UMass Football: Can the Minutemen improve in year two under Don Brown?

Can the UMass football offense score more points?

One indicator of UMass’ futility is its offense. The Minutemen scored a paltry 12.5 points per game in 2022. Suffice it to say; it was the worst offense in FBS last season. The passing game threw four touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Star running back Ellis Merriweather saw his production cut in half in 2022.

He gained 1,138 yards in 2021 and 575 yards last season. George Johnson led the Minutemen in receiving last year with 28 receptions. How does the offense improve?

Brown returned to Ann Arbor and hired Steve Casula as offensive coordinator; they worked together when Brown was defensive coordinator. Hiring Casula from Michigan is an indicator of the identity Brown wants offensively.

Merriweather is gone, but Casula has a host of running backs to choose from, including Kay’Ron Allen, who was third on the team in rushing in 2022. The good news is the Minutemen return four starters from last season’s offensive line, but they also brought in a ton of transfers to compete in the trenches.

Johnson returns and will likely be flanked by transfers at receiver. Miami transfer Mark Pope and Arizona transfer Anthony Simpson are the likely candidates to play next to Johnson.

Brown and his staff signed a lot of transfers, none more important than quarterback Tasiun Phommachanh. The Connecticut native began his career at Clemson before transferring to UConn. Quarterback play was abysmal last year, and Phommanchanh is an upgrade.

Phommanchanh has not developed as a great passer, but if Casula and Brown want to run the ball, he is a great athlete who can effectively use his legs. If the Minutemen want to find another win, the offense has to score some points and give the defense a breather by staying on the field.