UMass Recap Sunday, November 1, 2009

Sorry I haven't posted in a while.

When I last showed up, UMass was in controll of its own destiny, having just given the Wildcats their first conference loss and were about to travel to Richmond to (hopefully) give them their first loss. It didn't quite work out that way. I only listened to the first quarter, but I'm told the defense played great, but the offense played terribly. Havens got benched in favor of red shirt senior Scott Woodward as a result of throwing too many interceptions and UMass lost 30-something to 12. There was talk about starting Woodward yesterday on umasshoops.com, but Coach Morris stuck with his guy.

Yesterday, the game was on TV, which was great since it's in Orono, Maine which I've never been to. Why? Because I'm told it takes like 6 hours to get there. I'm waiting for the Hockey Team and Football team to both be there in the same weekend. Then I figure I could get a hotel and make the trip worth my while.

Anyway, the defense played ok, the offense played terrible again. Havens was benched again at halftime after throwing 1 pick and losing a fumble. Woodward didn't play too much better, throwing 3 picks (though two of those were in the last couple of minutes on fourth downs where he was just trying to avoid a sack and keep UMass playoff hopes alive). Maine beat UMass 19-9. The only bright spot was UMass picked off a 2pt conversion and returned it for 2pts of its own.

UMass is now 4-4 overall and 2-3 in the CAA. While I suppose it is possible to make the playoffs at 7-4 (I think UNH was a 7-4 playoff team a couple of years ago), it's highly unlikely. Especially cause the Football team hasn't won a road game all year. The one quality win is against UNH. As JMU stinks this year (though they just beat Delaware yesterday to get their first conference win), there aren't any quality opponents left. I just don't think the resume is good enough for the post season.

UMass clearly has an issue at quarterback. As much as I like him, Havens has thrown 14 interception to 8 touch downs. That's not getting it done. It doesn't really matter what Woodward does, as he's gone next year, but he has 5 interceptions to 2 touchdowns. The other quarterbacks on the bench haven't played yet.

I hate to say it, but it's time to look ahead to next year. Is Havens the quarterback of the future (as in, next year)? If so, play him in hopes he learns not to turn the ball over every other possession.

If not, I'd play Octavious Hawkins, a red shirt sophomore UMass has, able to run really well. You'd have to run a more option style offense, or at least put a few option plays in for him. I don't like the option. I find it boring. But I dislike losing more than I dislike the option, and if it gives UMass the best chance to win, I'm all for implementing it. You have to play him to see what you got.

If neither of these two are the solution, UMass does have some freshman I've never heard of on the bench. They could give him a shot. The only other alternative is to recruit a new quarterback, either an FBS transfer or else a freshman out of high school.

In the mean time, no matter who is at quarterback, I think UMass should also focus on running the ball more. Both Tony Nelson and Jon Hernandez are among the conference's leading rushers. Use them. Run the ball down the defense's throats, keep possession of the ball, and rely on your defense (which has been pretty good) to win field position battles.

Northeastern is next week. They stink. UMass should beat them easily.