There’s nothing quite like being on the right side of a last-gasp,backdoor cover. Our beloved Temple Owls showed some serious spunk against Georgia Tech last weekend, punching in a touchdown with three ticks left on the clock to get us to the window, and moving this column’s record to 3-1 on the season.But we’re taking things to a whole new level this Saturday, and that can mean only one thing: Get your muskets ready, we’re backing UMass.There was a time last year when I was convinced that UMass Football was on the rise.
The Minutemen finished the season with a 2-10 record, but three of those defeats came by five points or less. they also scored 21 points against Georgia!
In other words, you could look someone in the eye and say that UMass was just a couple of bounces away from a 5-7 season, which would have been an achievement worth celebrating. Like hitting safely in 56 straight MLB games, but more notable.
But the football gods tend not to look kindly on UMass, so the bounces didn’t go their way. That meant another two-win season.And it meant the end of Don Brown’s second stint as head coach in Amherst.
It also stopped any momentum that the minutemen were working on ahead of a huge 2025 campaign that saw them rejoin the illustrious ranks of the MAC. Look out, Akron. Heads up, Toledo. Watch your back, Bowling green. UMass is back.
Unfortunately, the beginning of UMass’s second tenure in the MAC has not been rosy. The Minutemen got crushed by Temple in their opener, lost by one point to Bryant (an FCS school), and then got walloped by Iowa.
Impressively, UMass has yet to score a touchdown through the air, and new head coach Joe Harasymia
Eli Drinkwitz agrees to 10-year contract extension with Missouri
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Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz has agreed to a 10-year contract extension, the school announced Tuesday, solidifying his position as the leader of the Tigers’ football program.
The extension, which runs through the 2033 season, is worth $9.5 million annually, making Drinkwitz one of the highest-paid coaches in the SEC. The deal includes a $1 million retention bonus payable in February 2024, and additional incentives for team success.
“Eli has demonstrated a clear vision for our football program and has made meaningful progress in a short period of time,” Missouri athletic director Desiree Reed-Francois said in a statement. “He’s a dynamic leader who connects with our student-athletes, and we’re excited about the future of Mizzou Football under his guidance.”
Drinkwitz, 50, has compiled a 27-13 record in four seasons at Missouri, including a 11-2 mark in 2023 that culminated in a Cotton Bowl victory over Ohio State. He was named the SEC coach of the Year for his efforts.
Prior to arriving in Columbia, Drinkwitz served as the head coach at Appalachian State, where he went 12-6 in two seasons.He has quickly turned Missouri into a consistent contender in the SEC, and the new contract reflects the program’s rising trajectory.
[Image of Eli Drinkwitz, Missouri head coach]
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue leading the Mizzou football program,” Drinkwitz said. “This is a special place with a passionate fan base, and I’m committed to building a championship-caliber program that our state can be proud of.”
The extension comes at a crucial time for Missouri, as the program navigates the evolving landscape of college football, including conference realignment and the transfer portal. With Drinkwitz at the helm, the Tigers appear well-positioned for continued success.
UMass vs. Missouri: Expert Betting Analysis & Prediction
The University of Massachusetts (UMass) Minutemen face a significant challenge this Saturday against the Missouri Tigers. Despite a recent close game against UMass, Missouri is heavily favored. This analysis,from a seasoned sports bettor,explores why betting on UMass to cover a substantial spread might be a shrewd move,leveraging Missouri’s likely game management strategy and UMass’s historical performance in thes scenarios.
Understanding the Matchup & Betting Landscape
Missouri is expected to establish a commanding lead early in the game, and then strategically substitute key players to give them extended rest. This tactic,observed in their recent performance against UMass,suggests a focus on preserving their stars for future,more competitive matchups. This approach inherently influences game length and scoring dynamics.
Moreover, Missouri demonstrates a strong commitment to a run-heavy offensive strategy. They currently rank 15th nationally in rush rate, utilizing 61.8% of their plays on the ground [https://www.teamrankings.com/ncaa-football/stat/rush-rate/]. A high rushing rate effectively controls the clock, shortening the game and limiting opportunities for a significant blowout. This benefits the underdog, UMass, by reducing the overall number of possessions.
The Bet: UMass +44.5 (-110, FanDuel)
the Play: UMass +44.5 (-110, FanDuel). While seemingly a large spread, the factors outlined above – Missouri’s anticipated game management and run-focused offense – create a scenario where UMass has a realistic chance of keeping the game within 6.5 touchdowns.
This isn’t to suggest UMass is likely to win, but rather that they can cover the spread. This column has consistently featured UMass as an “ugly Underdog,” and while past performance doesn’t guarantee future results, the team’s history of competitive spirit, combined with the specific game dynamics, makes this bet appealing.
Why Trust New York Post Betting Analysis?
This analysis is provided by Michael Leboff, a sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry and a dedicated follower of the Islanders. Leboff specializes in applying game theory to sports betting, focusing on identifying value in bracket pools, long-shot opportunities, and strategies to outperform the market in both mainstream and niche sports. His expertise lies in understanding the nuances of game dynamics and how they translate into profitable betting opportunities.
Key Takeaways:
* Missouri’s Game Management: Expect Missouri to prioritize player rest once a pleasant lead is established.
* Run-Heavy Offense: Missouri’s high rush rate will shorten the game, limiting scoring opportunities.
* UMass as an Underdog: UMass has a history of performing against expectations, making them a recurring subject of this column.
* Spread Value: The +44.5 spread offers value given the anticipated game flow.
This bet isn’t about predicting a UMass victory; it’s about recognizing a situation where the spread is inflated due to the perceived mismatch, while overlooking the strategic factors that could keep the game closer than expected.