Prediction Time: UMass v. Texas Tech

1. Synopsis: Offense continues to be run-oriented. Crabs has a quieter game with Detron and the elf getting more looks. Defense does well but still gives up too many yards through the air.
2. Offensive MVP: Baron Batch
3. Defensive MVP: Brian Duncan
4. Final Score: Texas Tech 45, UMass 13

To put this game into perspective, a quick check of UMass history shows that it has played two Division I opponents since 2003. In 2003 UMass played K State and last year 2007 UMass played Boston College. In those games, the 6th ranked K State team won 38 to 7 while a twelfth ranked BC team won 24-14.

K-State’s backup QB started for the first time in 5 years in place of the injured first string QB and led his team to victory after a 7-3 early UMass lead.

Boston College, led by NFL QB Matt Ryan, led 17-0 at halftime, and basically goofed off in the second half allowing UMass to cut the lead to 17-14 before scoring the final touchdown late in the third quarter.

In 2007, UMass finished No 6 in the FCS. UMass was pre-season number 8 for 2008 (Eastern Washington was pre-season number 6).

The first obvious comment is “where the heck did Meyers/Leach dig these stiffs up from?”

The second obvious comment is that UMass doesn’t seem to be afraid of the big game.

The third obvious comment is “will the outcome be disappointing if we dont score over 60 points and hold them to less than 20?”

Give ’em hell Red Raiders

PS: First time post from a long time avid reader and fan.

has been lambasted by the media for having these “patsies” lined up for non-conference. They obviously have not done their homework. All of the Div 1-AA teams Tech scheduled have been forces in their own leagues. Many other Div 1-A teams schedule Div-AA teams that are lower tier in Div 1-AA. I don’t think Tech has backed down as much as advertised. Sure, they should blow them all out of the water, but they all have given Tech fits for the first half, into third quarter. I don’t think the score will be as high as Seth says, but we should get into the 50’s this week, with the bulk of Tech’s scoring coming in th 2nd & 4th quarters. best prediction: Tech 56-UMass 17.

After seeing Tech for the first time in person last week vs. SMU, I came away with a sense that things were starting to come together a little more than in previous games. Granted Harrell still wasn’t hitting guys in stride at all, but he wasn’t over throwing everyone, so that’s progress.

I have a good feeling Tech will take this game as a serious tune up for conference and really focus. They know how important it is to enter conference play with a high level of confidence that comes with a complete performance.

Tech 64
UMass 20

UMass-31
Texas Tech-30

I’m terrible at specific predictions like offensive and defensive MVP, so I’m just gonna go with a final score:

Tech: 52
UMass: 20

UMASS is very simular to Eastern Washington. They are a pass dominant team like Eastern Washington and will have generally the same results.

With that said, Tech 53 UMASS 17.

Offense MVP Crabtree
Defense Bird or Williams.