Listen to the podcast of the September 7 edition of the Bud Light UMass Football Show from The Hangar Pub & Grill in Amherst. Head coach Mark Whipple and player guests Jovan Santos-Knox and Blake Frohnapfel recap training camp and preview the Minutemen's season-opener at Colorado.
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Bleacher Report has an in-depth feature on UMass football tight end Jean Sifrin as he prepares for the 2015 NFL Draft. The production crew spent several days with Jean and the UMass football program prior to the Minutemen's NFL Pro Day event at McGuirk Stadium.
Jean Sifrin is 27 and hoping to be a sleeper pick in this year's NFL draft. He ran an uninspiring 4.84 40-yard dash at the combine and needed to impress scouts at his pro day if he was going to have any chance of getting drafted.
At 23, Sifrin was scouted playing flag football, and three years later he found his way onto the University of Massachusetts roster. In his only D-I season, the 6'5", 245-pound tight end caught 41 balls for 637 yards and six touchdowns. He's now on the fringes of being drafted, but his age and speed are holding him back.
Making it to the NFL would mean providing a better life for his eight-year-old son, Jabari. Can Sifrin impress his way onto a roster?
With the NFL Draft coming this weekend, Dan Malone of MassLive.com takes a look at where Jean Sifrin could likely be drafted. While no other Minutemen are likely to be drafted, Stanley Andre does have a strong chance of being picked up as a free agent. Malone also looks ahead to next year as several Minutemen are potential Draft prospects including Tajae Sharpe, Blake Frohnapfel, Jovan Santos-Knox and Randall Jette.
Dan Malone of MassLive.com has a look at the format of tonight's UMass football Spring Game and head coach Mark Whipple's decision to sit several key starters. Whipple speaks to the evaluation process and how the team has improved during the spring practice season.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a preview of tonight's UMass football spring game and how it is part of an overall evaluation package for head coach Mark Whipple. The Minutemen will sit several key players in order to get a better sense of how other players handle more minutes on the field.
Dan Malone of MassLive.com/The Republican has a feature story on the versatility of Rodney Mills within the UMass offense. Tabbed "Mr. Utility" by quarterback Blake Frohnapfel, Mills presents a match-up problem for defenses as part of Mark Whipple's offensive attack.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a feature story on tight end Rodney Mills who had a breakout season in 2014 for the UMass football team. Mills is expect to have a bigger role on the offense this upcoming season with the departure of Jean Sifrin who declared early for the NFL Draft.
Rich Thompson of the Boston Herald has a story from UMass football spring practice focusing on Blake Frohnapfel as he prepares for his second season leading the Minutemen. Both Frohnapfel and quarterbacks coach Liam Coen say having a comfort level and base understanding of the offense is the biggest difference compared to last spring when both where new to UMass.
Dan Malone of MassLive.com has an update from spring practice on how the tough end of the 2014 season has been serving as motivation for the UMass football team throughout winter workouts and in spring camp. That combined with the realization that the pieces are in place for success have the team energized for the upcoming season.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a story on UMass quarterback Blake Frohnapfel and the lessons he took away from being a member of the athletic director search committee which recently hired Ryan Bamford. Frohnapfel says that Bamford's enthusiasm, knowledge and research into UMass gave him insight as he pursues his own professional career into athletic administration when he completes his master's program next year.
Dan Malone of the Springfield Republican has a feature story on the experience UMass football quarterback Blake Frohnapfel gained by being a member of the recent athletic director search. Frohnapfel says he hopes to work in athletic administration one day and that the process gave him keen insight which will help him in his professional life.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a feature story looking at Blake Frohnapfel and the impact he is making not just on the football team but on the University overall. Along with his work for a double graduate degree, Frohanpfel is extremely active with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and was recently named to the Search Committee for the next permanent Athletic Director.
Dan Malone of the Springfield Republican has a look at the seven Minutemen named to the MAC All-Academic Team. Highlighting the group was Matt Sparks who is a two-time honoree. To earn the honor, players needed a 3.20 cumulative GPA while being a starter or important reserve.
Andrew Cyr of the Daily Collegian has a feature on the UMass football team and how he feels the Minutemen have the tools and talent returning in 2015 to make a serious run at a bowl game after the improvement shown this past season.
