Independent Football Teams - 2021 Massachusetts Minutemen Preview
Our Massachusetts Minutemen preview 2021 finds that this season we expect more of the same from UMass. Last year, in a truncated four-game season, they were 0-4. In the past five seasons, the Minutemen have won 11 games and lost 41. In that time, their best seasons were in 2017 and 2018 when they went 4-8 each season. Last year, the Minutemen averaged 3.0 PPG (127th) and allowed opponents 40.2 PPG. On offense, they averaged 187.5 YPG (127th). The defense gave up 482.0 YPG (118th), including 273.5 YPG on the ground, which ranked 126th.
Massachusetts Offense
In the last two seasons, UMass has used seven different signal callers. Providing stability in this area is essential. Former four-star recruit Tyler Lytle will attempt to do just that. Lytle, a Colorado transfer, has the size and arm to get the ball to his receivers. Rico Arnold, a transfer from Charlotte and a Conference USA All-Rookie selection, offers an upgrade in the receiving ranks. Sophomore Jermaine Johnson returns after recording 14 receptions for 96 yards in four games last season.
After playing two seasons at Rutgers, running back Kay’Ron Adams comes to the Minutemen. Senior Ellis Merriweather returns. He’ll be the second man in. The line loses tackle Larnel Coleman to the NFL. It’s hoped that North Texas transfer tackle Brian Parish can help this unit. So much of the offense’s success depends on this O-line that sees three starters come back.
Massachusetts Minutemen Preview 2021 - Defense
The frontline sees three starters return. Senior defensive end Avien Peah offers experience and solid penetration skills. He can stop the run and hassle quarterbacks. Sophomore Billy Wooden, who plays the other end, and junior Taishan Holmes, who’ll be NT, have potential. There’s depth behind them.
The linebacking unit includes Uchenna Ezewike. He’s got solid QB pursuit and run-stopping chops. The secondary receives an upgrade as two transfers arrive. Corner Bryce Watts and nickel corner Bryson Richardson, both formerly with North Carolina, offer solid experience. Junior Noah Boykins starts at the other corner while Donte Lindsey and Te’Rai Powell start at strong safety and free safety respectively. All three have starting experience.
Specialists
We expect to see Powell returning kicks and Johnson punts. Jeremy Martin, who brings solid skills, will be the placekicker. Our Massachusetts Minutemen preview 2021 notes the junior George Georgopoulos returns to punt after averaging 41.9 YPP.
Massachusetts Minutemen Preview 2021 - Projection
Our Massachusetts Minutemen preview 2021 finds that if this team can put a reliable quarterback on the field, and its offensive line can get the job done, they’ll have a shot at scoring some points. At the same time, Massachusetts needs its D-line to raise the bar. Overall, the units on both sides of the ball must gel. In his first two seasons at UMass and as a head coach, Walt Williams is 1-15. Three wins would be progress. Four are unlikely but possible.
Independent Football Teams - Massachusetts Minutemen 2021 - Predictions:
Record: 3-9
No Bowl Berth