UMASS vs EAStErN Michigan game preview

Coming into week 5 of the college football season, UMass looks to improve their record to 5-0. This would be the best start UMass has had since their 4-8 season all the way back in 2018. UMass is coming out the gate hot at 4-0 in their second year in the MAC since 2015. This hot start is completely unexpected, especially with the Minutemen’s performances all of last season finishing 134th in the FBS. On the other hand, Eastern Michigan looks to get up to .500 with the momentum from their 29-3 win last week against Lindenwood.  

The Minutemen are led by their Senior QB William Watson III, who on the season has 610 yards through the air, 1 interception, and a 74.0 completion percentage. On the rushing side of the offense, Sophomore RB Elijah Faulkner leads the team with 227 rush yards on 47 carries w/o a touchdown. Look for the Minutemen to get him more involved against the Eagles run defense. The top pass catcher for the Minutemen is Senior receiver T.Y. Harding with 221 in the air on 13 grabs with 2 receiving TDs. Last game, UMass won 35-6 over Sacramento State on Sept. 26. Watson led UMass with 101 yards on 11-of-16 passing (68.8%) for one touchdown and no interceptions. He also carried the ball seven times for 72 yards and two rushing touchdowns. Curtis Kimmons IV had 61 rushing yards on 11 carries. Harding recorded 44 yards on three catches.

On the other sideline, Eastern Michigan’s  Senior QB, Noah Kim leads the charge with 968 passing yards, 6 TDs, 3 INTs, 61.3 completion percentage. On the ground, Sophomore RB Amareon Blue has 243 yards on 49 carries, 2 TDs. The Eagles top wideout is Ben Prosper with 220 yards on 21 catches and a TD. Last game, Eastern Michigan beat Lindenwood 29-3 on Sept. 26. Kim led Eastern Michigan with 257 yards on 23-of-38 passing (60.5%) for two touchdowns and no interceptions. Blue carried the ball 14 times for 58 yards and scored one touchdown. Prosper had 10 receptions for 109 yards and one touchdown.

This should be a good showing for both teams as we enter the second week of conference play across the league.