UMass wants to establish itself as the type of program that consistently competes near the top of the MAC.
On Saturday, the Minutemen will get a close look at one that already does.
Miami-Ohio comes to McGuirk Alumni Stadium for UMass’ Homecoming game having played for the MAC Championship in each of the last three seasons and reaching six consecutive bowl games.
The RedHawks haven’t had the same success through the first part of this season, but UMass head coach Joe Harasymiak doesn’t believe their record tells the entire story.
Miami has already faced Pitt and Cincinnati, a pair of Power Four opponents that entered this week with a combined overall record of 9-1. The RedHawks also beat Holy Cross and UConn before their loss to Bowling Green.
“I’m willing to say this is the most talented team that we’ve played so far as an overall product,” Harasymiak said.
Harasymiak sees talent throughout the roster.
“They’re very, very explosive, twitched and they can run everywhere,” he said. “That’s offense, defense, special teams.”
The challenge comes at an important point for UMass.
The Minutemen opened the season 4-0 before suffering their first loss of the year, 38-14 against Eastern Michigan on Saturday.
Harasymiak has made it clear this week that UMass needs to respond to that performance, but Miami provides more than an opportunity to bounce back. It gives the Minutemen a chance to measure themselves against a program with the kind of sustained success they’re trying to build.
“This is a very, very tall task for this team,” Harasymiak said. “They’ve been there. We have not.
“So, we’re going to find out what we’re all about this weekend.”
That distinction is particularly relevant as UMass moves further into its MAC schedule.
The Minutemen have already demonstrated they can win this season. Their 4-0 start included a victory over Rutgers, but Harasymiak understands questions remain about where UMass fits against established conference opponents.
Eastern Michigan provided the first answer last weekend. Miami provides another opportunity Saturday.
The RedHawks’ recent history gives UMass a clear picture of the standard required to consistently compete in the conference. Harasymiak believes the talent on this year’s team will provide an immediate test as well.
For UMass, the game also represents its first opportunity to show how this group responds to a loss.
“It’s the first time this group has experienced anything like that and now we got to step up and we got to go,” Harasymiak said.
The response started in the meeting room Sunday and continued into the practice week.
Harasymiak remains confident in his team. Saturday will provide a better indication of how that confidence stacks up against one of the MAC programs that has already accomplished what UMass is trying to build toward.
“I’m a very confident head coach with this group and I’m ready to go,” Harasymiak said. “I’m excited about getting this opportunity.
“This is a big game against a very, very talented group.”
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