UMass had 59 offensive snaps Saturday, including 29 rushing attempts, and did not permit a single tackle for a loss. At center, Sparks was forced to handle Wisconsin's highly regarded nose tackle Beau Allen and Sparks limited the Badgers' star to two solo tackles.
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John Connolly of the Boston Herald has a look at center Matt Sparks and his journey from Hawaii to Massachusetts to be a member of the Minutemen. Sparks who played guard last year, has settled in nicely at center and helped solidify what many expect to be a much improved offensive line this year.
Dan Malone of the Springfield Republican has a story focusing on UMass' pass protection against Wisconsin as a positive the offensive line can build from. The Minutemen gave up no sacks in the game and gained positive yardage on every play from scrimmage.
Offensive line coach Dave Johnson mic'd up as the UMass Sport Network previews the 2013 Minutemen front five.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a feature on center Matt Sparks and how he has improved from last season to now. After playing as a guard in 2012, Sparks will start at center for the Minutemen.
University of Massachusetts offensive line coach Dave Johnson comes to Amherst in 2013 having gone to 16 straight bowl games.