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Eastern Michigan vs UMass: 4-0 Minutemen face a big test

Dustin Judge
Warren McGuirk Alumni Stadium in Amherst, home of the Eastern Michigan vs UMass game

Eastern Michigan vs UMass is a Mid-American Conference game on Saturday, Oct. 3. The Minutemen (4-0) host the Eagles (2-3) at 3:30 p.m. ET at Warren McGuirk Alumni Stadium in Amherst, Massachusetts, with streaming on ESPN+.

Eastern Michigan vs UMass: why the Minutemen are 4-0

UMass is 4-0 for the first time since 2007. It opened by beating Rutgers 37-21 to end a 16-game losing streak, then topped Sacred Heart 37-10 and Stonehill 36-14. Last week, it opened conference play with a 35-6 win at Sacramento State. For more on Rutgers, see our Indiana vs. Rutgers preview.

Quarterback William “Pop” Watson III completed 11 of 16 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown against Sacramento State. He also ran seven times for 72 yards and two scores, from 13 and 32 yards out. Defensive back Timmy Hinspeter added a 49-yard interception return for a touchdown, according to the Associated Press.

Through four games, Watson has 610 passing yards, six touchdown passes and 154 rushing yards, and receiver T.Y. Harding has 221 receiving yards, Eastern Michigan’s game notes show.

What Eastern Michigan brings to Amherst

In Eastern Michigan vs UMass, the Eagles come in off a 29-3 win over Lindenwood that snapped a three-game losing streak. That streak included a 35-7 loss at Michigan State and a 54-10 loss at Wisconsin.

Quarterback Noah Kim completed 23 of 38 passes for 257 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions against Lindenwood. Benson Prosper caught 10 passes for 109 yards, including a 24-yard touchdown, and Harold Mack Jr. added six catches for 80 yards and a 19-yard score. Kicker Rudy Kessinger made three field goals, including a career-long 51-yarder.

The defense held Lindenwood to 191 yards and recorded four sacks, according to the school’s game recap. Kim has 968 passing yards and six touchdowns this season, and running back Amareon Blue has 243 rushing yards.

Series history and what to watch

Eastern Michigan leads the all-time series 4-2 and has won the last four meetings, per the school.

The matchup to watch in Eastern Michigan vs UMass is UMass’ balanced offense against an Eastern Michigan defense that looked sharp against Lindenwood but gave up 35 and 54 points to Michigan State and Wisconsin. For more MAC coverage, read our Bowling Green vs. Miami preview.

Dustin Judge is the Founder and CEO of Total Apex Media, bringing more than 20 years of writing and editorial experience to the company's growing network of digital publications. He specializes in sports, sports betting, fantasy sports, and digital publishing, with a focus on producing accurate, timely, and engaging content for readers. Dustin oversees editorial strategy, content development, and publishing operations across Total Apex Media while remaining actively involved in sports, betting, and fantasy sports coverage.