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

Can UMass football win more than one game?

Don Brown might want to have a discussion with his athletic director and schedule some easier, more winnable games during this rebuild. Some 50-50 games are on this schedule, and it will come down to how effective the quarterback play is.

Sat, August 26, @ New Mexico State: L The Minutemen opens its season on the road against the Aggies. Head coach Jerry Kill has NMSU going in the right direction. UMass keeps it close, however.

 Sat, September 2, @ Auburn: L This is a paycheck game for UMass. Auburn should win easily.

Sat, September 9, vs. Miami (OH): L This game could be an upset for the Minutemen if they get quality quarterback play. The Redhawks played a lot of close games last year. UMass could pull this one out if they get some turnovers.

Sat, September 16, @ Eastern Michigan: L The Minutemen played Eastern within one possession last year. UMass plays this one close again but falls short.

Sat, September 23, vs. New Mexico: W The Lobos were nearly as bad offensively as the Minutemen (13.1 points per game)

Sat, September 30, vs. Arkansas State: W Merrimack might be the only game UMass is favored, but the Wolves are without James Blackman at quarterback and face some uncertainty at the position. This was a close one on the road last year. The Minutemen get their win back this year.

Sat, October 7, vs. Toledo: L The Minutemen host MAC power Toledo and quarterback DeQuan Finn. This is another game the Rockets hope to keep close.

Sat, October 14, @ Penn State: L This is their second of two paycheck games this year. Nittany Lions win big at Happy Valley.

Sat, October 28, @ Army: L The Black Knights win this game because no one gameplans for the triple option very well. Also, Jeff Monken and the Knights always play tough defense.

Sat, November 4, vs. Merrimack: W UMass should be careful here. This is the only game it should win, but hopefully, they aren’t too beat up from the Army game.

Sat, November 18, @ Liberty: L If UMass had better quarterback play, this could be a 50/50 game. That said, Jamey Chadwell and the Flames pull away late.

Sat, November 25, vs. UConn: L Jim Mora has the Husky football program moving in the right direction. UConn over UMass.

Prediction:

The Minutemen have a one-win floor and four-win ceiling. Their success depends on how well the transfers play, specifically how well Tasiun Phommanchanh plays. Though he’s not been officially declared the starter, he gives the Minutemen the best opportunity to win.

Record (3-9)