Home / Sports / UMass Stuns Rutgers in Massive Week 1 Upset
UMass Stuns Rutgers in Massive Week 1 Upset
4 Sep
Summary
- UMass, a 29.5 point underdog, defeated Rutgers 37-21.
- The Minutemen offense gained 251 yards in the first half.
- UMass defense recorded five sacks and seven tackles for loss.
The 2026 college football season kicked off with a massive upset as UMass, a significant underdog, defeated Rutgers 37-21 on Thursday night. The Minutemen's offense, led by transfer quarterback Pop Watson III, amassed 251 yards in the first half, establishing a 24-7 lead. This performance represented a marked improvement for a team that struggled defensively last season.
UMass's defense displayed resilience, forcing turnovers and making crucial stops, including preventing Rutgers from converting on fourth downs and securing multiple interceptions. The unit's dominance was evident with five sacks and seven tackles for a loss, holding the Rutgers ground game to a mere 30 yards.
This victory is a testament to UMass coach Joe Harasymiak's offseason rebuilding efforts. The Minutemen, widely projected to struggle after going 0-12 last season, demonstrated newfound competitiveness. For Rutgers, the loss raises significant questions about coach Greg Schiano's ability to return the team to relevancy in the Big Ten.
