The Minutemen make the trek to Sanford Stadium to play the Top-10 ranked Bulldogs.
UMass (2-8) stands at a crossroads this week. The program fired head coach Don Brown after a heartbreaking loss to Conference USA contender and last year’s Fiesta Bowl participant Liberty. Former Miami (OH) coach Shane Montgomery takes the reins and his test could not be more difficult, as the Minutemen face the eighth-ranked Georgia Bulldogs (8-2, 5-2 SEC) this weekend.
Game notes
- Time and Date: Saturday, November 23rd, 2024 at 12:45 p.m. Eastern time
- Location: Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia
- Viewing options: The game will be available on SEC Network. A valid cable subscription is required for viewing. Dave Neal (play-by-play) and Max Starks (color) will provide commentary.
- Streaming options: The game will be available for streaming on the ESPN App or on applicable cable/satellite services. A valid subscription is required for viewing on either platform. Other streaming carriers include Sling, DirecTV Stream, fuboTV, Hulu Live TV, or YouTube TV.
- Radio options: For UMass, Jim Cain (play-by-play) and Matt Goldstein (color) will provide the call on WCRN 830 AM, or on the Varsity Network App.
- Gambling considerations: Georgia is favored by 42 points, with an over/under of 55.5, per DraftKings.
- All-time series: Georgia won the only other meeting by a final score of 66-27 on Nov. 17, 2018.
Some Minutemen may have fond memories against Georgia, recalling Andy Isabella’s 15-catch, 219-yard performance against the Bulldogs in 2018. Jakobie Keeney-James looks to replicate this performance, entering the game with 670 receiving yards. However, it will be a tough task against a Georgia pass defense allowing 192 yards per game.
Like the Mississippi State game, the Minutemen need a consistent run game to limit Georgia’s possessions. The Minutemen ran for 199 yards against Mississippi State, but only had 20 points to show for it. Wildcat specialist Ahmad Haston will have more involvement than the Mississippi State game after carrying the ball six time for 62 yards last week against Liberty. Haston forms one half of the Minutemen’s young quarterback duo with AJ Hairston. Hairston looked comfortable in his first start, throwing for 163 yards and completing 13 of his 25 passes. A similar performance on the ground to last week’s 263-yard output will open up the play-action game.
Stopping the Bulldogs is a taller task for the Minutemen. UMass’ run defense has struggled mightily the last two weeks, allowing a combined 550 yards against Mississippi State and Liberty. Georgia averages an unimpressive 122 yards per game, but their offensive line’s size and ability should make it a difficult day for the Minutemen front seven.
Between Coach Brown’s firing and the fallout over UMass originally bypassing Senior Day, it has been a tough week for the program. A competitive showing against Georgia, a 42-point favorite, could bring some light and hope for the future for the program.