Football
Eli Rosenswaike
BC 24, UMass 14
CHESTNUT HILL -- Trailing 17-0 at the half, UMass made a charge in the third quarter -- scoring two touchdowns to cut the deficit to three. But that was the closest the Minutemen would get, as the Eagles answered back with a long touchdown drive, bringing the score to 24-14.
UMass QB Liam Coen was injured early in the fourth quarter. He limped off with a left knee injury, the same knee he hurt earlier in the season. Backup signal-caller Scott Woodward replaced him and looked sharp.
Be sure to check out Monday's issue of the Daily Collegian for more in-depth coverage of the matchup between BC and UMass.
UMass missed on a 46-yard field goal attempt, maintaining the BC lead to two-scores. The last eight or so minutes of the fourth quarter went without any scoring.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Minutemen struggle in first half vs. Eagles
Football
Eli Rosenswaike
Boston College 17, UMass 0
CHESTNUT HILL -- Boston College dominated play in the first half, taking control in time of possession and in the battle for field position. BC had 17 first downs in the first half, UMass has just five. The Minutemen were unable to do much offensively, with just 66 yards on offense.
Eagles quarterback Matt Ryan was solid, throwing for 139 yards and a touchdown on 14-of-21 passing. UMass QB Liam Coen is 8-of-14 for 43 yards.
Aiding in the struggles for Don Brown's Minutemen was all of the penalties. UMass was flagged nine times for 68 yards. Neither time has had much success on the ground, with BC rushing for 57 yards (20 rushes) and UMass for 23 yards on 13 attempts.
BC first got on the board in the middle of the first quarter, connecting on a 37-yard field goal. It added a touchdown late in the period, on a 1-yard run by tailback Andre Callender. Its second touchdown -- and final score -- of the half came in the second quarter on a 9-yard pass to sophomore wideout Justin Jarvis. It was his first-career touchdown reception.
Eli Rosenswaike
Boston College 17, UMass 0
CHESTNUT HILL -- Boston College dominated play in the first half, taking control in time of possession and in the battle for field position. BC had 17 first downs in the first half, UMass has just five. The Minutemen were unable to do much offensively, with just 66 yards on offense.
Eagles quarterback Matt Ryan was solid, throwing for 139 yards and a touchdown on 14-of-21 passing. UMass QB Liam Coen is 8-of-14 for 43 yards.
Aiding in the struggles for Don Brown's Minutemen was all of the penalties. UMass was flagged nine times for 68 yards. Neither time has had much success on the ground, with BC rushing for 57 yards (20 rushes) and UMass for 23 yards on 13 attempts.
BC first got on the board in the middle of the first quarter, connecting on a 37-yard field goal. It added a touchdown late in the period, on a 1-yard run by tailback Andre Callender. Its second touchdown -- and final score -- of the half came in the second quarter on a 9-yard pass to sophomore wideout Justin Jarvis. It was his first-career touchdown reception.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Black Bears in hibernation
Football
Eli Rosenswaike
UMass 24, Maine 0
ORONO, Maine -- Despite trailing by 24 at the half, the score above doesn't quite incapsulate just how poorly the Maine Black Bears played against Massachusetts in the first half.
UMass (3-0) scored two touchdowns in the first 2:02 of the game, scoring on a 62-yard run by Matt Lawrence and on a 2-yard pass to fullback Chris Zardas from quarterback Liam Coen. Maine fumbled the ball on the first play from scrimmage following Lawrence's TD.
Following a second Lawrence touchdown run (4-yards; making the score 21-0), Maine fumbled again. Coen was intercepted on the drive following the fumble.
The Black Bears attempted a 24-yard field goal with under 30 second remaining in the half, but the kick from senior Bobby Donnelly missed to the left.
Maine tailback Jhamal Fluellen and quarterback Adam Farkes each carried the ball 11 times -- with Fluellen gaining 43 yards and Farkes 40. Farkes has attempted only nine passes, completing three for 22 yards.
Lawrence was the first-half star for the Minutemen, gaining 120 yards and two scores on 10 carries.
Eli Rosenswaike
UMass 24, Maine 0
ORONO, Maine -- Despite trailing by 24 at the half, the score above doesn't quite incapsulate just how poorly the Maine Black Bears played against Massachusetts in the first half.