Cyr: 2015 season is bowl game or bust for UMass football
Cyr: 2015 season is bowl game or bust for UMass football
Dan Malone of the Springfield Republican has a feature on UMass football quarterback Blake Frohnapfel who missed the last two games of the season due to injury. Frohnapfel says he is looking forward to the offseason and expects UMass to have a highly productive offseason after knowing how close the Minutemen were to having more wins in 2014.
Recovering from injury, UMass quarterback Blake Frohnapfel looking forward to next season - MassLive.com
Recovering from injury, UMass quarterback Blake Frohnapfel looking forward to next season - MassLive.com
The football team fell 41-21 last Friday against Buffalo in the season finale for the Minutemen. Despite a 3-9 record, the Minutemen won three of their last six games to end the year. The last two losses of the season came without starting quarterback Blake Frohnapfel who was in the midst of producing one of the best seasons in program history. Despite the tough way to end the year, many media members feel the upcoming season will be big for UMass.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a story featuring offensive line center Matt Sparks who says the unit needs to do a better job in helping protect quarterback Austin Whipple and work to get the running game going against Buffalo.
It's a cold and snowy Tuesday morning here in Northern Ohio as the UMass football team gets ready for tonight's game at Akron which kicks off at 7 PM.
| Massachusetts (3-7, 3-3 MAC) at Akron (4-6, 2-4 MAC) | |
| Date | Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 7:00 p.m. (ET) |
| Location | Akron, Ohio | InfoCision Stadium (30,000) |
| Tickets | 866-UMASS-TIX |  Ticket Info |
| TV | ESPN3 |
| Radio |  105.5 FM WEEI (Springfield/Amherst), 1440 AM WVEI (Worcester), 95.9 FM WATD (South Shore), 1200 AM WXKS (Boston, Worcester, Manchester, Providence); Listen Online | Use the TuneIn App for Mobile Devices to listen |
| Online Video |  www.espn3.com | WatchESPN (App) |
| Live Stats |  Live Stats |
| Social Media |  Twitter.com/UMassAthletics | Live Game Blog |
| MAC Teleconference | Whipple's Monday Conference Call Quotes (11/17) |
| Game Notes | Massachusetts Notes | Depth Chart | News Clips | 2014 Media Guide |
After playing on Wednesday night, the UMass football team will have an abbreviated week as it preps for Akron on Tuesday night (7 PM, ESPN3). As the Minutemen continue to evaluate Blake Frohnapfel's health going into the game, Austin Whipple has taken the first-team reps during practice the last three days.
Sparked by a monster game from linebacker Trey Seals, the UMass defense put together one of its best performances of the season while Tajae Sharpe's 239 yards receiving helped lift the Minutemen to a 24-10 win over Ball State on Wednesday.
- UMass beats Ball State, loses quarterback Blake Frohnapfel to injury | GazetteNet.com
- UMass notebook: Ball State, break fails to slow down receiver Tajae Sharpe | GazetteNet.com
- UMass right at home | Boston Herald
- UMass tops Ball State 24-10 | Boston Herald
- UMass knocks off Ball State in Amherst - Sports - The Boston Globe
- If Blake Frohnapfel is out, UMass wideout Tajae Sharpe says replacing him is 'going to be a team effort' | masslive.com
- UMass football quick hits: Minutemen down Ball State 24-10 in MACtion showdown | masslive.com
- Blake Frohnapfel injured: UMass quarterback carted into locker room late against Ball State; team awaiting test results on right leg | masslive.com
- UMass trumps Ball State 24-10, loses Frohnapfel to right leg injury : The Daily Collegian
- Frohnapfel's season in jeopardy following leg injury, while Sharpe shines in UMass' win over Ball State : The Daily Collegian
- UMass drops Ball State in prime-time game - ESPN Boston
- Defense Shines as UMass Beats Ball State 24-10 - Western Massachusetts Breaking News and First Warning Weather with WGGB.com ABC 40
For the first time in program history, the UMass football team will take the field under the lights on a Wednesday night at McGuirk Stadium as the Minutemen host Ball State. The game will be televised on ESPNU starting at 8 PM. Here are some of the story lines to get you ready for the game.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a story on the benefits of UMass football's extended bye week as the Minutemen began preparations for Ball State on Wednesday night. Blake Frohnapfel and Jovan Santos-Knox both said the time away has been beneficial, but they are looking forward to playing again next week.
