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Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette looks at the long-time rivalry between UMass and Maine on the grid iron which will likely be played for the last time on Saturday.
Joe Sturzi of The Maine Campus looks at the game from the Black Bears' perspective. Pete Warner of the Bangor Daily News looks at Maine back-up quarterback Chris Treister's long journey in Orono.
Jeff Thomas of the Springfield Republican has an update on Kellen Pagel's return after missing the Villanova game due to injury. He also takes a look at the impact of Shane Vivieros' return to the defense in the recent weeks.
Steve Levine of the Daily Collegian recaps the tough loss for the football team to Villanova on Saturday.
A tough day for the UMass football team as the Minutemen dropped a 35-17 decision to Villanova at McGuirk Stadium on Saturday.
Hampshire Gazette: Villanova takes early big lead to spoil homecoming game for Minutemen Boston Herald: Mass-ive mistakes Springfield Republican: Mass football gives away Homecoming to Villanova Boston Globe: Minutemen left at a loss by Wildcats Delaware County Times: Abdur-Rahman steps up for Villanova in road win Philadelphia Sports Daily: Villanova Upsets UMass
John O'Connor of the Richmond Times-Dispatch has the local preview of today's game against the Spiders.
Jeff Thomas of the Springfield Republican has his game preview of today's contest at Richmond focusing on the Spiders need of a win for postseason hopes.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has his game-day preview of Saturday's match-up at Richmond.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette looks at UMass' kicking game going into this weekend's contest at Richmond.
A tough loss for football on Saturday in one of the most iconic New England football rivalries as New Hampshire upended the Minutemen 27-21 at Gillette Stadium in the Colonial Clash.
Steve Levine of The Daily Collegian takes a look at the schedule of events for Saturday's Colonial Clash at Gillette Stadium against New Hampshire.
Michael Wood of the Daily Collegian has a preview of Saturday's Colonial Clash game at Gillette Stadium against New Hampshire.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a notebook covering several aspects of the UMass football team this week including an update on Jerome Lewis' injury at practice yesterday, Tom Gilson being named as a team captain for Saturday, an update on some special alums to be in attendance at Gillette and a look at the schedule of events for the Colonial Clash.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette previews today's game at Delaware and looks back at the history of the series.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a story today on the return of quarterback Kellen Pagel to the starting lineup after missing last weekend's game against Central Connecticut.
Steve Levine of the Daily Collegian takes a look at this Saturday's football game at Delaware.
Big plays were the theme of Saturday as UMass was able to get past Central Connecticut State on Saturday night, 42-26.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette reports that quarterback Kellen Pagel will be back in action on Saturday after missing the latter stages of the Old Dominion game.
Jeff Thomas of the Springfield Republican has a look as adjustments UMass has made this week as the Minutemen prepare to host Central Connecticut State.
The UMass football team dropped a 48-33 decision at Old Dominion on Saturday in a game that featured huge scoring runs by both teams.
As you get prepped to follow tonight's game at Old Dominion, here are several previews of the match-up. This will be the first-ever CAA game at Ballard Stadium and will also be "Black Out" night for Monarch fans.
Michael Wood of The Daily Collegian also has a look at UMass' 2012 non-conference schedule which was released earlier this week.
Michael Wood of the Daily Collegian has a preview of football's trip to Old Dominion.
Jeff Thomas of the Springfield Republican has a story on the 2012 non-conference schedule as well.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has coverage of UMass' announced 2012 non-conference football schedule which includes a return trip to Michigan in addition to the previously announced games against UConn, Indiana, and Vanderbilt.
It was a tough day for the Minutemen yesterday at Boston College with the Eagles coming away with a 45-17 win. One bright spot for UMass was the play of Jesse Julmiste who set a new school record in kickoff return yardage (252) bolstered by a 100-yard return for a touchdown.
Jim Fenton of the Brockton Enterprise looks at the connection between former Brockton High School players in this Saturday's UMass-Boston College game. UMass starting safety Darren Thellen is a former Brockton standout and will be matched up against some of his former teammates.
Frank Dell'Apa of the Boston Globe has a preview of Saturday's game at Boston College focusing on the confidence built from past performances against FBS programs, including last year's narrow loss at Michigan.
But this is a new era for football at UMass, which will move up to the Bowl Subdivision next season and join the Mid-American Conference. Narrow defeats at Navy (21-20, in 2006), Kansas State (21-17, in 2009), and Michigan (42-37, in 2010) indicate UMass can compete at the next level. "In the last two years, in particular those games against Kansas State and Michigan, we certainly had our chances in big-time atmospheres,'' Morris said. "Our players haven't played at Boston College but as a staff we have, and we know what to expect from Boston College football. We'll be ready to go. On paper, they are our best opponent, the strongest team we'll play. "If you go by the Michigan, Kansas State, and Navy games, those are good indicators of where you are as a program. I think we're a very competitive program but we still haven't recruited a truly FBS recruiting class. We're going to go out and play and compete with anybody we play against and our goal is to win the game."