UMass (3-0) scored two touchdowns in the first 2:02 of the game, scoring on a 62-yard run by Matt Lawrence and on a 2-yard pass to fullback Chris Zardas from quarterback Liam Coen. Maine fumbled the ball on the first play from scrimmage following Lawrence's TD.
Following a second Lawrence touchdown run (4-yards; making the score 21-0), Maine fumbled again. Coen was intercepted on the drive following the fumble.
The Black Bears attempted a 24-yard field goal with under 30 second remaining in the half, but the kick from senior Bobby Donnelly missed to the left.
Maine tailback Jhamal Fluellen and quarterback Adam Farkes each carried the ball 11 times -- with Fluellen gaining 43 yards and Farkes 40. Farkes has attempted only nine passes, completing three for 22 yards.
Lawrence was the first-half star for the Minutemen, gaining 120 yards and two scores on 10 carries.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Canfield's late-minute heroics win it for UMass
Women's soccer
Domenic Poli
Senior Britt Canfield scored a goal in the final minutes of the Massachusetts women's soccer team's game against Dartmouth last night to pull the Minutewomen to a 1-0 win.
It was the first time UMass (4-0-1) has beaten the Big Green (1-7) since 1995.
In the 84th minute, Vanessa Patry recieved a ball from out of the back. The junior knocked about a 10-yard pass to freshman Therese Smith, who turned and shoveled it to Canfield. The through ball met perfectly with Canfield, who put it into the net. It was her third goal of the season. Smith and Patry were credited with assists on the play.
"Dartmouth is a very good team," UMass coach Jim Rudy said. "They were very direct in their attacking style. One or two passes and they were launching it at your penalty area. Our defenders were under pressure at getting balls out and we tried to play possession and knock it around a little bit. And if we played accurately we were pretty good and if we misplayed balls then the next thing you know, we're under pressure, they get it and they're launching it at our penalty area again."
He said that, despite the goal, Canfield struggled much of the game. As did senior captain Jenny Roehrig and other key players.
He was satisfied with one performance, however. That of goalkeeper Kristin Walker.
The red-shirt senior was solid between the post and made five saves. The goose egg was her second shutout of the season and the 20th of her college career. She has now held opponents scoreless for 267:59.
Domenic Poli
Senior Britt Canfield scored a goal in the final minutes of the Massachusetts women's soccer team's game against Dartmouth last night to pull the Minutewomen to a 1-0 win.
It was the first time UMass (4-0-1) has beaten the Big Green (1-7) since 1995.
In the 84th minute, Vanessa Patry recieved a ball from out of the back. The junior knocked about a 10-yard pass to freshman Therese Smith, who turned and shoveled it to Canfield. The through ball met perfectly with Canfield, who put it into the net. It was her third goal of the season. Smith and Patry were credited with assists on the play.
"Dartmouth is a very good team," UMass coach Jim Rudy said. "They were very direct in their attacking style. One or two passes and they were launching it at your penalty area. Our defenders were under pressure at getting balls out and we tried to play possession and knock it around a little bit. And if we played accurately we were pretty good and if we misplayed balls then the next thing you know, we're under pressure, they get it and they're launching it at our penalty area again."
He said that, despite the goal, Canfield struggled much of the game. As did senior captain Jenny Roehrig and other key players.
He was satisfied with one performance, however. That of goalkeeper Kristin Walker.
The red-shirt senior was solid between the post and made five saves. The goose egg was her second shutout of the season and the 20th of her college career. She has now held opponents scoreless for 267:59.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Minutemen ice it in 4th
Football
Jeremy Rice
UMass 36, Towson 13
Cornerback Sean Smalls and wide receiver Michael Omar each scored a touchdown to lift UMass over Towson. Smalls stepped in front of Tiger wide receiver Demetrius Harrison, picked a Sean Schaefer pass and sprinted 90 yards for the score. The first interception return for a touchdown since 1997, when one was returned 100 yards at Buffalo.
Linebacker Jason Hatchell tipped another Schaefer pass later in the quarter at the Towson 35-yard line. The senior held onto the ball, and returned it to the 30, setting up the final scoring drive of the game. After marching his team to the 10-yard line, quarterback Liam Coen threw a lateral to Michael Omar on an intended screen pass. With Rasheed Rancher and J.J. Moore blocking up front, Omar broke one tackle and dove into the end zone to put the game away for good.
