Thursday--December 4th, 2014

UMass athletic dept image

Six UMass players were named the MAC All-Conference team.

Blake Fronapfel was named first team QB. Tajae Sharpe and Jean Sifrin were named first team receivers.

On Defense Jovan Santos-Knox was named first team, Randall Jette 2nd, and Stanley Andre 3rd team.

In 2013, UMass had one player, Anthony Dima on the third team offense. You want progress, you got progress.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dan Malone has an article on the All-Conference selections.

Dan compares his ballot to the actual award winners.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alex Alvarado of Hustle Belt looks at the 2014 All-MAC awards.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

USA Today says Western Michigan's P.J. Fleck cashes in on players awards.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Indy Star reviews Ball State's difficult season.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

The Boston Herald has a nice article on Fathers and Sons in the Melrose Football team. George Karelas was a four-year letter winner for UMass (1986, 87, 88, 90).

----------------------------------------------------------------------

NEVER PUT IGOR IN CHARGE OF THE FILE SYSTEM

University of Texas at Austin loses 100 brains.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday, December 3rd, 2014

From the UMass coaching staff

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Daily Collegian's Andrew Cyr says its a bowl game or bust for UMass in 2015.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

NBC Sports says keep an eye on UMass as a candidate for the Conference USA vacancy.

Busting Buckets thinks UMass could join Conference USA as a football-only member. If the Minutemen could stay in the A10 in hoops, then that would be an excellent position IMHO.

I'm ambivalent about A10 hoops. The league's TV contract is weird. Here's the A10 basketball TV schedule (.pdf download). I can't see a A10 regular season game on ESPN or any of  the major networks. The league's TV footprint has shrunk lately.

If Whipple could build us into a bowl-game level team in Conference USA, then we'd be an attractive package for the AAC at some time...

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

CBS Sports returns UMass to its Bottom 25 (just barely). Note the UConn-SMU game for the Bottom 25 crown.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

MLive has a review of the five bowl games with MAC conference tie-ins.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Massachusetts Super Bowl HS teams will use the UMass locker room at Gillette.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday--December 2nd, 2014

Dan Malone has video about Stanley Andre wrapping up his career with the Minutemen.

Dan looks at Twitter comments about the 2014 Football season.

He also has Blake Frohnapfel recovers from injury while he waits for next season.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Matty Vautour says UAB's woes could be an opportunity for UMass. Remember, things are different in college football in the era of realignments. It's chess, not football. You have to think several moves ahead. We got a good coach, we should win in the MAC next year; next we need a conference. I don't think the FBS college playoffs will continue in their current format. They'll move to eight teams and ---- eventually 16 like all the other division playoffs. One slot for each conference champion, including the group of five and six at large teams.

That'll probably cause some more realignments. The AAC would be the best for us, but it's probably going to take a knight's tour to get there.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Dan Maynes #97

Daniel Maynes has won the Nason Award for Senior Achievement from the New England Football Writers Association. Living with Crohn's Disease is no walk in the park. Playing football with it is impressive.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bowling Green and NIU are set for Round II of MAC Conference Championship games.

The Buffalo Bulls new coach was 109-6 with Wisconsin-Whitewater.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

BC's seventh win improves their bowl situation.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ESPN says nine teams remain in contention for the college football playoffs.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Monday-- December 1st, 2014

Dan Malone has a link to post Buffalo game interviews.

UMass wide receivers

He also has Austin Whipple setting his sights on being the #1 backup QB next year.

Dan also has a video on the "littlest Minuteman" Jared Currier.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Dick Bresciani, a former member the UMass Athletic Dept and all-around good guy passed away Saturday.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

The word is UAB is shutting down its football program, would that leave a slot in Conference USA for UMass?

Conference USA has former CAA foe Old Dominion, Marshall and two Florida schools (an area Whipple likes to recruit) and would be excellent place for the Minutemen to land after 2015. UMass would bring a Northeast media presence to Conference USA.

UMass should also be able to compete in football in Conference USA right away. The AAC would be even better in terms of athletic profile, but Whipple would have a much tougher job getting UMass into a winning profile in that conference.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Buffalo has reportedly signed Lance Leipold as their new Head Coach.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Hustle Belt has the end-of-season MAC Conference bowl predictions.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

UMass finishes 10th in the last MAC Hustle Belt power poll.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Sports Illustrated says the #4 slot in the college football playoffs is still up in the air.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunday--November 30th, 2015

After today, I'll probably return to the off-season no-updates-on-Sunday schedule. I've cranked out posts seven days a week since August.

