Can UMass football show improvement in Walt Bell’s third season?

How will UMass football fare in 2021?

While there are some tough games against Power Five opponents on the schedule for the Minutemen, there are also some winnable games and I think that is where they will be judged.

A 3-9 or 4-8 season should be enough to give Walt Bell another season.

These predictions are made assuming none of the games will be altered by injuries, suspensions, or anything else that could impact the result.

• Game 1: at Pitt (L) — Pitt is a tough opponent to start the season with and this likely won’t be a close game.
• Game 2: Boston College (L) — Another game against a solid ACC opponent will result in another loss.
• Game 3: Eastern Michigan (L) — Eastern Michigan is a solid program and has built sustained success and even at home, UMass won’t be able to get its first win.
• Game 4: at Coastal Carolina (L) — This will be the best team on the schedule for UMass and they stand virtually no chance to win.
• Game 5: Toledo (L) — Like Eastern Michigan, Toledo is a solid MAC team and will likely beat UMass by double digits.
• Game 6: UConn (W) — The first winnable game on the schedule for UMass will be a must-win for the program or it could spell trouble.
• Game 7: at Florida State (L) — The Seminoles are not a powerhouse again yet, but they’ll be too much for UMass.
• Game 8: at Liberty (L) — Liberty’s Malik Willis is one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the country and will put up video game-like numbers against UMass.
• Game 9: Rhode Island (W) — Another winnable game for UMass and one it really needs.
• Game 10: Maine (W) — Maine is a tough FCS opponent and this game won’t be an easy win, but I think the Minutemen can get consecutive victories here.
• Game 11: at Army (L) — Army is always a tough out because of their style of play and I don’t think UMass is up to the challenge of stopping the option attack.
• Game 12: at New Mexico State (W) — I think that New Mexico State is the worst team the Minutemen might play all season and this is one they should win.

Final Record: 4-8

This should be seen as an improvement season if UMass manages to go 4-8. The early schedule is brutal, but they have winnable games down the stretch and four wins should be enough to secure another season for Walt Bell.