Opening Thought: The Minutemen went 4-8 last season but after winning three of their last four games, expectations are higher this season for a team that returns several key starters including redshirt senior quarterback Andrew Ford and senior wide receiver Andy Isabella.

It is year five in Mark Whipple’s system so it is not out of the realm of possibility that the Minutemen could compete for a bowl bid.

Here are three keys for the Minutemen this season.

Three Keys for the Minutemen:

1. Compete Against a Tough Schedule: With games against Boston College, UConn, BYU and Georgia on the schedule, the Minutemen will have their hands full. The good news is, UMass beat BYU last season and is good enough to beat UConn. If they split against these four teams and win at least three other games, they could become bowl eligible.

2. Air It Out! UMass averaged close to 300 yards per game last season through the air. The passing game will once again be the Minutemen’s calling card. With Ford (22 TD’s 2,924 yards) and Isabella (65/1,020/10 TD’s) back, UMass should have a top 50 passing attack nationally.

3. New Faces Must Emerge On D: The offense will score plenty of points. UMass’ success in 2018 however will hinge on a young defense that must replace several key contributors including defensive end Da’Sean Downey, the team’s leading pass rusher from a season ago.

UMass only had 23 sacks last season so they will be counting on returning starter Joe Previte up front to provide a pass rush and help protect the linebackers.

The secondary will be the Minutemen’s strength on defense with safety Tyler Hayes and cornerback Lee Moses returning.

Prediction: The Minutemen have enough talent to become bowl eligible but it will be tough. They will need to pull off an upset or two along the way for that to happen. The offense should be very good. A young, inexperienced defense could be their undoing in the long run.