Below are four images from the game Friday. Click on the image and Blogger displays a larger view.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ron Chimelis says all things considered UMass made solid progress.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

The UMass Daily Collegian says UMass looks ahead to the 2015 season for better or for worse.

The Collegian said the Minutemen defense came up short.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

The MAC Conference championship between NIU and Bowling Green will be next Friday.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday-- November 29th, 2014

Let's first focus on a good thing. The turnout for yesterday's game was fantastic. Friday looked and felt like UMass had scheduled a game on January 15th. It was below freezing all day and the snow cover made it feel even colder. Despite this, Minutemen fans turned out in large numbers. Lot's of kids and families. When some sports writer says UMass fans are not interested, e-mail him and tell him to STFU.

In fact, I think UMass led the MAC in attendance yesterday. Fans were clearing snow off  the seats to find a place to sit.

1. Toledo-EMU 15,226, remember EMU earlier this year said there were 19,000 at this game.

2. UMass-Buffalo 13, 417
3. NIU-WMU 11,195 (two teams with a combined 20-6 record)
4.  Ball State-BGU 8,534
5.  Kent State-Akron 5,118.

Take a bow UMass fans!

-----------------------------------------------------------------

As for the game, Buffalo looked bigger, faster stronger. I don't know how it looked on ESPN, but in person the size differential between the Bull offense and the Minutemen defense was striking. Buffalo had a bigger offensive line, a faster running back and a better QB.

Austin Whipple played better. He had at least four drops, which did not help.

I really hope we add some defensive recruits this recruiting cycle. We can't expect next year for Blake Frohnapfel to win every game 45-42.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Dan Malone says a frustrated Coach Whipple is looking for answers. Actually, in the article Whipple said he knows what to do: R-E-C-R-U-I-T.

Dan also has five takeaways from the Buffalo game.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Matty Vautour says Austin Whipple looks to be in the mix to back up Frohnapfel next year.

Matty has slow starting UMass falls to the Bulls 41-21.

Matty also says UMass finds its motivation for 2015.

------------------------------------------------------------------

The UMass Daily Collegian says UMass falls to Buffalo 41-21.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

All the MAC results here.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Eric Frohnapfel had two TD's in Marshall's 67-66 loss to Western Kentucky (and no that's not a basketball score)

------------------------------------------------------------

Game Day---Buffalo November 28th, 2014

We had 15+ inches of snow yesterday. Our internet service was down most of the day, but the power stayed on, which was a blessing because everybody was coming to our house for Thanksgiving dinner. No TV either, because our satellite dish on the roof is buried.

------------------------------------------------------------------

All right, let's close out 2014 with a victory. The day is going to be chilly, but partly sunny. Four wins will be a good step up from 1. The Minutemen have enough talent to beat the Bulls even without Blake Frohnapfel.

We need to run the rock, not turn the ball over and score some points. UMass still has Tajae Sharpe, Jean Sifrin and a good offensive scheme. UMass needs to play with emotion and send the seniors out with a win.

I'll be there and hope to see a good crowd of UMass fans too.

Let's go UMass!!!

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dan Malone says UMass looks to finish the season on a high note.

Dan has media information for those who can't make it to Amherst.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Matty Vautour reports UMass seniors prepare for their final game.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Jesse Allen of Hustle Belt looks at the Minutemen-Bulls game.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Buffalo News picks the Bulls 34-16.

The Buffalo News says the Bulls offensive line takes their final bow.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

The Boston Herald says Austin Whipple is in line for his second start.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Stanley Andre #35/ click on image for a larger view

The UMass Daily Collegian reports Stanley Andre reflects on his UMass career.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanksgiving--November 27th, 2014

Hey, I'm thankful for my country. I'm thankful for Mrs Blog, who is the best thing that ever happened to me. I'm thankful for UMass Football, so that I have something to obsess about. Happy Thanksgiving to all UMass fans and readers.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Jean Sifrin

Jean Sifrin weighs declaring for the NFL Draft. Complex decision. Anytime a football player steps on the field, it could be their last. To me, the decision would be if Sifrin would be drafted and how high. The amount of guaranteed money rises almost exponentially for draft position. Free agency is not a good deal. Being drafted means the team is vested in the player. Rob Blanchflower was placed on IR and given time to recover, something that probably not happen to a free agent.

