The Next home game will be at Gillette and and it'll be UMass Band Day. Nearly a 100 Northeast HS bands will join the UMMB for a 3:00 PM kickoff. That should be a hoot. Even for Band Day nearly 100 bands should be some kind of record.
The Band Day page from UMMB's site. The UMMB put on their best performance of the season on Homecoming, so I'm looking forward to what they do next.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
UMass has its game notes up for the Kent State game.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone has his MAC power ratings after last week's results.
He also reports Trey Dudley-Giles and Rodney Mills are expected to return to practice. Mills has been a big beneficiary of Whipple's new offense. This year, Mills has gone 13-244 18.8 AVE (highest on team) 5 TD's (Also highest) 60 LONG and 40.7 ave/game.
Last year Mills played in all 12 games and totaled 5-47 9.4 AVE 25 LONG 3.9 ave/game
Dan has three up and three down from the Miami (Ohio) game.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
The Press-Herald say Andrew Libby is getting playing time for UMass and enjoying every moment of it.
---------------------------------------------------------------
The MAC Blog Hustle Belt has a podcast featuring Dan Malone and talks UMass football.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Matty Vautour also has UMass updates and some material on Kent States quarterback injuries. Matty also reports John Griffin has been signed by the Omaha Mammoths, a new semi-pro league.
Griffin also spent some time with the NY Jets.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The UMass Daily Collegian reports the Minutemen will face uncertainty this weekend against the Golden Flashes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
After a 1-4 start, Ball State makes a change in QB.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, October 09, 2014
Wednesday, October 08, 2014
Wednesday--October 8th, 2014
Tajae Sharpe has been added to the Biletnikoff Award Watch List. Besides the national standings listed in the UMass article, Sharpe is leading the MAC in yards per game (113.0) and is 3rd in receptions per game at 6.8. Frohnapfel is leading the MAC in passing average with 310 yards per game. The MAC stats page is here.
Note that in 2013 UMass has averaged 156.4 yards per game passing and had 9 passing TD's. Frohnapfel has 15 TD's in six games.
So far in 2014 Sharpe has gone 41-678 4 TD's. Sharpe averaged 56.7 yards per game in 2013 and had 4 TD's for the year. He's effectively doubled his stats.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matty Vautour has a post about Sharpe and other Minutemen news. He notes Logan Laurent has been kicking field goals in practice. Trey Dudley-Giles and J.T. Blyden were held out of Monday's practice with injuries.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Giants promoted Michael Cox to the their 53-man active roster. Julian Talley was cut, but then re-signed to the New York practice squad.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Victor Cruz's foundation will have "Holloweenland" event on October 25th.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The UMass Daily Collegian says despite the winless start, the Minutemen remain positive.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports Kent State, winless like UMass, is trying to push through adversity.
The Golden Flashes nearly upset NIU last week.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
There was a mild controversy over Western Michigan's win over Idaho.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
MAYBE OUR DEFENSE COULD TRY THIS
Habs defenseman P. K. Subban admits to farting in front of net to distract the goalie.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Note that in 2013 UMass has averaged 156.4 yards per game passing and had 9 passing TD's. Frohnapfel has 15 TD's in six games.
So far in 2014 Sharpe has gone 41-678 4 TD's. Sharpe averaged 56.7 yards per game in 2013 and had 4 TD's for the year. He's effectively doubled his stats.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matty Vautour has a post about Sharpe and other Minutemen news. He notes Logan Laurent has been kicking field goals in practice. Trey Dudley-Giles and J.T. Blyden were held out of Monday's practice with injuries.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Giants promoted Michael Cox to the their 53-man active roster. Julian Talley was cut, but then re-signed to the New York practice squad.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Victor Cruz's foundation will have "Holloweenland" event on October 25th.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The UMass Daily Collegian says despite the winless start, the Minutemen remain positive.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports Kent State, winless like UMass, is trying to push through adversity.
The Golden Flashes nearly upset NIU last week.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
There was a mild controversy over Western Michigan's win over Idaho.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
MAYBE OUR DEFENSE COULD TRY THIS
Habs defenseman P. K. Subban admits to farting in front of net to distract the goalie.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, October 07, 2014
Tuesday--October 7th, 2014
Mark Whipple's quotes from the MAC weekly teleconference.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone reports UMass is a 1-point underdog to winless Kent State. After last Saturday's collapse, we'd probably be underdogs to the Little Sisters of the Poor.
The Golden Flashes may be forced to start a walk-on QB Saturday.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Keepers College Football has UMass by 1.38.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Vegas Insider has the Golden Flashes by -1.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Sons of Old Massachusetts says UMass found a new way to lose.
-------------------------------------------------------
Brandon Hickey of Hustle Belt looks the MAC's bowl chances with half of the season done.
-------------------------------------------------------------
UMass is 21st in the nation in passing offense.
Blake Frohnapfel is up to 8th in the nation in passing yards.
The Minutemen are 115th in total defense.
In MAC stats, UMass is 2nd in passing offense, last in punting.
----------------------------------------------------------------
The Toledo Blade says the MAC is racking up some impressive numbers (mentions Blake Frohnapfel).
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Sports Illustrated says it was a week of historic upsets.
------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone reports UMass is a 1-point underdog to winless Kent State. After last Saturday's collapse, we'd probably be underdogs to the Little Sisters of the Poor.
The Golden Flashes may be forced to start a walk-on QB Saturday.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Keepers College Football has UMass by 1.38.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Vegas Insider has the Golden Flashes by -1.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Sons of Old Massachusetts says UMass found a new way to lose.
