Recruiting 2017--Sione Taufahema

Image JC Football.com

Scout.com reports UMass has offered to Sione Taufahema, a 6-3 310 pound DT from College of the Canyons.

247Sports page here.

Hudl.com has video.

Partial quote from a 08/15/16 Scout.com article by Scott Eklund

"I visited Montana State in March and then I went to see Hawaii in May," Taufahema said. "UMass definitely would like to get me out there, but I'm just going to take my time and see what else is out there."

"I can play anywhere and my coaches move me around, but at the next level, when I get to a four-year school, I probably fit at nose tackle the best," Taufahema admitted. "I'm really quick off the ball and I have a good first step. I'm also really strong against the run and I have a good hands, so that helps me keep blockers off me."

Hawaii and UMass are Taufahema's two FBS offers.

Wednesday before Troy University--November 2nd, 2016

Sights & sounds from Wagner.

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Logan Laurant has been named a Ray Guy candidate. He has gone 50-2,122 42.4 AVE. He set a single game punting yards record with 12-547 against BC. That broke Christian Keogel's 526 yards also against BC in 2004. The single season AVE record is 44.26 in 2008. Laurant needs 10 more punts and 214 yards to break into the Top-10 career marks for number of punts and yards punting.

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Matty Vautour profiles UMass alum Neal Brown. Soon to be a Power Five head coach.

Troy University football praised for actions at crash scene.

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The UMMB has been invited to participate in the 2018 Tournament of Roses parade. Mrs Blog and I have been talking about going to the parade and Rose Bowl for a number of years. Now we have an excuse to do so. Congrats to the band.

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BYU is fired up and wants to finish the season strong.

The Cougars lose two defensive linemen to season ending injuries.

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Recruiting 2017--Tanis Joseph

Hudl.com image

Tanis Joseph, a 6-4 285 pound OT from Ellsworth Community College has Tweeted he's received an offer from UMass

247Sports page here.

Hudl.com has video.

This article features Joseph and reports his current top three are UAB, East Carolina and Southern Miss.

Joseph has ten offers with Marshal and UMass from the Northeast.

Tuesday before Troy University--November 1st, 2016

UMass has their game notes for Troy up.

Troy has Neal Brown's press conference up. He talks about Coach Whipple hiring him and his time at UMass. Brown's Troy bio.

BTW, Troy is receiving votes in the AP Top-25 poll.

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

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Campus Insiders has Troy 37-UMass 17.

The Dothan Eagles says Brown is embracing the match-up with his alma mater UMass.

The Montgomery Adviser has a post and some video by Brown about playing against Whipple and UMass.

Sports Chat Place says take UMass and the points.

The Troy Messenger says the Trojans are shooting for a Sun Belt Championship.

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Meanwhile, the Florida Gators are thinking college playoffs.

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Recruiting 2017--James Brown

James Brown, a 6-3 220 pound TE from Orlando Jones HS in FL has verbaled to Tennessee.

He had one other offer, which was from UMass as a QB.

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Monday before Troy--October 31st, 2016

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Day after Wagner--October 30th, 2016

UMass rang up 507 total yards of offense against the Seahawks yesterday. Be sure to watch Adam Breneman's highlight one handed catch. He went 8-138 and 2 TD's. A good day for the offense. Could have been better as Isabella dropped a sure TD catch and Sekai Lindsay had two drops.

Wonder of wonders, we went 2-for-2 on field goal attempts. Logan Laurant had a 49 yard punting average to go with the two field goals. We're up to a stratospheric 33% in field goal percentage.!

The defense controlled a pretty good Wagner passing game. UMass had an unsportsmanlike penalty that kept the only Seahawk scoring drive alive.

We'll take the win and hope we get some of the walking wounded back for the last three games of the season.

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UMass writeup here.

Wagner writeup here.

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Dan Malone reports UMass ended a senior day losing streak.

Dan said the UMass passing game had some big numbers.

