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Football: UMass rides defense into Holy Cross

Rematch of two Walter Payton Award Candidates

Ryan Fleming, Collegian Staff

Issue date: 9/4/08 Section: Sports
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Redshirt senior Liam Coen will be matched up against a fellow Walter Payton Award Candidate when he and the Minutemen travel to Holy Cross this weekend
Media Credit: Brian Tedder
Redshirt senior Liam Coen will be matched up against a fellow Walter Payton Award Candidate when he and the Minutemen travel to Holy Cross this weekend
With a win under its belt and a better sense of where it needs to improve, the No. 4 Massachusetts football team looks to play spoiler on Saturday for the second season in a row against Holy Cross.

The Crusaders, who haven't played yet this year, hope to avoid losing to UMass (1-0) in their second-straight season opener. The Minutemen took the 2007 contest in Amherst, 40-30. This time, Holy Cross will defend their home turf.

The Crusaders are led by senior quarterback Dominic Randolph. The Walter Payton Award candidate put up impressive numbers in his third season as a starter. Randolph threw for over 3,600 yards, 30 touchdowns and averaged almost 330 passing yards per game.

"He's a good player," UMass coach Don Brown said. "The numbers are there; he can throw it."

Last season Randolph handed off to multiple running backs. Holy Cross called on Terrence Gass the most last season (101 times), rushing for 591 yards - good for 5.6 yards per carry. Mike Kielt and Nick Cole may also rush the ball against the Minutemen.

Much like UMass, Holy Cross lacks experience at wide receiver. Both teams graduated their top-two wide outs, leaving their quarterbacks with unfamiliar targets.

Though Randolph is throwing at a new corps of receivers, defensive back Sean Smalls and Co. should be on their game. The Crusaders lean heavily to throwing the ball, spreading their receivers and gunning the ball down field.

"I expect the defense to come out and have a good game," said UMass defensive cornerback Courtney Robinson.

Last year the Minutemen held off a late surge by the Crusaders, prevailing, 40-30. The Minutemen jumped out to a 37-9 lead, then late in the second half the Crusaders stormed back to pull within seven. The Maroon and White defense stood strong when it needed to, forcing a punt and sealing the game with a 37-yard field goal by former kicker Chris Koepplin.

Randolph set a Holy Cross record with 62 passing attempts. The all-time series between the two teams stands at 21-21-5. UMass has won the last six games of the series.
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