Steve Buckley of the Boston Herald looks at the impact UMass' game at Boston College will have this weekend in light of the Minutemen's transition to the FBS level. The "introductory" to the Eastern Mass fans will be especially important with the Minutemen's future home being Gillette Stadium beginning next season.
You don't think the stakes are huge this weekend for UMass? Beginning in 2012 and continuing through at least 2013, the Minutemen will be playing their "home" games at Gillette Stadium. This means the Boston sports market will have two competing 1-A football programs. That makes Saturday's date with Boston College the biggest game of the year. Call it an introductory offer for Boston sports fans. Or, a Whitman Sampler of UMass football. (Better still, and in homage to the UMass administration building, a Whitmore Sampler.)
Steve Levine of the Daily Collegian has a look at this weekend's football game at Boston College.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a look at the historical connections between UMass and Rhode Island on the football field.
UMass football coach Kevin Morris spoke with the media on Monday morning on the weekly CAA Football Teleconference. Morris previews the upcoming game against Rhode Island and talks about the Rams' tough loss at Syracuse last week.
The Colonial Athletic Association held its annual Football Media Day on Wednesday at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. UMass Head Coach Kevin Morris, senior linebacker Tyler Holmes, and senior wide receiver Julian Talley all took part in the festivities. Two hours of Media Day was broadcasted live online at ESPN3.com.
Jeff Thomas of the Springfield Republican has a story on the announcement of the football kick-off times for the upcoming season. He also has information sent out from the CAA about media day being televised live on ESPN3.com. The complete CAA release on the announcement can be found here.
It appears gone are the days of UMass football home games at 1 p.m., or even noon when daylight savings time hits.
The Minutemen released the times for most of their games for 2011 and just one of the four games at McGuirk Alumni Stadium is scheduled to begin at 1. The rest will put to use the lights. The home opener against Rhode Island (9/17) will be at 6:30 and Central Connecticut (10/8) will be at 6. The 3:30 start for the Villanova game on November 5 will need the lights on before it is settled. Fittingly, the final game of the Football Championship Subdivision for UMass will be at the 1 p.m. time slot against James Madison on Nov. 19. The only game time unscheduled is the September 24 game at Boston College. The Colonial Athletic Association media day next week will be broadcast live on ESPN3. The July 27 affair will be held at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Md. The CAA claims it is the first broadcast of its kind for FCS and will feature interviews with coaches and players over a two-hour period.
Craig Haley ranked all the conferences in FCS determining that the Colonial Athletic Association is still the best in the country:
When you start to make a case that the CAA isn't the best FCS conference, you can't. About seven of the 11 CAA teams warrant Top 25 consideration heading into the season, so the conference's depth is enough to keep it on top. Following is a conference-by-conference ranking across the FCS: 1. CAA Football - Old Dominion would seem to be entering the conference at the right time - perhaps it's a down year? - but the reality is, there are few breathers in the CAA schedule in any season. William & Mary is back to being a national title contender after what it hopes was a hiccup in last year's playoffs, when they lost their first game at home as the No. 2 seed. Delaware suffered some big-time seniors, but it still has head coach K.C. Keeler, and that means a lot. Either Richmond, New Hampshire or Massachusetts (ineligible for the conference title or FCS playoffs as it gets set to move to the FBS next year) will likely give the conference a third outstanding team, and retooling Villanova, which probably lost the nation's best senior class, and an improved James Madison, with returning quarterback Justin Thorpe, will cause a lot of headaches and perhaps make the playoffs. Yes, it's foolish to doubt this conference.
The CAA released its 2011 Football Season Preview yesterday. The preview contains information on all 11 teams along with a composite schedule, in-depth stats for the league, and links to YouTube Videos.
You can access the Season Preview here.
Boston College announced its 2011 football schedule, which includes a date with UMass on Sept. 24 at Alumni Stadium. There is no timetable for the official release of the full 2011 UMass football slate.
2011 Boston College Football Schedule Sept. 3 Northwestern Sept. 10 at UCF Sept. 17 Duke Sept. 24 Massachusetts Oct. 1 Wake Forest Oct. 8 at Clemson Oct. 22 at Virginia Tech Oct. 29 at Maryland Nov. 3 Florida State (Thursday, ESPN, 8 p.m.) Nov. 12 NC State Nov. 19 at Notre Dame Nov. 26 at Miami Look back at the tough 37-34 loss to Rhode Island on Saturday.
Here are all the previews to get you set for Saturday's huge CAA game at Rhode Island.
