Game 2, 2025: Bryant (H, 9/6)

[ZooMass84]

Look at how many different mens BB and FB coaches we've had since Bamford arrived... they've all failed. He is whats common. Plus the dysfunction within the dept.. but that's another story.. sometimes it's not everyone else... sometimes it's you.

Well, we agree he should be fired. I think it should be for the colossal fuck up of doubling down on FBS and almost certainly screwing hoops (and other sports) in the process. You and others apparently because he hasn't made FBS a success. If he’s gone on Monday, how will the new AD prove the skeptics wrong that FBS and MAC was the right move? People were broadly supportive of the new coach hire, the conference move, and the proverbial “investments” in NIL and coaching salaries, Yet, after the product on the field failed again last night, I listened to some diehard FBS dude on twiiter last night go on and on (and on and on) about how Bamford hates the fans, “laughs at us” and doesn't care if UMass loses. Maybe. I don’t know the dude. But is is painfully clear that the temperature and venom toward him is so high that sober minds and context doesn’t matter. The same crew calling for his neck got almost everything they wanted, except for a larger stadium. 3700 fans say hello. Yet, it is Bamford, not the MAJOR, MAJOR challenges of UMass at FBS, that is the problem. So, yes, he’s been a shitty AD. Agree. But it is precisely because he has never seemed to figure out that UMass is not a, say, SEC or Big 10 school (and definitely not MAC! ) and our brand is and should be different. Yes, yes, I know…”flagship.”

you are without a doubt the most delusional moron on any board. I love that you come out under the rock to bash the program. But with how bad UMass football is you've had 14 years of opportunities. I'll spell it out for you: we are full time members in the MAC now. that means ALL SPORTS. Do you understand? It would take YEARS to leave the FBS MAC and football and go where? indy FBS or 1AA back to the CAA or NEC or someplace. Yes, UMass football is without a doubt HISTORICALLY bad. In fact, it defies statistics in how bad we are. You would ALMOST have to intend to be this bad. WE have lost in every imaginable way in the last 5 minutes possible. Liberty last year, temple blocked PAT and they take it to the house; Hawaii muffed kick off etc.
definitely not MAC! we fit in PERFECTLY. mid sized state universities

[ZooMass84]

I don't know what the solution for UMass football is. It can't be money: we're paying Coach Joe 1.4 million. A clear observation is he has a 5 year contract and what are we going to do? have him go 1-11 (kent state) MAYBE this year 2025, 2026, 2027, then buy him out at the end of 2027 and rinse and repeat for another guy in 2028 at 2 million plus????
I was just thinking statistically UMass football defies everything: THE COACHES AND PLAYERS would have to WANT to lose in the last 5 minutes of every game. we have lost DOZENS of games in the last 5 minutes.
Obviously we're not dropping back down to 1AA. Only Idaho has done that. They are in the middle of no where. Plenty of public universities have dropped football altogether like Cal Fullerton State and Vermont etc. You can't say Coach Joe was a bad hire: He has head coaching experience and also was a DC at Rutgers and is from New England.

[ZooMass84]

Look at how many different mens BB and FB coaches we've had since Bamford arrived... they've all failed. He is whats common. Plus the dysfunction within the dept.. but that's another story.. sometimes it's not everyone else... sometimes it's you.

Well, we agree he should be fired. I think it should be for the colossal fuck up of doubling down on FBS and almost certainly screwing hoops (and other sports) in the process. You and others apparently because he hasn't made FBS a success. If he’s gone on Monday, how will the new AD prove the skeptics wrong that FBS and MAC was the right move? People were broadly supportive of the new coach hire, the conference move, and the proverbial “investments” in NIL and coaching salaries, Yet, after the product on the field failed again last night, I listened to some diehard FBS dude on twiiter last night go on and on (and on and on) about how Bamford hates the fans, “laughs at us” and doesn't care if UMass loses. Maybe. I don’t know the dude. But is is painfully clear that the temperature and venom toward him is so high that sober minds and context doesn’t matter. The same crew calling for his neck got almost everything they wanted, except for a larger stadium. 3700 fans say hello. Yet, it is Bamford, not the MAJOR, MAJOR challenges of UMass at FBS, that is the problem. So, yes, he’s been a shitty AD. Agree. But it is precisely because he has never seemed to figure out that UMass is not a, say, SEC or Big 10 school (and definitely not MAC! ) and our brand is and should be different. Yes, yes, I know…”flagship.”

