Revenge

We all know what happened on Saturday – now it’s time to play spoiler.

This weekend, the Minutemen will face UNH and have the chance to put a serious damper on the Wildcats’ playoff hopes. UNH is coming off a loss to Villanova, and need one more win to reach the eight victories needed to qualify for the FCS playoffs.

These will be desperate Minutemen. Their playoff hopes are fading and their only chance to revive them will be a win over UNH.

UMass has losses to Texas Tech, James Madison and Richmond to go with the loss to Maine and will try to get back into the playoff discussion against the Wildcats.

The Minutemen defense had improved in recent weeks, but Maine rolled up 296 yards rushing on them, For its part, the Maine defense held Massachusetts to 311 yards of total offense. Not only that, but the Black Bears intercepted four Liam Coen passes in the game.

If nothing else, I hope UMass plays for pride this weekend and takes down their CAA rivals. The loss to Maine stings a little, but a win over UNH always takes the bite out of a tough loss.

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Hidden somewhere between the pages of UMass athletics – the men’s soccer team won the A-10 regular season title.

Granted, this is a far-off cry from last year’s Final Four run, but it’s still very impressive for the boys to win the conference after a slow start to the season.

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The UMass women’s basketball team pounded Bishop’s University in its exhibition game.

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A little late on this: Gary Forbes was drafted No. 4 overall by the Sioux City Skyforce of the NBA’s Development League.

This is the second time in two years we’ve had a played in the D-League – Stephane Lasme played there last year.

You’re killing me Smalls

Sean Smalls is done for the season.

As reported my several media outlets yesterday, the Minutemen’s senior captain will see his college career end early with a cracked hip bone. Smalls reportedly hurt it on a punt return during the Bryant game.

From the Republican:

“That was disappointing, and disappointing for him as well,” UMass coach Don Brown said. “It doesn’t look good. Obviously it’s a crack in the hip bone so it doesn’t matter how big it is, it’s significant.”

The worst part: He got injured by a damn punter.

“On the punt return I was basically jogging in and the punter clipped my ankles and I just came down on [my hip] wrong,” Smalls said.

Oh, and not just any punter: this punter.

Damn you Brian Donnelly.

Honestly though, why the hell has Smalls been returning punts anyway? Smalls is only averaging about four yards a return and has a long of 14. Why couldn’t UMass have left this up to one of the offensive skills player – like say Victor Cruz.

Now we get to see some of the depth for the Maroon and White’s secondary.

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On other football news: Georgia State has purchased land for its practice facility. GSU is joining the Colonial Athletic Conference in 2010.

The foundation bought the land and a building on the site for about $6.6 million, officials said in a news release.

The athletic association plans to construct an artificial turf football field, a 50-yard grass football field and a coach’s office and locker room complex. An existing structure on the site will be incorporated into Georgia State’s plans, officials said.

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Marnie Dacko spoke at the Atlantic 10 media day, and I guess she has been working with men’s assistant Vance Walberg. It appears she might use his dribble-drive offense next season.

I’ve got to take advantage of his expertise, so I’ve been sitting in all of the men’s practices and learning from Vance. He’s made me a believer in the dribble-drive offense, so we’ll see what happens this year.

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La Salle coach John Giannini is comparing Mississippi transfer Vernon Goodridge to Stephane Lasme.

“He would rank with the best players that I’ve seen in the Atlantic 10. He reminds me of Stephane Lasme [Massachusetts] who was a great player or Pops Mensah-Bonsu [George Washington].”

Good show

Almost two weeks after UMass pissed off (some of) the sporting press at the Celtics game, it made up for it at Alumni Weekend.

Bruce Dowd, a columnist for CAA Today, wrote a column about the UMass/Richmond game, and, even in a loss, UMass came out smelling like roses.

I guess it pays off to feed sportswriters well.