Dan Malone of the Springfield Republican has a story on how the extended bye week has helped several Minutemen rest after nine straight games this season. Malone also speaks to Blake Frohnapfel and Jovan Santos-Knox about being able to watch Ball State play on Wednesday night.
UMass quarterback Blake Frohnapfel rested and ready to go thanks to extended bye week | masslive.com
Dan Malone of the Springfield Republican looks at some of the nation's top quarterbacks and where UMass football's Blake Frohnapfel fits in the mix. As one of the nation's leaders in passing yards, Frohnapfel has an outside shot at leading the nation in the category with three games remaining this season.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a notebook focusing on UMass football's mentality coming down the home stretch. Despite being out of contention for bowl eligibility, the Minutemen say finishing this season strong over the next three games is a key goal.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a preview of Saturday's match-up at Toledo for the UMass football team. Vautour includes quotes from Toledo head coach Matt Campbell as he sees the Minutemen.
"Now we get ourselves into preparation for a really good UMass team that I've been thoroughly impressed with both offensively and defensively as we've been able to dig in and see the job Coach Whipple has done there," he said on Monday's MAC teleconference. "I think they're extremely well-coached, one of the best coached offenses and defenses that I've seen within our conference this year. You can see he does a great job of getting his really good players the ball and putting his players in situations to be extremely successful. You can tell the turnaround has a lot to do with their ability to get their good players the ball in space. Defensively they've had the ability to create havoc."
Dan Malone of the Springfield Republican has a story on how an improved running game and defensive play have helped the UMass football team over the last two weeks.
A big running day by Shadrach Abrokwah who scored four touchdowns along with Tajae Sharpe whose 13 receptions put him past Victor Cruz on the program's career receptions list helped the Minutemen get past Eastern Michigan 36-14 on Saturday afternoon. UMass has won two-straight games now going into next weekend's match-up at Toledo.
- Balanced offense leads UMass football to second straight win | GazetteNet.com
- Tajae Sharpe has career highs in receptions, yardage in Minuteman win | GazetteNet.com
- UMass football wins its second straight - Sports - The Boston Globe
- Minutemen own winning streak | Boston Herald
- UMass routs Eastern Michigan, earns second win - ESPN Boston
- UMass tops Eastern Michigan 36-14, puts together first FBS winning streak : The Daily Collegian
- Shadrach Abrokwah has career day in UMass football's 36-14 win over Eastern Michigan. : The Daily Collegian
- UMass football's Sharpe continues his banner season in 36-14 win over Eastern Michigan : The Daily Collegian
- Ex-St. John's star Abrokwah powers UMass to win - Worcester Telegram & Gazette - telegram.com
- Quick hits: UMass football makes it two straight with 36-14 win over Eastern Michigan | masslive.com
- Four-touchdown special: Former walk-on Shadrach Abrokwah powers UMass football with career day | masslive.com
- By the numbers: UMass football dominates 4th-quarter time of possession in win | masslive.com
- X-factor to non-factor: UMass defense negates dynamic Eastern Michigan quarterback Reggie Bell | masslive.com
It's game day at Gillette Stadium today as the UMass football team hosts Eastern Michigan for the ever-popular Band Day. Read below for today's previews of the game along with all the information on how to watch and where to listen if you can't be there.