colossal fuck up of doubling down on FBS this statement alone PROVES you are clueless. Ryan Bamford is the AD, not President or Chancellor. You think Bamford is going to what: get up some day and announce: "UMass is moving back down to 1AA where we belong?" We were FBS when John McCutcheon left. What's Bamford going to do? Call the Chancellor or Marty Meehan or somebody and say: "Jesus, we need to drop back down to 1AA. It's just not working!!!!".
Doubling down??? Like when you get an 11 at the blackjack table or a soft hand like Ace-5 against a 5???? Yes I was on Twitter or X as its called now and people are beyond sad, hurt, angry and who can blame them? Bryant started playing football 26 years ago and was D2 not too long ago. THE LOSS SATURDAY WAS BEYOND EMBARRASSING.

[Rolling Ridge]

I guess the question is what do we mean by relevant. For me it’s to compete for the conference championship consistently. I believe we can do that in the MAC. Then I would like us to be competitive in the northeast against the likes of CT, BC, Syracuse, Army, Navy etc, I believe we can get there. I think coach H can get us to what I stated above

I'm with you 100% on this.

my concern is with the AD, I don’t think he has a grasp on how to manage FBS football.

What more would you expect of Bamford at this point? We’re in a conference, he made a successful case to UMass leadership for what would be needed to succeed in the MAC, and that was enough to hire Coach Joe and his staff and get the NIL stuff underway at a level that is comparable with our conference peers. Obviously, that’s not the end of the story. There’s more to do and always will be, but it seems like he did what those who value football wanted to see. If we lost a close game to Temple and crushed Byrant, would you still be saying this?

I don’t believe the UMass leadership really gives .02 about athletics and its value to the university.

I guess the question is: what do you mean by UMass leadership? If you’re talking about the President and the Chancellor, I don’t think you could be more wrong. I spent the better part of yesterday afternoon with both, and I have no question about their passion and commitment to UMass athletics (and our band).

I can’t speak for the entire Board of Trustees, but I know some that are highly supportive and care a lot. From my perspective, I think support from UMass leadership for athletics is the best it’s been in decades, but that doesn’t translate into a blank check. I think they stepped up big time this year and hopefully maintain that level of commitment and help grow it over time, but UMass is a complex, political organization with multiple competing priorities. The sun does not rise and set on athletics, nor should it. We’re not going to get everything we want all at once. It will take time and commitment to build this up.

As with our AD, what do you (or others) expect to see from UMass leadership at this moment that they’re not doing?

[wmmmfan]

I guess the question is what do we mean by relevant. For me it’s to compete for the conference championship consistently. I believe we can do that in the MAC. Then I would like us to be competitive in the northeast against the likes of CT, BC, Syracuse, Army, Navy etc, I believe we can get there. I think coach H can get us to what I stated above

I'm with you 100% on this.

my concern is with the AD, I don’t think he has a grasp on how to manage FBS football.

What more would you expect of Bamford at this point? We’re in a conference, he made a successful case to UMass leadership for what would be needed to succeed in the MAC, and that was enough to hire Coach Joe and his staff and get the NIL stuff underway at a level that is comparable with our conference peers. Obviously, that’s not the end of the story. There’s more to do and always will be, but it seems like he did what those who value football wanted to see. If we lost a close game to Temple and crushed Byrant, would you still be saying this?

