Minutemen head coach Don Brown has been on either side of the UMass vs. UConn divide.
Brown loved a profitable run in Amherst as head coach from 2004-08 when UMass was a 1AA program that included the CAA championship in 2007.
Brown returned to the rudderless UMass program final season and took on a rebuilding mission for the ages. One of his many roles in between was defensive coordinator at UConn for the 2011 and 2012 seasons.
The rivalry between the flagship state universities separated by 50 miles was intense throughout their days within the outdated Yankee Conference however has lingered on in a diminished capability as struggling FBS independents.
The Minutemen (3-8) and the Huskies (2-9) will meet for the 76th time on Rivalry Saturday (midday) at McGuirk Stadium, with the Minutemen up 38-36-2 within the sequence. Brown is intent on placing some pizzazz again into the regional rivalry.
“I been on both sides of this rivalry and that is kind of an interesting piece,” stated Brown. “To play them at dwelling in our rivalry sport is particular and in case you can’t get exited about that you’ve got actual downside.
“They love to run the long zone, that is probably their No. 1 play in terms of moving the quarterback and his play action stuff. They don’t do a whole lot defensively but they are sound in what they do.”
Progress is measured in small increments with the UMass soccer program however the stakes are excessive for the Minutemen within the season finale.
UMass can win 4 video games for the primary time since 2015 and register a sweep of the Northeast independents. UMass, UConn, Army, and Notre Dame are the 4 FBS independents and the Minutemen beat the Cadets 21-14 at West Point on Oct. 28. UMass didn’t play Notre Dame this season.
After successful two straight video games towards Army and Merrimack, UMass was crushed 49-25 final Saturday by No. 25 ranked Liberty
“We have played each and every game and each and every practice as its own separate entity but make sure you go to work with a smile on your face and realize you are working in the great game of football,” stated Brown.
“Obviously we are making strides as a team. It is not going as fast as I want it to be but life is good. I get up every morning and I get to coach football and I get to be around great people. What a way to go out if they can get that fourth win this weekend.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com