2024 Season Preview – UMass Minutemen
2023 Record – 3-9
2024 Schedule
- 8/31 – VS Eastern Michigan
- 9/7 – at Toledo
- 9/14 – at Buffalo
- 9/21 – VS Central Connecticut
- 9/28 – at Miami (OH)
- 10/5 – at Northern Illinois
- 10/12 – VS Missouri
- 10/26 – VS Wagner
- 11/2 – at Mississippi State
- 11/16 – VS Liberty
- 11/23 – at Georgia
- 11/30 – VS UConn
2023 Recap
UMass started the 2023 season off on a good foot with a 41-30 win over New Mexico State. In week 2, though, they had to head to Auburn where they were blown out. This would be the start of a seven-game losing streak.
There were a couple close games in that streak. They only lost by two points at Eastern Michigan and took New Mexico to overtime before falling at home 34-31.
The best part of the season came during a two-game win streak. The first win for the Minutemen was a 21-14 victory over Army in West Point. This was followed by a win over FCS opponent Merrimack.
UMass would lose the final two games of the season, including to their rival UConn. The Minutemen finished the season at 3-9.
2024 Preview
Being an independent has been a struggle for UMass. This will be the last season as an independent before heading back to the MAC for the 2025 season.
On the offensive side of the ball, quarterback Taisun Phommachanh will start the season at quarterback after playing the majority of the 2023 season. There should be a good batch of receivers to throw the ball to, so the passing game could be the strong point of this team.
This is particularly true because leading rusher from 2023, Ka’Ron Lynch-Adams has transferred to Michigan State. In his place, Jalen John will be stepping in. He will have to replace over 1100 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns that will be going away. The ability for the running game to stay strong could determine how competitive the Minutemen will be this season.
The defense was the weak point for UMass in 2023. They ranked last in the country in points given up per game at 37.8. When you give up 5.9 yards a rush that is a recipe for a lot of points. The key to improvement could be the transfers coming in. Etinosa Reuben comes in from Georgia Tech and Jaylen Hudson comes in from Wake Forest to try to beef up the line.
2024 Prediction
UMass starts getting ready for their move back to the MAC with five of their first six games against future MAC opponents. These are the types of games that are hard to predict. Toledo and Miami are the defending division champions, so do not see those as wins. But with other games against Eastern Michigan, Buffalo, and Northern Illinois there is definitely a chance. Since only Eastern Michigan is home, that is the win of these MAC games I will put in the UMass column.
There are two other likely wins on the schedule, both against FCS opponents. The Minutemen play both Wagner and Central Connecticut at home.
The rest of the schedule is pretty brutal. UMass plays three SEC opponents, Missouri at home and Georgia and Mississippi State on the road. They also play Liberty, who is favored in Conference USA. An end of season matchup with UConn will be the last chance for a win.
Prediction – 3-9