UMass Lose To Western Michigan In Much-Anticipated MAC Opener

The Minutemen’s strong first half defense doesn’t lead to a win at home

(UMass Athletics)

AMHERST, Mass. - UMass’ long-awaited Mid-American Conference (MAC) opener against Western Michigan at McGuirk Alumni Stadium ended in a 21-3 loss.

Despite Timmy Hinspeter and Jacquon Gibson’s continued exceptional efforts, UMass continued to struggle moving the ball downfield consistently. The Minutemen remained unable to sustain a complete game of great defense.

UMass entered the game as brand-new members of the MAC at 0-4, looking for their first win of head coach Joe Harasymiak’s regime. Western Michigan came in at 2-3 (1-0 MAC), but lost against two Big Ten opponents and a very hot North Texas team.

UMass’ quarterbacks combined for 131 yards passing, on a 57 percent completion percentage. Gibson led all Minutemen receivers with six receptions for 70 yards.

The Minutemen defense fought for most of the game, and were patiently waiting for the offense to join their side.

When redshirt freshman quarterback AJ Hairston came into the game midway through the second half to replace the struggling Brandon Rose, it was a sign of hope for the Minutemen faithful.

His first throw was a slingshot, splitting two Bronco defenders into the hands of Kenyon Massey for a 15-yard gain. Hairston targeted Donnie Gray on the next two plays, but both were incomplete.

Andrews’ punt was muffed by Western Michigan returner Josh Franklin at his own 19, and was recovered by none other than Timmy Hinspeter.

The Minutemen offense continued to shoot themselves in the foot, though. Hairston began the drive by getting sacked. On the ensuing fourth-and-5, Harasymiak had a big decision to make down 14-3. Go for it, and potentially cut the lead to a field goal, or kick the field goal and cut it down to an eight-point deficit.

UMass opted to go for it, but a hopeful prayer to Jake McConnachie in the back corner of the end zone wasn’t nearly enough to extend the drive deep in the red zone.

Directly following, Lowry led a 11 play, 87-yard drive for another Western Michigan touchdown to extend the lead to 21-3. On the 25-yard touchdown rush, Broncos running back Devin Miles dragged practically the whole Minutemen defensive unit with the rest of his blockers.

To make matters worse, Hairston and the offense got the ball back deep in their own territory. Retreating backwards, he attempted a screen pass to running back Elijah Faulkner on his back foot which Broncos linebacker Domanick Moon intercepted, ultimately negating any late positives to come out of the contest for UMass.

Western Michigan sacked UMass five times with eight tackles for loss. Hinspeter led the Minutemen attack with eight solo tackles and 14 total. He also forced a fumble in the first half, and recovered the muffed punt in the second half.

UMass opened the game with a field goal, the first opening drive points since week one against Temple. Rose displayed his connection with Gibson from the start, connecting on two passes for 39 yards. Bajakian used both Faulkner and Hood successfully in Rocko Griffin’s absence, but an illegal formation penalty took away a potential Hood touchdown, ultimately forcing UMass to settle for a Morris field goal.

The Broncos offense came in and immediately went three-and-out, but a roughing the kicker penalty on the punt gave them a first down. However, on the second play following, Hinspeter punched the football out of Jalen Buckley’s hands, which was immediately recovered by Derrieon Craig to complete the turnover.

The Minutemen got the ball back, but produced an immediate three-and-out after a sack from Western Michigan’s Nadame Tucker. Gray dropped two passes on the drive’s two pass attempts.

Lowry finally got his passing game going with completions to Malique Dieudonne, Baylin Brooks and Michael Brescia, but an offensive pass interference derailed most of the progress. Tyler Martin’s big tackle for loss forced an eventual punt.

Price played a massive role on the next drive rushing five times for 50 yards. The screen game worked well with left tackle Luke Painton playing a big role in the attack. Multiple drops plagued the Minutemen, forcing them to a 46-yard field goal, which sailed wide left.

The Broncos slowly marched down the field for their first touchdown of the contest to make it 7-3. Aveion Chenault was a big part of it, finding himself wide open for a 36-yard gain. Brescia caught the touchdown pass from Lowry, who beat McGill in the air again.

The draw play on third down continued to work for offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian’s offense, but a couple of failed rushing attempts from Hood quickly halted the drive. Keegan Andrews produced a beautiful punt that traveled all the way inside the Broncos’ 10.

Western Michigan took over with time ticking down in the first half. Lowry showed his athleticism with a couple effective rushes, but Kamren Waktins-Hunter came inches away from intercepting the pass. Rashad Henry and Zeraun Daniel combined for a big tackle for loss, eventually forcing a missed field goal, which gave the Minutemen offense good field position with 1:47 left in the half.

A first down sack by Western Michigan’s Rodney McGraw forced a quick three-and-out, ending the first half.

At the break, Rose was 6-for-12 on passing attempts for a total of 70 yards. Gibson had every single one of those receiving yards. Price led the Minutemen on the ground with 50 rushing yards on five attempts.

Lowry plagued UMass in the half, throwing for 109 yards on 9-for-13 passing and a touchdown. His legs led Western Michigan on the ground game with 41 yards on six attempts.

The Broncos ground game led them all the way to an early October MAC victory on the road in Amherst.

The Minutemen, still searching for their first victory of the season, will head to Kent, Ohio next Saturday to play Kent State.