| Massachusetts (1-6, 1-2 MAC) vs Eastern Michigan (2-4, 1-1 MAC) | |
| Date | Saturday, Oct. 18 at 3:00 p.m. (ET) |
| Location | Foxboro, Mass. | Gillette Stadium (68,756) |
| Tickets | 866-UMASS-TIX | Ticket Info |
| TV | ESPN3 |
| Radio | 105.5 FM WEEI (Springfield/Amherst), 1440 AM WVEI (Worcester), 95.9 FM WATD (South Shore), 1200 AM WXKS (Boston, Worcester, Manchester, Providence); Listen Online | Use the TuneIn App for Mobile Devices to listen |
| Online Video | www.espn3.com |
| Live Stats | |
| Promotions | Band Day & Educators Day |
| Social Media | Twitter.com/UMassAthletics | Live Game Blog |
| MAC Teleconference | Whipple's Monday Conference Call Quotes (10/13) |
| Game Notes | Massachusetts Notes | Depth Chart | News Clips | 2014 Media Guide |
- Elijah Wilkinson, UMass line excel | Boston Herald
- How to stop Reggie Bell Jr.: UMass defenders break down the keys to containing Eastern Michigan's quarterback | masslive.com
- UMass running back Lorenzo Woodley hoping for consistency, health coming off latest breakout performance | masslive.com
- UMass football vs. Eastern Michigan: Improving Minutemen look for 1st FBS winning streak | masslive.com
- Mid-season awards: UMass tight end Jean Sifrin makes Phil Steele's All-MAC 1st team, three others named 2nd-teamers | masslive.com
- UMass aims for second straight win, hosts improving Eastern Michigan | GazetteNet.com
Andrew MacDougall of the Boston Globe has a feature on UMass football quarterback Blake Frohnapfel and the year he has had so far for the Minutemen. Frohnapfel is one of the national passing leaders entering the weekend and has turned the UMass offense into one of the best in the Mid-American Conference.
Mark Chiarelli of the Daily Collegian has a feature story on Tajae Sharpe and his strong start to the 2014 campaign through seven games. Because of his play-making abilities, Sharpe is facing additional attention from opposing defenses such as last week against Kent State.
Today's headlines covering UMass football take a look at some health issues faced by the Minutemen coming out of the Kent State game, how a consistent effort in practice this week can pay dividends against Eastern Michigan, and several profiles on key performers from the weekend.
- Notebook: UMass coach Mark Whipple hopeful about availability of injured players | GazetteNet.com
- UMass football seeks consistency as important week of practice looms : The Daily Collegian
- UMass football's Jean Sifrin added to Mackey Award watch list for nation's best tight end | masslive.com
- UMass football a 2-touchdown favorite against Eastern Michigan in quest for back-to-back wins | masslive.com
- Logan Laurent steps up in field-goal battle: Is the back-up punter UMass football's answer at kicker? | masslive.com
- Blake Frohnapfel by the numbers: A look at the UMass quarterback's breakout season | masslive.com
- UMass earns first win of the season - Sports - The Boston Globe
- UMass tastes victory | Boston Herald
- UMass snaps 12-game losing streak, beats Kent State 40-17 | GazetteNet.com
- Notebook: Backup punter Logan Laurent gives UMass a leg up in place-kicking game | GazetteNet.com
- FINAL: UMass football downs Kent State 40-17 on the road for 1st win | masslive.com
- Five takeaways from UMass football's win at Kent State: A long streak is snapped, Blake Frohnapfel survives scary hit | masslive.com
- Lorenzo Woodley rushes for 160 yards, touchdown to close out UMass football win over Kent State | masslive.com
- UMass football gets first win: Long-awaited victory sweet for snakebitten Minutemen | masslive.com
- UMass outlasts Kent State for first win of season - Worcester Telegram & Gazette - telegram.com
- UMass finishes off Kent State 40-17, earns first victory of 2014 : The Daily Collegian
- Lorenzo Woodley, Jackson Porter bounce back in 40-17 win over Kent State | Daily Collegian Sports
- Kent State falls to UMass, 40-17, to remain winless | cleveland.com
Julian Benbow of the Boston Globe has a feature story on Blake Frohnapel and his adjustment to working in Mark Whipple's offense. This story also touches on the decision to go for the game-winning touchdown at Miami (Ohio) with the clock set to restart, potentially under three seconds.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a story focusing on some tweaks the UMass football team made this week during practice to change up its routine heading into the Kent State game. Blake Frohnapfel and Daniel Maynes are quoted on some of their pre-game rituals.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a notebook on UMass football which includes an update on Tajae Sharpe being named to the Biletnikoff Award Watch List on Tuesday morning.