Schaefer proved to be a non-factor in the game after missing last year's contest between Towson and UMass, throwing three interceptions en route to the 23-point loss.
Jeremy Rice
UMass 36, Towson 13
Cornerback Sean Smalls and wide receiver Michael Omar each scored a touchdown to lift UMass over Towson. Smalls stepped in front of Tiger wide receiver Demetrius Harrison, picked a Sean Schaefer pass and sprinted 90 yards for the score. The first interception return for a touchdown since 1997, when one was returned 100 yards at Buffalo.
Linebacker Jason Hatchell tipped another Schaefer pass later in the quarter at the Towson 35-yard line. The senior held onto the ball, and returned it to the 30, setting up the final scoring drive of the game. After marching his team to the 10-yard line, quarterback Liam Coen threw a lateral to Michael Omar on an intended screen pass. With Rasheed Rancher and J.J. Moore blocking up front, Omar broke one tackle and dove into the end zone to put the game away for good.
Schaefer proved to be a non-factor in the game after missing last year's contest between Towson and UMass, throwing three interceptions en route to the 23-point loss.
One quarter remains
Football
Eli Rosenswaike
UMass 22, Colgate 13
After a turnover-laden third quarter, the Minutemen lead the Tigers, 22-13.
In a quarter inundated with penalties, interceptions and fumbles -- not much happened as the Minutemen maintained their nine-point cushion. Both teams connected on field goals for the only scores of the quarter.
UMass QB Liam Coen turned the ball over on consecutive drives, but the Tigers failed to take full advantage. Coen injured his knee on the latter turnover, and backup Scott Woodward came in for one series. His only pass was completed to WR Michael Omar -- who fumbled on the reception for the third-straight UM turnover.
A three-and-out followed for Towson, and punter Bill Shears mishandled the longsnap and was tackled by David Burris and Darnel DeLaire -- setting up a field goal for UMass to bring the lead back up to nine.
The Tigers are currently driving as the third quarter comes to a close. They have a first-and-10 at the UMass 29.
Check back for the final score immediately after the final whistle.
Eli Rosenswaike
UMass 22, Colgate 13
After a turnover-laden third quarter, the Minutemen lead the Tigers, 22-13.
In a quarter inundated with penalties, interceptions and fumbles -- not much happened as the Minutemen maintained their nine-point cushion. Both teams connected on field goals for the only scores of the quarter.
UMass QB Liam Coen turned the ball over on consecutive drives, but the Tigers failed to take full advantage. Coen injured his knee on the latter turnover, and backup Scott Woodward came in for one series. His only pass was completed to WR Michael Omar -- who fumbled on the reception for the third-straight UM turnover.
A three-and-out followed for Towson, and punter Bill Shears mishandled the longsnap and was tackled by David Burris and Darnel DeLaire -- setting up a field goal for UMass to bring the lead back up to nine.
The Tigers are currently driving as the third quarter comes to a close. They have a first-and-10 at the UMass 29.
Check back for the final score immediately after the final whistle.
UMass pulls away
Football
Jeremy Rice
UMass 19, Towson 10
Wide receiver Rasheed Rancher ran off with the ball in second quarter, and helped the Minutemen run off with the lead. On a third-and-three play from the Towson 35, Coen hit Rancher on the left side of the field on a skinny post.
Rancher bobbled the pass, which was well out in front of him, but made a one-handed catch, turned upfield and scampered to the pylon for six.
UMass and Towson have combined for 327 passing yards in the first half. The Tigers recorded just six total yards rushing thus far.
There were only two punts (one for each team) through two quarters.
More from the Press Box after the third quarter.
Jeremy Rice
UMass 19, Towson 10
Wide receiver Rasheed Rancher ran off with the ball in second quarter, and helped the Minutemen run off with the lead. On a third-and-three play from the Towson 35, Coen hit Rancher on the left side of the field on a skinny post.
Rancher bobbled the pass, which was well out in front of him, but made a one-handed catch, turned upfield and scampered to the pylon for six.
UMass and Towson have combined for 327 passing yards in the first half. The Tigers recorded just six total yards rushing thus far.
There were only two punts (one for each team) through two quarters.
