UMass Football is set to return to Ypsilanti following a narrow 20-13 loss at Rynearson Stadium in 2022. The Minutemen’s last win against the Eagles came in 2015. Eastern Michigan is a member of the MAC Conference, a conference that has given UMass trouble since the start of the 2022 season as they have gone 0-4.
Following a disappointing 41-28 loss to Miami (Ohio) at Warren McGuirk Alumni Stadium this past weekend, the Minutemen find themselves on a two-game losing skid that has emulated the play of previous seasons. However, last weekend UMass had to play without their starting quarterback, Taisun Phommacanh, who suffered an injury during the loss at Auburn two weeks prior. There is no official word yet on his status for Saturday’s Game.
Backup quarterback Carlos Davis, a Western Carolina transfer, has played well in the short amount of playing time he has had this season, including in his first start last weekend completing 69% of his passes and amassing three touchdowns. The running game will need to step up as Kay’ron Lynch-Adams only averaged 3.6 yards per carry against Miami (OH). Lynch-Adams showed promise against Auburn, as he carried the rock for over 100 yards. He will need to imitate that performance on Saturday for a decisive Minutemen victory.
Eastern Michigan Looks to Bounce Back
Eastern Michigan through two games this season is on average scoring 19.5 points per game and allowing 24. They boast a ten-point win over FCS Howard in Week 1 and a 25-6 loss to Minnesota last weekend. Their offense is run by junior quarterback Austin Smith who has amassed 246 passing yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. Although he has struggled this year, Smith showed promise last year including in a win against Akron where he went 16-28 for 190 yards and two touchdowns.
Sixth-year senior running back Samson Evans is the focal point of their offense as he rushed for 1,166 yards in all of last year but has only put up 128 in two games this season. The defense is led by linebacker Joe Sparacio, a Boston College transfer who has posted 24 tackles this season. The Eagles possess a veteran secondary including senior TJ Peavy who has played in 28 career games for EMU.
Keys to the Game
The Minutemen will need to avoid a slow start like last weekend where they found themselves down 21-0 during the second quarter. A quick start will be crucial against a team that ranks 114th in the NCAA for points scored. On the defensive side, the Minutemen will need to hold back Samson Evans and keep the Eagles off the scoreboard so they can build an effective lead. Evans posted 122 yards on the ground in last year’s matchup. In terms of other housekeeping, both teams have averaged eight penalties throughout the season so far. UMass suffered from sloppy play last weekend and will need to clean that up if they want any chance at getting the victory. Overall, the Minutemen have the talent to win. With proper execution and discipline, they should be able to find their second victory of the season.