"It's a great honor. It's real humbling and a great honor to be mentioned with those other guys," Sharpe said. "I wasn't thinking about it at all. I was just trying to go out every week and play the best I can. I didn't have any awards, especially an award as great as that, on my mind. When you work hard things like that happen."
Miami rallied back from a 27-point deficit on Saturday to defeat UMass 42-41 at Yager Stadium in what was a tale of two halves for the Minutemen. UMass led 41-21 at the break, but a tough second half marred by turnovers opened the door for the RedHawks. The Minutemen were able to manage a last minute drive down to the six-yard line, but a play with three seconds left in overtime fell just short of the goal line.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a feature story on the relationship forged by UMass football quarterback Blake Frohnapfel and head coach Mark Whipple. That relationship has translated into an improved offense for the Minutemen.
"I've never had that kind of relationship with a coach before. That's been great. I wouldn't say that's what I was looking for, but it's been an added bonus," said Frohnapfel, who'll try to earn his first victory on Saturday when the Minutemen travel to Miami (Ohio) for a 2:30 p.m. game. "I've really enjoyed being here. Having a head coach, who is an offensive guy and a quarterback guy, has been great."
Here's a look at some of the headlines on Thursday as the Minutemen get their final practice in this afternoon before departing tomorrow for Miami (Ohio).
- UMass notebook: Mark Whipple leaves decisions on head injuries to medical staff | GazetteNet.com
- UMass linebacker Jovan Santos-Knox: 'There's no excuse for losing' when the Minutemen score 42 points against an opponent | masslive.com
- After breakout game last week, UMass quarterback Blake Frohnapfel looking for offense to get even better | masslive.com
- Heavy offensive line rotation helping to keep UMass blockers fresh as Minutemen look to cure running game woes | masslive.com
- In a battle of winless teams, the Minutemen are hungry to get their first win of the season at Miami (OH) : The Daily Collegian
- UMass football rushing attack bogged down by minor mistakes : The Daily Collegian
- UMass tight end Jean Sifrin focused on helping the Minutemen earn a victory : The Daily Collegian
- UMass releases nonconference football contracts | GazetteNet.com
- Recovering from injury, UMass linebacker Shane Huber likely to redshirt 2014 season | masslive.com
Dan Malone of the Springfield Republican lists several of the milestone achievements UMass quarterback Blake Frohnapfel reached with Saturday's performance and where he stands nationally. Frohanpfel was named the MAC Offensive Player of the Week after setting the league's single-game passing yardage record against Bowling Green.
Dan Malone of the Springfield Republican has a feature on Tajae Sharpe's breakout season for the Minutemen which was highlighted by last weekend's 13 reception, 179 yard effort that included a pair of touchdowns. The junior is quickly closing in on the school's all-time top-10 career list for receiving yardage.
It was a shootout at McGuirk Stadium on Saturday afternoon as Bowling Green narrowly defeated UMass 47-42 in the Minutemen's first game back on campus since 2011. Quarterback Blake Frohnapfel set school records with 589 yards through the air and five touchdowns, while Tajae Sharpe had 179 yards receiving and two touchdowns.