-------------------------------------------------------
Brandon Hickey of Hustle Belt looks the MAC's bowl chances with half of the season done.
-------------------------------------------------------------
UMass is 21st in the nation in passing offense.
Blake Frohnapfel is up to 8th in the nation in passing yards.
The Minutemen are 115th in total defense.
In MAC stats, UMass is 2nd in passing offense, last in punting.
----------------------------------------------------------------
The Toledo Blade says the MAC is racking up some impressive numbers (mentions Blake Frohnapfel).
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Sports Illustrated says it was a week of historic upsets.
------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, October 06, 2014
Monday--October 6th, 2014
OK, the Miami (Ohio) loss was tough to take. Many fans, including yours truly, have been saying the Minutemen are better than our record. Well, we lost to one of the worst teams in football. The Redhawks had lost 21 straight. Right now, we are in fact, playing poorer than one of the weakest teams in FBS. We aren't good until we prove we are.
I won't comment on Coach Whipple's decision not to attempt the field goal. He obviously felt the percentages were higher with Frohnapfel and the offense than with the kicking game. BTW, that's something that needs to be addressed in recruiting in 2015.
UMass does need to clean up mistakes. That mostly falls on the players. I think we have good guys. Missed assignments on special teams and fumbles are not done by good players. If you can't squeeze the rock, you can't be a running back in FBS. The way to stop the Minutemen's losing streak is to stop making errors.
Next Saturday is a new day and a new chance to break through. We can't change the past. Let's shake it off and get after Kent State.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone says UMass' losing culture is difficult to shake and that starts at the top.
Blake Fronapfel is frustrated but is not giving up on the season.
Jovan Santos-Knox says the Miami (Ohio) loss is the "worse by far".
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matty Vautour says progress in the Minutemen program hasn't been enough.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Boston Herald says it was a tough defeat for UMass.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
James Ihedigbo had five tackles, a sack and a forced fumble in his debut for the Lions last week.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Victor Cruz says the Giants offense still has room for improvement.
------------------------------------------------------------------
I won't comment on Coach Whipple's decision not to attempt the field goal. He obviously felt the percentages were higher with Frohnapfel and the offense than with the kicking game. BTW, that's something that needs to be addressed in recruiting in 2015.
UMass does need to clean up mistakes. That mostly falls on the players. I think we have good guys. Missed assignments on special teams and fumbles are not done by good players. If you can't squeeze the rock, you can't be a running back in FBS. The way to stop the Minutemen's losing streak is to stop making errors.
Next Saturday is a new day and a new chance to break through. We can't change the past. Let's shake it off and get after Kent State.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone says UMass' losing culture is difficult to shake and that starts at the top.
Blake Fronapfel is frustrated but is not giving up on the season.
Jovan Santos-Knox says the Miami (Ohio) loss is the "worse by far".
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matty Vautour says progress in the Minutemen program hasn't been enough.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Boston Herald says it was a tough defeat for UMass.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
James Ihedigbo had five tackles, a sack and a forced fumble in his debut for the Lions last week.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Victor Cruz says the Giants offense still has room for improvement.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, October 05, 2014
Sunday--October 5, 2014
Well, for the second year in a row, we went for a TD instead of trusting the kicking game. And for the second year, it didn't work. UMass wasted another big offensive performance and could not hold a lead.
Losing to a BCS team is expected. Losing to Bowling Green's killer offense is understandable. Losing to Miami (Ohio) is discouraging.
The Minutemen need to grit their teeth and bear down. Turnovers will kill you every time. We've played two league games and late turnovers decided both.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone looks at the Minutemen's latest collapse.
He looks at the failure of the last play.
Dan says the kicking game and turnovers doomed UMass.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matty Vautour says kicking game woes plague UMass and Coach Whipple.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CBS Sports says the Redhawks ended the nation's longest losing streak.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Hilton Head Packet says last minute turnovers lift Miami (Ohio) over UMass.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Worcester Telegram says UMass fell apart.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Boston Globe looks at the Redhawks 27-point comeback.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cincinnati.com reports Miami (Ohio) needed a last second stop and got it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
All the MAC results here.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Upsets abounded Saturday.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Losing to a BCS team is expected. Losing to Bowling Green's killer offense is understandable. Losing to Miami (Ohio) is discouraging.
The Minutemen need to grit their teeth and bear down. Turnovers will kill you every time. We've played two league games and late turnovers decided both.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone looks at the Minutemen's latest collapse.
He looks at the failure of the last play.
Dan says the kicking game and turnovers doomed UMass.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matty Vautour says kicking game woes plague UMass and Coach Whipple.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CBS Sports says the Redhawks ended the nation's longest losing streak.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Hilton Head Packet says last minute turnovers lift Miami (Ohio) over UMass.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Worcester Telegram says UMass fell apart.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Boston Globe looks at the Redhawks 27-point comeback.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cincinnati.com reports Miami (Ohio) needed a last second stop and got it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
All the MAC results here.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Upsets abounded Saturday.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, October 04, 2014
Game Day--Miami (Ohio)
Today is going to be an odd day for me. As you know, I'm in Flagstaff attending an astronomy conference. I'm going to be one of the speakers today. After the formal session, the attendees will have a tour of Lowell Observatory's facilities at Anderson Mesa and then we get to sit in on a speckle interferomety session on the Discovery Channel's 4.3 meter telescope. This kind of stuff doesn't happen to me often.
So that means I won't be able to listen to the game or even know the score until I get back early in Sunday morning. You guys will have to do the cheering for me. Both UMass fans and the staff and players deserve a victory. I know when I turn on my computer early Sunday there'll be lots of happy comments.
