Week 1 Game Previews

September 1

UMass @ Holy Cross                      

Series: UMass 23-21-5                  

Last Meeting: Sept 11, 2010 UMass 31-7

In their last season with the CAA, UMass football is a team in transition. Their roster is comprised of 40 percent new players.

Keys:  UMass will have a difficult time replacing departed QB Kyle Havens. 

Coach Kevin Morris has not named a starter at QB (at this time this article was released). 

Junior Kellen Pagel (transfer from Bowling Green) or red-shirt freshman Brandon Hill will start for the Minutemen, both of whom lack experience.  

Morris was extremely pleased with their progression throughout the summer and wasn’t overly concerned as UMass has a veteran offensive line returning and plans to lean on senior TB Jonathan Hernandez. 

Discussing his team’s defense coach Morris said, “Last year we were young.  This year we are young with experience.” 

Although the Minutemen return nine starters on defense that includes four DBs, they are a young group.  DB Shane Viveiros, LB Tyler Holmes, and DL Courtney Jackson will have to provide leadership as seniors for a young, but vastly improving defense.  

Holy Cross returns QB Ryan Taggart and a slew of capable RBs.  Holy Cross hasn’t defeated their cross town rival UMass in 20 years and they hope to gain an edge with the first night home game in school history.

Pregame Quote of Note:  UMass coach Kevin Morris discussing his 2011 team – “40% of the team is new to the roster this fall.”

Follow Ed Sheahin on twitter @NFLSkins