AMHERST — On a day featuring conference championships games that will affect the College Football Playoff field taking place across the country, UMass’ noon game at FIU won’t mean much nationally. The Panthers are already bowl eligible, and the Minutemen are incapable of getting there.
But for the UMass players, the season finale means a lot. After starting the season 0-6, they’ve won four of their last five games and have played better football than at any other time since becoming an FBS program in 2012.
Senior tight end Adam Breneman wanted to walk out a winner.
“There’s a different vibe, a different sense of confidence. We know we can win games,” he said. “Part of the reason I came back was I felt like this place was on the verge of flipping in the right direction. We’ve seen that in the last few games. I’m proud to be a part of that of the team that helped make that happen. We’re focused on getting the last one.”
Fellow senior Da’Sean Downey agreed.
“I’m definitely proud of how it ended and how I’m going out as a senior. To start the season 0-6, we turned it around when nobody thought we could,” he said. “I’m just thinking about getting that fifth win.”
Junior linebacker Bryton Barr said getting one more would raise the foundation that next year’s team starts from.
“It’ll mean a lot for next year having that win streak,” Barr said. “Even though we won’t be bowl eligible, it’ll give us a lot of confidence going into next season. We’re not taking it like it’s an exhibition game, we’re taking it like a bowl game.”
UMass coach Mark Whipple said his players have had good energy in their final practice week.
“There’s been a real bounce in their step. They’re excited to play,” he said. “We want to play well. It’s always good to win the last one. I don’t think anyone thought we’d do what we’ve done winning five our of six. It’s not how you start, but how you finish. The focus is getting them prepared to play. We’re serious. This is an important game for us.”
It’s not a meaningless game for the Golden Panthers, either. FIU is one of the nation’s most improved teams under Butch Davis. At 7-4, they’re already bowl eligible and almost certain to receive an invitation to one of Conference USA’s eight affiliated bowls.
Time & location: noon, Riccardo Silva Stadium
Records: UMass is 4-7; FIU is 7-4.
Last week: UMass had a bye. FIU beat Western Kentucky, 41-17
All-time series: UMass leads 2-0
TV/Internet: CUSAtv
Radio: 105.5 FM
When UMass has the ball: In UMass’ last two victories, the defense has helped make up for some struggles by the offense. The Minutemen should be healthier after a week off and will try to move the ball more effectively in their final game.
Junior running Marquis Young would need a big day to pull it off, but with 857 yards, he’s got an outside shot at cracking 1,000 rushing yards this season.
Andy Isabella is even closer to reaching that milestone in receiving yards with 925 coming in. If Logan Laurent (92.3 percent) doesn’t miss a field goal, he’ll finish the season with the best field goal percentage in UMass history.
Senior linebacker Anthony Wint leads FIU with 71 tackles, while junior defensive linemen Fermin Silva and Anthony Johnson have sacked opposing quarterbacks seven and five times, respectively.
When FIU has the ball: The Panthers have been a middle of the pack team in Conference USA in both rushing and passing. Senior tailback Alex Gardner has 657 yards and four touchdowns on 154 carries.
Quarterback Alex McGough has completed 211-of-329 pass attempts for 2,496 yards, 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
FIU’s top receiver Thomas Owens, leads CUSA with 98.6 receiving yards per game (59 catches, 887 yards), but his status is uncertain with a knee injury that has caused him to miss the last two games.
Barr needs just seven tackles to crack 100 for the season for the Minutemen.
Matt Vautour can be reached at mvautour@gazettenet.com. Get UMass coverage delivered in your Facebook news feed at www.facebook.com/GazetteUMassCoverage