I have to mention that Jason Yellin and his staff at UMass went out of their way to make me feel welcome, especially considering the last-minute notice. They run a first-class operation there. I have been to just about every press box in the CAA and a few FBS ones, too, such as Virginia, Maryland and Navy. Never, and I mean NEVER have I seen a food spread like these guys put out.

Dowd was also impressed with the overall feel of the scene – including the tailgate, which I wouldn’t have believed had I not seen it with my own eyes.

I had a blast again cruising the tailgating and interacting with the fans. I feel sorry for those who don’t know what they are missing when they sit at home on their couches flipping channels. Nothing compares to the atmosphere and smells of a beautiful fall afternoon at a football game.

I must say that UMass has done an excellent job building interest in the football team. My freshman year (2001) you couldn’t pay students to wake up and head down to McGuirk. Now, only seven years later, the place is packed, the parking lot is full, and UMass football games are an event rather than a two hour contest.

Kudos to the Athletic Department and the fans.

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Speaking of football, the Daily Collegian had an article on Bryant’s propensity to blitz.

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The Collegian also had its Hockey East power rankings.

UMass is ranked No. 6.

A nine-day break didn’t slow the Minutemen down against Rensselaer Tuesday night in Troy, N.Y. UMass put up six goals and goaltender Dan Meyers made 24 saves in his first-career shutout following a 40-save effort against North Dakota.

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Ptah Myers, a former standout for the UMass men’s soccer team, was resigned by the Philadelphia Kixx of the MISL.

Myers returns to the KiXX for his fifth season, all with the KiXX, after being signed as a free agent out of UMASS. The Columbus, OH native ranked third on the KiXX in three-point goals (4), two-points goals (15), goals (19), blocks (28), and points (50) during the 2007-08 season. Myers was a member of the U.S. National Futsal Team that competed in the CONCACAF FIFA World Cup in Brazil this summer along with KiXX captain and recent signing Pat Morris.

I tried to figure out Myers’ stat line, but I have no idea what the hell 2PGs and 3PGs are. I’m guessing its two-point goals and three-point goals, but I have no idea. Either way, he has a lot of 2PGs.

Atta boy.

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Ed Pasque has been hired as associate commissioner for governance and external affairs of the Atlantic 10/

Do you hear an Esho, Esho…?

Derek Kellogg picked up a forward from the 2010 class.

Max Esho, from Baltimore, has given a “commitment” to UMass, according to ESPN.

According to Scout, Esho is a three-star recruit and was getting looks from the likes of Providence and Saint Joseph’s. ESPN is also saying that the trim forward has some pretty “raw” basketball abilities.

Esho has some very clear physical potential, although his basketball skills are still very raw. He has very long arms, good size, and athleticism. He can get above the rim easily and run the court with long strides, although his heavy feet make him a slow leaper and limit his lateral quickness.

The NBE Basketball Report had a small writeup on him after a basketball tournament – seems like the kid is going to have to bulk up before he graduates next year.

Esho is a very long big man that can block shots and pick steals, as well as grab most rebounds that come anywhere near him.  He is a pretty tough force in the paint, but could use more strength to create a little more space to make it easier on the glass for him.

Scout has Esho and another skinny big man – Raphiel Putney – as the only two offers UMass has made to the 2010 class. Putney reportedly has “high interest” in UMass and visited in early September. I’m wondering why no one else is going after this kid.

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The Bud Orne Rink, in Marblehead, is going to use “a full set of hockey boards” from the Mullins Center, which were donated via an anonymous donor.

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The Atlantic 10 announced its national television schedule, and UMass is getting a lot of run time.

Bitter Sweet Symphony

That was ugly, unexpected – and awesome.

Courtney Robinson (Courtesy CAAsports.com)

UMass finally played some defense, and its offense virtually disappeared. Well, I guess putting up more than 400 yards isn’t terrible, but the turnovers we’re unacceptable.

Either way, it’s a win against Delaware, and I’ll take it ugly or not.

