The Minutemen snap a 16-game skid with a dominant 37-21 victory in Piscataway
Category: Sports
In a surprising turn of events, the University of Massachusetts (UMass) football team ended a 16-game losing streak by defeating Rutgers 37-21 in the season opener on September 3, 2026, in Piscataway, New Jersey. The Minutemen, who were 29.5-point underdogs, showcased a commanding performance that marked their biggest upset in school history and their first victory against a Power 4 program since 2018.
This victory is monumental for UMass, which had not won a game in 677 days, with its last triumph occurring against Army on October 28, 2023. The Minutemen's win also snapped a 23-game losing streak against Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) teams, a drought that dated back to their last victory over Army. The significance of this win is underscored by the fact that UMass had been struggling since moving up to FBS in 2012, with an abysmal record of 28-142.
After falling behind 7-0 early in the game, UMass responded with a powerful offensive display, scoring 30 unanswered points. Quarterback William "Pop" Watson III, a transfer from Virginia Tech, was instrumental in the Minutemen's success. He completed 19 of 22 passes for 197 yards and three touchdowns, alongside rushing for 40 yards. Watson's performance marked a successful debut and highlighted his potential to lead the team into a new era.
In addition to Watson's efforts, running backs Curtis Kimmons IV and Elijah Faulkner contributed significantly, combining for 140 rushing yards on 30 carries. Faulkner also caught two passes for 23 yards and two touchdowns, solidifying his role as a key player in the offense. The Minutemen's defense was equally impressive, generating five sacks and forcing five turnovers from the Scarlet Knights.
The Minutemen averaged 6.4 yards per play and outrushed Rutgers 200-30, demonstrating their dominance across the field. UMass did not punt until the final two minutes of the third quarter, a statistic that reflects their control of the game. The victory was especially sweet for second-year coach Joe Harasymiak, who previously was Rutgers' defensive coordinator under Greg Schiano. Harasymiak's leadership has instilled optimism in the program, with both he and athletic director Ryan Bamford expressing a commitment to turning UMass into a competitive force.
For Rutgers, the loss was nothing short of disastrous. The Scarlet Knights, coming off a disappointing 5-7 season, entered the game with expectations of an easy win against a struggling UMass team. Instead, they faced a shocking defeat that raises questions about the future of the program under Schiano, who has a 31-41 record since returning to the team in 2020.
Rutgers' inability to establish a running game and its struggles along the line of scrimmage were glaring issues during the match. The only bright spot for the Scarlet Knights was receiver K.J. Duff, who caught nine passes for 196 yards and three touchdowns. His performance, though impressive, was not enough to overcome the comprehensive defeat.
As the season progresses, the pressure mounts on Schiano, especially with three years remaining on his contract. Reports indicate that buying out Schiano after this season would cost Rutgers $17.3 million, making the decision to retain him a complicated one for the university. The outcome of this game could serve as a turning point for Rutgers, potentially impacting recruiting and the morale of the team moving forward.
This historic win for UMass ends a long-standing losing streak and revitalizes hope for the program's future. The Minutemen have not had a winning season since 2010, and their performance against Rutgers signals a possible turnaround. The victory is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of college football, where underdogs can rise to the occasion and deliver stunning results.
Harasymiak's vision for the program includes aspirations for UMass to compete for conference titles and eventually participate in a bowl game, a feat that has eluded the team since its transition to FBS. With this win, the Minutemen can set their sights on achieving these goals, as they aim to build momentum and confidence in the coming weeks.
As the season progresses, UMass will look to capitalize on this victory and continue improving under Harasymiak's leadership. The Minutemen's next game will be a test of their resolve as they seek to build on this historic upset and prove that they can compete at a higher level.
In the aftermath of the game, Harasymiak expressed his pride in the team's performance, stating, "It's everything that we have to do in order to put this right." The Minutemen's victory against Rutgers serves as a hopeful sign for their supporters and a reminder that in college football, anything is possible.