(UMass’ defensive line had a tough time against Western Michigan this weekend/Andy Heller for the Maroon Musket)
Progress is a malleable concept.
Sometimes progress is scaring the so-called best team in your conference. Other times, progress is putting points on the board after getting humiliated by a devastating slate of BCS opponents.
Progress also occurs off the field. It occurs when a coach, staring down the barrel of an 0-6 start, benches four contributors because they aren’t abiding by team rules.
Coach Charley Molnar left starters Alan Williams (wide receiver), (EDIT: Jamar Smith, not Antoine Tharpe) and Nick Speller (right guard) and backup Mike Lee (cornerback) home for academic reasons.
“Guys are going to go to class. Guys are going to take care of their academic responsibilities or they won’t play football here. Sometimes when guys are starters, when they’re making plays, they think that they’re above the law, and that’s not the case here,” Molnar said.
The Minutemen were physically overmatched this weekend by Western Michigan, and the presence of the four wouldn’t have turned around a 52-14 loss. However, Molnar’s decision shows that, win or lose, the UMass football team will abide by his rules.
During a season where the Minutemen are trying to find their identity among FBS programs, that’s a sign of progress.
On the field, UMass looked ready for a Bye week.
The Minutemen were picked apart by a calm and protected Tyler Van Tubbergen, who lit them up for five passing touchdowns and one on the ground. The UMass defensive line couldn’t get a good push, the secondary was on the run, and the offense couldn’t find spots in Western Michigan’s hornets nest defense.
After keeping it close with Ohio, the Minutemen regressed a bit on Saturday. From my seat it looked like they were either tired or just couldn’t get up for the game.
One way or another, the Minutemen looked ready for a weekend off.
–
Scared to Run: Against Miami (OH), UMass sprinkled in a pro style, up-the-middle running attack with the spread and had its best rushing performance of the year. Against Ohio, the Minutemen veered away from the power attack and relied on delayed handoffs and the rarely effective hand-off-to-fake-pass routine. Mike Cox was still able to make things work that day and put up 95 yards. Then, against Western Michigan’s three-man front, UMass never tested the nosetackle. Nearly every run was focused on getting outside the offensive tackle’s shoulder. This sideline-to-sideline attack was destined to fail against a defense that packs the backfield with quick athletes waiting for play actions and outside draws (See: Devon Brant). The UMass offensive line is big, tough and was perfectly capable of opening holes. It was frustrating to watch Cox dance when he should have been driving.
–
Michel is Almost Back: Marken Michel returned to action after missing two games with a shoulder injury, and it looks like he needs to get his sea legs back. Michel had three catches for 31 yards but seemed to be a step behind on some of his routes. I assume missing Alan Williams put a little extra pressure on the sophomore. It also must have been tough to come back from injury and go against a nontraditional defense that effectively eliminates the middle of the field. I expect Michel will be up to speed in time for Bowling Green. This coming Bye week is going to help a bunch of guys.
–
That’s Right, More Kicking Moves: So, let’s see if I have this straight. Last week, true freshman Blake Lucas was kicking field goals, and Brendon Levengood was kicking PATs and taking kickoffs. Against Western Michigan, Levengood was still taking kickoffs, but now Lucas has the green light to kick PATs. UMass didn’t attempt any field goals, so we’ll never know who would have trotted out there. If I had to take out my kicker crystal ball, I’d say that Lucas will be kicking for points against Bowling Green and Levengood will continue to boot kickoffs. Who knows though? The Minutemen still have Dylan Thomas on the roster if these guys don’t work out. We haven’t heard much out of him, yet.
–
You Can’t Teach Experience: The youth of UMass’ secondary reared its head on Saturday. The Minutemen used Randall Jette, Trey Dudley-Giles, Joey Colton and Khary Bailey-Smith against Western Michigan, and while each have had bright spots this season, it’s clear that the secondary is going through expected growing pains. UMass fans should have faith that these kids will be solid two or three years down the road. Against the Broncos, they were dealing with faster receivers who were running routes for a quarterback that had all the time in the world to throw. That combination is a tall order for any secondary.
