2023 Game 2: at Auburn

[Juice Stand]

I'm in the camp that thinks that while Puma's injury was a blow to the team, it is not even close to the reason why we lost so many games early on. Carlos Davis came in and played pretty darn well, and I think he deserves some respect for his performances. 61.4% completion, 6TD to 3int and 886 yards through basically 3 games (played mop up vs Auburn and I think left early with an injury against New Mexico). Davis was good, the secondary and penalties have been the problem.

But I really don't want to dwell on problems with this team right now, best record we've had in years and a chance to win a 4th game against rival UConn.

[Steve81]

I'm in the camp that thinks that while Puma's injury was a blow to the team, it is not even close to the reason why we lost so many games early on. Carlos Davis came in and played pretty darn well, and I think he deserves some respect for his performances. 61.4% completion, 6TD to 3int and 886 yards through basically 3 games (played mop up vs Auburn and I think left early with an injury against New Mexico). Davis was good, the secondary and penalties have been the problem.

But I really don't want to dwell on problems with this team right now, best record we've had in years and a chance to win a 4th game against rival UConn.

The secondary was another major factor and playing everyone, at timea the 3rd string out of necessity.

[Floyd]

I'm in the camp that thinks the season plays out a bit differently if he isn't injured vs Auburn, but I'm not going to dwell on it... these things happen.

Yup. I think 6 wins was a possibility if he was healthy all year. And I also think Davis played well until he got hurt. Secondary had a tough season, lots of injuries and no continuity.
With all that said, this team was light years ahead of anything Bell put on the field

[inthescoop]

I'm in the camp that thinks the season plays out a bit differently if he isn't injured vs Auburn, but I'm not going to dwell on it... these things happen.

Yup. I think 6 wins was a possibility if he was healthy all year. And I also think Davis played well until he got hurt. Secondary had a tough season, lots of injuries and no continuity.
With all that said, this team was light years ahead of anything Bell put on the field

3 extra wins from right now if Puma never got injured?? Oh come on!

[69MG]

^ Maybe not 3, but I think 2 more is fairly realistic. Eastern Mich., where Davis passed for a lot of yards but his lack of running ability and 3 interceptions killed us and New Mexico.

[Floyd]

And UConn. Total of 6 wins

[inthescoop]

And UConn. Total of 6 wins

Well, Puma is playing against UConn. So, if we lose are we going to say it was because he played hurt?

[InnervisionsUMASS]

Well, Puma is playing against UConn. So, if we lose are we going to say it was because he played hurt?

Based off of watching him all season, do you believe he is healthy? Based on everything I've seen, he can't run. That was what made him very successful in Game #1, and what has lacked since... compounded by the fact that the offensive scheme is geared towards a mobile QB.


I (still) think it is fair to venture a guess that the season might have played out a bit differently had he not gotten injured. But, we'll never know and at this point are still looking at a much more successful season than any in the last few years. So, it is what it is.

[Floyd]

And UConn. Total of 6 wins

Well, Puma is playing against UConn. So, if we lose are we going to say it was because he played hurt?

Depends how he plays. If he has a big game and they win, could a 6 win season have been possible? I think it could have been.

[stevemaz]

So, yesterday Auburn gagged game away vs Alabama.. So let me get this straight.. a healthy Puma led team beat New Mexico St on the road. New Mexico St then beat Auburn on the road handily. Yes, it is true.. a healthy Puma led UMass squad could beat Bama at home..