The game ended early when a Mississippi State DB was ejected for a hit on one of his teammates.

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Old Dominion's Spring game will be this Saturday.

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Sunday--January 8th, 2016

Mike Traini has a post-2016 season review. It's well done and worth a bit of your time.

It's difficult to to give a evaluation of the 2016 season, because as Traini points out, the level of competition was so high. The Minutemen played 9 teams that qualified for bowls and those teams had an 8-1 record in post season. South Carolina, the lone loser, lost in overtime. Troy and Louisiana Tech turned out to be two of the Group-of-Five's top teams. Those two teams went a combined 19-5 against Group-of-Five teams.

Part of the problem was we lost three impact players. In summer camp, Whipple repeatedly said Ross Comis was "our best guy" and the intended starter. Comis played well at Florida. He then got clotheslined against BC and then suffered a season ending injury at Old Dominion. His replacement, Andrew Ford actually played well for not really starting until the fourth game. Ford completed almost 61% of his passes and had a 133.99 efficiency rating. He threw three or four bad interceptions, but he was all UMass fans could ask for after stepping in. It will be interesting to see if Comis, who's game was his legs, will be effective next after a severe knee injury.

Back on December 30th, I took a look at the UMass running game. Specifically, I looked at the Minutemen's effectiveness against the non-power Five section of the season. UMass finished #124 out of 128 FBS teams in rushing yards. The Minutemen did better in the Group-of-Five portion of their schedule averaging 4.16 yards a carry and 123.00 yards a game. Still, if projected over a 12 game schedule, the results would have placed UMass in the bottom 20% in rushing effectiveness. That's one area that needs more production in 2017.

On defense the loss of Shane Huber and Tedrick Lowery hurt a defense that was fairly stout in its front seven. UMass has 70 TFL in 2016 a strong set of opponents had 77 against the Minutemen. DaSean Downey would start on a SEC team. He had 8.5 TFL and 6 SACKS. Downey developed pressure on the opposing QB no matter who were playing.

Still, UMass got beat over the top against the likes of Hawaii, Tulane and Old Dominion. The Minutemen were #106 in passing yards allowed. That's an area that needs improvement.

I believe UMass was a better team in 2016 than 2015. The strength of schedule masked a good deal of the progress. I will take off my Maroon & White colored glasses to say, even against an easier schedule, a bowl game probably was not in the cards in 2016. If we had been in the MAC a four or five win result would have been likely.

I'll talk about 2017 in future posts.

Saturday--December 31st 2016

Mike Traini reports that UMass CB James Allen has left the program. In 2016, Allen went 12-7 GP-GS 23 UT 10 AT 33 TT 1.0-2 TFL 5 BRUP.

Allen was also the Minutemen's primary punt returner. He went 12-102 8.% AVE 41 LONG. In kick returns he was second on the team with 22-426 19.4 AVE 39 LONG.

The Minutemen were #106 in the nation in passing yards allowed. The results were somewhat influenced by the fact UMass played three top-50 offenses (Louisiana Tech, Mississippi State and Old Dominion). However, I remember the Minutemen "D" getting beat over the top by the likes of Tulane and Hawaii. UMass finished #108 in total defense giving up an average of 35.5 points/game.

The return of Shane Huber and Tedrick Lowery should help the defense in 2017.

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Florida State scored 33 points on Don Brown's defense to win a wild Orange Bowl.

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Details of Randy Edsall's contract with UConn.

Edsall apologizes for how he left.

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Monday before Troy--October 31st, 2016

Adam Breneman hightlights. Breneman has gone 52-622 6 TD's. He's #1 in total receptions for a TE, tied for #1 in TD's and second to yards by a TE.

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Ross Comis and Shane Huber both had successful ACL repairs. Huber was having an excellent season before he was injured. However, with two ACL tears, maybe he should consider life after football. He's got a lot of life to live after he graduates.

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UMass is a 21 point underdog to Troy according to Las Vagas odds.