• Daily Hampshire Gazette: Playoffs or bust for UMass football team • Daily Hampshire Gazette: Must-win game for Minutemen at Rhode Island • Springfield Republican: In a crowded FCS playoff field, UMass must win Saturday • Daily Collegian: Minutemen playoff dreams on the brink as URI nears • Daily Collegian: Griffin still strong for Minutemen • Boston Globe: This weekend's NE games • Providence Journal: RI college football previews: All seniors get their due this weekend • Providence Journal: A memorable season for local college football teams
The Springfield Republican's Ron Chimelis has a look ahead to Saturday's big football game at Rhode Island.
This game looks a lot harder than it did at the beginning of the season. A lot more important, too. The University of Massachusetts football team will play at Rhode Island Saturday, needing a victory to retain hope of a postseason berth. The Minutemen (6-4, 4-3 Colonial Athletic Association) would not be assured a spot by winning, but a 7-4 record would make a very strong case.
The Daily Hampshire Gazette's Matt Vautour has a story on UMass' football game at Rhode Island on Saturday. Check out Matt Vautour's story on the "must win game."
Continue reading Gazette: Must-Win Game For UMass Football.
Check out the previews of the Daily Collegian of the UMass football regular-season finale.
Continue reading Daily Collegian's Football Previews Vs. URI.
Read Matt Vautour's fascinating story about the FCS playoff picture in the Daily Hampshire Gazette. He got an inside glimpse of how some of the discussions might go among the NCAA committee from UMass Athletic Director John McCutcheon, who served on the committee for the last five years.
Continue reading Gazette Breaks Down FCS Playoff Positioning.
Check out stories from around the region on how CAA Football teams stand heading into the final regular-season weekend.
• Daily Progress: CAA playoff picture still very cloudy • WUSA 9: Delaware ascends to the No. 1 ranking • Foster's Democrat: Sound play saved UNH: 'Nova win means 'Cats are in if they beat Towson • Boston Herald: UNH shakes up FCS playoff picture
Coming off a tough 45-27 loss to Delaware, the UMass football now stands 19th in the both the Sports Network FCS poll and and FCS Coaches Poll.
Also ranked from the CAA in the TSN Poll are: No. 1 Delaware, No. 6 William & Mary, No. 14 New Hampshire, No. 15 Villanova and No. 18 Richmond
Continue reading Football Ranked 19th In Both Polls.
Listen to comments from UMass head coach Kevin Morris on his weekly Monday CAA Teleconference. Nov. 15 - Teleconference.
Also, listen to what Rhode Island coach Joe Trainor had to say about UMass in his weekly comments: Nov. 15 - Teleconference.
Take a look back at Saturday's 45-27 loss to Delaware at McGuirk Stadium.
• Springfield Republican: A prolific offense is not enough for UMass, which falls to Delaware • Daily Hampshire Gazette: UMass faces must-win game at Rhode Island after loss • Daily Hampshire Gazette: Violette plagued by kicking woes for UMass • Boston Globe: UMass drubbed by Delaware • Boston Herald: Minutemen Hen-pecked • Worcester Telegram: Griffin is stellar, but UMass falls • The Examiner: Minutemen Fall to Top Ranked Delaware on Senior Day • Daily Collegian: Top-ranked Delaware trounce Minutemen • Daily Collegian: Final home game resembles loss to Michigan • Wilmington News Journal: Delaware Blue Hens football: UD heading for No. 1 • Wilmington News Journal: Delaware Blue Hens football quick hits • Philadelphia Inquirer: Devlin on target as Hens top UMass • WHSV TV: Devlin Leads Delaware Past UMass • NBC 22 WWLP: Delaware spoils senior day for UMass
On GazetteNet.com, Matt Vautour has a comprehensive look at the playoff picture for FCS Football with a breakdown of all the teams in and on the bubble for this Sunday's selection. It is a great source of information.
Continue reading Gazette: Overview Of FCS Playoff Possibilities.
Set the stage for Saturday with these game previews from the region for Saturday's tilt with top-ranked Delaware.
• Daily Hampshire Gazette: Minutemen looking to beat another No. 1 • Springfield Republican: UMass looks to share the wealth on offense against Delaware • Springfield Republican: UMass is determined to put pressure on Delaware QB Pat Devlin • News Journal: Playoff position hinges on UD victory • Boston Herald: UMass ready for final playoff push • News Journal: Gradkowski lives up to his upbringing
The Boston Herald takes a look at UMass and its football game vs. No. 1 Delaware on Saturday.
"Delaware is leading the league in wins, so if we play well then we'll be rewarded," said UMass coach Kevin Morris. "Their run-and-pass combination is real strong and their quarterback (Pat Devlin) will probably be the player of the year based on his play so far. Defensively, they've played consistently well."
Continue reading Herald: Football Ready For Final Push.
In the Daily Hampshire Gazette, Matt Vautour has a preview of the UMass-Delaware game on Saturday.
