#18 UMass Hosts #4 UNH On Homecoming

#18/20 UMASS (3-2, 1-1) vs. #4/4 UNH (5-0, 2-0)
Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009  3:30 p.m. ET
McGuirk Stadium, Amherst, Mass. (17,000/FieldTurf)
TV: Comcast SportsNet NE, Phila (Jeff Rickard & Bob Norton)
Streaming Audio & Gametracker: UMassAthletics.com
WRNX (100.9 FM); WCRN (830 AM), WATD (95.9 FM), WBIX (1060 AM)

#18 UMass Hosts #4 UNH On Homecoming, Saturday
 What many call the best rivalry in New England college football will renew on Saturday at 3:30 p.m., as the No. 18 UMass Minutemen host the No. 4 New Hampshire Wildcats. The homecoming game will be televised on Comcast SportsNet New England and CSN Philadelphia. Jeff Rickard and Bob Norton call the action. The game pits the 3-2 Minutemen against the 5-0 Wildcats.

 The last time UMass faced an opponent at home that was undefeated with at least five wins was in 2002, when a 6-0 #2 Maine team came to Amherst -- also on homecoming -- and the Minutemen handed the Black Bears a 20-10 loss.

 UMass has had great success against Top 5 teams in recent history. The Minutemen stand 6-4 in their last 10 games against the nation's top-five ranked teams. The Minutemen's last win over a Top 5 team came in the 2006 NCAA Semifinals, when No. 3 UMass beat No. 2 Montana, 19-17, in Missoula. Since 2002, UMass has six wins over Top 5 teams starting with that win at Montana. The Minutemen also beat No. 4 James Madison (10-7 in 2005), No. 4 Colgate (30-20 in 2004), No. 2 Villanova (19-14 in 2003), No. 4 Villanova (17-16 in 2002) and No. 2 Maine (20-10 in 2002). Dating to 1998, UMass is 8-7 in games vs. Top 5 teams.

 This marks the first visit by a Top 5 opponent to McGuirk Stadium since 2005 when then-No. 4 New Hampshire came to Amherst and beat No. 7 UMass, 34-28 on Oct. 29. Since 2002, UMass is 4-2 at home against Top 5 games winning four times from 2002-05.

 With a match-up against No. 4 UNH this week and a game at current No. 1 Richmond next week in Virginia, the Minutemen could be playing teams ranked in the Top 5 in back-to-back weeks for the first time since 2002 when UMass knocked off No. 2 Maine and No. 4 Villanova on Oct. 12 and 19 in consecutive weeks.

 UMass comes off a tough 43-27 loss at Delaware, marking the Minutemen's first conference loss of the season. The Minutemen rallied back outscoring the Blue Hens, 21-6 in the fourth quarter with three passing touchdowns. Kyle Havens threw for 275 yards on 24-of-36. Victor Cruz had his fifth-career 100-yard receiving game with 118 yards on eight catches. Havens is second in the CAA in total offense with 246 yards per game. Cruz leads the league in receiving yards per game (80.0).

Radio Broadcast Information
 Saturday's game will be available with streaming video, audio and gametracker on UMassAthletics.com. Fans can listen to the UMass Sports Network carrying the game statewide with "Voice of the Minutemen" Josh Maurer calling the action and former Minutemen Matt Goldstein and Rene Ingoglia on the color commentary. The pregame show begins at 3 p.m. on WRNX (100.9 FM) in Western Massachusetts, the flagship of the network. WBIX (1060 AM) will join the game at 5 p.m., while WCRN (830 AM) reaches Central Mass and WATD (95.9 FM) hits the South Shore. The game can also be heard live online at UMassAthletics.com.

The Series: UMass vs. New Hampshire
 UMass holds a 42-26-3 lead in the all-time series against New Hampshire after winning three of the last four games. UNH ended a three-game skid with a 52-21 win in Durham last season on Nov. 15.

 Here's a look at some recent memorable games in the series making it one of New England's best.

 In the last game at McGuirk Stadium, UMass easily handled UNH 27-7 in Amherst on Nov. 10, 2007. Back in 2006, UMass won both games against the Wildcats: a 28-20 win at Durham during the regular-season on Nov. 4, 2006 and 24-17 in the NCAA Quarterfinals in Amherst on Dec. 4, 2006. That game marked the first sellout crowd at McGuirk Stadium since 1973.