In addition, agents and teams are working for their own benefit. What they say is not necessarily what will happen. If Sifrin is certain he be drafted above the fifth round than he should declare at his age.

If not, then another college year and a potential bowl game, could boost him to a much bigger payout next season.

Matty Vautour says a winding road has brought Jean Sifrin close to a NFL career.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

A Bleacher Report writer says UMass wins against Buffalo if Frohnapfel plays.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

The MAC Conference reprimands four CMU players who refused to shake hands.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Yahoo Sports bowl predictions.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Now I've got to go shovel more snow....

Wednesday--November 26th, 2014

UMass athletic dept Tweet

UPDATE 1:40 PM:   UMass practice this morning. Here in Jaffrey, NH we've got about eight inches so far.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

UMass has its game notes for Buffalo up.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dan Malone says Blake Lucas will do extra points and field goals against Buffalo.

Going into the Buffalo game UMass is last in the MAC in punting: 50-1764 35.3 AVE 79 Ret 1.6 AVE 4 TB 32.1 Net Punting AVE.

UMass is #12 (ahead of only Buffalo) in field goals 6-11 .543 Pct. Don't look for Friday's game to be decided by a 50 yarder.

The Minutemen are 13th (last) in PAT going 35-41 .854 Pct.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The last practice for the seniors is always an emotional time. Unlike other sports, most football players don't ever again get to put on the pads and play as a team.

This Football Scoop article talks about how teams send their seniors off after the last practice.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Buffalo News reports on Blake Frohnapfel probably being out for the Bulls game.

The Buffalo News also says the frustrated Bulls are intent on a big finish against UMass.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

This article on Wagner football mentions current UMass defensive coordinator Tom Mesella.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ohio beat Miami on a last second field goal to become bowl eligible last night.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

The MAC Conference will investigate Central Michigan's captain's refusal to shake hands at CMU-Western Michigan game.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sports Cheat Sheet names Victor Cruz as one of the top five all-time undrafted wide receivers.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Brandon London will return to Explosive Training Systems.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday--November 25th, 2014

Blake Frohnapfel

Blake Frohnapfel has won the Bulger Lowe Award. Presented by the Gridiron Club of Boston, it's often referred to as the "New England Heisman". The Gridiron Club of Boston's website. Previous year's award winners.

Previous UMass recipients were:


Kole Ay - 2000 - Defense
Khari Samuel - 1998 - Defense
Rene Ingoglia - 1995 - Offense
Dave Palazzi - 1988 - Offense
Garry Pearson - 1982 - Offense (fixed)
Greg Landry - 1967
Jerry Whelchel - 1964

That's a pretty good group folks!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mark Whipple's quotes from yesterday's MAC Conference teleconference.

Dan Malone reviews Whipple's talking points.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

UMass has Todd Stafford taking reps at QB to back up Austin Whipple for Friday's game.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Minutemen center Matt Sparks says the UMass OL needs to help Austin Whipple to be successful.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

The Boston Globe says UMass wants to finish the season on a high note.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sports Chat Place says Buffalo wins Friday "with ease"

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Keepers College Football Ratings says the Minutemen by 5.56.

Vegas Insider has UMass by 7.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Matt Stewart of the Leominster Sentinel & Enterprise looks back at covering UMass football. Mentions former UMass greats and current UMass freshman Jerell Addo.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

NIU and Western Michigan meet for the MAC East Championship Friday.

Ohio has a bowl bid on the line against Miami.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Monday--November 24th, 2014

UMass Athletic Dept image

Mrs Blog and I may hit the Hadley Mall after the game...

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Buffalo Bulls team is upset by the cancellation of their game against Kent Stat. Defensive lineman Kristjan Sokoli says "A win against UMass will solve everything for us".

