Will this be the cure for the hangover?
A week after a demoralizing loss to Richmond, the Minutemen have a chance to recharge against a Bryant team that shouldn’t pose much of a threat. The Bulldogs are in their first year of Division I football and haven’t exactly been playing top-notch teams this season.
Bryant and UMass both enter the game with 4-3 records, but you can expect the Minutemen to have a chip on their shoulder after watching the Spiders break a 16-game home winning streak at McGuirk.
The Bulldogs have a pretty balanced offensive attack, averaging around 160 yards on the ground and through the air. Leading the charge will likely be Bryant’s two-headed running game – Jerell Smith and Lindsey Gambel – who have more than 1,000 yards rushing this season.
On defense, Bryant has had some trouble in the secondary. The Bulldogs are giving up more than 238 yards per game through the air – as opposed to the 102 per game on the ground. Tomorrow should be a good opportunity for Liam Coen to get out of his funk … if his recent rash of injuries allow it.
If all goes well, we should get a good look at Scott Woodward and maybe even next year’s backup. I’m rooting for Octavious Hawkins – a Florida product with good size and speed.
UMass is the biggest game on Bryant’s schedule this year, and Saturday should be a good learning experience for the Bulldogs. It’s also Band Day in Amherst, so the crowd will be big despite the not-so-flashy opponent.
Bryant coach Marty Fine may have said it best to the Providence Journal.
“This week, I think we’re overmatched.”
My prediction:
- UMass: 45
- Bryant: 14
Posted by bmcgovern 