 In 2007, UMass claimed the first CAA North title as senior Matt Lawrence rushed for 139 yards and two touchdowns while Liam Coen became UMass' career passing yardage leader as the Minutemen celebrated Senior Day with a 27-7 win over rival New Hampshire. The defense was stellar as it posted eight sacks and limited UNH's Walter Payton Award winner Ricky Santos to just 221 passing yards.

 Back in 2006, the Minutemen captured the last regular-season meeting in Durham, 28-20. Defensive end John Hatchell batted down a lateral pitch by UNH quarterback Ricky Santos in the final seconds to secure the win. John's brother junior linebacker Jason Hatchell was honored with the Bill Knight Trophy as the game's MVP after he had a career-high 18 tackles.

 In the 2006 NCAA Quarterfinal, it was a virtual repeat of the waning seconds in the regular-season meeting between the rivals, Jason Hatchell batted down a fourth-and-one pass by UNH's Ricky Santos, intended for Keith LaVan, to ensure the victory of the for the Minutemen, 24-17. Steve Baylark romped for 198 yards - his second-highest rushing total - to pace the UMass offensive attack. His 60-yard burst in the first quarter set up his only touchdown of the day. Brad Anderson intercepted Ricky Santos with 13:30 left in the fourth quarter and returned the ball 31 yards to the UNH 14-yard line which set up Chris Koepplin's 33-yard field goal with 11:08 left in regulation.

 UNH posted its last at UMass win, with a 34-28 win at then-No. 7 UMass on Oct. 29, 2005. Back in 2004, UMass posted a 38-21 upset win over then-No. 7 UNH.

 The Minutemen stand at 22-11-1 against UNH in Amherst and 15-7 all-time in McGuirk Stadium.

 The series with UNH is the longest dated active series as the teams first played back in 1897. UMass posted a 10-4 win on Oct. 2, 1897. The conference foes have played every season since 1952.

 UMass has played 71 games, the tied for the second-most games of any opponent (UConn), against New Hampshire with only more games against Rhode Island (84). The 42 wins against UNH is the second-most of any opponent with only more (47), coming against Rhode Island.

 Head coach Kevin Morris is facing UNH as a head coach for the first time, but has been a part of staffs at UMass and Northeastern that have compiled a 6-3 record against the Wildcats since 2000. UNH coach Sean McDonnell is 5-6 vs. UMass over his 11 years.

The Bill Knight Trophy
 The Most Outstanding Player in the University of New Hampshire-Massachusetts football game receives the Annual Bill Knight Trophy. Last season, New Hampshire's Matt Parent recorded six tackles, two fumble recoveries and a 100-yard interception return for a touchdown to become the third defensive player to be honored.

 The award is named after Bill Knight, the long-time Sports Information Director at New Hampshire. Knight passed away in November of 1985 following a long bout with cancer. In addition to his duties at UNH, Knight was a past President of the New England Sports Information Directors Association, a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee at the 1984 Winter Games and a recipient of the Irving T. Marsh ECAC Service Bureau Award. He also served as the Information Officer of the Yankee Conference. Knight was inducted into the UNH 100 Club Hall of Fame on Oct. 2, 1987.

 In 2007, the trophy was awarded for the 21st time to UMass tailback Matt Lawrence after he ran for 139 yards and two touchdowns. Three seasons ago, the trophy was awarded to UMass linebacker Jason Hatchell. He was just the second defensive winner of the game, making a career-high 18 tackles.

 In 2005, UNH's David Ball won the award after he had four receiving TDs and gaining 199 yards through the air. In 2004, Steve Baylark was honored with the award. In 2003, Jason Peebler captured the award as he caught five passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns. UNH's Stephan Lewis won the award the previous three seasons -- becoming the first player to win it three times. In addition to Baylark and Peebler, other UMass winners were: Tim Bryant (1986), Dave Palazzi (1988), Gary Wilkos (1989), John Johnson (1993), Marcel Shipp (1998) and Adrian Zullo (1999).