In all the articles written about this game, one quote seems to get lost. Coach Brown saying he essentially wants another shot at Texas Tech is just awesome coach-speak.

We responded well to the Texas Tech loss and I’d like another shot at them.

Coach, just between me and you, but I’d be just fine if UMass never played the Red Raiders again. I’m pretty sure Kansas State feels the same way after last weekend.

Speaking of excellent quotes, here’s one from the Philadelphia Inquirer:

“We just lost to a better football team today,” Delaware coach K.C. Keeler said. “This was a huge game for both of us, but they showed they were better and came out on top.”

Now there’s Northeastern on the docket, and UMass may very well have its work cut out. The Huskies are actually ranked ahead of the Maroon and White in the CAA, but obviously the season is still very young.

Also, UMass’ Josh Jennings was named one of the conference’s Players of the Week.

As always, check out THE UMass Football Blog for more information on the Maroon and White. Frank has some images up from the Delaware game.

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The UMass hockey team beat down the University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds.

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The Atlantic 10 baseball championships are going to be held at Fifth Third Field in Dayton.

Piglet who?

Liam Coen knows nothing of Winnie the Pooh, Rabbit or Piglet.

Nope, he steered clear of the 100 Acre Woods.

According to an article by The Daily Toreador, Coen told Christopher Robin to shove it en route to football practice.

“One day when we were practicing,” said Tim Coen, who was coaching at South Kingstown High School in Rhode Island at the time, “my assistant comes in and looks down at the chalkboard. Liam had a tight end with a split end, in a wishbone formation. He had it drawn out perfectly. He was four years old.“

The story goes on to say that Coen chose UMass because other FBS schools weren’t recruiting him that hard, and further confirms that he’s the best quarterback in the history of the program. (NOTE: To this day I wonder what Matt Guice could have done if Jeff Krohn never showed up.)

The newspaper also got an excellent quote from Liam about his late mother.

“We understand that we’ve both gone through something pretty difficult,” Liam Coen said. “Him and I aren’t the most emotional when it comes down to that kind of stuff, but we definitely know what we have, and what we had.”

It’s going to be tough when we lose Coen to graduation. I keep forgetting what a great kid we have leading the Minutemen. Hopefully he can showcase his ability against a great FBS team this Saturday.

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The Daily Orange had a story about the Northeastern football program.

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Big signing for LaSalle. The Explorers picked up Aaric Murray, a highly touted big man.

The 6-foot-10 center is the sixth ranked player at his position nationally. There hasn’t been a center ranked that high to commit to a school in the Atlantic 10 since Martin Iti, who committed to Charlotte in 2003.

Sup dog?

Well, before I report on anything else, I’d like to say that I rescued a basset hound from the Boulder Humane Society yesterday.

She is two years old, 50 pounds and incredibly friendly.

I decided to name her “Sammy” – if you can’t see the UMass connection, I’m not sure why you’re reading this blog.

Anyway, UMass has it’s newest four-legged fan.

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The New York Post had an article on Brandon London, and it looks like the UMass alumni is making some bank with the Giants.

It also seems like he’s pretty motivated.

“I’m not settling for the practice squad this year, I told Coach [Tom] Coughlin that, I told [receivers coach Mike] Sullivan that,” London said. “I told ‘em I’m trying to be one of their guys this year, whether it’s special teams or at receiver.”

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Heather Putnam, a former graduate assistant with the UMass women’s rowing team, has been named the varsity assistant coach of Rutgers.

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Dayton head basketball coach Brian Gregory is visiting the troops on the Persian Gulf as part of Operation Hardwood.

I’ll take No. 42

A little under the weather yesterday, so I took the day off work and essentially played MLB The Show until I couldn’t see straight.

It was awesome.

Anyway, there isn’t too much out there today, but I did see that ESPN has UMass ranked the No. 42 most prestigious program in college basketball.

