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After a tough, hard-fought win against Miami the week before, Coach Haynes and his Golden Flashes team took the trip to the Glass Bowl to face a tough Toledo team, one that came into the game against Kent State undefeated and ranked in the Top 25. Toledo continued their roll through the 2015 schedule, beating Kent State 38-7 in a game that was seemingly over before it began.
For UMass, coming out of the gates 0-3 was something many expected, more because of the ability the opponents had then the talent level coming out of Amherst. This past weekend, the Minutemen had a tough taste as they played on the road against a Bowling Green team that has been firing on all cylinders thus far this season, and that continued in a big 62-38 win over UMass.
Both teams are desperate for a win as MAC play continues and the title races gain clarity.
Quick Game Info
Game time, Date: Saturday, October 17, 2015 at 3:30 p.m.
Location: McGuirk Alumni Stadium in Amherst, Massachusetts
TV: The game will be broadcast live on ESPN3
Streaming: The game can be seen in its entirety on the WatchESPN app, available in the Apple app store and Google Play Store for Android and iOS devices.
Radio: On iHeartRadio's Golden Flashes channel, also on AM 640 if near the Kent area.
Odds: The majority of places have UMass by 7.5 points.
Players to Watch
Demetrius Monday (CB, Kent State)- Monday leads the country in INT's thus far this season. He has the ability to keep the Flashes in the game completely on his own. If he can force Froh into a case of the Monday's, anything can happen in this game.
Kent State Offense-- If Kent is going to begin to live up to the potential many "experts" had them pegged for before the season started, this offense is going to need to put points on the board. Who steps up is something that is not of importance, but the execution has to improve if they are to compete in this game. Whoever is chosen to play QB is going to have to make better decisions.
Tajae Sharpe (WR, UMass) Sharpe has been the go-to guy for the Minutemen all season. He has the ability to take over a game on his own, and if they are going to get their second win of the season, Sharpe is going to have to find a way to make an impact.
Blake Frohnapfel (QB, UMass) Froh had an excellent game last week against Bowling Green, throwing for over 400 yards, and it is probably unrealistic for one to think Kent State's defense is going to be able to shut own their offense completely.With Monday presumably covering Sharpe the majority of the game, Froh is going to have to make the right decisions, including trying to establish a run game, something the Minutemen have been unable to do all season.