Keepers College football ratings has Troy by 28+ (.pdf download). Keepers has UMass at #117 nationally (another .pdf download).

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The UMass Daily Collegian says the Minutemen put it all together in the game against Wagner.

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The State says South Carolina's defense turned it around after "letting up" on UMass. Yeah, right.

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The Salt Lake Triburne says the rested Cougars are ready for the last third of their season.

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The Montgomery Advertizer says Neal Brown is a bright young coach and has a bright future.

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Friday before South Carolina--October 21st, 2016

From the UMass Athletic Dept:

UMASS vs. SOUTH CAROLINA 
PREGAME RECEPTION INFORMATION
Saturday, October 22, 2016

We are excited that you will be joining us for the South Carolina game this weekend. For your convenience, see map indicating our tailgate location (Seawell's Banquet Facility) marked by a yellow star located just northwest of Williams-Brice Stadium.  Look for the University of Massachusetts Welcome sign at the entrance of Seawell's.  Reception will be held from 9:30-11:30am.  A cash bar will be available during the tailgate for your enjoyment.  Tickets remain available for purchase upon entrance at $25 per individual.

Representatives from UMass Athletics and the UMass Amherst Alumni Association will be happy to assist you on game day with any questions you may have. 

Seawell's Banquet Facility
1125 Rosewood Drive
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
(803) 771-7385

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Dan Malone reports UMass hopes the third time is the charm against the SEC.

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Matty Vautour reports Marquis Young and Tedrick Lowery are still "questionable" for Saturday's game. Whipple said Bilal Ally and Sekai Lindsay will get reps from the TB slot. John Robinson-Woodgett and JUCO Malik Lee could get some carries out of the fullback position.

Tedrick Lowery played well against SEC opposition early in the season. With Shane Huber out for the season with an ACL Lowery is a big component in UMass' run-stopping.

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The State has a guide to game day activities, if you're lucky enough to be attending.

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Who's starting for the Gamecocks at QB is still top secret. 

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The Big Lead says UMass will keep it under the spread.

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SEC Country reports the Gamecocks are looking for offensive consistency.

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Troy beat South Alabama to become bowl eligible last night. Troy is 6-1 for the season and undefeated in the Sun belt. Looks like Neal Brown has it going down in Alabama.

BYU lost to Boise State by one point despite having a 5-0 edge in turnovers.

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Two UConn players arrested on drug and weapons charges.

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Game Day Louisiana Tech-- October 15th, 2016

Well, the Foxborough forecast is sunny and highs near 60. Should be a perfect day for Band Day and the Minutemen.

Louisiana Tech is one of the top teams in the Group-of-Five leagues. The Bulldogs are fifth in the nation in passing offense at 365 yards/game. Louisiana Tech is 13th in total offense. They're 48th in rushing defense and that's where UMass could make the game competitive today. Run the ball and the clock and keep the Bulldogs high octane offense on the sidelines.

Last week the turning point came with the Minutemen trailing 16-23. The UMass defense got a stop and the Minutemen had good field position. Ford was sacked for an eight yard loss and UMass went three-and-out. Old Dominion scored on the next possession. UMass went three-and-out again and the game was effectively over. Hopefully, the UMass defense will be back to full strength minus Shane Huber.

I'll be there and cheering for UMass. Hope to see everyone at the last game at Gillette until 2018.

Go UMass!!!

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Mike Traini of "Fight Massachusetts" previews the Louisiana Tech game.

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Matty Vautour reports UMass is host high-flying Louisiana Tech.

Bulldog HC Skip Holtz plays up UMass.

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The News Star reports the Bulldogs plan to bring their own juice to an empty Gillette stadium.

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Underdog Dynasty says Louisiana Tech will light up the scoreboard.

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State College says Adam Breneman's comeback couldn't happen to a nicer guy.

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Athlon Sports says take the over when the Bulldogs and Minutemen meet.

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In Friday night games:

Tulane lost to Memphis.

