GAME PREVIEW: UMASS
SPECIAL TEAMS
Overall, UMass has been slightly above average on
special teams, ranking in the top 50 in kick returns
(34th), kick return defense (35th) and punt return
defense (42nd) a season ago. The Minutemen's punt
return unit, however, ranked near the bottom na‑
tionally at 102nd.
Notre Dame has been strong in coverage thus far,
and punter Tyler Newsome has been a standout in
the early going. The ability to win the field position
battle was a key to the Irish's overall team success
against Virginia.
Advantage: Notre Dame
COACHING
UMass head coach Mark Whipple spent 16 sea‑
sons (1988‑2003) as a head coach at the Division II
and Football Championship Subdivision levels. Dur‑
ing that period, he accumulated a 121‑59 record,
winning the 1998 FCS national championship at
UMass and taking teams to five playoff appearances.
Since Whipple returned in 2014, he has struggled
to a 3‑11 record. He made a name for himself
as an offensive coach and spent six years as an
NFL assistant. UMass has been able to effectively
throw the football since he returned, but the lack
of a run game and a porous defense has proved
detrimental.
Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly has been
able to build a more balanced football team dur‑
ing his tenure in South Bend. Notre Dame fields a
potent offense in 2015, with far better balance and
defense than UMass. There is not an area where
UMass is strong enough to truly threaten the Irish.
Advantage: Notre Dame
INTANGIBLES
This game is a mismatch in almost every way.
Notre Dame has more talent, the Irish are playing at
home and outside of the UMass offensive line the
Irish also have more experience.
The only thing that can improve the odds for a
Minutemen upset is a string of Notre Dame turn‑
overs, but thus far the Irish have done a good job
protecting the football.
Advantage: Notre Dame
Senior free safety Khary Bailey-Smith racked up a team-high 12 tackles in UMass' season-opening 48-14
loss at Colorado Sept. 12.
PHOTO BY THOM KENDALL/UMASS ATHLETICS
