The UMass Minutemen pulled off one of the biggest upsets college football will see all season on Thursday, stomping Rutgers 37-21 as massive 29.5-point underdogs. This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement that ended a brutal winless streak stretching back to October 2024 and marked their first victory over a power conference opponent since jumping to college football’s top level in 2012. You read that right, their *first* ever.
From Hapless to Historic: UMass’s Unbelievable Turnaround
Let’s be real, UMass football has been a tough watch. The Minutemen went a painful 0-12 in 2025, which included a one-point loss to FCS-level Bryant and only one singular one-score loss to an FBS opponent all year. They hadn’t managed to win a game since October of 2024, and their record since moving to the FBS level has been just plain rough, sitting at 26-134 before Thursday night. Over the past 14 years, they’ve only won more than four games in a season twice, and they’ve posted two or fewer wins in eight of the previous 13 full seasons. This program, the 1998 FCS champions, has struggled, big time. But against Rutgers? They looked like a completely different squad.
Watson Shines, Lonergan Stumbles, and Harasymiak Gets His First Win
So, how did they do it? UMass QB Pop Watson, a Virginia Tech transfer and Massachusetts native, lit up the scoreboard, throwing three touchdowns in the first half alone. Remember, this is the guy who had only one TD pass over 63 attempts during his three years with the Hokies. Talk about stepping up in a huge way! On the flip side, Rutgers QB Dylan Lonergan had a nightmare, committing four turnovers, with his third interception late in the fourth quarter sealing any chance of a miracle comeback for the Scarlet Knights. This victory is also a huge milestone for UMass coach Joe Harasymiak, marking his first win with the program after serving as Rutgers’ defensive coordinator from 2022 through 2024. What an absolutely wild way to get your first W!
This loss? It’s a huge red flag for Rutgers, who already went 5-7 last year. With USC, Indiana, Michigan, and Penn State on the schedule in Big 12 play, another season without a postseason appearance is suddenly looking very, very likely. And it’s only September, folks!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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