Richmond Stuns UMass During Homecoming.

#20 Richmond 11,  #8 UMass 10 

The Richmond vs UMass game was certainly an odd game. With about 10:00 remaining in the first quarter, UMass was backed up to their own 10-yard line on fourth down and were forced to punt. UMass kicker/punter Caleb Violette bobbled the ball in the end zone and the ball went out of bounds, resulting in a safety on UMass. The ensuing free punt looked like it was about to go out of bounds, but a UMass player was able to grab it before it went out of play and UMass recovered the ball. Richmond fourth string freshman quarterback Montel White started the game for the Spiders. They primarily ran the ball and I think I saw Richmond line up in the wildcat as well at times. Montel White did not complete a pass until their final drive late in the fourth quarter. In the middle of the fourth quarter UMass was on the Richmond 2-yard line with a first and goal. If UMass scored, they would have taken the lead 14-5 and would have given themselves a nice two possession lead. But the Richmond defense held strong and prevented UMass from getting into the end zone. UMass went for it on fourth and goal from the Richmond 1-yard line but they failed to score which resulted in a demoralizing turnover on downs. With about 1:40 remaining in the game, Montel White drove the Spiders down the field and eventually scored a touchdown with 0:09 remaining in the game to take the lead 11-10. White went 4/6 for 47 yards and one touchdown. All of his stats game in the final drive of the game, he went 4/5 in their final drive. This game could be the turning point for the Spiders, who will hope to carry this momentum into this Saturday when they will play host to Towson. UMass will have to put this game behind them and just forget about it. They will have their hands full this Saturday as they will travel to Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA to take on a strong UNH team.

Notes:
During the UMass game this weekend, the whole UMass community paid tribute to the late director of the UMass Minuteman Marching Band, Mr. George N. Parks. More than 900 former UMass band members returned to campus and performed during the halftime show. As a former UMass band member myself, It was an honor and a privilege to perform at halftime and pay tribute to such an inspirational man.