Go UMass!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Where to catch today's game.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone says there is a lot of pressure on both the Minutemen and the Redhawks.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matty Vautour picks UMass.
Matty also looks at the matchup of winless teams.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Dayton Daily News considers two teams looking for their first win.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Two Hustle Belt writers talk smack about the UMass-Miami (Ohio) game.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
One MAC Conference team makes CBS TV and all the rest appear on ESPN3.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Boston Herald says UMass may have found its top runner in Shadrach Abrokwah.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Redhawk coach Chuck Martin talks UMass.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cleveland.com reports one winless MAC team will win and a trap game for Toledo.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Hustle Belt writer says take the Redhawks, lay the points.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boston College dismisses starting CB Bryce Jones from the team.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
So that means I won't be able to listen to the game or even know the score until I get back early in Sunday morning. You guys will have to do the cheering for me. Both UMass fans and the staff and players deserve a victory. I know when I turn on my computer early Sunday there'll be lots of happy comments.
Go UMass!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Where to catch today's game.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone says there is a lot of pressure on both the Minutemen and the Redhawks.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matty Vautour picks UMass.
Matty also looks at the matchup of winless teams.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Dayton Daily News considers two teams looking for their first win.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Two Hustle Belt writers talk smack about the UMass-Miami (Ohio) game.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
One MAC Conference team makes CBS TV and all the rest appear on ESPN3.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Boston Herald says UMass may have found its top runner in Shadrach Abrokwah.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Redhawk coach Chuck Martin talks UMass.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cleveland.com reports one winless MAC team will win and a trap game for Toledo.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Hustle Belt writer says take the Redhawks, lay the points.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boston College dismisses starting CB Bryce Jones from the team.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, October 03, 2014
Friday--October 3rd, 2014
Ron Chimelis says the November games won't help UMass motivate fans to McGuirk. Blame that one on the MAC, Ron. I've said all along scheduling a game on a Friday afternoon is nuts. Some people still work. EMU drew 1,300 fans to their Black Friday game two years ago.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jackson Porter continues to struggle at CB. I've always thought DB is the toughest position to play. At UMass, it's even tougher as our defensive scheme puts DB's in single coverage a lot. There's no cure for Porter's struggles except for lots of reps.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tom Masella discusses his defense giving up a school record 688 yards to Bowling Green. The Minutemen defense is about where I thought they'd be. The defense hasn't had the recruits and JUCO's the offensive has had the last three years. There's no helping that; the offense was one of the worst in all of football last year. It had to come first. Making the Minutemen a good FBS team is a multi-year project. We can hope that Masella will get some impact recruits in 2015. They're not that far off from being good. The D-line could use some help first. UMass had zero sacks against the Falcons.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Matty V. looks at the relationship between Blake Frohnapfel and Mark Whipple. Coach Whipple is an NFL-caliber QB coach, and seems to able to work well with quarterbacks no matter where he is (Richard Lucero was the exception).
----------------------------------------------------------------------
UMass has its game notes for Miami (Ohio) up.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
BC Interruption does some gloating about the rented video board falling during the Bowling Green game.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Miami student newspaper says the Redhawks host winless UMass.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sons of Old Massachusetts hands out helmet stickers for the Bowling Green game.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
James Ihedigbo was handed a $16,000 fine for a hit that the officials didn't even flag.
BTW, after Ihedigbo arrived, the Lions have morphed into the NFL's top defense.
ESPN says Ihedigbo looked good in his first start for the Lions (he'd been out with a neck injury).
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jackson Porter continues to struggle at CB. I've always thought DB is the toughest position to play. At UMass, it's even tougher as our defensive scheme puts DB's in single coverage a lot. There's no cure for Porter's struggles except for lots of reps.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tom Masella discusses his defense giving up a school record 688 yards to Bowling Green. The Minutemen defense is about where I thought they'd be. The defense hasn't had the recruits and JUCO's the offensive has had the last three years. There's no helping that; the offense was one of the worst in all of football last year. It had to come first. Making the Minutemen a good FBS team is a multi-year project. We can hope that Masella will get some impact recruits in 2015. They're not that far off from being good. The D-line could use some help first. UMass had zero sacks against the Falcons.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Matty V. looks at the relationship between Blake Frohnapfel and Mark Whipple. Coach Whipple is an NFL-caliber QB coach, and seems to able to work well with quarterbacks no matter where he is (Richard Lucero was the exception).
----------------------------------------------------------------------
UMass has its game notes for Miami (Ohio) up.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
BC Interruption does some gloating about the rented video board falling during the Bowling Green game.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Miami student newspaper says the Redhawks host winless UMass.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sons of Old Massachusetts hands out helmet stickers for the Bowling Green game.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
James Ihedigbo was handed a $16,000 fine for a hit that the officials didn't even flag.
BTW, after Ihedigbo arrived, the Lions have morphed into the NFL's top defense.
ESPN says Ihedigbo looked good in his first start for the Lions (he'd been out with a neck injury).
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, October 02, 2014
Thursday--October 2nd, 2014
Good Morning from Flagstaff. My Wi-Fi connection is much better than that one in PA. I'm on Mountain Time so the time I usually post will change.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jean Sifrin was named honorable mention TE-of-the-Week by the John Mackey site.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matty Vautour reports on how UMass football handles head injuries. He also reports on Sifrin's honor and says Blake Frohnapfel was named ECAC Offensive Player-of-the-Week. It's been a while since we had an ECAC award.
