First, I want to say, I'm sorry Minutemen fans. I actually always root for UMass and will be rooting for ya'll tonight and during the MACtion this year.

Second... Oh My Lawd...

I knew it was bad, but I didn't know it was this bad. They used to be a consistent, formidable force, but their FBS transition has been an unmitigated disaster.

Back when they were in the FCS as a member of the Atlantic-10 , UMass consistently fielded teams finishing above .500. Through the 2000s, they were a legit powerhouse. They took home the FCS Championship under Mark Whipple and were a top-15 program under Don Brown. Even when they moved to the CAA, which was a high-tier FCS conference, they managed to hold their own with a respectable 6-6 average.

Then came 2012...The move up to the FBS and the MAC.

The program has been absolutely horrible ever since. Their overall record since 2012 is 26-134 aka a win % of 0.163.

The admins tried to fix it by bringing back the architects of their glory days. Both Whipple and Brown returned for second stints during this last 14 years, but both were flummoxed. 2025 was an rock bottom...as the Minutemen went 0-12 under Joe Harasymiak in their first year.

With all that said, I'm excited to see what they do this year. UMass was not penalized much last year and very young. This year Joe has "his" guys and QB "Pop" Watson III (Virginia Tech transfer) has moxy. In their first game against Rutgers this season Joe has some insight against the Scarlett Knights as he was the former DC for them.

I was curious, why has UMass failed where other teams that transitioned have fared much better?

Is it all to blame on the Athletic Department? Lack of money? or just plain bad luck?

EDIT: This team has hope!!

EDIT2: What? 3 touchdowns?? Forced Fumble??? This couldn't be fathomed after losing 44-10 to Akron last year

The Salukis hold on to defeat the Bulldogs. Chandler Chapman rushed for 133 yards and received 47 yard on two catches. Jake Curry threw for 153 yard and two touchdowns. The Salukis improve to 1-1 on the season. Jake Curry still looks a little rusty but he did have some decent plays. And a Southern Illinois player Karson Konkel of Pickneyville, IL catches his first touchdown pass of his career.

YOU KNOW WHAT THIS THREAD IS FOR

CAPS LOCK: ON

BASIC RULES: STILL APPLY

YOUR OPINIONS: HOT GARBAGE, BUT WELCOME ALL THE SAME

What is going on lol

If your team was that good that quickly after moving up from d2 you’d gloat too! So why does everyone hate on them? They seem to have an insane amount of support from their university (donors too…) and especially their fans. So I’m just curious every school has loud mouth fans so why the hateful comments?

They gotta drop the weird Microsoft WordArt Vandal face logo that they’re wearing against Utah. They’re possibly the worst helmets in football.

The Vandals or Idaho script looks wayyyyy better. Ever a Big I would look much better.