- UMass football falls to Bowling Green 47-42 in return to McGuirk Stadium : The Daily Collegian
- Missed opportunities overshadow impressive day for UMass football : The Daily Collegian
- Fans react to being back at McGuirk Stadium : The Daily Collegian
- Photo Slideshow: UMass Football Homecoming Game : The Daily Collegian
- Fans help celebrate UMass football team's return to McGuirk Stadium | GazetteNet.com
- HD video board crashes to ground during UMass football game against Bowling Green | GazetteNet.com
- UMass notebook: QB Blake Frohnapfel shines in loss to Bowling Green | GazetteNet.com
- UMass' return to McGuirk ends in 47-42 shootout loss to Bowling Green | GazetteNet.com
- UMass players and fans glad to be back at McGuirk Alumni Stadium in Amherst | GazetteNet.com
- Ex-Minutemen share their favorite McGuirk Stadium memories | GazetteNet.com
- UMass football vs. Bowling Green: McGuirk Stadium homecoming a new and exciting experience for players | masslive.com
- UMass football vs. Bowling Green: Minutemen open MAC play and McGuirk Stadium against reigning conference champions | masslive.com
- UMass chancellor Kumble R. Subbaswamy and athletic director John McCutcheon discuss FBS aims, returning football to Amherst | masslive.com
- Photo gallery: UMass football rings in return to McGuirk Stadium with pep rally, press box ceremony | masslive.com
- UMass football attendance watch: 17,000 fans attend McGuirk Alumni Stadium in sellout | masslive.com
- QB Blake Frohnapfel sets UMass football single-game record with 589 yards passing | masslive.com
- Bowling Green puts up historic numbers on UMass defense: Minutemen give up team-record 668 yards | masslive.com
- McGuirk Stadium video board collapses during UMass football's first on-campus game in three years, no injuries reported | masslive.com
- Minutemen drop high-scoring 47-42 heartbreaker to Bowling Green in return to McGuirk Stadium | masslive.com
- UMass football vs. Bowling Green: Unbalanced Minutemen offense continues to struggle in ground game | masslive.com
- Three-and-out: UMass happy to be home - ESPN Boston
- Herald heroes | Boston Herald
- UMass on home spoil | Boston Herald
- UMass loses a shootout to Bowling Green - Sports - The Boston Globe
- Scoreboard falls at UMass-Amherst football game - Sports - The Boston Globe
- UMass sells out, goes down | The Recorder
- Offense keeps Falcons from defeat at UMass
- Bowling Green edges past UMass 47-42 - CBS 3 Springfield - WSHM
Friday is here and that means just one more day until the return to McGuirk Stadium for the UMass football team. Check out some of the coverage and previews of UMass' Homecoming game against Bowling Green (3 PM, ESPN3).
- Return to McGuirk: Football's return creates anticipated spike in local business : The Daily Collegian
- After tearing his ACL a year ago, Andrew Libby is again making plays for UMass football : The Daily Collegian
- UMass notebook: Minutemen announce scheduling agreements, Frohnapfel eyes improvement : The Daily Collegian
- Despite all the distractions, UMass still has a football game to play on Saturday : The Daily Collegian
- Return to McGuirk: Players eager to finally play in front of their peers : The Daily Collegian
- Policies for upcoming Homecoming game outlined by UMass Athletics : The Daily Collegian
- Amherst businesses welcome UMass football back to McGuirk Alumni Stadium
- UMass looks to take advantage of Bowling Green's struggles | GazetteNet.com
- UMass sophomore running back Shadrach Abrokwah excited for return to field | GazetteNet.com
- UMass announces huge slate of future football games; will play BYU, Army and Hawaii in upcoming seasons | GazetteNet.com
- UMass CB Jackson Porter remains upbeat despite struggles as a rookie starter | GazetteNet.com
- UMass football coach Mark Whipple impressed with Bowling Green fill-in quarterback James Knapke | masslive.com
- As UMass football comes home, a win is urgently needed | masslive.com
- UMass football announces 19 games for 2016-22 seasons featuring BYU, Appalachian State, Ohio and Hawaii | masslive.com
- UMass football vs. Bowling Green: Everything you need to know about heading to McGuirk Stadium this weekend | masslive.com
- Newly eligible, running back Shadrach Abrokwah ready to add to struggling UMass football ground attack | masslive.com
- After Penn State miss, UMass freshman Matthew Wylie still in line to handle place-kicking duties | masslive.com
- After Penn State miss, UMass freshman Matthew Wylie still in line to handle place-kicking duties | masslive.com
- Following worst performance of the season, UMass offensive line working to get back to basics | masslive.com
- Up-tempo Bowling Green offense to test UMass football: 'It's not easy to prepare if they're going to run 110 plays,' coach Mark Whipple says | masslive.com
- Stanley Andre, UMass hope for success at McGuirk - Sports - The Boston Globe
- UMass football makes its return to McGuirk - Sports - The Boston Globe
- Three-and-out: UMass happy to be home - ESPN Boston
- BG wary of road atmosphere
- Bowling Green football focused on conference play - The BG News: Sports
- Back to basics for Falcons, again - Sentinel-Tribune: Sports
As we close in on game day, here is a look at some of the headlines from this week previewing UMass football's game at Penn State on Saturday (4 PM, BTN).