It's been so long that I had not visited their website for some time. ECAC's Frohnapfel mention.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone says there has been a lot of platooning in the UMass offensive line.
Dan reports Jovan Santos-Knox says there's no excuse for losing. If you wern't at the game Saturday. Jovan was vocal during the defense's meetings on the sidelines. It looks like he is showing a lot of leadership.
Dan also interviewed Blake Frohnapfel and our graduate QB said there's still room for improvement in the offense.
Dan's MAC Power Rankings still has UMass as #10, but he hopes for improvement soon.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
The UMass Daily Collegian looks at the Minutemen's bogged down running game.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
UMass is 2nd in passing offense and 2nd-to-last in rushing in MAC stats.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
If you missed it, Kansas fired Charlie Weiss a couple of days ago; the South Bend Tribune says mid-season firings can be tricky.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
CBS Sports looks at college football's fight to keep its next generation of fans.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jean Sifrin was named honorable mention TE-of-the-Week by the John Mackey site.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matty Vautour reports on how UMass football handles head injuries. He also reports on Sifrin's honor and says Blake Frohnapfel was named ECAC Offensive Player-of-the-Week. It's been a while since we had an ECAC award.
It's been so long that I had not visited their website for some time. ECAC's Frohnapfel mention.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone says there has been a lot of platooning in the UMass offensive line.
Dan reports Jovan Santos-Knox says there's no excuse for losing. If you wern't at the game Saturday. Jovan was vocal during the defense's meetings on the sidelines. It looks like he is showing a lot of leadership.
Dan also interviewed Blake Frohnapfel and our graduate QB said there's still room for improvement in the offense.
Dan's MAC Power Rankings still has UMass as #10, but he hopes for improvement soon.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
The UMass Daily Collegian looks at the Minutemen's bogged down running game.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
UMass is 2nd in passing offense and 2nd-to-last in rushing in MAC stats.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
If you missed it, Kansas fired Charlie Weiss a couple of days ago; the South Bend Tribune says mid-season firings can be tricky.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
CBS Sports looks at college football's fight to keep its next generation of fans.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, October 01, 2014
Wednesday--October 1st, 2014
Good Morning! It's the middle of the night and I'm getting ready for a early-morning flight to Flagstaff, AZ. I'll be taking part in an astronomy conference at Lowell Observatory. If the weather cooperates, I'll be sitting in on Saturday night at an observing run on the Discovery Channel's 4.3 meter telescope. Wish me luck.
As usual, I'll try to keep the blog going, given the vagaries of Wi-Fi.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
The UMass website has a video feature on senior DT Dan Maynes and his battle against Crohn's Disease.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone has three up players and three down after the Bowling Green game.
Dan has more on the decision to redshirt Shane Huber. Lots of pressure on Whip to win quickly, but he's doing the right thing to protect his player. Just so you know, not all coaches are like that.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Matt Vautour has some details from the various future non-conference game contracts.
Also note that starting UMass kicker Matt Wylie is injured. That means Blake Lucas will start for kickoffs and field goals.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Matt has the latest version of Tattoo Tuesday. This time it's Rodney Mills.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Remember when Miami (Ohio) was called the cradle of coaches?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Keeper's college football rankings has Miami (Ohio) over UMass by 8.23.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
CBS Sports says the MAC conference dominates the bottom 25.
------------------------------------------------------------------
As usual, I'll try to keep the blog going, given the vagaries of Wi-Fi.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
The UMass website has a video feature on senior DT Dan Maynes and his battle against Crohn's Disease.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone has three up players and three down after the Bowling Green game.
Dan has more on the decision to redshirt Shane Huber. Lots of pressure on Whip to win quickly, but he's doing the right thing to protect his player. Just so you know, not all coaches are like that.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Matt Vautour has some details from the various future non-conference game contracts.
Also note that starting UMass kicker Matt Wylie is injured. That means Blake Lucas will start for kickoffs and field goals.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Matt has the latest version of Tattoo Tuesday. This time it's Rodney Mills.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Remember when Miami (Ohio) was called the cradle of coaches?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Keeper's college football rankings has Miami (Ohio) over UMass by 8.23.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
CBS Sports says the MAC conference dominates the bottom 25.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Recruiting 2015---Teddy Atkins
 |
| Orlando Sentinel image |
Dan Malone has a story here.
Charles Doss of Hustle Belt also has a report here.
Hudl.com has video.
The Orlando Sentinel has a story about Atkins verbal to the Minutemen.
Atkins is not rated by any recruiting service I could find.
Tuesday--September 30th, 2014
 |
| Blake Frohnapfel |
Dan Malone on Frohnapfel's selection.
BTW, so far in 2014 Frohnapfel has gone 134.5 EFF 99-188-3 52.7 % 1471 TOTAL YARDS 11 TD 80 LONG 294.2 AVE/game
Last year's totals 96.9 EFF 177-339 18 INT 52.2 % 1877 Yards 9 TD 156.4 yards/game
Frohnapfel has already thrown two more TD's than in 2013's 12 games. He's up 37.6 points in passing EFF and he's throwing for 138.5 more yards per game.
Frohnapfel leads the MAC in passing yards/game and total offense.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coach Whipple's quotes from the league's weekly teleconference.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan on Tajae Sharpe's breakout season.
He also has UMass opens as a three-point underdog to winless Miami (Ohio).
Las Vegas odds here.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Matty Vautour says Trey Dudley-Giles has returned to practice. He also notes that Shane Huber will likely redshirt this year.
----------------------------------------------------------------
MassLive has video from Tajae Sharpe and Blake Frohnapfel after the Bowling Green game.