Quick Hits
 Over the last decade, UMass is the CAA's winningest program with a mark of 83-44 for a league-best 65.7 win percentage. New Hampshire is fifth on the list in both wins (75) and win percentage (59.9).

 The Minutemen have won four of the last 10 CAA titles while UNH has one.

 UMass has shown to be one of the most well-rounded teams on both sides of the ball. The Minutemen lead the CAA in total offense with 407 yards per game, which ranks 20th nationally.

 The passing offense is first in the league going for 260 yards per game and the rushing offense is fifth in the CAA gaining 147 yards per game.

 UMass has scored 32.4 points per game, second in the league to UNH (35.2).

 On the defensive side of the ball, UMass has allowed just 19.6 points per game, sixth in the CAA. UNH leads at 15.0 point allowed per game.

 The total defense allowed is fifth in the CAA giving up just 304 yards per game while the Wildcats are No. 1 at 238.4.

 The pass efficiency defense is second in the CAA at 117.5. UNH leads with a mark of 82.6.

 UMass has still yet to allow a touchdown in the fourth quarter this season, outscoring foes 54-6. The last teams to score a fourth-quarter TD vs. UMass was New Hampshire last season.

 Until the game at Delaware, the fifth of the year, UMass not allow a point in the fourth quarter.

 The Minutemen have shutout opponents in 11 of 20 quarters this year with the defense allowing touchdowns in just six of the 20 quarters.

 Prior to the game at Delaware, UMass had not allowed an offensive touchdown in the second half this season, spanning four games.

UMass Football History Thumbnail
 This is the 127th season of UMass football. UMass has an all-time record of 543-511-51 (.515) in 1,104 all-time games. The Minutemen have won two of the last three conference championships (2006 and 2007). Last year, UMass posted its seventh winning season in a row with a 7-5 record. Over the last seven years, UMass has made three NCAA Tournament appearances. In 2007, UMass went 10-3, going 7-1 in the inaugural season of the CAA.

 UMass has the winningest program in the CAA over the last decade, since 1998. UMass has a 83-44 record with a 65.7 win percentage.

 The Minutemen have won 22 conference championships the last two coming in 2007 and 2008. All-time UMass has eight NCAA Tournament appearances winning the 1998 title and also playing in the championship game in 2006 and 1978.  UMass has three current NFL players: former linebacker Jeremy Cain (UMass 2000-03) with the Jacksonville Jaguars as a long snapper, safety James Ihedigbo (UMass 2003-06) with the New York Jets, running back Matt Lawrence (2005-07) with the Baltimore Ravens.

UMass In The Polls
 UMass, ranked No. 12 this week by the Sports Network, has been ranked in the FCS Top 25 for 60 of the last 61 weeks. The last regular-season week of 2008 marked the first time since the first week of the 2005 season that UMass was not ranked. The Minutemen were just one of five programs in the nation to have been ranked every week since that point (Montana, New Hampshire, Northern Iowa and Southern Illinois).

UMass Dominating FCS & CAA Foes
 UMass has a 33-8 record since the start of 2006, in games against FCS teams for a 80.5 win percentage. UMass was 7-5 last season overall and 7-4 vs. FCS teams. The Minutemen finished 2007 at 10-3 overall, 10-2 vs. FCS opponents. Prior to the loss at Rhode Island on Nov. 3, 2007, UMass had won 17 games in a row against FCS teams in regular-season games from 2006 through 2008.

 Overall since the 2006 opener, UMass is 33-11 overall, with four losses to FBS teams (Navy, Boston College, Texas Tech and Kansas State).

 The Minutemen are 20-6 in conference games over the last three seasons (76.9 win percentage). The Minutemen finished at 7-1 in the CAA in 2007 and were undefeated in league in 13 games in a row prior to a loss to Rhode Island on Nov. 3, 2007. UMass went 8-0 in conference in 2006 (becoming the first undefeated team in league since Villanova in 1997).

McGuirk Magic
 UMass has been tough to beat in the friendly confines of McGuirk Alumni Stadium. The Minutemen have won 22 of their last 24 at home, dating to 2006 for a 91.7 percent win mark.