With a win already over the No. 1 team in one poll, the UMass will try to knock off the top team in the other when it hosts Delaware on Saturday. The Blue Hens ascended to No. 1 in the FCS Coaches Poll Monday after the top three teams all lost last week. Delaware is No. 2 behind William & Mary in the Sports Network top 25. The Minutemen upset W&M, 27-23, in the first game of the season.
Continue reading Gazette: Football Looks To Beat Another No. 1.
The Daily Hampshire Gazette has a wonderful feature story on the Hunte twin brothers. Chad of UMass and Kyle of Delaware will be on opposite sidelines for the first time as their teams battle on Saturday.
"When we decided to go to different schools we talked about it. We knew we were going to play each other," Chad said. "It's been a big week for us. In our town everyone is talking about it. It's a little different. We've always been together. But at the same time its good for us. I'm definitely glad the game is here. When it's over it's going to be bad for one of us. ... Hopefully him."
Continue reading Gazette: Finally Hunte Twins Meet On Field.
The Daily Collegian has a pair of preview stories for UMass football's huge clash vs. No. 2/1 Delaware on Saturday at McGuirk Stadium.
Continue reading Daily Collegian Football Previews For Delaware Game.
Checking in on the Delaware Blue Hens as they prepare for a trip to Amherst to take on UMass on Saturday at 1 p.m.
From the News Journal: Sasek may be available Saturday - Tailback David Hayes is expected to be available Saturday at UMass after missing two games with a high ankle sprain Also from the New Journal: For UD, climb far from finished - Getting to nine wins in Saturday's 1 pm duel against 15th-ranked UMass (6-3) at McGuirk Stadium will take a superior effort, Keeler said. Also, some notes in: Delaware Blue Hens quick hits
Matt Vautour in the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a feature story on UMass quarterback Kyle Havens and some of his superstitions. Havens has grown the beard back that he had at the beginning of season, when the Minutemen raced out to a 4-1 start.
Havens is a San Francisco Giants fan and a northern California native, where facial hair growth was a full-fledged fad in the Bay Area during the World Series in homage to Giants' closer Brian Wilson.
Continue reading Gazette: Havens Keeps His Game Face.
Listen back to Kevin Morris' weekly CAA Teleconference.
You can also listen to CAA Defensive Player of the Week Tyler Holmes as well. Check out the view from Delaware heading into the UMass game, Here are K.C. Keeler's comments.
The Minutemen are ranked 14th in the Sports Network Poll and 13th in the FCS Coaches Poll.
This week's UMass foe Delaware is No. 1 in the Coaches Poll and No. 2 in the Sports Network Poll. From the CAA William & Mary is No. 1 in the Sports Network Poll and No. 2 in the FCS Coaches Poll. UMass opened the year with a 27-23 win over the Tribe. Also from the CAA, Villanova is 9th, New Hampshire is 17th and Richmond is 21st.
Continue reading UMass Football Ranked 13th, 14th In Polls.
Look at the game recaps from UMass' 39-24 win over Maine on Saturday. Tyler Holmes made history with a pair of interceptions returned for touchdowns in the win. He is the first UMass player to achieve the feat in a game and a season.
• Boston Globe: Holmes's performance twice as nice for UMass • Worcester Telegram: Minutemen strike from both sides • Daily Hampshire Gazette: Holmes scores on two interceptions to propel UMass over Maine • Springfield Republican: In tune on Band Day: Fast start propels UMass to a 39-24 win • Boston Herald: UMass picks off Maine • Daily Collegian: Havens leads UMass win over Maine • Daily Collegian: Defensive stops key in UMass victory • ESPN.com: Massachusetts 39, Maine 24 • WWLP NBC22: Holmes, #15 UMass pick off Maine, 39-24 • Bangor Daily News: UMass' versatile attack sinks Black Bears • Kennebec Journal: Maine stumbles at start, falls to UMass
Check out preview stories on UMass football taking on Maine in an old Yankee Conference rivalry at McGuirk Stadium.
• Daily Hampshire Gazette: Gambles paying off for UMass football • Daily Hampshire Gazette: Minutemen look for payback as Black Bears visit • Springfield Republican: Two UMass backs are still better, but one might lead Saturday • Daily Collegian: Minutemen return to McGuirk for matchup with Black Bears • Bangor Daily News: Banged-up Black Bears play at UMass • Lewiston Sun-Journal: College football: Rested Maine confronts UMass • Kennebec Journal: Healthier Maine wary of UMass • Portland Press Herald: Still something to prove • Maine Campus: UMaine football look for fourth victory vs. UMass
The Daily Hampshire Gazette has its look ahead to Saturday's UMass-Maine game.