The Bulls keep their opponents guessing about run or pass.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Minutemen's loss to Akron, dropped UMass to 9th in the Hustle Belt MAC power rankings.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

After Saturday's games, UMass is still tied for second in the MAC east. Scroll down on the MAC Conference page to get the standings.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

James Ihedigbo says the Lions still have a great defense. Ihedigbo had one INT against the Pats and just missed another.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Full FCS playoff bracket here. UNH got a bye in the first round as CAA champs.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunday--November 23rd, 2014

UMass Athletic Dept image

Randall Jette in 2014 has gone 30 UT 22 AT 58 TT (fifth on the team) 0.5-0 TFL 4-49 INT (leads team) 14 BKUP 18 PD 1 FF. That's 3rd in the nation in passes defended per game.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the only MAC game yesterday, Ball State beat EMU 45-30.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Monmouth QB Brandon Hill, a UMass transfer went 13-29 161 in his final collegiate game , a victory over Gardner Webb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Detroit Free Press reports James Ihedigbo learned his work ethic from his immigrant parent's time in Amherst.

Bill Belichick says James Ihedigbo is important to the Lions defense.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

UNH turned the ball over six times, but squeaked out a 20-12 win over Maine to win the CAA title yesterday.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ladainian Tomlinson's collegiate rushing single game record of 406 yards stood for 15 years---and now it's been broken two weeks in a row.

Wisconsin RB Melvin Gordon could break Barry Sanders' single season NCAA rushing record.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday--November 22nd, 2014

Dan Malone reports Austin Whipple said "I need to play better". Blake Frohnapfel watched Friday's practice on crutches...

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Matty Vautour reports Austin Whipple is hoping to improve in his second game.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hustle Belt previews today MAC conference game between Eastern Michigan and Ball State.

Ball State's 3-7 season is causing the Cardinal's head coach Pete Lembo's stock to drop.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

UConn coach Bob Diaco says Husky football was a giant mess---and now it's a smaller mess.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BC gets #1 Florida State today.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Longtime rivals UNH and Maine square off in Orono. A win will give UNH an undefeated FCS season and a #1 seed going into the FCS playoffs.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

A ESPN Poll says most college coaches favor an eight team playoff.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday--November 21, 2014

The MAC Conference has canceled Buffalo-Kent State. Dan Malone has a story about the cancellation.

Buffalo players react to the cancellation.

Blame Kent State's equipment truck driver.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

UMass Athletic Dept image

Jovan Santos-Knox is having a monster season.

Single season record

Total Tackles:

1. 140.5 Kole Ayi 1998 (15 games)
2. 136.5 Khari Samuel 1998 (15 games)
3. 129.0 Jovan Santos-Knox 2014 (11 games)
4. 123.0 Justin Riemer 1996 (11 games)

He's fourth in the nation in tackles/game. Note Stanley Andre is 20th.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Coach Whipple is in the middle of the pack in head coaches compensation.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Western Michigan's HC P.J. Fleck has been named a semi-finalist for the Maxwell Coach of the Year.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Jerron Seymour a RB at Vanderbilt who had 57 yards and a TD against UMass last year, has been dismissed from the team.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

USA Today says rugby punts are bounding through college football.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday--November 20th, 2014

The Boston Globe said UMass football was in a deep freeze in Akron.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Fresno Bee reports Akron QB Kyle Pohl and the Akron Zips beat UMass.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

UMass trainer Jennifer Brodeur gets a number of quotes in this article on high school football helmets.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Toledo beat Bowling Green last night to keep their hope of a MAC West title alive.

Hustle Belt said that's five in a row for the the Rockets over Bowling Green.

Because of the snow emergency in Buffalo the Bulls game against Kent State was postponed.

More on the postponed game here and here.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Blake Frohnapfel's old team, undefeated Marshall is looking to prove itself against top competition.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Detroit News says James Ihedigbo is thriving with the Lions.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

OT: but after losing 72-40 to John Calipari's Kentucky team Kansas' head coach Bill Self says the Wildcats could go undefeated. Includes a quote from Calipari about his UMass teams.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday--November 19th, 2014

Well, UMass lost to Akron who looked bigger, stronger and faster. The defense blew one coverage, but other than that the Minutemen were obviously trying to keep the Zips in front of them. Late in the game the announcers said Akron had 60-something plays and 40 of them were on the Minutemen side of the field. The defense forced two fumbles and competed all night.

Our kicking game was terrible, as usual. We missed an extra point and had an eight-yard punt.