I don’t believe the UMass leadership really gives .02 about athletics and its value to the university.

I guess the question is: what do you mean by UMass leadership? If you’re talking about the President and the Chancellor, I don’t think you could be more wrong. I spent the better part of yesterday afternoon with both, and I have no question about their passion and commitment to UMass athletics (and our band).

I can’t speak for the entire Board of Trustees, but I know some that are highly supportive and care a lot. From my perspective, I think support from UMass leadership for athletics is the best it’s been in decades, but that doesn’t translate into a blank check. I think they stepped up big time this year and hopefully maintain that level of commitment and help grow it over time, but UMass is a complex, political organization with multiple competing priorities. The sun does not rise and set on athletics, nor should it. We’re not going to get everything we want all at once. It will take time and commitment to build this up.

As with our AD, what do you (or others) expect to see from UMass leadership at this moment that they’re not doing?

My statements on the AD, Marty Meehan and the board are coming from the decisions of the last ten years. Those decision have given us 10 years of embarrassment when it comes to football. I do cut Ryan a little slack in that it is the administration that sets the finances for the program but at some point someone needs to be the adult in the room and provide a plan for success, the road map to get there and the chops to sell it. From an outsiders view it wasn’t until Reyes got here that actually occurred, you would know better than I would on this point.
As far as Meehan and the board support, action speak louder than words. It has taken 14 years to get this program funded properly to be competitive against G5 level competition and that doesn’t show commitment or passion in my view. Yes, we now have the proper financial support but at this moment we are on our 5th coach, we have left and re entered the same conference, have had a revolving roster of players almost every year and have lost any identity this proud program has ever had.
I can only draw on my own experience but when someone gives you the keys to a business you better have a plan and the conviction to carry out that plan. I have not seen that from this AD, President or the board members prior to the last 12 months. Hopefully your discussions with these folks is a peak behind the curtain that this program going forward has their support and commitment to lobby the legislature as well.
You clearly have insight that I don’t so I’ll ask you why did it take so long to get this program what it needed financially to put it on equal footing with G5 universities. Asking because I truly am curious. I’m just a frustrated 50 year supporter of all things UMass.

[stevemaz]

Look at how many different mens BB and FB coaches we've had since Bamford arrived... they've all failed. He is whats common. Plus the dysfunction within the dept.. but that's another story.. sometimes it's not everyone else... sometimes it's you.

Well, we agree he should be fired. I think it should be for the colossal fuck up of doubling down on FBS and almost certainly screwing hoops (and other sports) in the process. You and others apparently because he hasn't made FBS a success. If he’s gone on Monday, how will the new AD prove the skeptics wrong that FBS and MAC was the right move? People were broadly supportive of the new coach hire, the conference move, and the proverbial “investments” in NIL and coaching salaries, Yet, after the product on the field failed again last night, I listened to some diehard FBS dude on twiiter last night go on and on (and on and on) about how Bamford hates the fans, “laughs at us” and doesn't care if UMass loses. Maybe. I don’t know the dude. But is is painfully clear that the temperature and venom toward him is so high that sober minds and context doesn’t matter. The same crew calling for his neck got almost everything they wanted, except for a larger stadium. 3700 fans say hello. Yet, it is Bamford, not the MAJOR, MAJOR challenges of UMass at FBS, that is the problem. So, yes, he’s been a shitty AD. Agree. But it is precisely because he has never seemed to figure out that UMass is not a, say, SEC or Big 10 school (and definitely not MAC! ) and our brand is and should be different. Yes, yes, I know…”flagship.”

Correct, UMass is not a Big Ten or SEC school, it is a MAC school. According to the WSJ analysis, UMass should be an American Conference school.

The three major mistakes were 1) not joining C-USA and moving up in the late 90’s, 2) not pursuing full C-USA membership when we finally moved up, and 3) not taking full MAC membership a decade ago.

The most foolish thing UMass has done has been continuously committing to the archaic A10 hybrid model while our actual peers moved onto more appropriate situations.