---------------------------------------------------------
Jesse Allen of Hustle Belt looks at the Minutemen's defense in relation to the rest of the MAC.
---------------------------------------------------------
The Miami Redhawks have their game notes for UMass up.
Miami (Ohio)'s coach Chuck Martin laments another close loss.
The Miami student newspaper looks at the Redhawks 21st straight loss.
-----------------------------------------------------------
ESPN has the teams eliminated and still in contention for the college football playoffs.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, September 29, 2014
Monday-- September 29th, 2014
 |
| UMass Gridiron Club. Join It! |
 |
| Shadrach Abrokwah scores. |
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The UMass website has video highlights and interviews from the Ball State game.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Matty Vautour has notes from the Minutemen-Falcon game.
More on the video board crash.
Matty has UMass fans helped celebrate the Minuteman's return to McGuirk.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Blake Frohnapfel is 7th in all of FBS in passing yards. He's 20th in passing yards per game. Blake is 18th in yards per completion.
Tajae Sharpe is 8th in FBS receiving yards. Tajae is 15th in receiving yards per game.
UMass is 27th in all of FBS in fewest penalties.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
The Collegian asks if UMass students are football fans.
The Collegian says the students did tailgate.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Miami (Ohio) was leading Buffalo in the fourth quarter, but lost.
The Redhawks have a GS QB from Notre Dame. Their starting TE Alex Welsh is also a Notre Dame transfer.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Cleveland Plain Dealer says contenders emerge in MAC division races.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The Wall Street Journal asks if blowouts are increasing in college football.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Sunday--September 28th, 2014
Click on images and Blogger displays a larger view.
Well, we didn't win, but you didn't like yesterday's game, you don't like college football. The game sold out and there were a lot more than 17,000 people around the stadium.
The lead changed hands seven times.
BTW, only one person out of 75 votes got the poll correct with the Falcons by less than seven.
UMass had 29 first downs and 638 yards of total offense. Blake Frohnapfel shattered a number of UMass records. He went 36-61-1 589 5 TD's 80 LONG.
That broke Kyle Havens 450 yards vs New Hampshire in 2010. It tied the record for 5 passing TD's held by Liam Coen (twice) Matt Guice, Richard Lucero, Todd Bankhead and Mike Fallon. It was second in most pass attempts (63 Matt Guice NH 2001). It broke the record for pass completions (33 Jeff Krohn Northeastern 2002). It tied for 5th in longest passing play (80 Liam Coen to Matt Silver Bryant 2008, Tim Day to Jason Peebler Delaware State 2004). He broke the total offense in a single game record (Kyle Havens 434 NH 2010).
Tajae Sharpe tied the UMass single game reception record of 13 held by three other players (Victor Cruz JMU 2008, J.J. Moore Colgate 2005, Brandon London Hofstra 2005).
We made some errors. We dropped a couple of INT's (one a sure TD). We turned the ball over. We missed a lot of tackles, including one that ended up a Bowling Green TD.
The crowd was great, and so was the atmosphere. Even the UMMB upped its game. The halftime show was the best of the season.
The UMass website has notes, quotes and stats here.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Matty Vautour reports UMass losses a shootout to Bowling Green.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone comments on the 17,000 sellout.
Nick O'Malley has a post about Blake Frohnapfel's historic day.
Nick also reports the UMass defense was gashed for equally historic numbers.
The video board collapse in the third quarter was impressive. Debris (hydraulic fluid?)flew higher than the stadium walls.
Dan Malone says the Minutemen rushing game continued to struggle.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
And one media pundit has to find fault with UMass football over something. Man, some people are professional jerks.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Daily Collegian said missed opportunities overshadowed an impressive day for the Minutemen.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Randy Carpenter of Hustle Belt says the Falcons hung on.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
All the MAC conference results here.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Boston College lost to Colorado State. That puts a big crimp in the Eagles season.
Colorado lost in two overtimes to Cal.
Kentucky broke a long SEC losing streak against Vanderbilt.
And Penn State, who played nearly perfect against the Minutemen, self-destructed against Northwestern.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Game Day Bowling Green --September 27th, 2014
Having finished the what was probably the toughest OOC schedule in FBS, the Minutemen now open with the MAC League champion Bowling Green Falcons.
Bowling Green has an offense that could compare with just about anyone in FBS. They are 34th in the nation in passing offense going 111-176 1152 5 TD's 288.2 Yards/game. The Falcons are #120 out of 125 teams in scoring defense (UMass is #110).
UMass's best defense could be a clock-controlling offense. A few turnovers would help too.
Hope to see everyone at McGuirk! Go UMass!
------------------------------------
Dan Malone says playing at McGuirk is a new an exciting prospect for most UMass players.
Dan also has the Minutemen open against the defending MAC conference champions.
UMass AD John McCutcheon and Chancellor Kumble Subbasswamy discuss FBS football and the return to Amherst.
Dan has a photo gallery of Friday's new facilities dedication and comments on the new and improved press box.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Matty Vautour talks to former UMass players about their favorite McGuirk experiences.
He also has UMass players and fans glad to be back at McGuirk.
Dan reports struggling Bowling Green on edge as they travel to McGuirk.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
UMass will be playing on a new surface at McGuirk; it's state of the art in artificial turf.
abc40 says UMass preps for sold-out Homecoming game.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The UMass Daily Collegian features Andrew Libby one year after tearing his ACL. Libby's UMass bio.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Linemakers.com thinks the Falcons will beat the -5 spread.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The MAC website has details of all today's conference games.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Penn State plays Northwestern.