Matty Vautour reports UMass rolled over Wagner on Senior Day.

Matty also says the injuries to Marquis Young and John Robinson-Woodgett were not serious.

The UMass Daily Collegian says UMass scored early and often.

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The Florida Gators are 6-1 after a 24-10 win over Georgia.

Boston College beat North Carolina State for their first ACC win in 700 days.

Florida International lost to Middle Tennessee.

Tulane blew a 10 point lead and lost to SMU.

Old Dominion beat UTEP and needs one win to be bowl eligible.

Louisiana Tech rang up 735 yards of offense in a 61-16 beatdown of Rice.

South Carolina held Tennessee to 21 points in a big upset over the Volunteers.

Troy had a bye.

BYU had a bye.

Hawaii lost to New Mexico.

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Game Day Wagner--October 29th, 2016

Well hopefully UMass will add its second win to the 2016 season. Wagner is not North Dakota State or James Madison, but they're not Delaware State or Prairie View A & M either. They scored 10 points on BC, but had only 107 yards of total offense. BC's less-than-awesome offense totaled 490 yards on the Seahawks.

UMass needs to move the ball, stop the mistakes and get ahead early. the Minutemen could then rest the starters and let the freshmen and backups get some playing time. Please don't make this into a 24-17 grinder. Wagner is only the second FCS team UMass has played since moving into FBS. We lost to Maine in 2013. The Black Bears went 10-2 in the regular season that year and lost at Big 10 Northwestern by 13 points. Since then Maine went 5-6 in 2014, 3-8 in 2015 and they are 4-3 so far in 2016 and unlikely to make the playoffs. Shows the way things have gone for the Minutemen so far in FBS.

I'll be there to say goodbye to the Seniors. Hope to see a good crowd of regulars. Go UMass!!!

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The game will be available on ESPN3 and NESN+. Dish network will have the game on channel 442 ALT here in New Hampshire. UMass fans in other parts of the country should check here (.pdf download) for availability in other areas.

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Matty Vautour says UMass wants to end a number of droughts. He also reports that Joe Previte is out with a dislocated elbow and his future status is undetermined. That's too bad. Previte had been a pleasant surprise on the defensive line.

Mike Traini of "Fight Massachusetts" predicts UMass 38 Wagner 13.

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SLive says the Seahawks brace for UMass.

The Boston Herald says UMass aims to send the seniors off with a win in Amherst.

Campus Insiders predicts UMass 35-Wagner 20.

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Recruiting 2017--Dominique Maiden

Maiden #80/Susanne Hara image

Scout.com reports UMass has offered to Dominique Maiden, a 6-5 215 pound WR from Riverside Junior College in California.

247sports page here.

Hudl.com has video from this season.

Besides UMass, Maiden has a recent offer from West Virginia and an offer from Alabama-Birmingham.

Partial quote from a Scout.com article on Maiden dated 10/18/16 by Jeff Cobb:

"As far as eligibility, Maiden says he will enroll in his school of choice in December and will have three years to complete his final two seasons of eligibility. Right now, he also has offers from UMass and the University of Alabama-Birmingham.

"I don't plan on committing until after the season on signing day. I'm still waiting for the PAC-12 offers to come in," Maiden said."

Friday before Wagner--October 28th, 2016

The UMass senior class.

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Dan Malone reports UMass needs a win against FCS Wagner.

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Wagner finally has their game notes up. Note the game will be available on ESPN3 as well as NESN+.

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Rotoworld notes Adam Breneman 9-94 2 TD's against South Carolina.

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The end of this article talks about UMass and the MAC as lessons for a UConn move to the Big East.

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Recruiting 2017--Davyn Flenord

Jason Caldwell image

Twitter reports Davyn Flenord, a 6-3 185 pound athlete from Clay Central in Alabama has received an offer from UMass.

247 Sports page here.

Hudl.com has video.

Scout.com says Flenord is the definition of a sleeper in this year's class.