- Connections run deep between UMass, Penn State football teams - Daily Hampshire Gazette
- UMass notebook: Running back Lorenzo Woodley back in the picture for Minutemen - Daily Hampshire Gazette
- Versatility of Rodney Mills an effective tool for UMass : The Daily Collegian
- Ben Roethlisberger: Whipple taught me how to be a pro : The Daily Collegian
- UMass in for a challenge against Penn State, QB Hackenberg : The Daily Collegian
- Lorenzo Woodley finds opportunity after getting lost in the shuffle : The Daily Collegian
- UMass football kicking situation still undecided, looking forward to opportunity to play at Beaver Stadium : The Daily Collegian
- After spending time in the 'dog house,' UMass football running back Lorenzo Woodley embracing return to starting role | masslive.com
- Amidst special teams blunders, UMass return specialist Trey Dudley-Giles continues to impress | masslive.com
- UMass football matchup with Penn State a welcomed homecoming for transfers Austin Whipple, Alex Kenney | masslive.com
- UMass football coach Mark Whipple says kicking decision not likely until Saturday; Freshman Matthew Wylie ready if called upon | masslive.com
- Leading the nation in tackles, UMass linebacker Jovan Santos-Knox wants defense to spend less time on the field | masslive.com
For the second straight week, UMass held a double-digit lead late in the game against a Power 5 conference foe, only to see the game slip out of reach late. Vandy rallied in the fourth quarter to defeat UMass 34-31 on Saturday at Vanderbilt Stadium.
- UMass Minutemen can't close | Boston Herald
- UMass can't hold off Vanderbilt - Sports - The Boston Globe
- UMass football vs. Vanderbilt: Minutemen offensive, defensive leaders frustrated with inconsistent crunch-time play | masslive.com
- UMass football vs. Vanderbilt: After costly chip-shot miss, coach Mark Whipple says team will look at kicking situation in practice this week | masslive.com
- UMass football vs. Vanderbilt: Running back Jamal Wilson breaks leg, coach Mark Whipple says he's likely done for the season | masslive.com
- Vanderbilt 34, UMass 31: Late field-goal miss dooms Minutemen in second straight second-half collapse | masslive.com
- UMass running back Jamal Wilson likely done for the year
- Missed opportunities doom UMass football as Vanderbilt rallies to win
- UMass football falls to Vanderbilt 34-31 in crushing fashion : The Daily Collegian
- Vanderbilt beats UMass for first win of season | FOX Sports
- UMass loses heartbreaker to Vanderbilt 34-31 | WWLP.com
- UMass embarrassed Vanderbilt with fake punt TD | NCAA Football | Sporting News
- UMass Pulls Out Fake Punt, Takes Early Lead Over Vanderbilt (GIF) | College Football | NESN.com
It was a grand welcome party for tight end Jean Sifrin whose two touchdown performance in his first game at UMass sparked the Minutemen against Colorado. The Buffs proved too much in the end, however, overcoming an 11-point UMass lead in the third quarter to take a 41-38 win over the Minutemen at Gillette Stadium on Saturday. Here's the full coverage of the game.
Postgame Interview:
Highlights:
UMass notebook: Minutemen show improvement following Week 1 loss to Boston College - Daily Hampshire Gazette
COLORADO HEADLINES:
Julian Benbow of the Boston Globe has an extensive profile of UMass quarterback Blake Frohnapfel who will start this Saturday's season-opener against Boston College. The piece also references his twin brother Eric who is currently at Marshall.
Dan Malone of the Springfield Republican has a preview of the UMass offense heading into Saturday's game against Boston College at Gillette Stadium.
The first of nine episodes of the Bud Light UMass Football Show for 2014 airs tonight from 7-8 p.m. on the UMass Sports Network live from The Hangar Pub & Grill on University Drive in Amherst. Head coach Mark Whipple will be joined by transfer quarterback Blake Frohnapfel and redshirt junior defensive back Randall Jette for the hour-long program, which will preview Saturday's season opener against Boston College.
Fans can listen on WEEI 105.5 FM Springfield and 1440 AM in Worcester, online, or by downloading the TuneIn Radio app on their mobile devices. A podcast of the show will be available on UMassAthletics.com Friday morning.