EXACTLY!!

[Rolling Ridge]

You clearly have insight that I don’t so I’ll ask you why did it take so long to get this program what it needed financially to put it on equal footing with G5 universities. Asking because I truly am curious. I’m just a frustrated 50 year supporter of all things UMass.

I think there are myriad reasons why things took so long. The most critical thing in my mind is that not enough commitment was given up front, in 2010 and 2011. You're right about not having a real plan. That's when we should have had one, and I think that sabotaged the transition from the get-go.

All that pre-dates Swamy by two to three years, and Bamford and Meehan by four to five years. Swamy inherited a mess that got substantially worse when the MAC made the ultimatum for us to go all-sports. One can argue that our decision not to go all-MAC at time was the wrong one, but two things on that: 1) the economics at the time favored staying in the A-10 for basketball, and 2) neither Bamford nor Meehan were involved in that decision, which was announced in 2014, nearly a year before either started in April and July 2015 respectively.

Agree with it or not, I think the decision was made in 2015 to proceed slowly and cautiously and to not jump into another bad situation. The program did make incremental improvements, and when the right opportunity finally came along, enough infrastructure had been created that everyone could finally get on board. I do think the new Chancellor played a part in that as well, as did the changing landscape around us - in fact, both of these were probably critical.

It was most assuredly painful, but given where we were, eight to nine years is just how long it took. UMass is a big ship. Turning it comes slowly. I’m pleased with the final result, and I’m not certain that such a result would have been possible before 2024 due to a variety of internal and external factors. Given that, perceived shortcomings of the various parties don’t loom as large in my mind. I’m looking forward, not back. I think that if the program can’t find success now, then some heads are likely to roll, but from what I saw, I think the best was made of a bad situation, and we emerged looking pretty good. Time to move on.

[doubledribble]

I guess the question is what do we mean by relevant. For me it’s to compete for the conference championship consistently. I believe we can do that in the MAC. Then I would like us to be competitive in the northeast against the likes of CT, BC, Syracuse, Army, Navy etc, I believe we can get there. I think coach H can get us to what I stated above

I'm with you 100% on this.

my concern is with the AD, I don’t think he has a grasp on how to manage FBS football.

What more would you expect of Bamford at this point? We’re in a conference, he made a successful case to UMass leadership for what would be needed to succeed in the MAC, and that was enough to hire Coach Joe and his staff and get the NIL stuff underway at a level that is comparable with our conference peers. Obviously, that’s not the end of the story. There’s more to do and always will be, but it seems like he did what those who value football wanted to see. If we lost a close game to Temple and crushed Byrant, would you still be saying this?

I don’t believe the UMass leadership really gives .02 about athletics and its value to the university.

I guess the question is: what do you mean by UMass leadership? If you’re talking about the President and the Chancellor, I don’t think you could be more wrong. I spent the better part of yesterday afternoon with both, and I have no question about their passion and commitment to UMass athletics (and our band).

I can’t speak for the entire Board of Trustees, but I know some that are highly supportive and care a lot. From my perspective, I think support from UMass leadership for athletics is the best it’s been in decades, but that doesn’t translate into a blank check. I think they stepped up big time this year and hopefully maintain that level of commitment and help grow it over time, but UMass is a complex, political organization with multiple competing priorities. The sun does not rise and set on athletics, nor should it. We’re not going to get everything we want all at once. It will take time and commitment to build this up.

As with our AD, what do you (or others) expect to see from UMass leadership at this moment that they’re not doing?