 The Maroon & White opened 2009 season with three convincing wins: 44-7 over Albany (9/12), 30-10 over Rhode Island (9/19) and 44-17 over Stony Brook (9/26).

 UMass went undefeated at home in 2006 (8-0) and 2007 (6-0) before a 4-2 mark last season. Before losing at home to Richmond (10/18/08), UMass' 16-game home winning streak was the second-longest in FCS as only San Diego (28) had a longer one. In all of Division I football, it was tied for the third-longest streak, also behind Oklahoma (21).

 Since the start of the 1998 season, the Minutemen have gone 57-13 (.813) at home over the last 12 years, improving their all-time record at McGuirk to 163-74-2 (.688).

 Since Kevin Morris came to UMass with the majority of the coaching staff in 2004, UMass is 28-5 at home, 84.8 win mark. Since 2003, UMass is 35-5 at home (87.5).

UMass Turns To Havens
 Junior Kyle Havens has taken over as the starting signal-caller after the graduation of all-time great Liam Coen. Coen finished at UMass as the all-time leading passer in every category. Coen is first in career yards (11,031), attempts (1,303), completions (830), completion percentage (63.9), passing efficiency (152.92), yards per attempt (8.47) and touchdowns (90). Havens was named the starter on Aug. 29 after competing with senior Scott Woodward and sophomore Octavious Hawkins.

 In first five starts at UMass, Havens has thrown for 1,249 yards and seven touchdowns and completed 56 percent (88-of-156).He ranks second in the CAA in total offense (246.0) and eighth in passing efficiency (129.5).

 Havens has been strong over the last four games and earned numerous honors after his big game against Rhode Island (9/19). Over the last four games, Havens has completed 78-of-122 (64 percent) for 1,147 yards (287 per game) and six touchdowns.

 In UMass' three wins, he has completed 54-of-86 (63 percent) for 872 yards and four touchdowns. Versus URI, he threw for 329 yards on 22-of-30 and two TDs. Was 15-of-17 for 206 in the first half alone. That performance earned him the New England Gold Helmet as the region's top player, CAA Offensive Player of the Week and UMass Athlete of the Week.

 Havens had a great game in his home debut against Albany (9/12) as he threw for 284 yards on 20-of-32 with two touchdowns. Havens hit Victor Cruz for two scores including a 67-yard bomb. In his debut Havens threw for 102 yards with a touchdown to Andrew Krevis.

 Havens was a star quarterback at Diablo Valley College in California for the past two seasons as he was named to the NorCal All-Conference team. Havens was named an Academic All-American after throwing for 301.7 yards per game along with 27 TDs and 13 interceptions last year. His team averaged 425 yards of offense per game and 36 points per game.

Nelson Carries The Load Again
 UMass continues to produce 1,000-yard rushers as Walter Payton Award candidate Tony Nelson returns for his second season as the primary back for the Minutemen. Last year, Nelson was an All-CAA First Team Selection gaining 1,325 yards and 12 touchdowns. UMass has had a 1,000-yard rusher for seven years in a row with R.J. Cobbs in 2002, Steve Baylark from 2003-06 and Matt Lawrence in 2007.

 Nelson has moved to sixth in career rushing yards with 2,419 yards. He passed Jerome Bledsoe (2,216) with 77 yards against Albany (9/12). He passed Kevin Smellie (2,148) at Kansas State with his 107. With another 1,000-yard season, we could move to No. 5 on the all-time list. Nelson is also tied for 11th in career rushing touchdowns with 18 (two this season). He is also eighth in career carries at UMass with 466. Next on that list is longtime NFL quarterback Greg Landry (485).

 Nelson is first in the CAA in rushing yards per game with 93.8.

 Nelson had his ninth-career 100-yard rushing game against Rhode Island (9/19) with 158 yards on 29 carries. It was also his sixth-career game with more than 150 yards on the ground.

 In the opener at Kansas State (9/5), Nelson became the first UMass back to gain 100 yards against a I-A/FBS team in 10 years with 107 yards on the Wildcats' defense. Back in 1999, Marcel Shipp gained 111 at Toledo. It was also his eighth-career 100-yard game at UMass.