In the more than 100-year-old football rivalry between the Universities of Massachusetts and Maine, the Minutemen have held a comfortable advantage. They'll take a 40-15-1 series lead into Saturday's 3:30 p.m. game at McGuirk Stadium. But the last two meetings between the New England rivals have been sore spots for the Minutemen.
Continue reading Gazette: Football Seeks Pay Back Vs. Maine.
Here are a few previews of the UMass-Maine football game slated for Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
• Daily Collegian: Minutemen return to McGuirk for matchup with Black Bears • Daily Collegian: Special teams still a work in progress for UMass • Maine Campus: UMaine football look for fourth victory vs. UMass
The Daily Hampshire Gazette has its weekly CAA notebook leading off with pair of honors for UMass' Blacksburg natives. Junior linebacker and captain Tyler Holmes was the Colonial Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Week, while place kicker/punter Caleb Violette was the special teams' player of the week.
Also of interest, Vautour mentions how UMass' past two head coach will oppose each other this Saturday: WHIPPLE vs. BROWN - UMass' previous two football coaches will square off against each other this weekend when Miami hosts Maryland. Mark Whipple, who led the Minutemen to the 1998 Division I-AA Championship, is the Hurricanes' offensive coordinator, while Don Brown, who led UMass to the 2006 FCS title game, is the Terrapins' defensive coordinator. There were quite a few UMass connections in Charlottesville, Va., Saturday in Miami's 24-19 loss to Virginia. Former UMass reserve quarterback Spencer Whipple, Mark's son, saw action for the 'Canes. When starting quarterback Jacory Harris was injured, Spencer Whipple played the remainder of the first half. He struggled completing 2 of 6 passes and was intercepted twice before being lifted for freshman Stephen Morris. On the other sideline, Virginia's head coach is Mike London, the father of former UMass standout wide receiver Brandon London. His defensive coordinator is Jim Reid, who was the head coach at UMass from 1986-1991.
The UMass football team is now ranked No. 15 in the Sports Network poll. The Minutemen moved up three spots in this week's poll. No. 3, Villanova, No. 4 William & Mary, No.5 Delaware, No. 8 New Hampshire are in the top 10. UMass is also No. 15 in the FCS Coaches Poll. The top CAA teams have the same rankings in both polls. The full polls can be found in the link below.
Continue reading Football Stands At No. 15 In TSN Poll.
Check out what UMass coach Kevin Morris had to say about UMass' 21-14 win at JMU and a look ahead to the Maine Black Bears on Saturday: Listen to Maine coach Jack Cosgrove talk about the UMass game: Nov. 1 - Teleconference
Take a look back at the UMass' 21-14 win at James Madison as the Minutemen moved to 5-3 overall, 3-2 in the uber-tough CAA.
• Daily Hampshire Gazette: UMass boosts playoff hopes with comeback win • Springfield Republican: UMass mounts 2nd half comeback, downs James Madison 21-14 • Boston Globe: Minutemen find time • Boston Herald: UMass rallies to beat James Madison 21-14 • Boston Herald: UMass, Harvard halt recent skids • Worcester Telegram: Hernandez, Krevis power Minutemen • Daily Collegian: Minutemen come back, down Dukes 21-14 • Staunton News Leader: UMass sinks struggling JMU • Rockton Weekly: UMass Rallies Past Dukes • Washington Examiner: Seven weeks later, Dukes no longer up
In the Springfield Republican, Ron Chimelis has a column on how UMass' football win was a big one.
Coaches tend to avoid calling one win bigger than another, but Kevin Morris knew this one was very special. "I won't rate it (against others), but it was definitely one we needed,'' the University of Massachusetts football coach said after Saturday's 21-14 win at James Madison. "We try to stay away from the highs and lows. Everybody had been a little frustrated, so (the coaches) just wanted them to enjoy the competition and refocus.''
Continue reading Republican: Football Passes Chemistry Test.
Here are previews of the Saturday's CAA battle at James Madison.
Here are various stories on the James Madison football team. Lacking healthy defensive linemen for last Saturday's game at Villanova, James Madison's football team looked to a player whose season once appeared to be over. Junior defensive tackle Max Alexandre suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in a knee during spring practice in April, prompting JMU to announce that he would miss the 2010 season.
The Springfield Republican has a preview of the UMass at JMU game set for Saturday.
The team has slumped after a fast start, and takes a 4-3 record into Saturday. The offense has moved the ball, but penalties have hurt. The coach says the mood remains positive. Sounds just like the University of Massachusetts, right? But the description applies to James Madison, too. "We're 4-3, but we played some good football teams and we have some good wins,'' Dukes coach Mickey Matthews told media this week in the lead-up to Saturday's UMass-James Madison game at Harrisonburg, Va. "It's not like we're having pity parties on Sunday. All the kids are good.''
Continue reading Republican: Two Teams Playing Survival Game.