My statements on the AD, Marty Meehan and the board are coming from the decisions of the last ten years. Those decision have given us 10 years of embarrassment when it comes to football. I do cut Ryan a little slack in that it is the administration that sets the finances for the program but at some point someone needs to be the adult in the room and provide a plan for success, the road map to get there and the chops to sell it. From an outsiders view it wasn’t until Reyes got here that actually occurred, you would know better than I would on this point.
As far as Meehan and the board support, action speak louder than words. It has taken 14 years to get this program funded properly to be competitive against G5 level competition and that doesn’t show commitment or passion in my view. Yes, we now have the proper financial support but at this moment we are on our 5th coach, we have left and re entered the same conference, have had a revolving roster of players almost every year and have lost any identity this proud program has ever had.
I can only draw on my own experience but when someone gives you the keys to a business you better have a plan and the conviction to carry out that plan. I have not seen that from this AD, President or the board members prior to the last 12 months. Hopefully your discussions with these folks is a peak behind the curtain that this program going forward has their support and commitment to lobby the legislature as well.
You clearly have insight that I don’t so I’ll ask you why did it take so long to get this program what it needed financially to put it on equal footing with G5 universities. Asking because I truly am curious. I’m just a frustrated 50 year supporter of all things UMass.

“ It has taken 14 years to get this program funded properly to be competitive against G5 level competition and that doesn’t show commitment or passion in my view. Yes, we now have the proper financial support..”

“ funded properly to be competitive against G5 level competition”
Sorry to say THAT STATEMENT IS A TOTAL JOKE!

[wmmmfan]

I'm with you 100% on this.


What more would you expect of Bamford at this point? We’re in a conference, he made a successful case to UMass leadership for what would be needed to succeed in the MAC, and that was enough to hire Coach Joe and his staff and get the NIL stuff underway at a level that is comparable with our conference peers. Obviously, that’s not the end of the story. There’s more to do and always will be, but it seems like he did what those who value football wanted to see. If we lost a close game to Temple and crushed Byrant, would you still be saying this?


I guess the question is: what do you mean by UMass leadership? If you’re talking about the President and the Chancellor, I don’t think you could be more wrong. I spent the better part of yesterday afternoon with both, and I have no question about their passion and commitment to UMass athletics (and our band).

I can’t speak for the entire Board of Trustees, but I know some that are highly supportive and care a lot. From my perspective, I think support from UMass leadership for athletics is the best it’s been in decades, but that doesn’t translate into a blank check. I think they stepped up big time this year and hopefully maintain that level of commitment and help grow it over time, but UMass is a complex, political organization with multiple competing priorities. The sun does not rise and set on athletics, nor should it. We’re not going to get everything we want all at once. It will take time and commitment to build this up.

As with our AD, what do you (or others) expect to see from UMass leadership at this moment that they’re not doing?

My statements on the AD, Marty Meehan and the board are coming from the decisions of the last ten years. Those decision have given us 10 years of embarrassment when it comes to football. I do cut Ryan a little slack in that it is the administration that sets the finances for the program but at some point someone needs to be the adult in the room and provide a plan for success, the road map to get there and the chops to sell it. From an outsiders view it wasn’t until Reyes got here that actually occurred, you would know better than I would on this point.
As far as Meehan and the board support, action speak louder than words. It has taken 14 years to get this program funded properly to be competitive against G5 level competition and that doesn’t show commitment or passion in my view. Yes, we now have the proper financial support but at this moment we are on our 5th coach, we have left and re entered the same conference, have had a revolving roster of players almost every year and have lost any identity this proud program has ever had.
I can only draw on my own experience but when someone gives you the keys to a business you better have a plan and the conviction to carry out that plan. I have not seen that from this AD, President or the board members prior to the last 12 months. Hopefully your discussions with these folks is a peak behind the curtain that this program going forward has their support and commitment to lobby the legislature as well.
You clearly have insight that I don’t so I’ll ask you why did it take so long to get this program what it needed financially to put it on equal footing with G5 universities. Asking because I truly am curious. I’m just a frustrated 50 year supporter of all things UMass.

“ It has taken 14 years to get this program funded properly to be competitive against G5 level competition and that doesn’t show commitment or passion in my view. Yes, we now have the proper financial support..”