More from the Press Box after the third quarter.
First quarter fireworks
Football
Eli Rosenswaike
UMass 12, Towson 10
In an eventful first quarter filled with big plays, the Massachusetts Minutemen hold a small edge, 12-10, over the Towson Tigers.
Towson signal-caller Sean Schaefer torched the UMass secondary, throwing for 115 yards in the opening period. A 59-yard strike to tailback Paul Perry set up Rasheed McClaude's 1-yard TD run and a 39-yard pass to Marcus Lee set up a 34-yard field goal.
Liam Coen was strong in the opening quarter as well, throwing for 81 yards -- including a 10-yard TD pass to Michael Omar, tying the game late in the first. Tailback Matt Lawrence has carried the ball eight times for 35 yards.
The Minutemen added a safety when Towson longsnapper Joe McNamara sent a snap over the head of punter Bill Shears into the back of the endzone for the 2-point score.
The opening quarter took 54 minutes.
On a sour note, Towson offensive tackle Leon Stevenson was carted off the field after suffering an injury with under two minutes to play in the quarter. Stevenson stayed down on the field turf for several minutes before being carted off. His injury is believed to be to his lower leg. More on this later if more information is made available.
Eli Rosenswaike
UMass 12, Towson 10
In an eventful first quarter filled with big plays, the Massachusetts Minutemen hold a small edge, 12-10, over the Towson Tigers.
Towson signal-caller Sean Schaefer torched the UMass secondary, throwing for 115 yards in the opening period. A 59-yard strike to tailback Paul Perry set up Rasheed McClaude's 1-yard TD run and a 39-yard pass to Marcus Lee set up a 34-yard field goal.
Liam Coen was strong in the opening quarter as well, throwing for 81 yards -- including a 10-yard TD pass to Michael Omar, tying the game late in the first. Tailback Matt Lawrence has carried the ball eight times for 35 yards.
The Minutemen added a safety when Towson longsnapper Joe McNamara sent a snap over the head of punter Bill Shears into the back of the endzone for the 2-point score.
The opening quarter took 54 minutes.
On a sour note, Towson offensive tackle Leon Stevenson was carted off the field after suffering an injury with under two minutes to play in the quarter. Stevenson stayed down on the field turf for several minutes before being carted off. His injury is believed to be to his lower leg. More on this later if more information is made available.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Ford adds another recruit
Men's Basketball
Michael King
As is turns out, Travis Ford just wasn't finished putting his roster together for the 2007-08 season. The team announced today that 6'9" power forward Tyrell Lynch will play this season as a walk-on
Lynch was supposed to enroll at Auburn this fall and compete for their men's squad. The Niagara Falls, N.Y. native does not need to sit out a year under NCAA rules since he never officially enrolled at Auburn.
The freshman will add size to a UMass team that lost the majority of its post play to graduation.
Michael King
As is turns out, Travis Ford just wasn't finished putting his roster together for the 2007-08 season. The team announced today that 6'9" power forward Tyrell Lynch will play this season as a walk-on
Lynch was supposed to enroll at Auburn this fall and compete for their men's squad. The Niagara Falls, N.Y. native does not need to sit out a year under NCAA rules since he never officially enrolled at Auburn.
The freshman will add size to a UMass team that lost the majority of its post play to graduation.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Game over: UMass 35, Colgate 17
Football
Eli Rosenswaike
UMass 35, Colgate 17
The Raiders scored the first touchdown in the fourth quarter on a fourth-and-goal play, but UMass answered back with a touchdown of its own just minutes later on the following drive.
The Raiders led the game in total yards for much of the game, but UMass was able to get into the endzone when it needed to -- while Jordan Scott and the Raiders offense could not.
UMass was aided by Liam Coen's four TD passes, and J.J. Moore's two scores -- one on a punt return and another on an 11-yard reception. Matt Lawrence had his second-consecutive, and second-career, 100-yard rushing performance.
Scott finished with 100+ yards in the losing effort, while wideout Erik Burke had a monster game -- finishing with well over 100 yards.
Be sure to read Monday's edition of the Massachusetts Daily Collegian for extensive UMass-Colgate game coverage.
Eli Rosenswaike
UMass 35, Colgate 17
The Raiders scored the first touchdown in the fourth quarter on a fourth-and-goal play, but UMass answered back with a touchdown of its own just minutes later on the following drive.
