Winless UMass needed this victory. Opportunities seemed slim. FCS member, Central Connecticut State made the short trip to Amherst, Massachusetts with sights on toppling an FBS foe. Lately, however, the football performance from UMass has not resembled that of an FBS squad. So, when the halftime score was deadlocked at 21, few were surprised.
Homecoming brought in a lot of maroon to celebrate a festive fall Saturday and potential victory. The Minuteman Marching Band performed to a sizable audience looking for some gameday hype. The parking lots surrounding McGuirk Stadium featured many pop-up party zones flooded with typical collegiate antics. Much of that energy translated nicely into the stadium as the game got underway.
With the game tied at 28 to start the final quarter, questions about the Minutemen’s ability to light up the win column began to circulate. CCSU hit a field goal to take a 31-28 lead shortly into the fourth quarter causing some UMass fans to exit for the parking lot energy. But, the Minutemen constructed a 75-yard drive capped with a touchdown. The defense held the visitors and the home team became homecoming heroes.
This was one to savor. At the moment, future victories seem bleak. But, as conference realignment continues to spin its wheels, UMass will soon find themselves in the MAC. This move will offer more opportunities for a team seeking stronger relevance in the FBS.
