Massachusetts Football Faces Central Michigan This Saturday
On Saturday, October 25, the Massachusetts football team will take on Central Michigan at 3:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+. This matchup marks the third all-time meeting between the two teams.
Series History
UMass and Central Michigan first faced each other on November 23, 2012, at Gillette Stadium, where the Chippewas secured a 42-21 victory. Their second encounter was on November 23, 2013, at Kelly Shorts Stadium in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. In this game, Central Michigan dominated with a score of 37-0. Notable performances included a 100-yard game from tight end Rob Blanchflower and a strong showing from quarterback A.J. Doyle, who completed 30 passes for 253 yards and two touchdowns, despite three interceptions.
Player Highlights
- Brandon Hood: The redshirt freshman running back set a career-high with 179 rushing yards against Buffalo, including a 90-yard touchdown run, making it the fourth longest in program history.
- Timmy Hinspeter: Averaging 9.9 tackles per game, Hinspeter ranks fourth in the MAC and ninth nationally. He recorded 14 tackles against Western Michigan and had a strong performance against Missouri with 17 tackles.
- Derek Morris: Keyed the UMass win against Bryant with a 53-yard field goal, breaking the school record for the longest field goal.
- Jacquon Gibson: Despite missing two games due to injury, Gibson ranks seventh in the MAC with 358 receiving yards.
Team Statistics
| Stat | UMass Rank in MAC | National Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Turnovers lost (7 games) | 3rd | 38th |
| Punting average (Keegan Andrews) | 2nd | 9th |
| Sacks per game (Marques White) | 6th | 57th |
As UMass prepares for this crucial game against Central Michigan, the team is looking to improve its performance and secure a victory. The Minutemen have shown potential this season, and fans are hopeful for a strong showing on Saturday.
