2024 Game 1: vs. Eastern Michigan

[Jack]

Thanks for the reminder that it took about 9 hrs to finish the Redhawks game last year. Kickoff was scheduled for 3:30 the 1st delay lasted until about 5:45...I left after the 2d delay 6:00 and still easily made it home to watch the rest of the game on tv. Did it ever even rain in Amherst? Hopefully we can avoid a repeat against the Eagles in 10 days. Looking forward to seeing a revamped offense under Shane Montgomery, an improved OL and a healthy Taisun. Let's Go !!

[stevemaz]

Fired up. Way more excited for UMass Football than the Pats this year. I think we can win 4-5 games this season. Let's get off to a good start. Eastern Michigan is a solid middle of the pack MAC team, going to be a tough game. Let's get revenge for last year's heartbreaking loss in Ypsilanti.

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!! the Pats will be terrible for years to come and I think western mass sports fans will be jumping on the UMass bandwagon as early as this year.. This first game is huge..

[ZooMass84]

An obvious key for game one, and onward, will be the dual threat capability of Phomna (Puma?)….. when he was healthy last year, he was much more effective when he was a threat to run; after he got hurt, he was a completely different player, understandably so. If he’s back to 100%, and isn’t afraid to take off, things could be interesting.

Hopefully they’re smart about keeping him and other key players healthy in the “ Pay for Play” games! I know I’m really looking forward to Opening Day…. let’s hope the weather cooperates and we’re not booted out before kick off (like last year)

Puma was electric vs NMSU. Running for TD and throwing as well. If we get that Puma vs EMU, we will win handily. If not,..............

[Quann]

I'm excited about a healthy Puma. Might have dial back some of the qb sneaks to save his body. Also, bench him for the Mizzou and UGA games!

[69MG]

Quann, that's not as far-fetched as it seems. I want Puma healthy for UConn, the game after Georgia. I don't think we can sit him at home against Missouri, but it's not a terrible idea.

[Juice Stand]

^ I don't see it happening. If he's healthy and ready to go, he plays. Don Brown is old school and will play his players. Missouri at home, your QB1 has to play, otherwise you're telling your team and your home crowd that you're conceding the game. We also have bye weeks following Missouri and Miss St so Don will have a chance to rest his players after those first two SEC games.

Georgia on the other hand, that's at their place, towards the end of the season, and if we're getting blown out in the first half, I could see him resting Puma in the 2nd.

[Floyd]

Yeah, I don't think that would go over well with a healthy Puma. These kids want to play in these big games against big time talent. Can't expect him to be happy with sitting a couple out so he doesn't get injured. If they're getting blown out I could see shutting him down earlier but not sitting them out.

[Jack]

Can we keep this thread about EMU instead of speculating about who might start against Georgia between the hedges in late November?

[InnervisionsUMASS]

I'm excited about a healthy Puma. Might have dial back some of the qb sneaks to save his body. Also, bench him for the Mizzou and UGA games!

LOL, I get the joke but yeah, no... if he's healthy, he's starting, as he should. Besides, you can't sit him against Missouri when we'll be 6-0 going into the game.

[Quann]

It was a little tongue in cheek but I’d seriously consider it for the UGA game. I want him 100% or close to it for UConn.

[InnervisionsUMASS]

Just about a week away, can't wait! Who will be going?

[Quann]

I will be watching on my phone from an all day soccer tourney

[umassbaseball]

Just about a week away, can't wait! Who will be going?

Season tickets back for a second year in Section 6. Couldn't be more excited

[RagingCager]

We’ll be there…. Looking forward to the pregame festivities and a competitive Div 1A football game. Let’s hope and pray the lightning stays more than 8 miles away, and some students make it to the game!

[RagingCager]

I’m happy to see the forum back up, but what happened to all the posts after game 1? I believe there was at least 5 pages when the site went down, and of course they weren’t very complimentary of the opening day performance.