Submit a question for Coach Whipple by tweeting @UMassSportsNet or clicking here. Selected questions will be used during tonight's show.
Listen Live | TuneIn Radio App | Show Schedule and Information
Fans can listen on WEEI 105.5 FM Springfield and 1440 AM in Worcester, online, or by downloading the TuneIn Radio app on their mobile devices. A podcast of the show will be available on UMassAthletics.com Friday morning.
Submit a question for Coach Whipple by tweeting @UMassSportsNet or clicking here. Selected questions will be used during tonight's show.
Listen Live | TuneIn Radio App | Show Schedule and Information
Dan Malone of the Springfield Republican has a recap of yesterday's practice at Gillette Stadium for the UMass football team. Wide receiver Alex Kenney said it was a good feeling to be in the stadium, while quarterback Blake Frohnapfel stated that seeing the sightlines and where things were like the play clocks was advantageous.
Doug Smock of the Charleston Gazette in West Virginia has a story on the separation of the Frohnapfel twins, Blake and Eric, for the first time in their football playing careers. Eric is considered the starting tight end for Marshall and comments on what it will be like to cheer for his brother Blake who was recently named the starting quarterback after serving as a back-up for the last three seasons for the Herd.
Tom Layman of the Boston Herald has a story on center Matt Sparks and quarterback Blake Frohnapfel focusing on the team's return to a pro style offense and what that means for the exchange between the two. Both have been in offenses which are primarily shotgun formations, so the return to having the quarterback under center is a new wrinkle for the duo who are roommates. Frohnapfel says the two have even practiced snapping while hanging out in the living room after moving the couches around to make way.
Jack McCluskey of ESPNBoston.com was on hand Wednesday morning as the UMass football team held a light practice at Gillette Stadium in preparation for the season-opener against Boston College next Saturday. Coach Mark Whipple said the trip was more about getting the players used to being in the environment again while giving the new players a chance to see the facility for the first time before game day.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a story on newly named starting quarterback Blake Frohnapfel who transferred to UMass this summer from Marshall. Frohnapfel's former coach and teammates have all expressed support for him with his new team and say they will be cheering for him from afar.
Dan Malone of the Springfield Republican has a story on quarterbacks A.J. Doyle and Blake Frohnapfel focusing on their ability to be mobile during plays. According to Malone, the UMass coaching staff has given both the green light to run the ball if a passing situation begins to break down during the season.
Dan Malone of the Springfield Republican has a story focusing on UMass quarterback legend turned coach Liam Coen. Coen gives insight into the depth at quarterback between A.J. Doyle and Blake Frohnapfel fighting for the starting spot during preseason camp.
Mark Chiarelli of the Daily Collegian has a feature on transfer quarterback Blake Frohnapfel and his transition into Mark Whipple's offensive scheme.
"To have a chance to come here and have a chance to play under him and just listen to some of the things he says about certain plays and footwork and stuff like that is where you can really tell he knows a lot about the quarterback position," Frohnapfel said.
Daniel Malone of the Springfield Republican caught up with UMass football head coach Mark Whipple and junior wide receiver Tajae Sharpe recently to discuss the potential for a successful downfield passing game in 2014, something Malone sees as an aspect of the game the offense missed in 2013. Malone believes a corp of speedy wide receivers, such as current Minutemen Marken Michel, Alex Kenney and Sharpe, could make the difference for UMass football in 2014.
Minutemen expecting more opportunities to throw deep | masslive.com
The second era under head coach Mark Whipple officially kicked off on Monday afternoon as the Minutemen took to Gladchuk Field for the first practice of the 2014 campaign. Tons of news and coverage as the media were there to cover the day.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette had a story on Saturday about incoming transfer quarterback Blake Frohnapfel and how he is preparing for next season while still in school at Marshall. Frohnapfel is able to study the UMass play book, watch practice film online and has been working on his own.
Dan Malone of the Springfield Republican has a pair of stories of Marshall transfer QB Blake Frohnapfel.
The Charleston Daily Mail has a story on quarterback Blake Frohnapfel transferring to UMass as announced on Wednesday.