The Raiders led the game in total yards for much of the game, but UMass was able to get into the endzone when it needed to -- while Jordan Scott and the Raiders offense could not.
UMass was aided by Liam Coen's four TD passes, and J.J. Moore's two scores -- one on a punt return and another on an 11-yard reception. Matt Lawrence had his second-consecutive, and second-career, 100-yard rushing performance.
Scott finished with 100+ yards in the losing effort, while wideout Erik Burke had a monster game -- finishing with well over 100 yards.
Be sure to read Monday's edition of the Massachusetts Daily Collegian for extensive UMass-Colgate game coverage.
Minutemen pulling away
Football
Jeremy Rice
UMass 28, Colgate 10
Quarterback Liam Coen and the UMass offense found its rhythm in the third quarter. On the team's second possession of the second half, Coen led the Minutemen 75 yards in under three minutes, hitting tight end Ian Jorgensen on a beautifully drawn up play, rolling to the right and hitting Jorgensen in the flat to the left. Jorgensen was all alone and jogged into the end zone.
Colgate went three-and-out on its ensuing possession setting up punt returner J.J. Moore for a 58-yard return for a touchdown, the first for UMass since 1996. Moore never had to make a player miss as the UMass blocking was superb. Sean Smalls made a key block right in front of Moore, who then sprinted down the right sideline, where Corey Davis showed great awareness, staying with his block well downfield, as Moore ran by him and into the end zone.
The Minutemen have taken control of the game, thought they still trail offensively in both rushing and passing.
More from the press box after the fourth quarter.
Jeremy Rice
UMass 28, Colgate 10
Quarterback Liam Coen and the UMass offense found its rhythm in the third quarter. On the team's second possession of the second half, Coen led the Minutemen 75 yards in under three minutes, hitting tight end Ian Jorgensen on a beautifully drawn up play, rolling to the right and hitting Jorgensen in the flat to the left. Jorgensen was all alone and jogged into the end zone.
Colgate went three-and-out on its ensuing possession setting up punt returner J.J. Moore for a 58-yard return for a touchdown, the first for UMass since 1996. Moore never had to make a player miss as the UMass blocking was superb. Sean Smalls made a key block right in front of Moore, who then sprinted down the right sideline, where Corey Davis showed great awareness, staying with his block well downfield, as Moore ran by him and into the end zone.
The Minutemen have taken control of the game, thought they still trail offensively in both rushing and passing.
More from the press box after the fourth quarter.
UMass leads at half
Football
Jeremy Rice
UMass 14, Colgate 10
The Minutemen continue to struggle offensively, but take a four-point lead into halftime. Following an interception by Courtney Robinson, Liam Coen and Matt Lawrence led UMass down to the Colgate four-yard line, where Coen rolled out to his right and hit fullback Breyone Evans a yard deep in the end zone.
The Raiders are dominating the Minutemen offensively, amassing 230 yards in the first two quarters, compared to 90 for UMass. The Maroon and White did not reach positive yards rushing until well into the second quarter.
And yet, UMass appears to be in control of the game, capitalizing on Colgate mistakes and turnovers. Both UMass touchdowns, in fact, are off Colgate turnovers. Jeremy Horne's touchdown reception in the first quarter followed a Cody Williams fumble during a punt return, and Evans' score in the second came off the Robinson interception.
More from the press box after the third quarter.
Jeremy Rice
UMass 14, Colgate 10
The Minutemen continue to struggle offensively, but take a four-point lead into halftime. Following an interception by Courtney Robinson, Liam Coen and Matt Lawrence led UMass down to the Colgate four-yard line, where Coen rolled out to his right and hit fullback Breyone Evans a yard deep in the end zone.
The Raiders are dominating the Minutemen offensively, amassing 230 yards in the first two quarters, compared to 90 for UMass. The Maroon and White did not reach positive yards rushing until well into the second quarter.
And yet, UMass appears to be in control of the game, capitalizing on Colgate mistakes and turnovers. Both UMass touchdowns, in fact, are off Colgate turnovers. Jeremy Horne's touchdown reception in the first quarter followed a Cody Williams fumble during a punt return, and Evans' score in the second came off the Robinson interception.
More from the press box after the third quarter.