As the calendar nears November, the chatter about who will and won't get into the Championship Subdivision playoffs is getting louder.
While his team is still in the mix despite two tough losses in its last two games, University of Massachusetts coach Kevin Morris is trying not to focus on the postseason as his team gets set to head south for Saturday's 3:30 p.m. game at James Madison.
After losing to Richmond 11-10 and getting routed by New Hampshire 39-13, Morris said the Minutemen are focused on recapturing what launched them to a 4-1 start to open the season. "This week is all about coming out with an attitude and enjoying playing football. The kids have been good. I think they're over it. They came out ready to move on. The Richmond thing didn't go our way at the end and against UNH we didn't play well at all. Let's shake that off and start anew and let's go," Morris said. "Guys are tired of being frustrated. Let's go out and play. This week is all about us and playing our brand of football. It's been very positive." Read the full story in the Daily Hampshire Gazette.
Continue reading Gazette: Football Tries To Recapture Early "Attitude".
Check out this great story from Fan House on the success of CAA in the FCS. There are several mentions of UMass including comment from head coach Kevin Morris.
"We're always open to finding the best kids that are going to help UMass football," Minutemen coach Kevin Morris said. "Character is a big issue for us. We want to fully vet each kid and make sure we got the kid we want in the program, in the locker room and on campus. And obviously, athletically does he fit a need for us and does he make us better? All these guys want to come in and play right away."
Continue reading FanHouse Calls CAA The "SEC Of The FCS".
The Massachusetts football team travels to James Madison on Saturday with an imbalanced offensive performance to show for a balanced conference record. Read the preview in the Daily Collegian.
Continue reading Collegian: Minutemen Prepare For JMU.
In the Daily Hampshire Gazette Matt Vautour has a column on making the Colonial Clash even "classier." He has four ways to make the event even better.
Continue reading Gazette: Making The 'Clash' Even Classier.
The Minutemen currently stand at No. 18 in both the Sports Network and FCS Coaches Poll.
UMass' opponent this week James Madison is 15th in both polls. It sets up another Top 20 showdown for the Minutemen. From the CAA, the following team No. 3 William & Mary, No. 5 Villanova, No. 6 Delaware, No. 10 New Hampshire, No. 14 Richmond, No. 15 James Madison, No, 18 UMass.
Continue reading Football Stands At No. 18 In Both Polls.
Listen back to what UMass head coach Kevin Morris had to say on his weekly conference call
Also, check out the comments from James Madison head coach Mickey Matthews
In the Daily Hampshire Gazette, Matt Vautour has this preview of the UMass-UNH game aka the 2010 Colonial Clash.
After his team faced its first true adversity of the season in Saturday's 11-10 loss to Richmond, University of Massachusetts football coach Kevin Morris was optimistic about how his team will bounce back this weekend. "We've shown the maturity to be able to come back and win in the fourth quarter," said Morris, citing his team's three come-from-behind wins. "Now it's a whole different question. But with the same maturity in mind, can we bounce back from a game that we should have won and come back with a real strong contest and win the following week? It's another test." Saturday's 3:30 p.m. game against New Hampshire at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough figures to be an easy game for both teams to get motivated for. Any game in the Patriots' stadium is a big one. As is any game against rival New Hampshire. Add in the fact that it can significantly impact the Colonial Athletic Association standings as well as both teams'
Continue reading Gazette: UMass Taking On UNH At Gillette.
The pre-game focus for this year's University of New Hampshire vs. Massachusetts football game has understandably been on the venue. For the first time ever, Gillette Stadium will host a college football game, and the Patriots' brass chose this long-standing New England rivalry. But once 3:30 p.m. rolls around and all the alumni functions, tailgating and honorary coin-flipping is over, it will boil down to two Colonial Athletic Association teams that need a win and can ill afford another conference loss.From the New Hampshire perspective, here are several stories on the Colonial Clash:
Continue reading Colonial Clash Stories From New Hampshire View.
Here are some football notebooks and information on CAA Football. • Daily Hampshire Gazette: CAA football coaches lobby for playoff bids • Springfield Republican: An unforgettable memory is nice, but the UMass needs a win more • Richmond Times-Disptach: Richmond QB goes from scout team to starter• UMass Daily Collegian: Villanova trounces Maine during CAA weekend • The UNH New Hampshire: Saturday's Colonial Clash will be start of new tradition • NCAA.com: Week 7 Instant Replay: A Thrilling Return • Virginia Daily Press: Peninsula products fuel Richmond's upset of UMass • Laconia Citizen: College football: Wildcats flying high after JMU win
Here's Ron Chimelis' Tuesday morning story on the UMass football team from the Springfield Republican.
