(Jordan Broadnax is officially listed as the No. 2 running back for UMass/Daily Collegian)
This week’s depth chart is out, and as usual there are a couple of maneuvers:
–
Deep Burns: It looks like Chris Burns has been moved down on the depth chart, and Jordan Broadnax is now the No. 2 running back. It was only a matter of time before this became official. Burns hasn’t carried the ball since the UConn game, when he had 11 carries for 26 yards. Since then, Mike Cox has been the clear starter with Broadnax, Jamal Wilson and true freshman Stacey Bedell each picking up carries here and there. Broadnax has clearly established himself as weapon for this team. Despite only having 23 net yards rushing, the sophomore has 384 yards on kick returns and continues to impress with his speed and elusiveness.
–
Not That it Matters, But: Alan Williams is listed ahead of Brian Dowling for a starting wide receiver spot this weekend after Dowling was listed as the starter against Miami (OH). Where names are slated for the wide receiver position don’t really seem to matter with this team, as coach Charley Molnar subs people in and out so quickly that it’s easy to lose track of who actually started the game. Just to show how little the depth chart means with regards to wide receiver: Marken Michel is listed as a starter, but Molnar has indicated he is questionable with a shoulder injury. Further, Deion Walker is listed as a backup, but the grad student leads the team with 168 yards receiving.
–
Speaking of Meaningless: Dowling is also listed as the starting punt returner for this weekend, but who the hell knows what’s going on there? Dowling was also listed as the starter last week, yet Trey Dudley-Giles was back to return. Assuming Ohio actually punts this weekend, it’s anyone’s guess as to the returner. Maybe it will be Dowling, or maybe it will be Antoine Tharpe (who is listed as Dowling’s backup). Maybe Dudley-Giles will be back there. If we’re really lucky, Cameron Mock will be back to return. Oh wait, is he still on the team?
–
Second Coming of Messiah: After putting together an impressive opening performance against Miami, Kassan Messiah will start this weekend against the Bobcats. Messiah, a true freshman, had 10 tackles and a sack last weekend and surprised Molnar with his performance. Several injuries coupled with last Saturday’s output have opened the starting spot for Messiah. D.J Adeoba is out for the season with a patella injury requiring surgery. Meanwhile, Greg Hilliard has missed practice this week with a shoulder injury. Losing Adeoba for the season is a pretty significant blow. He is a tough kid and a strong tackler and added depth and experience to the linebacker position.
–
What About Birt?: Harry Plumer is reporting that Christian Birt is questionable for this weekend with a head injury. Birt has been up and down this season – both with injuries and on-the-field performance. If Birt has to sit out, expect to see Joey Colton, a local kid who has done a nice job at safety. Colton doesn’t have Birt’s size, but he appears to have a little more speed. I have a feeling Colton is going to be a major contributor for this team by the time his days in Amherst are over.
Only 300 students signed up for the buses. Figure about 6 buses. The forecast has improved to 20% chance of rain though.
Not surprised about Burns’ drop. I just don’t see any there, there. And worst of all he looked confused in that UConn game (way more than the other 10 confused guys on offense) and I think he ran the wrong route and missed blocking assignments many times in that game.