 Nelson is a preseason All-CAA pick in addition to being a College Sporting News Third Team Preseason All-American.

 Nelson gained 110.4 yards per game last season including seven career 100-yard games. He finished last season with a career-high 204 yards against Hofstra (11/22/08), his sixth game of the year with 100-plus yards.

Hernandez Backs Up Nelson At High Level
 The Minutemen have developed a top-level compliment to Tony Nelson in sophomore Jonathan Hernandez. The Leominster, Mass., product has emerged in his increased playing time this season. He has played in all five games and has 46 carries for 242 yards and five rushing touchdowns, most on the team.

 In first-career start vs. Stony Brook (9/26), rushed for career-high 140 yards on career-high 29 carries and three touchdowns. He became first UMass player with 3 TDs in a game since Matt Lawrence in 2007.

 In first extended playing time had nine carries for 88 yards vs. Albany (9/12), scored first two career touchdowns including a career-long of 58 yards. Ducasse Leads O-Line Of Protection

 Protecting Kyle Havens and leading the way for Tony Nelson is one of the top offensive lines in the nation. The line is led by one of the top lineman in the nation regardless of division in senior captain left tackle Vladimir Ducasse. The Haitian native is a preseason consensus First-Team All-American and is rated as a top NFL prospect by many services.

 This year UMass' has allowed just four sacks in five games for 0.8 per game, ranking seventh in the NCAA in fewest sacks allowed and second in the CAA (Richmond 0.60).

 Last season with Ducasse as the anchor, UMass was second in the FCS in fewest sacks allowed with just six in 12 games (0.50 per game). The Minutemen led the CAA in fewest sacks allowed, marking the fourth year in a row that UMass was a the top of the league in fewest sacks allowed.

 With giving up six sacks in 12 games last season and four sacks this season, UMass has allowed just 63 sacks in 66 games since 2004 when the majority of the current coaching staff arrived.

 In Ducasse's 29 games over the last four seasons, UMass has allowed only 25 sacks and UMass has had a 100-yard rusher in 19 of those 29 games. This year, Nelson has two games with 100 or more yards: 158 vs. Rhode Island (9/19) and 107 at Kansas State (9/5) in the opener. Along with that Jonathan Hernandez had 140 yards vs. Stony Brook (9/26). Nelson gained 100 yards in six of 12 games last season.

 A 2008 All-American, Ducasse is a preseason All-CAA First Team and First-Team All-American by nearly every outlet.

 Ducasse is flanked several returning players in junior center John Ihne along with sophomores Josh Samuda and Brian Ostaszewski. Senior Jared Chivers has added stability with his versatility playing guard and center this season.

Dynamic Receivers Flying High
 Last season, one of the biggest question marks coming into the season was who would catch the balls thrown by senior quarterback Liam Coen. This season it was flipped, who would throw the balls to UMass senior wide receivers? That question has been answered with Kyle Havens.

 UMass returns two of the top wideouts in the nation in All-American Victor Cruz and All-conference pick Jeremy Horne. A year after questions surrounded an inexperienced receiver corps, UMass has one of the most experienced groups in the nation with its top four wideouts returning. Along with Cruz and Horne, senior Joe Sanford and sophomore Julian Talley give UMass a very talented and dynamic bunch.

 Overall, UMass has had 12 different players make a reception this season.

 Cruz and Talley top the charts this season. Cruz ranks FIRST in the CAA and 29th in the NCAA in receiving yards per game (80.0) with team-best 400 yards on 23 catches. Talley is second on both catches (15) and yards (212). Horne is third in both with 12 catches for 207 yards.

 Cruz has two 100-yard games this year with 118 yards on eight catches at Delaware (10/10) and against Albany (9/12) with 121 yards on six catches and two touchdowns. He had a big day with 96 yards on six catches against Rhode Island (9/19).

 With his 1,490 career receiving yards, Cruz has moved to ninth all-time at UMass. No. 8 on the list is Jimmy Moore with 1,494 (all in the 1998).

 Cruz needs five catches to give him 100 in his career. That would make him the ninth player all-time with 100 catches in UMass history. He is currently 11th in career catches with 95.

