UMass Football: A Historic Encounter with No. 21 Missouri Tigers

The UMass Minutemen are set to face off against the No. 21 Missouri Tigers in a highly anticipated non-conference matchup on Saturday, October 12, 2024. This game marks the first time these two teams have ever met on the gridiron, making it a historic encounter for both squads. The Minutemen, currently 1-5, will look to upset the Tigers, who are 4-1 and seeking their ninth consecutive win in non-conference games.

The game will take place at Warren McGuirk Alumni Stadium in Amherst, Massachusetts, with kickoff scheduled for 12 p.m. ET. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN2 or stream it for free with a trial to FuboTV.

Missouri, ranked No. 21, is looking to bounce back from a heavy 41-10 defeat against No. 25 Texas A&M. The Tigers aim to secure their ninth consecutive win in non-conference matchups, a streak that has been impressive under Coach Eliah Drinkwitz.

UMass, on the other hand, has yet to achieve a victory against a team from the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The Minutemen have lost all 11 previous attempts against SEC opponents, making this matchup a significant challenge for them.

Key Players to Watch

For Missouri, quarterback Brady Cook has been instrumental in their success. He has maintained an impressive streak of 116 consecutive pass attempts without an interception, following his only interception against Buffalo on September 7.

Wide receiver Luther Burden III is another key player for the Tigers. He has extended his streak of games with at least one catch to 27 and is on the verge of surpassing 2,000 career receiving yards, needing just 74 more yards.

UMass quarterback Taisun Phommachanh has been a standout for the Minutemen. He ranks fourth among FBS quarterbacks with 290 rushing yards gained after contact and has thrown for 263 yards and two touchdowns in their last game against Northern Illinois.

Wide receiver Jakobie Keeney-James has also been a crucial part of UMass's offense. He achieved a personal best of 150 receiving yards against Miami of Ohio and features a career-long touchdown catch of 66 yards.

Team Statistics and Insights

Missouri's offense has been solid, converting 20 of 21 red zone opportunities, ranking 13th nationally and third in the SEC. Running back Nate Noel has led the team in rushing in all five games, with a personal best of 199 yards against Vanderbilt on September 21.

Defensively, Missouri has been impressive, surrendering just 17.8 points and 277.6 yards on average. Corey Flagg Jr. anchors the defense with 26 tackles, Khalil Jacobs has posted two sacks, and Dreyden Norwood has recorded an interception.

UMass's defense has struggled, allowing 31.3 points and 324.2 yards per game. Jalen Stewart leads with 37 tackles, Sahnai Swain-Price has logged a sack, and Ryan Barnes has registered an interception.

Game Preview and Predictions

The matchup between UMass and Missouri is expected to be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. Sports pundits Dan Wetzel and Pat Forde have shared their predictions for the game, with both offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each team.

For UMass, this game represents an opportunity to break their streak of losses against SEC opponents. The Minutemen will need to capitalize on their strengths in both passing and rushing to stand a chance against the formidable Missouri Tigers.

Missouri, on the other hand, is looking to continue their winning streak in non-conference games. With a strong offense and solid defense, they are favored to win by 27.5 points according to BetMGM Sportsbook.

As the Minutemen and Tigers face off for the first time, fans can expect an exciting and competitive game. The outcome will depend on how well each team executes their game plan and capitalizes on their strengths.

For those interested in watching the game without cable, FuboTV offers a free trial, allowing viewers to stream the matchup live.

The UMass Minutemen vs. Missouri Tigers game is more than just a matchup between two teams; it's a historic encounter that promises to deliver exciting football action. Whether you're a fan of the Minutemen or the Tigers, this game is one not to miss.

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