BYU beat Mississippi State in a double overtime thriller.

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Thursday before Louisiana Tech--October 13th, 2016

Adam Breneman has been added to the John Mackey Award watch list. Breneman has gone 28-296 2 TD's.

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Matty Vautour report UMass Junior LB Colburt Calhoun (5-11 219) is ready to take over Shane Huber's spot as middle linebacker for the Minutemen.

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Adam Aucoin of the UMass Dailey Collegian says UMass gets ready for the offense-heavy Louisiana Tech Bulldogs.

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Louisianan Tech QB Ryan Higgins has been added to the Manning Award watch list.

Through the first six games, Higgins is averaging 373.8 passing yards, a mark that ranks third in the nation – more than any quarterback in the ACC, SEC or the Big Ten. In his last 17 quarters, Higgins is 118-of-181 passing (65.1 pct.) with 1,615 yards, 15 touchdowns and no interceptions.

Soobum Im image

The Bulldogs leading receiver (and he's second in the nation in catches) is Trent Taylor 5-8 174. Taylor has gone 66-861 13.0 AVE 8 TD's 76 LONG 143.5 yards/game. The Minutemen's smallish CB's have had trouble with big physical receivers so far this year. We'll see what they can do with Taylor. Louisiana Tech has five receivers with 11 or more catches.

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Meanwhile, South Carolina in an off week, is trying to get its offense together to face UMass.

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Wednesday before Louisiana Tech--October 12th, 2016

Image credit unknown

Matty Vautour has a report on the UMass injury situation. He reports Shane Huber is done for the season with an ACL injury. That's a shame both for Huber and for us. Huber was perhaps our best run-stopper. Steve Casali will take over making the defensive calls.

Whiple said Colburt Calhoun and Vondell Langston will see an increased work load. Whipple also mentioned Lucas Amato and Leon Flanagan may get some reps. Amato played in 20 games in 2015 and 2014. Flanagan is a true freshman.

Matty also reports Tedrick Lowery may return for the Louisiana Tech game. As I have mentioned before, I think Lowery was having an outstanding year before he was injured.

Matty has Whipple as non-committal on Ross Comis' status. At least he's not saying Comis is done for the year.

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Andrew Cyr of the UMass Daily Collegian has more on Huber's injury.

Mike Traini has a post on Huber.

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Louisiana Tech picks up a local QB recruit.

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The Virginia Pilot says ODU is defying preseason predictions.

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Former UMass foe Mississippi State and future 2016 opponent BYU play each other this weekend.

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Vladimir Ducasse has been signed by the Baltimore Ravens.

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The Tennessee Titans hope Tajae Sharpe has a breakout game against the Dolphins.

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The Day after Old Dominion--October 8th, 2016

Well, the Minutemen played hard, but not much went right, especially offensively, in last night's game. The lone bright spot was UMass finally found it's running game as Marquis Young had 163 yards and over a 7 yards/carry average. The killer was the Monarchs finished drives with a field goal or a TD. UMass did not. The offense went 2-10 on third downs and 0-2 on fourth. Ford tossed two bad INT's, both of which stopped potential scoring drives.

The Minutemen defense was able to dial up pressure on Old Dominion's QB all night, but was vulnerable to the run. UMass'  two best run stoppers, Shane Huber and Tedrick Lowery DNP.  That hurt. UMass was also without Khary Bailey-Smith and Lee Moses in the secondary. Both starting safeties DNP.

QB Ross Comis was hurt. Not sure what his status is.

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UMass write-up.

Old Dominion's write-up.

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Dan Malone reports UMass suffered its third straight loss.

The Hampshire Gazette says UMass falls at Old Old Dominion.

Mike Traini of "Fight Massachusetts" recaps the Old Dominion game.

The Virginia Pilot says the Monarchs bowled over the Minutemen.

The Daily Press reports Jeremy Cox's 162 yards and two TD's powered Old Dominion past UMass.