Whatever festive backdrop was attached to Saturday's University of Massachusetts football game at Gillette Stadium has been replaced by a sense of urgency. With Richmond's stunning, last-second 11-10 win over UMass last weekend, the Minutemen's upcoming Colonial Athletic Association game against New Hampshire has showcase trappings but a must-win reality. "Anytime you lose the way we did, you get the kids' attention,'' UMass coach Kevin Morris said Monday. "(The team says) that can't happen, it should have never happened. But it did happen. We need to stand up and fight and finish. You throw in that we're playing UNH, a great rivalry game every year, and at Foxborough, and nobody is sleeping through this one.''
Continue reading Republican: UMass Needs Win Over UNH.
Heading into the Colonial Clash, here are a few nuggets of information. • The last time the UMass football team played a game at an NFL stadium come on Nov. 2, 1991, as the Minutemen beat Northeastern as Foxboro Stadium, 27-12. That game was a home game for Northeastern and drew a crowd of 4,620. • The previous other known game that UMass football played at an NFL Stadium -- while it was in use by the NFL -- came on Sept. 28, 1968, when UMass lost at the University of Buffalo, 23-0 at Buffalo War Memorial Stadium, affectionately known as the "Rockpile." It was home to the Buffalo Bills from 1960-72 and also was where "The Natural" with Robert Redford was filmed. • Prior to that, UMass played games at Nickerson Field, against Boston University for many years. Nickerson was home to the AFL's Boston Patriots from 1960-62 and the NFL's Boston Braves in 1932.
• The last UMass team in any sport to play at an NFL Stadium came in 2006 as the men's lacrosse team played in the NCAA Championship and Semifinals at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The Minutemen played in front of a then-lacrosse record crowd of 49,562 on May 27, 2006 in a Final Four win over Maryland. Two days later 47,062 watched UMass fall in the championship game to Virginia. Largest Crowds For FCS Games • Saturday's game at Gillette Stadium is sure to be a new record for a crowd to watch a UMass football game against an FCS team. The largest crowd to watch UMass play an FCS opponent came in the 2006 NCAA Semifinals at Montana. A crowd of 23,454 watched UMass upset the Grizzlies, 19-17 and advance to the National Championship Game. • The largest regular-season crowds to watch UMass in FCS action have all come at Delaware, which has one of the largest seating capacities in FCS. The most to see the Minutemen in the regular season came on Oct. 22, 1988, when 22,301 watch them lose at Delaware, 10-7. There have been several other crowds at Delaware of more than 22,000 to watch UMass. • Overall, the largest crowd to ever watch UMass came earlier this season at Michigan, when 110,187 watch UMass narrowly fall at Michigan Stadium on Sept. 18, 2010.
The UMass football team now stands 12th in the Sports Network Poll. New Hampshire comes in at No. 11. The CAA still has six teams in the Top 12: No. 2 Delaware, No. 4 William & Mary, No. 6 Villanova, No. 10 New Hampshire, No. 11 James Madison and No. 12 UMass. Richmond is also at No. 16.
In the FCS Coaches Poll, UMass is also No. 12 with UNH coming in at No. 9. From the CAA, here are the rankings: No. 2 Delaware, No. 5 William & Mary, No. 6 Villanova, No. 9 UNH, No. 11 James Madison, No. 12 UMass, No. 15 Richmond.
Continue reading UMass Football Stands 12th in Both Polls.
Here are few more stories/mentions from the media on Saturday's football 11-10 loss to Richmond at McGuirk.
• Daily Hampshire Gazette: Spiders stun Minutemen with late TD • Daily Hampshire Gazette: Unexpected defeat skews playoff landscape a bit • Boston Herald: Report: Rhode Island mulling shift to NEC • Daily Collegian: Turnovers, penalties plague UMass against Richmond • Daily Collegian: Spiders stun Minutemen
Here are various stories on the football team's 11-10 loss to Richmond on Saturday.
• Boston Globe: UMass thrown for loss • Boston Herald: Big crowd sees flop • Springfield Republican: Decimated Richmond edges UMass in 11-10 football squeaker • Springfield Republican: This UMass football defeat threatens to undo a lot of good work • Richmond Times-Disptach: UR stuns UMass with late touchdown • The Richmond Collegian: Gray TD in waning seconds secures 11-10 win at UMass • Worcester Telegam: Fourth-string QB beats Minutemen at end You can listen to Head Coach Kevin Morris on the weekly CAA Radio Show. He talks about the great start to the Minutemen's season as well as a look ahead to the game at Richmond. Click here to listen: CAAFB Radio Show 10.12 - Seg 2
Here are a few stories on the football game, this Saturday, Homecoming at McGuirk Stadium. A sellout crowd is expected.
