UMass could really use some good luck, or at least a Snickers. It's just not been going well. Since their move to the FBS in 2012, UMass has not had any season that was remotely close to being successful. However, UMass Coach Don Brown is back for his second consecutive season with a positive attitude. There were some improvements last year that UMass hopes to bounce off of this season. UMass has been decent before and it can be again, but it absolutely isn't going to be in 2023.
UMASS 2023 PREVIEW
THE CONF.: FBS (independent)
2022 RECORD: 1-11 (only win was against Stony Brook)
CONF. FINISH: N/A
HEAD COACH: Don Brown (Dr. Blitz) (was DC in 1998, HC from 2004-2008 with 43-19 record, 46th year overall - 96-56)
FIVE ALL-STAR CANDIDATES: Jordan Mahoney, Jr./CB (72 total tackles, 9 pd); Gerrell Johnson, Sr./LB (142 total tackles); George Johnson, Jr./WR (402 yards, 28 receptions); Billy Wooden, Sr./DT (100 total tackles); Marcus Bradley, Soph./DE (28 total tackles, 2.5 sacks)
THE NEWCOMER: Taisun Phommachanh, Jr./QB (Clemson/G Tech transfer, rushed for 56 yards last year)
UMass players in 2022, including LB Gerrell Johnson (22) (PHOTO CREDIT: Chris Tucci/UMass Athletics)
THE BREAKDOWN
Coach Brown is making some moves that could improve UMass, but it will be slow-paced. Nothing for UMass will happen overnight. However, Brown's enthusiasm and dedication to the program definitely doesn't hurt. He seems optimistic about being back at UMass and what's to come for his second consecutive year.
UMass got 13 transfers, which did help with receivers. WR Anthony Simpson's transfer from Arizona is one of the most important transfers. WR Mark Pope is also a beneficial transfer from Jackson State. RB Jalen John and RB Jackson Paradis may be interesting to watch. The 18 transfers in 2022, combined with the new transfers, appear to be helping develop a more cohesive unit.
The defensive line did show some improvement last year. They allowed 1,385 less yards than in 2021. If this can be continued at a steady pace, the defense could eventually be one of the most improved in the league. Though, this does not take away from their major room for improvement. After all, the pass rush only had 18 sacks last year. DT Billy Wooden is a solid piece to the defensive puzzle, but it is far from complete.
The Minutemen don't have an easy schedule. They will play New Mexico as the season opener (Aug. 26), which is one of the games on the "easier" end. This game should generate some excitement, as it shouldn't be a blowout. The chances of UMass winning many games on their schedule are slim, but a win or two is possible. Two wins would be better than any year since 2018, which is doable. Slow and steady may win the race with UMass.
Realistically, expectations for UMass aren't high. They are coming off of a 24-game losing streak, which is wild. The 2023 season isn't likely to hold much power on its own, but it will be interesting to see how years to come build off of Brown's current decisions.
THE KEY GAME AND WHY
The opener at New Mexico State will show how the new additions to the team mesh together. This doesn't mean that UMass is expected to come out swinging, but it'll be a good indication of how much momentum they retained from last season. UMass could win, but probably won't. Either way, it should be a good watch.
THE TOUGHEST GAME AND WHY
The toughest game will be at Auburn (Sept. 2). Auburn went 5-7 last season, making them 85th out of 131. They have a decent defense and are likely to have a pretty solid offensive line this season.
THE CHANCES OF UMASS MAKING CONF. TITLE GAME
Quite literally, none.
UMass against New Mexico State on October 29, 2022, featuring LB Gerrell Johnson (22) (PHOTO CREDIT: Chris Tucci/UMass Athletics)
THE PREDICTION
The most games that UMass will win is three, but more than likely they will win one game. That one game will be Arkansas State. As a whole, UMass will show some improvement. However, if they don't complete passes, it's not really going to matter much.
