UMass Football Stuns Rival in Season Opener – Highlights, Key Stats, and What It Means for the Minutemen

UMass football is back in the national conversation after an eventful opening week that saw the Minutemen fall to Temple 42-10 but flash enough play-making potential to keep fans optimistic as the program embarks on its long-anticipated return to the Mid-American Conference in 2025. Early fireworks, late fade Rocko Griffin’s 18-yard touchdown run and Derek Morris’ 40-yard field goal spotted Massachusetts a 10-7 lead, yet three second-quarter Temple strikes flipped the script and exposed growing pains for first-year head coach Joe Harasymiak’s squad. Receiver Jacquon Gibson was a bright spot, piling up career highs in receptions (12) and yards (132), while linebacker Derrieon Craig led the defense with eight tackles. Cleaning up turnovers (one INT, one lost fumble) and third-down execution (3-for-14) sits atop the to-do list before Week 2. Home opener vs. Bryant: what you need to know • Kickoff: Saturday, Sept. 6, 3:30 p.m. ET, McGuirk Alumni Stadium • TV/Streaming: ESPN+ • Tickets: limited lower-bowl seats remain via UMassTix.com Bryant, an FCS opponent, gives the Minutemen a golden chance to even their record and build momentum before a daunting road swing to Iowa and Missouri later this month. Expect a heavy dose of Griffin behind an offensive line that won 57% of its run-block snaps versus Temple, plus quick-hitting throws to Gibson and transfer tight end Peter Eskridge to boost quarterback Brandon Rose’s confidence. Why 2025 matters: Massachusetts rejoins the MAC After nine seasons as a football independent, July 1 marked UMass’ official re-entry into the MAC, delivering long-term scheduling stability, regional rivalries and—most importantly—an attainable path to bowl eligibility. The league slate features eight conference games beginning Sept. 13 at Iowa (non-league), followed by the first MAC showdown at Western Michigan on Oct. 4. 2025 key dates • Sept 13 – at Iowa (Big Ten) • Sept 27 – at Missouri (SEC) • Oct 4 – Western Michigan* • Oct 25 – Homecoming vs. Ohio* • Nov 18 – #MACtion midweek at Buffalo* • Dec 6 – MAC Championship, Ford Field* *conference games Three storylines driving search interest 1. Bowl drought watch: UMass last reached postseason play in 2011 (then FCS). Six wins would end a 14-year skid. 2. NIL splash: An estimated $2 million NIL budget—the highest in the MAC—helped secure Griffin, Rose and several Power-Five transfers. 3. New energy in Amherst: Harasymiak, a former Maine head coach and Rutgers defensive coordinator, is the youngest FBS leader in New England at 39. Players to track vs. Bryant • Rocko Griffin, RB – 9.4 yards per carry in Week 1; look for 20+ touches. • Jacquon Gibson, WR – Averaged 11 yards per target; matchup nightmare for smaller corners. • Keegan Andrews, P – Named Ray Guy Award Punter of the Week after a 47.8 net average; hidden-yardage weapon. What a win Saturday would mean A 1-1 start keeps bowl math realistic before Power-Five road trips. It would also mark UMass’ first victory inside McGuirk Alumni Stadium since October 2023, an important milestone for fan engagement and recruiting momentum. Search-friendly takeaway With UMass football returning to the MAC, boasting a revamped roster and eyeing its first bowl berth in over a decade, every snap of the 2025 season carries weight. Saturday’s clash with Bryant is more than a tune-up—it’s the first true litmus test for whether the Minutemen can translate offseason buzz into wins. Bookmark this page for weekly UMass football updates, injury reports, TV info and ticket deals as the road to #MACtion heats up in Amherst.