In the Springfield Republican: Without the quick strike, UMass football offense is still getting it done From the Daily Hampshire Gazette: Richmond quarterback won't face Minutemen From the Richmond Times-Dispatch: Rush hour at UR finally features Kirchoff Also in the Times-Disptach: Spiders QB Corp lost for the season The Richmond Collegian: Corp out for the year, Hicks to start at QB
According to a story in The Day in Connecticut, UMass football will be playing at UConn on Aug. 30, 2012 to open that season. The game will mark the first meeting between the old Yankee Conference rivals since the Huskies moved to FBS football in 2000. UMass beat UConn in the last game between the teams in 1999, by the score of 62-20 on Nov. 20.
After a bye week, the UMass football team remains at No. 8 in the Sports Network Poll. This week's foe Richmond is at No. 20. The CAA has seven teams in the Top 20 with five in the Top 8: No. 2 Delaware, No. 4 William & Mary, No. 6 Villanova, No. 7 James Madison, No. 8 UMass, No. 16 New Hampshire and No. 20 Richmond. Click below to see the entire poll.
The Minutemen are also still at No. 8 in the FCS Coaches Poll, as the entire Top 10 stayed the same. Richmond is No. 19. Again, click below to see this entire poll.
Continue reading Football Remains At No. 8 In Both Polls.
As UMass comes off the bye week, Kevin Morris took part in this morning's CAA teleconference. Listen to the coach's thoughts on the Spiders, who lost their starting quarterback Aaron Corp to a season-ending knee injury in Saturday's 17-0 loss at New Hampshire. Listen here: Oct. 11 - Teleconference From the Richmond perspective, listen to Spiders first-year head man Latrell Scott:
The Daily Hampshire Gazette has a notebook on UMass football. Matt Vautour's story leads off with how well UMass' season has started.
"We're evolving as a squad and maturing as a team. Am I happy at this point? Yeah. We've played well enough to win games. We didn't win the Michigan game, but had some positives come out of that game," UMass coach Kevin Morris said Monday. "We're excited about where we are. But we have a long way to go and it's all CAA games from here on out. We have to continue to grind. We're happy where we're at. I like the team, but we have a lot of room for improvement. I think that's a good thing." Here are some other college football notebooks from around the country. Lots of mentions of UMass in these articles.
Listen back to Kevin Morris on his weekly CAA Conference call with the media. He spoke about the win over Towson as well as the upcoming bye week and next's clash with Richmond.
Even after a win over CAA foe Towson, the UMass football team remains at No. 8 in both Sports Network media poll and the FCS Coaches Poll. From the CAA, seven teams are ranked: No. 2 Delaware, No. 4 William & Mary (who UMass has defeated), No. 6 Villanova, No. 7 James Madison, No. 8 Massachusetts, No. 11 Richmond and No 22 New Hampshire. Maine and Rhode Island also are receiving votes.
Click below to see the whole TSN Poll.
Continue reading UMass Football Stays At No. 8 In Both Polls.
Here are various recaps of UMass' 27-14 win at Towson on Saturday in Maryland.
Here are various game previews on #8 UMass' game at Towson on Saturday night.
The Daily Collegian has this preview of the UMass at Towson football game on Saturday night.
After beginning the season with a win against William & Mary, then playing three out-of-conference games against Holy Cross, Michigan and Stony Brook, UMass coach Kevin Morris is noticing not only a shift in the schedule, but in his team's focus as well. "This is back into league play and every game is critical," Morris said. "Every game in the league is going to be extremely difficult, especially on the road."
Continue reading Daily Collegian Preview Of Football At Towson.
The Daily Hampshire Gazette's Matt Vautour has his weekly CAA Notebook with a look to how the league's altered schedule might benefit UMass. The Minutemen are the only team in the league not playing defending NCAA Champion Villanova.
Continue reading Gazette: Schedule Favors UMass Football.
Looking ahead to Saturday's UMass at Towson game in Baltimore, here are the comments of UMass Head Coach Kevin Morris: Sept. 27 - Teleconference Also, here is what Towson coach Rob Ambrose had to say heading into the UMass game: Sept. 27 - Teleconference
In the Springfield Republican, Ron Chimelis has a story some potential movement in FCS Football. He wrotes that Villanova's departure would hurt FCS football and likely have a ripple effect on UMass.
Continue reading Republican: Chimelis Column On Villanova's Possible Updgrade.
The University of Massachusetts football team couldn't quite finish off its upset bid at Michigan, but the Minutemen's performance in the 42-37 loss earned them respect from voters in both Championship Subdivision top 25s.
The Minutemen, who were unranked in both polls to open the season, jumped six spots to No. 9 in the FCS Coaches Poll and five spots to No. 11 in the Sports Network Media Poll. "Week to week you're either getting better or you're getting worse. I think we're a better football team coming out of that football game than we were going in," UMass coach Kevin Morris said Monday. Read the story in the Daily Hampshire Gazette.
Continue reading Gazette: UMass Football Moves Into FCS Top 10.
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