The first time UMass Football had been favored in FBS competition in years ended with the sour taste of overtime heartbreak. After falling to Eastern Michigan, UMass had a chance to steer the ship in the right direction. Three hours, a second half comeback and a quarterback change later, the Minutemen found themselves in overtime. It ended with New Mexico running back Jacory Croskey Merrit hitting paydirt on his second effort.

Promising Loss?

A disappointing loss has positive lights shining on it. The second half was the best defensive half UMass has played all season, not allowing any points until overtime. The offense was aided by this in the second half, and if not for the incredibly weak start, UMass would’ve surely won the game. New Mexico quarterback Dylan Hopkins only completed nine passes all game, and other than the overtime touchdown, New Mexico’s star running back Merrit was largely invisible. Defensive Tackle Billy Wooden had a fantastic game registering seven tackles including one sack. True freshman quarterback Ahmad Haston went 5/5 with 102 yards. Wide Receiver Anthony Simpson is turning into a bona fide star, with his second game over the 100 yards mark. Kay’ron Lynch-Adams continues to be one of the best running backs in all of college football posting 97 yards and a score on 26 carries.

The Same Story

Last three games, UMass has been competitive deep into the game. Winnable losses are the most frustrating thing for a coach and team to have to deal with. Sure, UMass Football has improved in terms of performance and have already equaled their win total from last season, but the frustration is clearly in the air. Last week, head coach Don Brown expressed his frustration at moral victories, and this week may come off as the same thing. Deep passes have been a problem for the UMass secondary, as Hopkins underthrew a deep pass to wide receiver Caleb Medford, but Medford had enough separation to come back, get the ball and take it for a few extra yards. This has been a trend all season, as Eastern Michigan completed a 50 yard touchdown pass to clinch the game and Miami University had a 99 yard touchdown pass 2 weeks prior.

Press Conference

Coach Don Brown first told the press that it is “too early” to be able to give an update on the Carlos Davis injury situation. He also said that starting quarterback Taisun Phommachanh is working hard and progressing through rehab.

When asked about the discipline issues, Brown said “We’ve just got to do a better job.” Brown was penalized in overtime for unsportsmanlike conduct, which gave New Mexico a fresh set of downs from the goal line.

Haston came into the game in a trailing position, and helped engineer the second half comeback. Brown explained that during the recruiting process, “the young quarterback has to have the ability to run, and also run our offense.” Haston showed that he was capable of both of those against New Mexico, going 5/5 passing but also making a big impact on the ground.

Previewing Arkansas State

Arkansas State were in headlines early on this season after they were blown out 73-0 by seeded Oklahoma. Since then things have been looking up for the Red Wolves, as they’ve won their last two games. Last time out, Arkansas State put up 44 points, with freshman quarterback Jaylen Raynor having over 300 scrimmage yards.

Big play ability would be the way to describe this up and coming quarterback, as he had two touchdowns for over 60 yards, one through the air, one on the ground. UMass, also could be forced into playing a freshman, as Carlos Davis and Taisun Phommachanh are both questionable to play.  As for the passing game, much of this depends on who will be in at quarterback. If Haston gets the start, expect to see a lot of check downs to safety blankets and designed runs, which will mean less of Simpson, and more of the likes of Campioti, Lynch-Adams and Harris Jr.

Three Keys to the Game

🔑 Score first. This is another home game, and what better way to get the fans into it than by taking the lead early on in the game? UMass is yet to score the first touchdown in a game this season.

🔑 Spread out the ball. Especially if Haston is starting, get the ball in the hands of anyone who can make a play. UMass only completed 16 passes against New Mexico, if they want a win this week that number has to be higher.

🔑 Watch the deep ball. The UMass secondary has been ripped to shreds on long passes this season, and with this being an integral part of the Arkansas State playbook, the Minutemen need to be ultra-aware of the looming possibility of the long pass.