Massachusetts Minutemen Preview

NOTE: This piece never posted before the game but I put it out here anyway.  As usual I was pretty far off, except the part about the defensive line sucking, especially since this team is turning out to be closer to the worst case end of the pre-season possibility spectrum.

The Colorado Buffaloes are coming off a disheartening loss that they definitely could have won, if they had stuck to the game plan and not gotten overly conservative.  Massachusetts is barely a FBS (D-1) team and has gone 1-11 the past two seasons.  Under new and old coach Mark Whipple, they hope to regain some of the magic that got them promoted in the first place.  They do not have a ton of talent, but will be the home team as the Buffs make their longest non-Hawaii road trip ever.  There is no TV but it will be on the radio, Watch ESPN on the computer (likely putting the new 21’ Apple to work) and through the UMass site (but not sure how that works).

§  Line: CU actually opened as 17 point favorite, which makes me believe that UMass is really bad and even BC, who beat them 30-7 can’t be that great.

§  Depth Chart moves/Burn the Redshirt: No major news on the depth chart, except that WR Shay Fields and DE Christian Shaver were officially listed as starters.  Only one other true frosh played in the first game (S Evan White), but I have to think we will see more in the coming weeks, especially along the defensive line.  I would expect at least Michael Mathewes to play this week, if not Eddy Lopez and Jase Franke as well.

§  Injuries: DE Markeis Reed is still out (hernia); DBs Akhello Witherspoon (back) and Marques Mosley (lower leg-maybe a hockey injury?) are still nursing nagging camp tweaks.  Michael Adkins (ankle) is expected to play.

When the Buffs have the ball:

§  There is not a lot written about this defense, but they held tough in the first half, before giving away in the second, against Boston College last week.  From everything I can dig up, the Buffs really shouldn’t have much trouble moving the ball and scoring points, which is why they are 17 point favorites on the road.

§  Again, against what should be an inferior opponent, the Buffs will likely work to establish the run and build some confidence, especially with the o-line.  Adkins is banged up but they will rotate all the guys I am sure.  I would like to see more of Phillip Lindsay in better situations (his only real touches were one goal line carry straight into the wall and a failed reverse that was easily sniffed out).

§  Sefo showed some solid poise and nice chemistry with at least Nelson Spruce and Shay Fields, and even TE Sean Irwin.  However, it was difficult to get anyone else involved, overthrowing DD Goodson a few times and not really getting anyone else involved.  I’d like to see what Shay can do with something besides a bubble screen and if he or Bobo (who hardly played-is his shoulder still bothering him?) can get over the top.  I am not surprised, but it is disappointing that Kyle Slavin has never been able to do anything (he is also the last of four touted TEs recruited that year, none of whom ever really contributed).

§  The offensive line did not give up any sacks, but a lot of that credit goes to Sefo, who scrambled, dodged, ran and took a few big hits still.  Nembot looked worse than ever on pass protection once the rams figured him out and I wonder if he can withstand Pac12 pressure. I wonder if we will see any of Marc Mustoe or Shane Callahan getting some RT reps.  As a whole, the line did not do a whole lot to help out the running backs last week, but they should have a much easier time of it this week.

When the Minutemen have the ball:

§  QB Blake Frohnapfel transferred from Marshall and immediately upgraded their talent on offense.  His favorite target will be Tajae Sharpe, who had a 70 yard TD for their only score against BC last week. Jamal Wilson is the starter at RB, but true frosh JT Blyden showed some flash last week and I would expect them to use him more this week.  However, they do not appear to boast a great offensive line and even the young Buffs up front might have a chance to do something.  Hopefully, they can plug the holes a little better against a smaller, less talented line, and get a couple of sacks.  LB Addison Gillam should have a field day here and pad his tackle stats.

§  The secondary played relatively well, limiting the receivers and Grayson without a ton of help from the pass rush. Crawley had some moments reminiscent of his past, but was solid outside of those handful of plays.  Chido Awuzie was steady if not spectacular in his first work at safety and will only get better at reading the offense from there and anticipating what is going to happen.  John Walker was the nickel and was on the field a lot (Witherspoon and Mosley nursing injuries) but didn't make any big mistakes. Henderson actually got beat on one of the TDs.  There should be less of a challenge here, but they have to make sure they don’t get beat by Sharpe, and then don’t get beat by someone else while concentrating on him.  They should get their first pick of the season here as well.  If things go well, we should see, er hear about, Evan White getting to play some substantial time at safety in the second half. Or not.

Special Teams:

§   Darragh O’Neill may very well be the MVP again, but the kicker position is much less solid as Wil Oliver missed a 41-yard FG (money inside 40, but sporadic outside of it) and could not get kickoffs out of the endzone.  Even Diego Gonzalez got a chance and couldn’t do any better.  Nelson Spruce was solid catching and returning punts.  Phillip Lindsay didn’t really get a chance to return and kickoffs since csu does have a kicker that can kick the ball out of the endzone, but he should get a shot or two this week.  It would best if he only got one, but I believe the D will give up a few scores.  The Buffs should have a huge talent edge here, plus they have a dedicated coach, but the possibility of a big return gives me some concern.

§  Overall, it doesn’t seem possible that they could lose this game, a lot of shoulds, but regardless I am worried.  They will come out with win, but I think it will be difficult to cover 17 points on the road, Buffs 34 UMass 20.

§  If  you need some more:

Stuart’s TIPS:  http://www.cuatthegame.com/2014/cu-at-umass-a-preview/

Rumblin’ Preview: http://rumblinbuff.blogspot.com/2014/09/2014-umass-football-preview.html

Plati’s CU Game Notes: http://www.cubuffs.com/fls/600/gameday/umass14/cunotes.pdf?DB_OEM_ID=600