UMASS Preview (Game Eleven)

catdaddyp · 2026-11-14T15:22:03Z

QB:

Virginia Tech transfer Pop Watson is an X-factor for UMass, similar to how CB makes a difference for the Zips. When he plays well, UMass can compete with most teams in the conference. However, Watson has dealt with some injuries this season and only played eight snaps against Toledo. Drake transfer Logan Inagawa filled in for Watson against the Rockets, while freshman Aedan McCarthy has also seen some playing time this season. The biggest stat to note is that the Minutemen quarterbacks have combined for just four interceptions on the season, meaning they rarely turn the ball over. They've also given up only 15 sacks for 105 yards, compared to the Zips' 11 interceptions and 28 sacks for 225 yards.

RB:

Southeastern transfer Curtis Kimmons and sophomore Elijah Faulkner split snaps in the backfield. The duo have combined for 829 yards and six touchdowns. It’s worth noting that neither back has had a run longer than 26 yards this season.

WR:

Senior T.Y. Harding, Fort Hayes State transfer Jabari Lewis, and junior Kezion Dia-Johnson are the names to know at wide receiver. The trio has combined for 1,027 yards and three touchdowns. All three have the ability to make big plays, yet they have struggled to find the endzone.

TE:

Seniors Reece Adkins and Max Dowling are essentially co-starters at tight end. Both players will be utilized in the passing game in addition to their blocking duties. The two have combined for 42 receptions, 347 yards, and three touchdowns.

OL:

The offensive line hasn’t given up many sacks, but they have allowed plenty of pressure on the quarterbacks. If PFF is to be believed, the UMass and Akron offensive lines are similar in terms of pressures allowed and the quarterbacks’ time to throw. The UMass OL has also not been overly impressive when it comes to running the ball.

LT - Greg Knox (6’6 315) (Gr.) - Transfer from McNeese State

LG - Aitor Urionabarrenechea (6’5 350) (Sr.) - Transfer from Colorado State

C - Peyton Miller (6’3 330) (Sr.)

RG - Brock Taylor (6’3 350) (Jr.)

RT - Zachary Franks (6’6 310) (Sr.) - Transfer from Northwestern

DL:

William & Mary transfer Justin Krueger, sophomore Romando Johnson, and Indiana transfers William and Andrew DePaepe see the most snaps at edge. Senior Tim Passmore, Albany transfer Zakhari Morris, Jackson State transfer Joshua Nobles, and sophomore Aubrey Melvin handle the majority of the snaps on the interior. The Minutemen do a nice job rotating their defensive linemen, which has helped them collect 15.5 sacks this season.

LB:

Senior Timmy Hinspeter is having an all-conference year with 93 total tackles and 3 sacks. He is flanked by fellow senior Tyler Martin, while North Carolina A&T transfer Joshua Iseah will rotate in heavily and has collected 3.5 sacks.

DB:

Senior TJ Magee and junior Raheim Sexill started at cornerback against Toledo. Senior DD Snyder is the nickelback and will line up all over the field, including linebacker and along the defensive line. Seniors Zeraun Daniel and Kendall Bournes are the starting safeties. Ball State transfer Jahmad Harmon leads the team with three interceptions and will usually be subbed in as a more traditional nickelback.

ST:

Junior Derek Morris is 12 of 18 on field goals, with a long of 56 yards and 25 of 26 on extra points. Junior Edward Phillipson averages over 45 yards a punt, with a long with of 67 yards. Receiver TY Harding has taken a punt back 82 yards for a touchdown this season.

Keys on Offense:

UMass has not been great at stopping the run during conference play. If there is one MAC game in 2026 where Akron could find a ton of success on the ground, this would be it. The UMass defense has been much better against the pass and likes to get after the quarterback.

Keys on Defense:

Limit explosive plays. UMass has struggled to score in conference play, and its run game has also been unable to find many big-play opportunities. If the Zips defense can keep everything in front of them and avoid giving up the insane number of busts that have been a problem all year, it will help keep UMass off the scoreboard.

Final Thoughts:

This is a winnable game if the Zips can get out of their own way. From a talent perspective, there isn’t much difference between the two teams, despite UMASS having substantially more NIL funds than Akron. It’ll probably come down to who makes the fewest mistakes and takes advantage of the opportunities they’re given.