Kentucky looks to break a 17 game SEC losing streak against Vanderbilt.
Colorado plays Cal.
Colorado State hasn't won a geme east of the Mississippi since 2002. Today they'll try against Boston College.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Bowling Green has an offense that could compare with just about anyone in FBS. They are 34th in the nation in passing offense going 111-176 1152 5 TD's 288.2 Yards/game. The Falcons are #120 out of 125 teams in scoring defense (UMass is #110).
UMass's best defense could be a clock-controlling offense. A few turnovers would help too.
Hope to see everyone at McGuirk! Go UMass!
------------------------------------
Dan Malone says playing at McGuirk is a new an exciting prospect for most UMass players.
Dan also has the Minutemen open against the defending MAC conference champions.
UMass AD John McCutcheon and Chancellor Kumble Subbasswamy discuss FBS football and the return to Amherst.
Dan has a photo gallery of Friday's new facilities dedication and comments on the new and improved press box.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Matty Vautour talks to former UMass players about their favorite McGuirk experiences.
He also has UMass players and fans glad to be back at McGuirk.
Dan reports struggling Bowling Green on edge as they travel to McGuirk.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
UMass will be playing on a new surface at McGuirk; it's state of the art in artificial turf.
abc40 says UMass preps for sold-out Homecoming game.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The UMass Daily Collegian features Andrew Libby one year after tearing his ACL. Libby's UMass bio.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Linemakers.com thinks the Falcons will beat the -5 spread.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The MAC website has details of all today's conference games.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Penn State plays Northwestern.
Kentucky looks to break a 17 game SEC losing streak against Vanderbilt.
Colorado plays Cal.
Colorado State hasn't won a geme east of the Mississippi since 2002. Today they'll try against Boston College.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, September 26, 2014
Friday--September 26th, 2014
UMass has its game notes for Saturday's Homecoming Game.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Daniel Maynes will be featured on this week's episode of UMass Insider at 11:00 AM on Comcast Sports New England.
The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
The Minuteman offensive line looks to bounce back after a poor showing against Penn State. Please read that link again and appreciate the difference from a few years ago when it have said "UMass offense line looks to improve after a poor showing against Central Connecticut."
Bowling Green has been on the wrong side of two blowouts, but it's not their offense that's the problem. They ran an astounding 113 plays in their upset of Indiana.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Matty Vautour says UMass hopes to exploit Bowling Green's defensive struggles.
Amherst businesses welcome back UMass football.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Max Moore of Hustle Belt says UMass finally comes home to McGuirk.
---------------------------------------------------------------
The Toledo Blade says Bowling Green is wary of a rejuvenated UMass.
Bowling Geen News says the Falcons are focused on conference play.
The Sentinel-Tribune reports it's back to basics for Bowling Green.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Victor Cruz went 6-107 yards in the Giants rout of the Redskins.
----------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Daniel Maynes will be featured on this week's episode of UMass Insider at 11:00 AM on Comcast Sports New England.
The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
The Minuteman offensive line looks to bounce back after a poor showing against Penn State. Please read that link again and appreciate the difference from a few years ago when it have said "UMass offense line looks to improve after a poor showing against Central Connecticut."
Bowling Green has been on the wrong side of two blowouts, but it's not their offense that's the problem. They ran an astounding 113 plays in their upset of Indiana.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Matty Vautour says UMass hopes to exploit Bowling Green's defensive struggles.
Amherst businesses welcome back UMass football.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Max Moore of Hustle Belt says UMass finally comes home to McGuirk.
---------------------------------------------------------------
The Toledo Blade says Bowling Green is wary of a rejuvenated UMass.
Bowling Geen News says the Falcons are focused on conference play.
The Sentinel-Tribune reports it's back to basics for Bowling Green.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Victor Cruz went 6-107 yards in the Giants rout of the Redskins.
----------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Thursday--September 24th, 2014
UMass announces a raft of games for 2016, 2017 and as far away as 2022. Some pretty attractive games for UMass fans: UConn, BC, Temple, Army and Appalachian State (that one should draw pretty good at both schools). The only down side is seven away games in 2016...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ron Chimelis says UMass urgently needs a win.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone comments on the nineteen games in future schedules announced today.
Dan has his latest podcast with John Wagner of the Toledo Blade.
Shadrach Abrokwah is eligible for the Bowling Green game. Abrokwah looked like the best of the running backs in the Spring Game. So far, Minutemen running backs have looked neither fast nor powerful. Hopefully, Abrokwah can add a dimension to the UMass offense that's been missing.
Matthew Wylie's only kick of the season was monumentally ugly, but Whipple isn't giving up on him yet.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matty V. reports UMass announces a huge slate of future games.
Matty also has Shadrach Abrokwah is excited to return to the field.
The Desert News reports BYU signs a four game series with UMass.
The Montgomery Adviser says Troy and UMass sign a home-and-home series.
The Knox News says the Vols will pay UMass $1 million for a visit in 2017.
Athens Ohio Today reports on the Ohio-UMass contract for 2017-2018.
SB Nation's Mountain West Connection comments on the UMass-Hawaii home-and-home.
Hawaii's trip to Massachusetts will be the Rainbow Warriors longest road trip ever.
GoBlueRidge.com reports the Appalachian State Mountaineers are happy to renew their rivalry with the Minutemen.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hustle Belt says the Minutemen finally return home.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Brandon Fitzsimons of Hustle Belt picks Ball State over the Minutemen.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The UMass Daily Collegian says despite all the distractions, the Minutemen have a game to play on Saturday.