Without Frohnapfel, the UMass offense was anemic. Austin Whipple threw three INT's. The Zips defense controlled the line of scrimmage and then some. Time after time, Akron blew up running plays. The Minutemen had 67 yards rushing.  The Zips front seven looked a lot faster than the UMass offense. Whipple only had one sack, but was hurried on many plays.

So we learned (I learned) what we already knew: Coach Whipple still has a number of pieces missing from a winning team. He needs a couple of more recruiting classes.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Not a lot of press coverage for a Tuesday night game.

UMass write-up on the game.

The Zips website says Akron cruised by the Minutemen.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Dan Malone says UMass was out-manned and overmatched.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Hampshire Gazette said Austin Whipple and UMass struggled in the Akron cold.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

The UMass Daily Collegian reports UMass fell 30-6 at Akron.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Ohio.com has observations on the Zips 30-6 win.

----------------------------------------------------------------

In the other MAC game last night, NIU beat the Ohio Bobcats 24-14.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

ESPN looks at Texas Tech who is struggling with a 3-7 season. Their coach says they're focusing on the future. You know you're having a bad season when your defensive coordinator shows up drunk for a morning staff meeting...

------------------------------------------------------------------

Game Day--Akron November 18th, 2014

Well, today it'll be an uphill battle for our Minutemen. The weather is supposed to be in the middle teens with wind and snow showers----not the best conditions for UMass' vertical passing attack. In addition, we will likely start a QB who has never thrown a pass in college.

It's a day to run the rock. We can hope that the UMass defense will have another energized day and get some turnovers. A short field for the offense would make a big difference. I don't know what to make of Akron, last week with supposedly one of the best defenses in the MAC, they gave up 55 points to a mediocre Buffalo team.

With bad weather and a nearly empty stadium, it'll probably come down to who wants it more. Football is one sport that you need to play with emotion. If you want to play in the pros, you have turn it on when the light goes green.

Go UMass!!!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

UPDATE 7:45 PM:

Offshore Gaming.com says the UMass QB situation is cloudy

-----------------------------------------------------

UPDATE 3:45 PM:

The Akron Journal has four keys to beating UMass.

Pregame.com likes the "over" odds on the Minutemen vs Zips game.

CBS Sports has UMass rising out the their "bottom 25".

Fansided.com thinks Blake Frohnapfel will play against Akron.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Coach Whipple's comments from Monday's MAC teleconference.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lots of news today.

Jean Sifrin was named a semi-finalist for the Mackey TE Award. Phil Steele also mentions Sifrin.

UMass write-up on Sifrin.

Dan Malone has a story about Sifrin being named to the semi-finalist list.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tajae Sharpe was named the MAC offensive player-of-the-week.

Dan Malone has more on Sharpe.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dan previews the UMass-Akron game.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Matty V. reports Blake Frohnapfel will be a game-time decision.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The UMass Daily Collegian says the Minutemen will look to run the ball if Frohnapfel can't go.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Boston Globe says UMass will huddle before deciding who starts at QB.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

The Boston Herald talks about the UMass QB question.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

UMass is tied for 7th in the Lambert Meadowlands Trophy rankings.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Cleveland.com says Akron looks to get back in the win column today against the Minutemen.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Hustle Belt's Week #13 pick 'em.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Keepers College football ratings has UMass by 5.28. In Vegas, the line has moved up to the Zips by 7, probably due to Frohnapfel's injury.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Lately there have been a lot of UMass sports on ESPN3. I bought a Chromecast and it works great with my setup. You need a wireless-enabled computer (my desktop Lenovo has a wireless card) and your TV needs an unoccupied HDMI port. The Chromecast can be powered from a usb port on the TV. If your set does not have one, Chromecast comes with a wall-wart power supply. It works out-of-the-box with Windows and Apple. I could not get to work with my version of Linux.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Monday--November 17th, 2014

UMass rises to a tie for #6 in the Hustle Belt Power Poll.

Hustle Belt has MAC Bowl predictions after week #13.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Ball State Daily says UMass brought the Cardinals rushing attack to a halt.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Akron opens as a 4.5 favorite in the Las Vegas odds.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sports Chat Place previews UMass-Akron.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Blake Frohnapfel's 424 passing yards against Ball State makes NBC Sports Statistically Speaking column.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Keepers College football rankings has the Minutemen as #113.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

The Berkshire Eagle says how about playing the Western Mass Football Championship games at newly shined up McGuirk?

