UMass-Temple Primer

What to watch for in today's UMass-Temple game

Aug 30, 2025

UMass’ Joe Harasymiak Era opens today at McGuirk Alumni Stadium.

In one sense, it feels like it’s taken forever to get here. But in another, it seems like his introductory press conference back in December was just yesterday.

Here’s our version of a Gameday Guide for you.

Game One!

WATCH/LISTEN

TV: ESPN+
Radio: WHMP 101.5/Varsity Network App
Live Stats Link
Gameday Program
Tickets

WHEN UMASS HAS THE BALL

What We Know

Starting quarterback Brandon Rose (#1) provides UMass with a true Power-4 caliber player behind center. He’s a dual-threat in that he’s athletic enough to run if he needs to, but more than anything he should be able to buy some additional time in the pocket to let plays develop.

If the other pieces around Rose are able to win their individual matchups, first-year offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian should be able to pick and choose what he wants to do.

What We Think

We think the Minutemen’s skill positions, especially at receiver should be able to win their share of those individual matchups.

We believe T.Y. Harding (#10) has the potential to be a star in the MAC. He’s fast enough to make big plays down the field, shifty enough to make plays in the slot of bubbles and jet sweeps and has the ball skills to get it done. Oh, and fellow receiver Jacquon Gibson (#2) has all those same traits.

On the outside, UMass will need at least one bigger receiver to step up, although they have at least three with a good chance at doing so in Tyree Kelly (#5), Jake McConnachie (#7) and Donnie Gray (#12). All three are transfer portal additions. In order for this offense to keep opponents honest, one will need to develop as a legitimate threat to bring in 50/50 balls.

What We Want To Find Out

Will UMass’ offensive line give Rose time to throw and running backs room to run?

It’s always very difficult to figure out who looks good upfront from spring and training camp practices. Is the offensive line good? Or is the defensive line bad? Or vice versa? And that’s only when one side is dominating the other. When it’s close, it’s more, are they both good? Or, are they both bad?

Like most things, it’s probably in the middle, but which way does that lean?

Harasymiak said he wanted bigger bodies and he got that through the Transfer Portal. Now, it’s time to find out how they hold up.

UMass certainly has three capable running backs in Rocko Griffin (#24), Juwaun Price (#28) and Brandon Hood (#26). We’re interested in seeing if any of the three truly break out and separate themselves on Saturdays (and eventually weekday nights).

WHEN TEMPLE HAS THE BALL

What We Know

UMass is talented and deep in the secondary.

Cornerback TJ Magee (#7) looks like a true shutdown corner while Bo Barnes (#14) brings the length to match up against bigger receivers. Safeties Malcolm Greene (#1) and Zeraun Daniel (#38) could end up having the largest impact on the entire defense.

Oh, and there are talented players listed behind all of them on the depth chart that UMass’ staff won’t be afraid to throw out there.

What We Think

This defense is going to ask a lot of its linebackers and we think they’re up to the task.

Dean Shaffer (#52) and Timmy Hinspeter (#44) are listed as the starters, but we expect to see a steady dose of Tyler Martin (#5) and probably Rashad Henry (#19) as well. Also, players like Greene (#1) and Derrieon Craig (#0) will often line up in the box from that Star safety/linebacker hybrid spot.

The players here bring athleticism and football IQ to this grouping, but again they will be challenged to make plays in this structure. Will they be able to consistently put themselves in position to do so and ultimately do so?

What We Want To Find Out

Conversely from the offensive side of the ball, we aren’t quite sure what UMass has on its defensive line just yet. We know this staff has added some talented pieces via the transfer, especially guys like Joshua Nobles (#2), Shymell Davis (#91) and David Onuoha (#9).

But will they be able to provide consistent pressure on whichever Temple quarterback is playing and prevent the Owls from getting any type of run game going.

Tim Grant-Randall (#11) is one player who could be a bellwether here. If Grant-Randall is consistently making tackles and causing pressure, that’ll be a good sign for this unit.

Worth noting the importance of Nobles here as well. Of all the transfers who have been brought in - save maybe Rose - Nobles is the one who has elicited the most excitement.

WHEN THE BALL IS KICKED

What We Know

UMass will be better in all phases of special teams. They have a high-level kicker in Derek Morris (#99), who says his range exceeds 50 yards and a booming Australian punter in Keegan Andrews (#98) who can flip the field.

Special teams coordinator Joe Castellitto has upgraded the entire unit and this staff is making an emphasis to make big plays on special teams.

What We Think

Special teams is another area where T.Y. Harding (#10) could emerge as a gamebreaker when he is returning both kicks and punts.

What We Want To Find Out

When will UMass block its first punt? They’ve been too intentional about doing so both through practice and preaching. It will happen, but when?

MISCELLANEOUS

What We Know

We know this year’s UMass team has been prepared for situational football. We know this because we’ve witnessed it for ourselves.

They understand the value of protecting the ball and it’s reinforced every day by the message “The Ball Is The Heartbeat.”

They’ve been given all the stats regarding how turnovers, penalties and big plays on special teams equate to wins and losses. This coaching staff is going to make sound decisions regardless of the situation.

What We Think

We think drilling the importance of those aspects home will result in a relatively clean game for the Minutemen. Still, you can only be so careful with the football, especially as a quarterback, if you want to make plays. And, sometimes there’s nothing you can do if a ball bounces a certain way.

There will certainly be some penalties, but can the Minutemen avoid stupid ones at crucial times? We think they can.

What We Want To Find Out

What is the atmosphere going to be like? Based on Friday night’s pep rally, it should be a live one. What will that mean for Saturday and what will it mean for the future? Would an impressive, exciting showing be enough to keep the students coming back and being live the rest of the season?

It’s worth noting UMass is expected to host key recruits for every home game and they will certainly be evaluating the atmosphere.