Maxpreps has some stats.

Besides UMass, Flenord has offers from South Alabama, Toledo and Troy.

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Thursday before Wagner--October 27th, 2016

Double header in Amherst on Saturday. UMass football meets Wagner at Noon and UMass Hockey plays against hated Boston College at 7:00 PM. See both!

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Adam Aucoin of the UMass Daily Collegian says UMass is looking to get back on track against Wagner.

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Sports Chat Place predicts a blowout win for the Minutemen Saturday.

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Fox Sports reports Coach Whipple is in the bottom 20 college coaches in salary.

The top 20 college coaching salaries are between $4 million and $9 million.

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Adam Cyr of the UMass Daily Collegian reports on Adam Breneman's outstanding season with UMass.

Breneman has gone 44-484 4 TD's; that places him tied for first place in the NCAA in number of catches by a TE and third in total yards.

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Under the having a really bad season category  are the UMass field goal kickers. The NCAA does not have national ranking stats for field goals, but in total scoring, UMass is the only team in football with only one field goal for 2016.

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The second half of the season is crucial for Victor Cruz's future with the Giants.

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Wednesday before Wagner--October 26th, 2016

Highlights from the South Carolina game.

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The Garnet & Black Attack has final (somewhat incoherent) thoughts about the South Carolina-UMass game.

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Matty Vautour has a story about UMass TE Adam Breneman keeping tabs on presidential election.

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Andrew Cyr of the UMass Daily Collegian reports UMass is not overlooking FCS Wagner.

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After starting against UMass last week, the Gamecocks will stay with QB Jake Bentley.

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Victor Cruz has modest numbers since his return, but that's OK.

North Jersey.com says Cruz is proving the doubters wrong.

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Recruiting 2017--Kam Stephens

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Kam Stephens, a 6-6 215 Weakside DE from Columbus, Ohio has Tweeted he's received an offer from UMass.

247 Sports page here.

NCSA has some stats .

Hudl.com has highlights.

Junior highlights here.

This article from August features Stephens.

This article features Stephens during  a recruiting visit to Kent State.

Besides UMass, Stephens has offers from MAC schools Kent State, Ohio, Toledo and Akron.

Tuesday before Wagner--October 25th, 2016

UMass has its game notes for Wagner up.

Wagner lost to Bryant last week in a game that knocked the Seahawks out of sole possession of first place in the Northeast comference.

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Michael Traini of "Fight Massachusetts" recaps the Minutemen's game at South Carolina.

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The Troy Trojans are bowl eligible.

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Tajae Sharpe has a knee sprain.

Titansized says Tennessee needs to target Tajae Sharpe more.

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UMass has two tough games remaining in it's 2016 schedule (Sun Belt leading Troy University and BYU) and one we should win (Wagner) and one competitive (Hawaii).

Boston College finishes its ACC schedule with NC State, Louisville, Florida State and 4-2 Wake Forest. Ouch!

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Monday before Wagner--October 24th, 2016

UMass has the post-game notes and quotes from the South Carolina game up.

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Matty Vautour reports mistakes at South Carolina will haunt the Minutemen. He's right. UMass could have won that game. The Minutemen played perhaps their best game of the season Saturday. They moved the ball all game against the Gamecocks defense. Clearly UMass had it's best balance on offense this season. They ran the ball effectively and that always helps. I think the UMass offensive line is coming together.

The defense too held their own on the line of scrimmage. Except for the first series, the defense defended the run game all afternoon. And remember the Gamecocks had great field position all day.

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The State's Dave Cloninger says the UMass defense "couldn't stop warm butter sliding down a knife".  It's always nice to be a gracious winner.

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No Vegas line on UMass' game with Wagner. Keepers College Football rankings has UMass by 8 points+ (.pdf download). At 1-7 Keeper has UMass at #125 (another .pdf download).

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A British sports writer interviews Victor Cruz.