Football
Eli Rosenswaike
With the first quarter complete, the Minutemen and the Raiders are deadlocked at 7-7.
UMass looked sluggish in the opening stanza, but capitalized on a Colgate fumble off a punt by Brett Arnold. Punting from his own endzone, Arnold unleased a booming punt into Raider territory, which was fumbled by #27 Cody Williams after a return of about 10-yards. UMass took advantage of its good field position with a 28-yard TD pass from Liam Coen to Jeremy Horne.
The Raiders evened the score near the end of the first quarter on a quick 4-play, 71-yard drive that ended on a 30-yard touchdown strike to wide receiver Erik Burke.
Eli Rosenswaike
With the first quarter complete, the Minutemen and the Raiders are deadlocked at 7-7.
UMass looked sluggish in the opening stanza, but capitalized on a Colgate fumble off a punt by Brett Arnold. Punting from his own endzone, Arnold unleased a booming punt into Raider territory, which was fumbled by #27 Cody Williams after a return of about 10-yards. UMass took advantage of its good field position with a 28-yard TD pass from Liam Coen to Jeremy Horne.
The Raiders evened the score near the end of the first quarter on a quick 4-play, 71-yard drive that ended on a 30-yard touchdown strike to wide receiver Erik Burke.
Minutemen/Raiders pregame buffet
Football
Eli Rosenswaike
The Massachusetts football team is just twenty minutes away from the kickoff in game number two of the 2007 season. The Minutemen are in Hamilton, N.Y. to take the on Colgate Raiders.
Both teams enter the contest at 1-0 thus far, and each team would love to take the final game in the four-year series between the schools. For more background on the history of UMass-Colgate head-to-head matchups, click here.
Despite winning in their opener of Albany, 13-11, Colgate has made the decision to switch qaurterbacks for this afternoon's games with the Minutemen. Junior Anthony Fucillo is out, while fellow second-year man Alex Relph is in. Both struggled in the win against the Great Danes. Fucillo was sacked five times.
Tailback Jordan Scott did not struggle, however. Scott carried the load in a big way last weekend, toting the football 44 times for 180 yards. His effort earned him the Patriot League Offensive Player of the Week.
Check back here for ongoing coverage of today's game, and be sure to check out the Daily Collegian's preview for more in-depth coverage.
Eli Rosenswaike
The Massachusetts football team is just twenty minutes away from the kickoff in game number two of the 2007 season. The Minutemen are in Hamilton, N.Y. to take the on Colgate Raiders.
Both teams enter the contest at 1-0 thus far, and each team would love to take the final game in the four-year series between the schools. For more background on the history of UMass-Colgate head-to-head matchups, click here.
Despite winning in their opener of Albany, 13-11, Colgate has made the decision to switch qaurterbacks for this afternoon's games with the Minutemen. Junior Anthony Fucillo is out, while fellow second-year man Alex Relph is in. Both struggled in the win against the Great Danes. Fucillo was sacked five times.
Tailback Jordan Scott did not struggle, however. Scott carried the load in a big way last weekend, toting the football 44 times for 180 yards. His effort earned him the Patriot League Offensive Player of the Week.
Check back here for ongoing coverage of today's game, and be sure to check out the Daily Collegian's preview for more in-depth coverage.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Four hours later, UMass escapes
Football
Eli Rosenswaike
After a long and eventful contest, the Massachusetts football team prevailed over Holy Cross, 40-30 at McGuirk Alumni Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Crusaders gave the Minutemen a scare in the fourth quarter, as they cut the deficit to a touchdown at 37-30.
But UMass added a 37-yard field goal to increase the lead to 10.
For more coverage on the game, be sure to pick up the Massachusetts Daily Collegian on Monday or Tuesday for the back-to-school issue.
Eli Rosenswaike
After a long and eventful contest, the Massachusetts football team prevailed over Holy Cross, 40-30 at McGuirk Alumni Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Crusaders gave the Minutemen a scare in the fourth quarter, as they cut the deficit to a touchdown at 37-30.
But UMass added a 37-yard field goal to increase the lead to 10.
For more coverage on the game, be sure to pick up the Massachusetts Daily Collegian on Monday or Tuesday for the back-to-school issue.