 Talley had career-highs of five catches and 86 yards in the win over Albany (9/12). Talley added three catches for 69 yards including career-long 55 yarder vs. Rhode Island (9/19).

 Horne, who had a slow start, busted out for his fifth-career 100-yard receiving game against Stony Brook (9/26) with five catches for 124 yards. Overall, he has 10 catches for 190 yards.

 Sanford had three catches in back-to-back games in mid-September. He had career bests in catches (3), yards (76) and long reception (42) in win over Rhode Island (9/19). For the year, he has eight catches for 149 yards.

Captain Miles Heads Defensive Corps
 UMass lost two All-Americans in the secondary in Courtney Robinson (Philadelphia Eagles training camp) and Sean Smalls, but returned one of the best safeties in the nation, All-American Jeromy Miles. The senior from Sicklerville, New Jersey heads into his final college season as a team captain leading the defensive side of the ball.

 As the starting free safety, Miles led UMass in tackles last season with 104 stops. He also intercepted three passes, forced two fumbles and recovered two fumbles. Miles was an All-CAA First-Team selection and led all league defensive backs with 8.7 tackles per game. He also led the team with 56 solo stops including five TFLs.

 This year, he is second on the team with 35 tackles this season along with two interceptions and two forced fumbles. Miles opened the season with eight tackles at Kansas State (9/5). He had seven stops and his eighth-career interception against Albany (9/12).

 The secondary has received contributions from various players this season including senior Corey Davis, sophomore Shane Viveiros, junior Ke'Mon Bailey and redshirt freshmen Kumar Davis and Darren Thellen.

 The DBs have received a boost from the converted wide receiver Bailey, who had six tackles, three for a loss, forced a fumble and recovered a fumble in his first-ever game on the defensive side of the ball at K-State (9/5). He has 22 tackles in his defensive debut season along with three passes defended.

 In his first season of action Kumar Davis has 18 tackles, including seven at Kansas State (9/5) and four against Albany (9/12) in his first-career start. Corey Davis has nine tackles along with a team-best four passes broken up. Thellen has 10 tackles this year.

Experienced D-Line Creates Chaos
 UMass' defensive line prides itself on creating chaos which it is continuing to do this season. Three starters from 2008 are back including All-CAA third-team selection senior Kyle Harrington. Veteran starters and seniors Brandon Collier and Michael Hanson, also return, each of whom were plagued by injuries last season. Senior Anthony Monette, who has been a back-up, is starting in his final college season.

 Hanson leads UMass with 6.0 TFLs along with 2.5 sacks as he has made 27 tackles, fourth on the team. In the opener at Kansas State (9/5), Hanson returned to his form of two years ago with seven tackles including 1.5 TFLs and a 13-yard sack. He also recovered a fumble and returned it eight yards. Hanson had a big game at Delaware (10/10) with nine solo tackles, a sack, two TFLs and a forced fumble.

 Harrington has 20 tackles and four TFLs this season. He tied for the team-lead with seven tackles vs. Rhode Island (9/19) including 2.5 TFLs. That came on the heels of the Albany (9/12) game when he was named the Game MVP by the coaches, finishing with seven stops.

 Monette, has emerged as a solid performer as he leads UMass in sacks with 2.5 in addition to being second on the team in TFLs with 5.0. Monette has 17 overall tackles.

 Harrington was the line's top tackler in 2008 with 56 stops, which is the third most among, all returning defensive players. The 6-3, 285-pound Salem, Mass., native also had 2.5 sacks. Collier, a 2007 All-CAA selection, racked up 36 tackles last season after posting a career-best 62 as a sophomore. Hanson, also mired with injuries last season, had 33 stops last year after a break-out sophomore campaign with 61 tackles. Hanson was second in the CAA in 2007 with 16 TFLs to go along with seven sacks. He will look to return to that form in his senior campaign.

Linebackers Seek To Back It Up
 UMass new linebacker corps has been sensational early on as they have been pressed into action. The linebackers came into the season opener at Kansas State with ONE combined career start (by Tyler Holmes in last season's finale) and have been tremendous.

