The UMass Minutemen will fly down to College Station to take on the Texas A&M Aggies from Kyle Field on ESPN+. This will be the first time these two programs cross paths.
UMass dropped to 1-9 after losing to Arkansas State in Jonesboro in Week 11. UMass competed admirably in the second half, scoring 27 points and nearly earning their first FBS win of the season. Massachusetts scores 14.1 points per game, while passing for 120.3 yards per game (281st), and rushing for 158.3 ypg (127th). The UMass defense allows 30.9 points per game.
It’s been a revolving door at the quarterback position for UMass, but they may have something in Brady Olson. The sophomore quarterback was reinserted back into the lineup and he threw for 266 yards against UConn, which marked a season-high as a unit.
Ellis Merriweather had a big game against Arkansas State, dashing for a season-high 122 yards and two scores. Merriweater leads the team with 479 yards on 130 carries. George Johnson leads UMass in receiving with 26 catches for 364 yards, while Penn State transfer Cameron Sullivan-Brown went off for a season-high 124 yards versus UConn.
Texas A&M is 3-6 after falling to Auburn on the road last weekend. The Aggies offensive struggles continued, as they were held scoreless for three quarters, en-route to their fifth one-score loss of the season. Texas A&M is scoring 2286 points per game, while passing for 228.7 yards per game (134th), and rushing for 158.3 ypg (127th). The A&M defense is allowing 21.5 points per game.
Inconsistent play at the quarterback spot has been the root of the problem for A&M this season. Haynes King was replaced by true freshman Conner Weigman and it may be a step in the right direction. The 6’2 quarterback threw for 338 yards with four touchdowns to no interceptions in his first start, and this spot should serve as a real confidence booster heading into 2023.
Devon Achane has been the lone bright spot on the A&M offense this season, but he missed the Auburn game and he may miss this light matchup as well. Amari Daniels gained 83 yards in his absence against Auburn, and he should receive the bulk this weekend. Evan Stewart has been the most reliable threat outside, catching five passes or more in six of seven games, and leading A&M in receptions (49) and receiving yards (607).
UMass is 4-6 against the spread this season, with a 3-3 record on the road. Texas A&M is 5-5 against the spread this season, with a 4-2 record at home. UMass is 3-9 ATS in their last 12 non-conference games. Texas A&M is 16-5 ATS in their last 21 non-conference games.
The margin is lofty, but the Aggies should lay the boom here. Take Texas A&M’s spread for this late season, non-conference clash.
AUTHOR: Corey Ghee