Despite a recent resurgence, this program’s ranking clearly is leaning on its John Calipari-led squads from the mid-1990s. UMass is one of the two schools in our Top 50 with 10 losing seasons. (St. John’s is the other.)

While I have been a Steve Lappas apologist in the past, I have to think his tenure hurt UMass’ rankings overall. The crazy losses to some of the worst teams in the nation – capped off with a 16-win season that ended in the A-10 Tournament – was hard to swallow as a fan and certainly didn’t help UMass’ national image.

However, look at the teams surrounding UMass: LSU, Western Kentucky and Pitt. All of those programs are respectable in their own right, and it’s pretty awesome to see us in that company. Even with the down years, UMass is still considered in the same breath as Big East and SEC schools.

The Atlantic 10 itself hasn’t exactly had the best showing:

Not in the Top 100:

123. George Washington
T-132. La Salle
T-134. Rhode Island
T-148. Saint Louis
T-168. Dayton
T-214. Fordham
T-278. St. Bonaventure
293. Duquesne

In the Top 100 (besides UMass):

T-57. Saint Joseph’s
T-65. Richmond
73. Charlotte

I’m interested to see where Temple goes… ESPN did its No. 31-40 list, and the Owls weren’t on there.

Dunphy extended

Fran Dunphy, head coach of the Temple Owls, has had his contract extended to the 2013-14 season.

From the Sports Network:

“We knew when we hired Fran Dunphy two years ago that he was the right man to lead Temple basketball,” said Director of Athletics Bill Bradshaw. “Now I am even more pleased to be able to tell the Temple community that he will be leading the program for at least the next six years. We could not have a better person, nor a better coach, at the helm.”

Dunphy led the Owls to the NCAA Tournament, where they lost to Michigan State in the first round.

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Megan Zullo is transferring from N.C. State to UMass.

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Richmond’s head football coach will wear a mic during the upcoming football season.

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This is so random.

 

‘I don’t want to…’

As most of you have heard by now, UMass will play Memphis and former coach John Calipari this season.

The game will be held on Nov. 17 at the FedEx Forum.

However, while reading about it in this article from Memphis’ Commercial Appeal, it appears that Coach Cal isn’t too excited about coming to Boston for a return game next year:

This all started with the idea of playing UMass, where Calipari coached for eight seasons. With Kellogg taking over this season after coaching at Memphis for the past eight years, it was apparently a juicy enough matchup for ESPN to pick it up and set a Nov. 17 date at FedExForum. The Tigers will play UMass next season in Boston.

“I don’t want to, but I know how good it would be for Derek,” Calipari said.

The article doesn’t really get into this quote much – it just sort of floats on the coat tails of that paragraph. Does this mean that Cal doesn’t want to have the return game, and he’s simply doing it to help a former colleague?

It’s good that Cal takes care of his own, but my very next question would be: “Why?” Why don’t you want to? Is it because of strength of schedule, travel costs, the concern of losing to UMass on the road … why?

Perhaps I’m reading into the quote a little too much, but then again it’s hard to give a firm analysis when a statement is buried like that. Of course a Memphis paper doesn’t have to appeal to UMass readership, but that doesn’t stop me from wondering … why?

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The Idaho Pres-Tribune had an excellent article defending the hire of Bob Behler.

After it was announced that he was going to be the voice of Boise State, a portion of the Broncos’ faithful were a little upset and confused with the hire. This column essentially tells them to relax:

It’s pretty clear that Behler is more than qualified to take over for Paul J. And although he’s been calling games for a FCS (formerly I-AA) team, that team just also happens to be in a pretty good basketball conference, the Atlantic 10.

If you think Behler is going to be intimidated heading north to the Palouse to call a game in the Kibbie Dome, think again. After all, he’s called games in Madison Square Garden.

Again, Boise State just acquired a great talent – I’m sure they’ll realize it sooner than later.