For a program that had endured a 16-game losing streak and entered the season as a 29-point underdog, the University of Massachusetts’ stunning 37-21 road victory over Big Ten opponent Rutgers was not a fluke outcome. It was an emphatic opening statement for a long-dormant football program that is finally showing real signs of life.
UMass makes statement & lays big piece of foundation for turnaround
PISCATAWAY- For a program that spent years serving as college football’s ultimate punchline, Thursday night in Piscataway changed everything. Massachusetts went into SHI Stadium and did not just squeak past a Big Ten opponent—they dictated the terms of engagement from the jump, walking away with an undeniable 37-21 victory over Rutgers to open the season.
2026 Boston College Eagles Season Preview
Image courtesy of BC Athletics It’s a new day of sorts for BC Football. After one of the worst seasons in program history following a bowl berth in Bill O’Brien’s first year, the program looks completely different. New recruiting, NFL-like front office structure. New staff members. O’Brien is calling the plays. Oh, and there’s 30+ new faces on the roster as the Eagles had no choice but to join in…
Delaware 42, Merrimack 7 – Warriors offense struggles in blowout loss
Image courtesy of Merrimack Athletics For just about the entire first half on Friday night, Merrimack hung with Delaware on the road. After years of championship football at the FCS level while in the CAA, the Blue Hens moved up to the FBS level last season. Meanwhile, Merrimack was coming off a 34-7 season-opening loss as an independent. It wasn’t supposed to be close and in the end, it wasn’t….
UMass 37, Rutgers 21: Minutemen stun Scarlet Knights for historic win
By Ryan Barry NEFJ Correspondent PISCATAWAY, NJ – With the lights of college football shining brightly upon them, for the first time in 15 years since joining the FBS in 2012, UMass said enough was enough. In front of 42,454 fans at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey, the Minutemen didn’t just dominate the Rutgers Scarlet Knights to the tune of 37-21, they made another team the butt of the…
Fenway Thanksgiving matchups announced
BOSTON- For the sixth consecutive year, the historic grounds of Fenway Park will transform into a football field as it hosts four marquee high school football games during Thanksgiving week.
Gonzalez situation still unclear 6 days before season opener
FOXBOROUGH – The Christian Gonzalez situation isn’t any clearer after both he and Mike Vrabel spoke on Thursday afternoon. Karen Guregian of MassLive and Sophie Weller of PatriotsWire both spoke with Gonzalez in the locker room individually before practice, but the star cornerback remains mum on his contract negations with the team set to depart for Seattle in four days. Gonzalez told Weller he’s “not sure” whether anything will get…
New England Big Game Predictions for Week 1 (High School/College Edition)
We have a great first week of high school and college football. We pick the biggest games of the weekend with an added, fun twist to the high school games this season. Disclaimer: The odds on the high school games are fictional odds strictly for fun purposes. There is no wagering or betting on high school games and no money was exchanged. Again. It is strictly for fun. High School…
UMass Four Down Preview: UMass Minutemen (0-0) at Rutgers Scarlet Knights (0-0)
Image courtesy of ESPN By Ryan Barry NEFJ Correspondent Kickoff: The UMass Minutemen kick-off their 2026 campaign on Thursday evening when they travel to SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey to take on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Second year head coach Joe Harasymiak and his squad hope to make a strong first impression on the UMass faithful after a disappointing 0-12 finish in 2025. 1st Down: Newly minted starting quarterback…
Gomez has much to prove before heading off to UMass
Joel Gomez enters his senior season with a clear sense of purpose. The Manchester Memorial star, who impacts the game as a imposing tight end and relentless defensive end, has turned years of steady development into high-level collegiate interest. Now committed to the University of Massachusetts, Gomez approaches his final high school season focused on refining his physical tools and elevating his program on the regional stage.