–
Defensive Line Met their Match: The Minutemen have seen steady production all year from their defensive line, but the Broncos were just too big, too skilled and too experienced. UMass registered one sack on the day and were never really able to rattle Van Tubbergen. Guys like Hafis Williams and Stanley Andre, who are usually pretty steady, weren’t able to get anything going. I thought games against Michigan and Indiana would have better prepared the Minutemen for the likes of Western Michigan, but the Broncos were too much for them to handle. Luckily the Broncos have the best offensive line in the MAC, and every other team the Minutemen face are at least a slight step down.
I have been following the MAC for 40+ years and can tell you it is, year in and year out, one of the most balanced major college leagues in the country. You never find two or three teams dominating for the conference for decades on end. Just doesn’t happen in the Mid American Conference. Once the fan base begins to realize the overall balance that exists in the MAC top to bottom, a much greater appreciation and respect for the member teams/games will occur.
It is a tough league that is very unforgiving on the field of play whether it be a conference brother or out of conference foe. Get to know the teams, the universities they come from and enjoy the ride – it will be exciting!
UMass will be fine, but to be in a position to challenge for a MAC Championship will take a team laden with 4th and 5th year regulars – its always that way in the MAC.
Until then have patience and take pride in the tremendous effort your team is putting forth, even though the record does not seem to indicate such. If it was easy there would be no excitement or appreciation for what it means to challenge for the title or to win the MAC East Division or overall MAC Championship.
Good Luck as you build your program and welcome to the MAC – Glad to have you as a member!
A Ball State and MAC fan since 1967!
Bob
Love your work and enjoy your opinions.
Also really like the idea that the coaches are holding the players to being students. That is why they go to college – not to become football players only.
Agree with you about all players being on the sidelines for all games possible – expecially the home games.
Keep posting – you keep it interesting.
This is not what I – or most others enjoy about UMass football- it will get better.
From sec 109 where it is good and loud
Larry
I love this program, love the move to FBS, love the idea of being successful at the highest level. I have ZERO desire to follow other universities, such as bob referenced above, in treating academics as a secondary concern to winning football games. I support coach molnar in leaving those kids home. Let’s hope coach and the team is now spending these next two weeks getting these kids back up to par.
Academics come first, great job Coach Molnar!
In my opinion Molnar is just digging himself deeper and deeper already(Not Making a Good 1st Impression). When you don’t let players travel and play because of grades and there not up to par, come on. I understand being strict, but come on do you think Alabama and Oregon not only bench there players because of grades but don’t let them travel either and suit up. Also, what about the injured players you don’t let travel, or even home games you have sit in the stands, are you serious such disrespect to them. I couldn’t believe seeing them in the stands and not suited up, these guys work hard to support there teammates and you have them with fans. Lastly, the comments on constantly calling these guys FCS players has got to stop, there Division I players now treat them like it. Especially the upper classmen because i’m pretty sure you have rubbed them the wrong way always insisting that there not “Your Guys” aka Your Recruits. Wake Up Molnar, and choose your words wisely!
When Molnar first came on board he said if they’re not doing it in the classroom they won’t be on the field. (paraphrased slightly). So this was a known policy. Let’s not use Alabama as our model.
I agree with Andy on the classroom policy. Not much more to be said.
Regarding comments on the players having been recruited to play in FCS, it’s the truth, and I sense no disrespect whatsoever in those comments; I very much doubt the players want to be coddled and told sweet lies about it either. More than anything, that reality should be a motivator for them – most of them are playing against programs that did not think them worthy of a scholarship. It’s up to them to make the most of this opportunity and prove their worth on the field. It also underscores the idea that if they want to be competitive and have a chance to win, they are going to have to outwork their opponents.