The Collegian reports Minutemen players are eager to play in front of their peers.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXCITING NEWS FROM THE MAC CONFERENCE
Miami (Ohio) backs skunk safety.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ron Chimelis says UMass urgently needs a win.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone comments on the nineteen games in future schedules announced today.
Dan has his latest podcast with John Wagner of the Toledo Blade.
Shadrach Abrokwah is eligible for the Bowling Green game. Abrokwah looked like the best of the running backs in the Spring Game. So far, Minutemen running backs have looked neither fast nor powerful. Hopefully, Abrokwah can add a dimension to the UMass offense that's been missing.
Matthew Wylie's only kick of the season was monumentally ugly, but Whipple isn't giving up on him yet.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matty V. reports UMass announces a huge slate of future games.
Matty also has Shadrach Abrokwah is excited to return to the field.
 |
| BYU Stadium |
The Montgomery Adviser says Troy and UMass sign a home-and-home series.
The Knox News says the Vols will pay UMass $1 million for a visit in 2017.
Athens Ohio Today reports on the Ohio-UMass contract for 2017-2018.
 |
Aloha Stadium |
Hawaii's trip to Massachusetts will be the Rainbow Warriors longest road trip ever.
GoBlueRidge.com reports the Appalachian State Mountaineers are happy to renew their rivalry with the Minutemen.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hustle Belt says the Minutemen finally return home.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Brandon Fitzsimons of Hustle Belt picks Ball State over the Minutemen.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The UMass Daily Collegian says despite all the distractions, the Minutemen have a game to play on Saturday.
The Collegian reports Minutemen players are eager to play in front of their peers.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXCITING NEWS FROM THE MAC CONFERENCE
Miami (Ohio) backs skunk safety.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Wednesday--September 23rd, 2014
UMass says on its Twitter Feed it'll has an "important announcement" at Noon today about future scheduling.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Coach Whipple is impressed with fill-in Bowling Green QB James Knape. His Bowling Green bio.
Dan Malone reports the Minutemen are not looking to move Trey Dudley-Giles back to corner.
Dan also has three players whose stock is up and three down after Penn State.
Malone has his first MAC conference power poll.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matty Vautour says Jackson Porter remains upbeat despite struggles as a freshman starter. Porter's UMass bio.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
UMass will dedicate the new football facilities on Friday.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Attention! Attention! Attenton! Keepers College Football ratings has UMass by 4.56 over the Falcons.
Note Las Vegas odds opened at UMass at +14, but now have dropped to a consensus +4.5
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Randy Carpender of Hustle Belt asks if Bowling Green, with FBS's statistically worst defense, can win the MAC.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sons of Old Massachusetts awards three helmet stickers for the Penn State game.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Speaking of scheduling, NIU adds a home and home with Tulsa.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Victor Cruz got a win and relief against the Houston Texas.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
BC's coach Addazio implores the Eagles to get win #4.
Penn State is a double digit favorite over Northwestern.
Kentucky coach Mark Stoops thinks Vanderbilt has gotten better each week.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Coach Whipple is impressed with fill-in Bowling Green QB James Knape. His Bowling Green bio.
Dan Malone reports the Minutemen are not looking to move Trey Dudley-Giles back to corner.
Dan also has three players whose stock is up and three down after Penn State.
Malone has his first MAC conference power poll.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matty Vautour says Jackson Porter remains upbeat despite struggles as a freshman starter. Porter's UMass bio.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
UMass will dedicate the new football facilities on Friday.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Attention! Attention! Attenton! Keepers College Football ratings has UMass by 4.56 over the Falcons.
Note Las Vegas odds opened at UMass at +14, but now have dropped to a consensus +4.5
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Randy Carpender of Hustle Belt asks if Bowling Green, with FBS's statistically worst defense, can win the MAC.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sons of Old Massachusetts awards three helmet stickers for the Penn State game.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Speaking of scheduling, NIU adds a home and home with Tulsa.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Victor Cruz got a win and relief against the Houston Texas.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
BC's coach Addazio implores the Eagles to get win #4.
Penn State is a double digit favorite over Northwestern.
Kentucky coach Mark Stoops thinks Vanderbilt has gotten better each week.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Tuesday--September 23rd 2014
One takeaway from the Penn State game is what a tremendous economic engine Nittany Lion football is for Pennsylvania. We were in a local grocery store the morning of the game and people were lined up buying sandwiches to go, grilling food, beer and every sort of tailgating stuff. And all were paying the PA sales tax. My room was nearly twice the cost of a non-football weekend room.
When pundits carp about the cost of UMass football remind them of the secondary gains to the state. We're not Penn State, but we could aspire to be 30% of it. Every politician in Massachusetts talks about jobs and the state economy, but nobody wants to actually help the engine that pays all the costs of the University and the salaries of every professor and administrator. Penn State football is BIG business, and the state of PA gets 6% of all the action (or 8% with a local surcharge), and that's not counting gas tax, local and state tax on rooms and on and on.
Matty Vautour comments on Penn State fever.
You had to be there to appreciate it.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UMass adds Tennessee, Army and BYU to future schedules. West Point is a great place to visit and Mrs Blog and I have spent a lot of time in Utah. Great trips to look forward to.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone looks at the UMass two-deep for Bowling Green.
Cleveland.com reports that parity has descended on the MAC East as the conference schedule starts.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trey Dudley-Giles, CB and kick returner par excellence, is expected to be OK for the Bowling Green game.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Whipple hopes the return to McGuirk will give the Minutemen a lift.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hustle Belt has little changed in its MAC power rankings.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone has a UMass football notebook with the return of Shardach Abrokwah and more.