Rotoworld says Cox plowed his way to 162 yards and two TD's.

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Louisiana Tech's QB Ryan Higgins threw for 454 yards and five TD's in the Bull Dogs win over Western Kentucky.

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Clemson crushed Boston College 56-10.

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Sunday--September 11th, 2016

Well if it was a fight between the UMass offense and BC's defense, they would have stopped it. The Eagles were much more physical and overwhelmed the Minutemen offense all day. Ross Comis took an early borderline legal clothesline hit and was never the same. Comis went 11-28 for 145 yards, had 1 INT and fumbled twice.

UMass could not protect Comis and could not run the ball. When we did get a break, such as the interception by Shane Huber we went nowhere. Shakur Nesmith could not catch a nice pass late in the second half that would have flipped the field.

The defense made another strong effort. The Minutemen force nine punts by the Eagles, intercepted Towles once and held BC's running back Jon Hilliman to 54 yards (a 2.5 AVE). The UMass defense had 8 TFL. The majority of BC's rushing came when Towles was flushed out of the pocket.

Logan Laurant had another outstanding day as he helped the defense with a UMass record 547 punting yards and averaged 45.6 yards/punt. He also dropped four punts inside the BC twenty.

UMass needs to find some offense or it's going to be a long year. Some of the problem is the caliber of the opposition, but we need to improve bigtime.

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

The UMass website says the Minutemen were stymied.

Dan Malone says the offense struggled.

Mark Whipple breaks down Ross Comis' struggles.

Shane Huber said two defensive breakdowns contributed to BC's total.

Matty Vautour reports turnovers and the BC defense were too much for the Minutemen.

The Boston Herald reports BC bounced back and UMass faded.

The UMass Daily Collegian said the Minutemen fell flat.

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Florida pounded Kentucky 45-7. The Gators had 546 yards of offense.

Mississippi State stopped a seven game South Carolina win streak against the Bulldogs.

Tulane routed FCS Southern 66-21.

Appalachian State cruised to an easy win 31-7 over Old Dominion.

Louisiana Tech blew out FCS South Carolina State 53-24.

Wagner rolled over NAIA Concordia 38-0.

Troy played Clemson tough and lost 30-24.

BYU lost to Utah 20-19 in a game where two Cougar defenders were ejected for targeting.

After traveling 19,000 miles in their first two game, Hawaii beat UT Martin 41-36.

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Thursday before Boston College--September 8th, 2016

Nice video about the Gators game from the UMass athletic dept.

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Additional buses have been added for UMass students wanting to attend the BC game. Good work students! It's been a long time since I watched the Minutemen beat Boston College. May you not have to wait a comparable time.

Mike Traini reports 20 bus loads of students will be traveling to the game.

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True freshman OL Raquan Thomas is the feature of this post by Matty Vautour. Great start to Thomas' career. He's got an NFL body. The sky is the limit if he works hard. Everyone was saying he'd be gassed after one quarter at the Swamp, but he played most of the game. Hope he gets to squash some Eagles this week.

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The UMass Daily Collegian has UMass preparing for the Battle of the Bay State.

Andrew Cyr says UMass needs to provide a reason for fans to invest with the team.

The Collegian reports UMass' defense is ready to tackle Boston College.

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The BC student newspaper says the Eagles can capitalize on UMass' struggles.

The Heights says BC needs to take advantage of a easy win over UMass. Bulletin board material from this article for Raquan Thomas and the UMass O-Line:

"If BC can replicate its effort from Week One, it should have no issues dominating UMass’s offensive line and getting to Young."

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The Enterprise News features UMass safety Jesse Monteiro. His UMass bio.

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Boston College's defensive end Harold Landry, who has been limited by a leg injury, should be good to go against UMass.

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UMass LB Shane Huber and BC RB Jon Hilliman played on the same team at St Peters Prep in NJ.

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FIU, UMass opponent after Boston College, plays at Maryland this week. Campus Insiders previews the Terps-Panthers game.

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