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Last year Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon gained 144 yards against the Minutemen. Saturday, he set the FBS record with 406 rushing yards against Nebraska.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

SB Nation reports Iowa Western Community College is what a JUCO powerhouse looks like.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

UNH blew out Delaware and will remain #1 in the FCS rankings.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunday--November 16th, 2014

Blake Frohnapfel watch

So far in 10 games Frohnapfel has gone 132.2 EFF 241-437-10 55.1% 3345 yards 23 TD 334.5 Ave/game

Single season records

Pass attempts:

1. 525 Todd Bankhead 1998 (15 games)
2. 437  Blake Frohnapfel 2014

Pass completions

1. 303 Todd Bankhead 1998 (15 games)
2. 259 Todd Bankhead 1999 (13 games)
3. 241  Blake Frohnapfel 2014

Passing yards

1. 3919 Todd Bankhead 1998 (15 games)
2. 3345  Blake Frohnapfel 2014

Passing TD's

5. 24 Liam Coen 2008
6. 23 Tim Day 2004
6. 23  Blake Frohnapfel 2014

Passing yards/game

1.  334.5 Blake Frohnapfel 2014
2   261.3 Todd Bankhead 1998 (15 games)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

UMass has their game notes for Akron up.

The Zips have their UMass notes up.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

UMass says the Black Friday game against Buffalo will be at 1:00 PM. I was hoping for an evening game. The students will be away and some people still have to work.

A Toledo Blade writer thinks the MAC's TV contract sucks.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Dan Malone says Austin Whipple is ready to go if needed against Akron.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

The UMass Daily Collegian reports Austin Whipple continues to work with the first team offense.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

In yesterday's MAC Conference action, Western Michigan blew out Eastern and Central Michigan edged Miami.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

The Tampa Bay Times predicts five MAC teams in bowls.

------------------------------------------------------------------

USA Today has winners and losers from yesterday's college football schedule.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday--November 15th, 2014

Blake Frohnapfel

Dan Malone has news on Blake Frohnapfel's injury. Apparently, Frohnapfel has a "bone bruise" and is making progress. As of now, Austin Whipple is taking the first team reps. The sounds positive as far as it goes. If Blake can't go for Akron with the short week, maybe he'll be available for Buffalo.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

I received the following E-mail. Not sure if it went out to all the season ticket holders or just the Gridiron Club.


That was a heck of a game Wednesday night, wasn't it? Your Minutemen — our Minutemen — played tough on both sides of the ball for 60 minutes and delivered a strong 24-10 win in front of a great home crowd and a national TV audience. That's what we've been building toward this season.

I hope we made you proud. I know you made us proud.

It was incredible, on a night when winter temperatures descended on Amherst, to look up into the stands and see all of you — students, alumni, community members … UMass fans, more than 13,000 strong — there to cheer on our team.

Thank you for being part of a great night for UMass football.

I've been saying this all season: We Win Together. Last night, that's just what we did. Won. Together.

I hope you'll come back to McGuirk Stadium November 28 when we wrap up our season against the Buffalo Bulls. Show our senior players how much their efforts have meant to you. And let's all head into the recruiting season on a high note.

If you're traveling for the holiday and you can't make it, tell your friends who are staying in the area or coming back to Western Mass for Thanksgiving about the team we have and the tradition we're building. Encourage them to get out to the game, and bring their families. Tell them what it means when we say, We Win Together.

Go UMass!

Mark Whipple

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spencer Riddenhour, who played one season for UMass after transferring from Penn State, is in trouble again.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This article speaks about Akron's improvement under Terry Bowden. Note that Bowden has 14 FBS transfers and 8 JUCO's playing for the Zips. Akron's best game this year was a 21-10 win over Pitt. The Panthers own website said the Zips dominated.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The MAC website features Akron OL Travis Switzer. Switzer's Zips bio.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

I forgot to mention that former UMass assistant coach John Strollo in on the Ball State staff as offensive line coach.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the MAC Conference, Western Michigan is the team currently making the biggest turnaround.

--------------------------------------------------------------------