Tajae Sharpe caught four balls for 59 yards in Tennessee's loss to Colts.

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James Lowenthal image

As you remember, I'm an amateur astronomer. I've blogged about UMass Large Millimeter Telescope before.

Space.com reports on UMass getting a grant to install a new state-of-the-art imaging system for the LMT.

More info on the TolTEC camera. Congrats to the UMass astronomy team. They're doing exciting work.

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Day after South Carolina--October 23rd, 2016

Well we could have won that game. The 13 points off turnovers were the difference. Minus the turnovers the Minutemen played another strong game against an SEC team. The depleted UMass defense held the Gamecocks to 7 points in the second half and allowed no points in the fourth quarter. Also note five of South Carolina's drives started in UMass territory.

The UMass offense moved the ball all day with 23 first downs. The Minutemen went 3-4 on fourth downs and had 389 total yards of offense. South Carolina is a very bad offensive team, but their defense is another story.

We had another crappy day kicking the ball. We shanked a punt. Kicked the ball out of bounds on a kickoff and missed another reasonable field goal.

Anyway, it was another good effort and something to build off of.

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The UMass website says the Minutemen comeback fell short.

The South Carolina website says the Gamecocks claimed a victory. Quotes from Coach Whipple and the UMass players here.

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Dan Malone reports early miscues derailed a good UMass effort.

Matty Vautour reports the UMass comeback fell short.

Matty says UMass RB Marquis Young broke through in the loss to South Carolina.

The State says South Carolina held off UMass.

The Garnet & Black attack says the Gamecocks held off UMass.

Dave Cloninger says UMass abused the Gamecock defense all day.

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Florida had a bye.

Boston College lost to Syracuse to run their ACC losing streak to a dozen.

FIU was blown out by Louisiana Tech.

Mississippi State lost to Kentucky on a last minute kick.

Tulane was dominated by Tulasa.

Old Dominion was crushed by Western Kentucky.

Hawaii beat Air Force in double overtime.

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Game Day South Carolina--October 22nd, 2016

UPDATE: The SEC network is on channel 408 on Dish Network here in New Hampshire. They're currently interviewing John Calipari...

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Another Saturday, another SEC team. UMass has started to show some damage from their tough schedule. We'll see how many of the walking wounded play today. The Gamecocks are definitely not an offensive powerhouse. Hopefully, the UMass defense can keep it close with no third quarter collapse.

We've come close with Vanderbilt, Colorado and Temple. An upset against South Carolina would be balm to the battered egos of Minutemen fans.

Whatever the outcome, I'll be cheering for the Maroon & White. Go UMass!!!

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Mike Traini of "Fight Massachusetts" previews the South Carolina game.

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Matty Vautour says the Gamecocks are the Minutemen's latest chance for a big win.

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The State wonders if UMass can play another SEC team close.

The Big Spur has five keys to victory over the Minutemen.

Fox Sports says South Carolina and Massachusetts have the same problem: no offense.

The Garnet & Black Attack has five questions with Mike Traini.

The Independent says all eyes will be on Jake Bentley.

Dave Cloninger says Jake Bentley should stay on the bench.

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CBS Sports says take the Minutemen an the points.

FBS Schedules says the Gamecocks will cover the points.

SEC Country says watch Da'Sean Downey against the Gamecock's offensive line.

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Friday before South Carolina--October 21st, 2016

From the UMass Athletic Dept:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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SEC Country reports the Gamecocks are looking for offensive consistency.

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

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

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Two UConn players arrested on drug and weapons charges.

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Recruiting 2017--Jalen Shelton

Hudl.com image

Jalen Shelton, a 5-9 170 pound RB/DB/Athlete from Melbourne, FL has posted on his Twitter feed he's received an offer from UMass.

247 Sports page here.

Hudl.com has video.

From the same HS as Sekai Lindsay.

Besides UMass, Shelton has offers from Buffalo and Middle Tennessee.