 True sophomore Tyler Holmes continues to show his amazing ability at MIKE, as he leads UMass with 45 tackles (9.0 per game) and two interceptions (one in the first two games). Holmes had a career-best 13 stops at Delaware (10/10). He piled up 12 tackles and his second career interception at Kansas State (9/5). He tallied eight tackles and an interception for the third game in a row against Albany (9/12). He stopped six vs. Rhode Island (9/19).

 Senior Eric Dickson has been a tackling machine all season. In his four games, he is risen to third on the team with 28 stops (7.0 per game). He returned to action in the home opener against Albany (9/12) and began his season with a bang. He racked up a team-best nine tackles and a 7-yard sack. It was Dickson's first-career start and first-career game at linebacker. He tied for the team-lead in tackles against Rhode Island (9/19) with seven stops.

 UMass has had two freshman named CAA Rookie of the Week, both playing from the linebacker spot, demonstrating the bright future.

 Redshirt freshman D.J. Adeoba was stellar in his first college game with seven tackles and a return of a block punt for a 26-yard touchdown. He was named the CAA Rookie of the Week for his performance. He was also was named to the Boston Herald's Honor Roll as the top defensive player in New England.

 True freshman Perry McIntyre was named the CAA Rookie of the Week after the Stony Brook (9/26) game after racking up a team-best eight tackles. McIntyre has 16 tackles overall this season.

 Senior Kurt Filler was third on the team in tackles with 21 prior to suffering a season-ending knee injury against Stony Brook. He had his most impactful game vs. Rhode Island (9/19). He had a key interception (first of career) to end a URI drive in the first quarter. He also made six tackles including one on a fourth-down to end another URI drive in the UMass red zone. Filler drew his first start with the Minutemen and racked up nine tackles and 1.5 TFLs at Kansas State (9/5). He also had six tackles against Albany (9/12). The junior college transfer saw just limited action last season.

Cuko Kicks The Record Book
 Senior kicker Armando Cuko has emerged as a great weapon for the Minutemen this season. He leads the NCAA in field goals per game (2.8) and points per game (12.25).

 Cuko is also moving up the record books with what has started off as a record-season in just four games for the Albanian native. He has made 11-of-14 field goals and all 16 PAT attempts. His 11 made field goals already ranks tied for the fifth-most in a season. The record of 16 is held by Sandro Vitiello (1978) and Chris Koepplin (2006).

 On the all-time charts, he ranks Sixth in career made field goals with 23. Next at No. 5 is Eric Oke (26). He is also fourth in career made PATs with 88. Next on list is Doug White with 97.

 Cuko has nine career field goals of more than 40 yards (five this year). It included his career-long of 51, tied for third-longest at UMass, which he kicked at Delaware (10/10).

 He had three games in a row with three field goals, all tying his career high for makes in a game. He hit from 30, 42, 35 vs. Stony Brook (9/26); 22, 37, 42 vs. Rhode Island (9/19) and 47, 37, 40 against Albany (9/12).

Under The Lights  UMass is a perfect 7-0 in night games, all starting at 6 p.m. at McGuirk Stadium.

 UMass played two night games under the permanent lights at McGuirk Alumni Stadium this season with a 44-7 win over Albany (9/12) and 44-17 over Stony Brook (9/26). The lights were installed prior to the 2008 season at a cost of roughly $1.8 million. Last season, UMass hosted Albany for its first game under the lights on Aug. 30, 2008 and the Minutemen posted a 28-16 win. Later in the season, UMass played several games that started at 3:30 p.m. where lights were used, but they were not true night games.

 UMass played four night games under temporary lights at McGuirk and won all four games. The first game under the lights came in the 2000 opener, a 36-16 win over William & Mary on Aug. 31. That game was also the only other football game in UMass history played in August.

 The Minutemen played the 2004 home opener under the lights a 30-20 win on Sept. 11, 2004. UMass played two home games under the lights in 2005, beating Albany, 40-0 on Sept. 17 and Rhode Island, 14-6 on Sept. 24.

 Lights were also installed for the 2006 NCAA I-AA Playoffs for UMass' 24-17 win over New Hampshire on Dec. 2. That game kicked off at 2:30 p.m. and the lights did not take effect until the second half of the game. The game technically by NCAA rules doesn't count as a night game.

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