Crusaders still alive
Football
Jeremy Rice
The Crusaders are still alive after three quarters of action. The Minutemen gave up 14 points and now lead by just two touchdowns, 37-23 . More mistakes, sloppy play and penalties have cost UMass an easy fourth quarter.
It seems like the Maroon and White set the speed on cruise control a little early.
On a day when defending NCAA champ Appalachian State shocked Division I-A Michigan, 34-32 on a blocked field goal on the last play, the Minutemen are struggling against a Patriot League opponent at home.
More from the press box after the game, and check out the Collegian Monday and Tuesday in the Back to School Issue for full coverage.
Jeremy Rice
The Crusaders are still alive after three quarters of action. The Minutemen gave up 14 points and now lead by just two touchdowns, 37-23 . More mistakes, sloppy play and penalties have cost UMass an easy fourth quarter.
It seems like the Maroon and White set the speed on cruise control a little early.
On a day when defending NCAA champ Appalachian State shocked Division I-A Michigan, 34-32 on a blocked field goal on the last play, the Minutemen are struggling against a Patriot League opponent at home.
More from the press box after the game, and check out the Collegian Monday and Tuesday in the Back to School Issue for full coverage.
Interesting if nothing else
Football
Jeremy Rice
UMass walked into the locker room with a 30-9 lead at halftime, but UMass coach Don Brown is by no means happy with his team's performance. Numerous personal fouls and unsportsmanlike conduct penalties highlighted a very sloppy two quarters by both teams. UMass was hit for 8 penalties for a total of 89 yards.
Special teams was especially unorthodox. Holy Cross gave up a 100 yard kickoff return for a touchdown, and both squads muffed a couple of punts.
Matt Lawrence was the brightest star for the Minutemen, racking up 124 yards on 13 carries in the first half alone - a 9.5 yard average. He also had a 70 yard touchdown run called back due to a holding penalty. Tony Nelson also had a good half, rushing for 41 yards on six carries, a 6.8 yard average.
With the game pretty much out of reach, Nelson may acquire more carries in the second half in garbage time, but it looks like Brown has chosen Lawrence as his featured back, and it's clear why.
Nelson may have more power, but Lawrence has tremendous speed and a deceptive ability to cutback into the field from the sideline. He appears stiff in the hips at times near the line of scrimmage or in the, but then surprises you with a brilliant move in the open field. The slow Holy Cross defense may have made him look better in the first half than he really was.
Next week's matchup at Colgate may give you a better idea of what Lawrence can really do against a challenging opponent.
More from the press box after the third quarter.
Jeremy Rice
UMass walked into the locker room with a 30-9 lead at halftime, but UMass coach Don Brown is by no means happy with his team's performance. Numerous personal fouls and unsportsmanlike conduct penalties highlighted a very sloppy two quarters by both teams. UMass was hit for 8 penalties for a total of 89 yards.
Special teams was especially unorthodox. Holy Cross gave up a 100 yard kickoff return for a touchdown, and both squads muffed a couple of punts.
Matt Lawrence was the brightest star for the Minutemen, racking up 124 yards on 13 carries in the first half alone - a 9.5 yard average. He also had a 70 yard touchdown run called back due to a holding penalty. Tony Nelson also had a good half, rushing for 41 yards on six carries, a 6.8 yard average.
With the game pretty much out of reach, Nelson may acquire more carries in the second half in garbage time, but it looks like Brown has chosen Lawrence as his featured back, and it's clear why.
Nelson may have more power, but Lawrence has tremendous speed and a deceptive ability to cutback into the field from the sideline. He appears stiff in the hips at times near the line of scrimmage or in the, but then surprises you with a brilliant move in the open field. The slow Holy Cross defense may have made him look better in the first half than he really was.
Next week's matchup at Colgate may give you a better idea of what Lawrence can really do against a challenging opponent.
More from the press box after the third quarter.
Quick action in 2nd quarter
Football
Eli Rosenswaike
It took just 24 seconds in the second quarter for lightning to strike twice in the UMass/Holy Cross season opener.
Holy Cross made the score 10-7 with a 2-yard touchdown run.
On the ensuing kickoff, Courtney Robinson took it 100-yards to the house for a return touchdown. It was the first kickoff return for a touchdown for a UMass player in 25 years. It was also tied for the third-longest kickoff return touchdown in school history.