----------------------------------------------------------------
The Minutemen open as a 8.5 underdog to Bowling Green. Remember Bowling Green was the 2013 MAC league champion.
---------------------------------------------------------------
The Daily Collegian reports on the hopes for a high energy atmosphere at McGuirk.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Bowling Green has its game notes for UMass up.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Coach Whipple's comments from the weekly MAC coaches teleconference.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
When pundits carp about the cost of UMass football remind them of the secondary gains to the state. We're not Penn State, but we could aspire to be 30% of it. Every politician in Massachusetts talks about jobs and the state economy, but nobody wants to actually help the engine that pays all the costs of the University and the salaries of every professor and administrator. Penn State football is BIG business, and the state of PA gets 6% of all the action (or 8% with a local surcharge), and that's not counting gas tax, local and state tax on rooms and on and on.
Matty Vautour comments on Penn State fever.
You had to be there to appreciate it.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UMass adds Tennessee, Army and BYU to future schedules. West Point is a great place to visit and Mrs Blog and I have spent a lot of time in Utah. Great trips to look forward to.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone looks at the UMass two-deep for Bowling Green.
Cleveland.com reports that parity has descended on the MAC East as the conference schedule starts.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trey Dudley-Giles, CB and kick returner par excellence, is expected to be OK for the Bowling Green game.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Whipple hopes the return to McGuirk will give the Minutemen a lift.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hustle Belt has little changed in its MAC power rankings.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone has a UMass football notebook with the return of Shardach Abrokwah and more.
----------------------------------------------------------------
The Minutemen open as a 8.5 underdog to Bowling Green. Remember Bowling Green was the 2013 MAC league champion.
---------------------------------------------------------------
The Daily Collegian reports on the hopes for a high energy atmosphere at McGuirk.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Bowling Green has its game notes for UMass up.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Coach Whipple's comments from the weekly MAC coaches teleconference.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, September 22, 2014
Monday--September 22nd, 2014
Good Morning from New Holand, PA. Right now I have a really bad Wi-Fi connection. We'll be here until Thursday, but if it continues to be this slow I don't know how much I'll be able to do on the blog.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone says missed opportunities abound in loss to Penn State.
Video Coach Whipple and UMass QB Blake Frohnapfel talk about the Nittany Lion loss.
--------------------------------------------------------
Matty Vautour says UMass still confident with conference play on deck.
UMass running back woes continue.
--------------------------------------------------------
Max Moore of Hustle Belt reports UMass looked back against Penn State.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon gets a Heisman boost after his huge effort against Bowling Green.
Hustle Belt's Randy Carpenter looks at Bowling Green's 14-68 loss to Wisconsin.
-------------------------------------------------------
Cleveland.com says defenses withered all over the MAC last Saturday.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Despite the Minutemen's all-BCS schedule, so far UMass is in the middle of the MAC in most statistics. Field goals, punting and rushing yards are prominent exceptions.
---------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Dan Malone says missed opportunities abound in loss to Penn State.
Video Coach Whipple and UMass QB Blake Frohnapfel talk about the Nittany Lion loss.
--------------------------------------------------------
Matty Vautour says UMass still confident with conference play on deck.
UMass running back woes continue.
--------------------------------------------------------
Max Moore of Hustle Belt reports UMass looked back against Penn State.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon gets a Heisman boost after his huge effort against Bowling Green.
Hustle Belt's Randy Carpenter looks at Bowling Green's 14-68 loss to Wisconsin.
-------------------------------------------------------
Cleveland.com says defenses withered all over the MAC last Saturday.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Despite the Minutemen's all-BCS schedule, so far UMass is in the middle of the MAC in most statistics. Field goals, punting and rushing yards are prominent exceptions.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Sunday--- September 21st, 2014
Well, the pundits said UMass would have to play a perfect game to hang with Penn State and we were far from perfect.
After a good opening drive, new kicker Matthew Wylie unleashed a kick that looked like one of those fan promotional kicks. On a fourth and one, Tajae Sharpe was all by himself in the Penn State endzone and Frohnapfel didn't see him. We fumbled the ball deep in our own side.
More disturbing, was the fact that UMass has -2 yards rushing late in the third quarter. Even if we had played better, we were outclassed by the Nittany Lions. If they get by Michigan State, they could go undefeated. The Minutemen played hard with some good hits. UMass played the defensive subs most of the fourth quarter.
We all knew the four BCS games were going to be tough. The MAC league teams will be a fairer test of where we are. Keep the faith and Go UMass!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The UMass website has stats, video and game quotes.
Dan Malone reports Minutemen give up three straight TD's only rush for 3 yards.
Dan says Whipple described the Minutemen as overawed.
Matty Vautour says the Minutemen were outclassed.
The Daily Collegian says UMass was blown out.
The Victory Bell Rings reports Penn State rolled past UMass.
The Sentinel says the Nittany Lion's running game quieted the critics.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
48-7 was a bad result for UMass, but it was far from the worst performance by MAC teams yesterday.
Remember when people ragged on the Minutemen for giving up 399 yards rushing against Wisconsin? Next week's opponent Bowling Green played the Badgers yesterday and gave up 644 rushing yards to to shatter a Big Ten record that stood since 1930.
Eastern Michigan lost to Michigan State 14-73
The MAC's best team NIU lost to Arkansas 14-52.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All the MAC scores here.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colorado beat Hawaii.
Vanderbilt put a scare into South Carolina before finally folding.
Boston College beat Maine 40-10.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
