Can you still have a “get-right game” when you have yet to lose? You can debate that all you want to yourself, my point is that UMass has been very bad for their entire FBS tenure and they’re going through
a hard reset with a new head coach and it’s going about as well as you’d think it would.
With a hobbled left tackle on the mend and a secondary looking for a band-aid to put on their wounded pride, hosting THE worst FBS team in the country – as in 136th out of 136 – is a nice opportunity to build up some confidence heading into a Bye Week and let some backups make some cameos.
But just in case UMass comes out with the intent and ability to win, let’s break down the matchups:
When Missouri Has the Ball
Not only is UMass the 136th-ranked team of the 136 team FBS roster, their defense ALSO ranks 136th in the nation (according to SP+).
In fact, if you were to incorporate FCS, D-II, and D-III teams into the SP+ ranking, Central Arkansas’ defense would rank higher than UMass’ defense.
Yikes.
So what are the goals here?
Don’t get injured
I’m looking at you, Beau. And Ahmad. And Jamal. And Kevin. And…yeah just about everybody. No. Getting. Hurt. Not allowed. Don’t even think about it! In fact, the goal is set at zero injuries as a result of this game.
Let the backups play
It’s not really in Eli Drinkwitz’s nature to sprint out to a huge lead as fast as possible. Typically he encourages his coordinators to just play it safe and demonstrate execution over some huge display of athletic superiority. But still, this game should be well out of hand by the second quarter so the goal is to start seeing Matt Zollers and his backup friends by the 3rd Quarter.
Finish your dang drives (with a field goal)
Yes, get your touchdowns. Yes, let Hardy overpower some fools for a touchdown. Yes, let Beau hit Kevin for a streaker down the sideline. But let’s get Big Shot Bob/Big Ball Bobby/Bobby Boots/Robby Meyer some in-game kicks from distance and from hashmarks that he doesn’t like. I’d want to see at least three field goals attempted in this game.
When Massachusetts Has the Ball
Look…you can point to the 127th-ranked offense and complain that they can’t run the ball (117th) or pass the ball (114th) or reliably finish drives (133rd) or even cover the spread (yet to do it this year!). But! They rarely commit penalties and they do a good job of limiting turnovers. I know that sounds like a snarky, backhanded compliment, but when you’re rebuilding a terrible team that’s a good place to start. Discipline. Discipline!
Limit the Explosive Plays
UMass ranks 116th in explosive plays generated and 97th in the amount of yards their explosive plays go. Missouri ranks 96th in explosive plays allowed and 97th in the amount of yards an explosive plays goes against them. Movable object, meet resistible force. If UMass is ripping 20+ yard heaters against this defense then you know that it’s going to be a pain point that’ll get this defense cooked for the rest of the year. But if it is simply a communication issue then I’d expect a week of yelling and studying and drilling should fix it up against this team. While I’m also going to look at near-miss explosive plays (particularly in the air), I’m setting the goal at 5 or fewer explosive plays allowed.
Stop their dang drives
Missouri currently ranks 112th in points per scoring opportunity allowed, with 5 points allowed per trip which ranks 112th in the nation. UMass ranks 133rd in points per scoring opportunity gained. Let’s shoot for 4 scoring opportunities allowed with 3 points or fewer allowed per trip (12 points).
Also! I’ve looked at that picture above several times and just now realized Zion Young is giving the finger to…somebody. Or nobody in particular. I don’t know. It rules.
Conclusion
UMass is not a good FBS team and should be treated as such. Let’s make this Saturday a nice, easy, luxurious viewing of your favorite football team stomping the daylights out of an overmatched foe.