“ funded properly to be competitive against G5 level competition”
Sorry to say THAT STATEMENT IS A TOTAL JOKE!

At what level of funding do you think UMass can be in the present moment?

[ZooMass84]

You clearly have insight that I don’t so I’ll ask you why did it take so long to get this program what it needed financially to put it on equal footing with G5 universities. Asking because I truly am curious. I’m just a frustrated 50 year supporter of all things UMass.

I think there are myriad reasons why things took so long. The most critical thing in my mind is that not enough commitment was given up front, in 2010 and 2011. You're right about not having a real plan. That's when we should have had one, and I think that sabotaged the transition from the get-go.

All that pre-dates Swamy by two to three years, and Bamford and Meehan by four to five years. Swamy inherited a mess that got substantially worse when the MAC made the ultimatum for us to go all-sports. One can argue that our decision not to go all-MAC at time was the wrong one, but two things on that: 1) the economics at the time favored staying in the A-10 for basketball, and 2) neither Bamford nor Meehan were involved in that decision, which was announced in 2014, nearly a year before either started in April and July 2015 respectively.

Agree with it or not, I think the decision was made in 2015 to proceed slowly and cautiously and to not jump into another bad situation. The program did make incremental improvements, and when the right opportunity finally came along, enough infrastructure had been created that everyone could finally get on board. I do think the new Chancellor played a part in that as well, as did the changing landscape around us - in fact, both of these were probably critical.

It was most assuredly painful, but given where we were, eight to nine years is just how long it took. UMass is a big ship. Turning it comes slowly. I’m pleased with the final result, and I’m not certain that such a result would have been possible before 2024 due to a variety of internal and external factors. Given that, perceived shortcomings of the various parties don’t loom as large in my mind. I’m looking forward, not back. I think that if the program can’t find success now, then some heads are likely to roll, but from what I saw, I think the best was made of a bad situation, and we emerged looking pretty good. Time to move on.

Time to move on. Absolutely. I guess if UMass wins a football game or two per season, then it's been a pretty good season.
But seriously, as I explained in another post, we have lost almost every game in the final 5 minutes. Is there a coach for that?
The problem clearly isn't money: Coach Joe is making 1.4 million. That is the highest in the MAC.
One can argue that our decision not to go all-MAC at time was the wrong oneat the time the A-10 was not the joke it is today. It was more than a 1 bid league then.

[JoleonLescottsHair]

^ you seem a little all over the map and, quite honestly, a bit troubled. You ok, dude?

[ZooMass84]

^ you seem a little all over the map and, quite honestly, a bit troubled. You ok, dude?

a bit troubled stop projecting...........you obviously are beyond troubled..........still blabbing about "FBS not right for UMass, got to drop back down to FCS".....

I guess you don't read very much: there's something called the CFP and GOR. IF WE DROP BACK DOWN TO FCS, WE LOSE A SHIT TON OF $$$$$$$$$$. You are so stupid, you think we made $$$$ in FCS. No, the farther we got in playoffs etc we lost money. We get millions from being in FBS. From the paydays of being a bodybag for P4 schools who pay many times what they pay FCS for the same beatdown.
You think 12 Saturdays in the fall are much fun for me or any other fan........no, they are misery. I've come to the conclusion that UMass football defies the odds: analogous to a fair coin flipping tails 1,000 times in a row. Can it happen, of course. But the probability of it is astronomically low.

[JoleonLescottsHair]

^ not well.

[photoman]

I assume UMass paid $$ to Bryant to come to Amherst only to be humiliated. Never saw the dollar amount. Does anyone know?

[ZooMass84]

I assume UMass paid $$ to Bryant to come to Amherst only to be humiliated. Never saw the dollar amount. Does anyone know?

i think it was 300k or something. photo: you've been a fan for decades. I communicate with SJG$ on X. He really knows football. How in God's name do we lose to Bryant? Do we schedule Amherst College next? or Assumption?