Eli Rosenswaike
It took just 24 seconds in the second quarter for lightning to strike twice in the UMass/Holy Cross season opener.
Holy Cross made the score 10-7 with a 2-yard touchdown run.
On the ensuing kickoff, Courtney Robinson took it 100-yards to the house for a return touchdown. It was the first kickoff return for a touchdown for a UMass player in 25 years. It was also tied for the third-longest kickoff return touchdown in school history.
First Quarter Action
Football
Eli Rosenswaike
The Minutemen won the toin coss, but chose to defer to the second half. The Crusaders will return the opening kick. The opening kick was returned for 21 yards to the Crusader 24 yard line.
On a side note, UMass starting tight end Brad Listorti has an injured back, and will not play. Ian Jorgensen will get the starting nod.
After a few first downs, the Holy Cross offense stalled and was forced to punt. A short punt gave UMass the ball at their own 22 yard line.
The offense went right to work, with three straight rushes totaling 38 yards. Matt Lawrence had two of those carries for 34 yards. However, UMass settled for a 48-yard field goal to take an early 3-0 lead. It was the third-longest field goal in school history.
Holy Cross did little with their ensuing drive, and UMass marched down the field with good field position and pounded the ball in the endzone thanks to strong rushing by Lawrence. It's interesting to note that Tony Nelson has yet to carry the ball, while Lawrence has 8 carries already for 55 yards.
Holy Cross answered back with a nice drive of their own -- driving the ball all the way to the UMass 6-yard line. As the first quarter comes to a close, it will be Holy Cross with a 2nd and goal situation at the 6-yard line. Check the next update to see if Holy Cross scores a touchdown.
Eli Rosenswaike
The Minutemen won the toin coss, but chose to defer to the second half. The Crusaders will return the opening kick. The opening kick was returned for 21 yards to the Crusader 24 yard line.
On a side note, UMass starting tight end Brad Listorti has an injured back, and will not play. Ian Jorgensen will get the starting nod.
After a few first downs, the Holy Cross offense stalled and was forced to punt. A short punt gave UMass the ball at their own 22 yard line.
The offense went right to work, with three straight rushes totaling 38 yards. Matt Lawrence had two of those carries for 34 yards. However, UMass settled for a 48-yard field goal to take an early 3-0 lead. It was the third-longest field goal in school history.
Holy Cross did little with their ensuing drive, and UMass marched down the field with good field position and pounded the ball in the endzone thanks to strong rushing by Lawrence. It's interesting to note that Tony Nelson has yet to carry the ball, while Lawrence has 8 carries already for 55 yards.
Holy Cross answered back with a nice drive of their own -- driving the ball all the way to the UMass 6-yard line. As the first quarter comes to a close, it will be Holy Cross with a 2nd and goal situation at the 6-yard line. Check the next update to see if Holy Cross scores a touchdown.
Back to work for the Minutemen
Football
Jeremy Rice
There's still about a half-hour before game time, but the buzz is already in the air about the Massachusetts football team. All over town this morning, people were wearing Maroon and White in anticipation of today's 2007 season opener. The Minutemen take on the Crusaders from Holy Cross today, their first game since the December 15 loss to Appalachian State in the NCAA championship.
The players just entered the field for warm-ups to resounding applause, despite the fact that the stadium is not even half full yet. Judging from the number of tailgaters, however, it will be before the opening kickoff is in the air.
Check back after the first quarter for more updates. and after every quarter for more updates. Also, be sure to pick up the Massachusetts Daily Collegian's Back to School issue Monday or Tuesday for coverage of every UMass fall sport.
Jeremy Rice
There's still about a half-hour before game time, but the buzz is already in the air about the Massachusetts football team. All over town this morning, people were wearing Maroon and White in anticipation of today's 2007 season opener. The Minutemen take on the Crusaders from Holy Cross today, their first game since the December 15 loss to Appalachian State in the NCAA championship.
The players just entered the field for warm-ups to resounding applause, despite the fact that the stadium is not even half full yet. Judging from the number of tailgaters, however, it will be before the opening kickoff is in the air.
Check back after the first quarter for more updates. and after every quarter for more updates. Also, be sure to pick up the Massachusetts Daily Collegian's Back to School issue Monday or Tuesday for coverage of every UMass fall sport.
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