On September 3, the UMass Amherst Minutemen football team broke a 16-game losing streak with a 37-21 victory over Rutgers, marking their first win in the Football Bowl Subdivision since October 28, 2023.
Record-Breaking Night for Watson
Quarterback William "Pop" Watson III was the catalyst of the offense, throwing for 197 yards and three touchdowns while completing 80 percent of his passes, a feat that earned him the MAC Offensive Player of the Week honor and set a new FBS record for a quarterback with three touchdowns and an 80% completion rate in a single game.
Safety Jahmad Harmon contributed two interceptions, adding to his season total and securing the MAC Defensive Player of the Week recognition, while kicker Derek Morris posted a perfect 3‑for‑3 on field goals and 4‑for‑4 on extra points, earning Special Teams Player of the Week.
The win not only ended the Minutemen’s lengthy drought but also represented their first home opener against Sacred Heart since transitioning to the FBS level, a game slated for September 12 at McGuirk Alumni Stadium, where the venue will implement a clear bag policy for the upcoming season.
Coach and staff hope the momentum will carry the team forward as they prepare for the rest of the schedule, with the victory providing a confidence boost and a tangible step toward establishing UMass as a competitive presence in the Mid-American Conference.