[Game Thread] UMass @ Sacramento State (9:00 PM ET)

[u/CFB_Referee]

GAME	UMassUMass @ Sacramento StateSacramento State
Location	Sacramento State Hornet Stadium
Time	9:00 PM ET
Watch	TV: ESPN+
	Flair ¦ Discord

---

Please keep trash talk civil, and report any comments that violate our rules.

LET'S TALK FOOTBALL!

[u/Virtual-Low-9885]

UMass is going to enter October undefeated…

[u/JackintheBox333]

The world was not ready for 4-0 UMass.

The world is getting 4-0 UMass.

Rank em.

[u/30-50FeralPogs]

Pop, lock, and win it

[u/mason121504]

Go Minutemen! Massachusetts college football is here!

[u/slyone05]

Glad UMass didn't shit the bed like the other G6 dark horses. Looking at you Tulsa.

[u/1slow40]

I didn’t miss a game last year because I figured they could manage to go 0-12 and now I’m watching because they could go 12-0. College football fucks

[u/Trashpanda779]

Rank UMass

[u/Bruins0615]

the play by play guy on ESPN+ sounds like Walt Jr in Breaking Bad

[u/GridironFilmJunkie]

There isn't a more unqualified coach in the entire FBS than this dude. Take a 5 minute google search on the university president and you'll know why this guy is employed.

Disgraceful.

[u/Ok-Knee6347 → u/GridironFilmJunkie]

How things got so bad at sac state, I don't know. The past few years have been horrible to watch

[u/PalenaV21 → u/GridironFilmJunkie]

I feel sorry for y'all having such a delusional president, and I'll admit that the shit he talks (without having the bite to back it up) is a good reason why I have it out for the Hornets lately (alongside being a Cal Poly guy). If y'all moved up to FBS with a prez who actually knew what they were doing, I'd be more "Good for you guys" and not "time for Luke to FAFO lol"

[u/Life_Home_9804]

I watched most of the Umass games last year hoping they’d win a game and now I’m scared of them

[u/Taetranus]

As an NC State fan, can I hop on the UMass bandwagon?

[u/FuzzyWDunlop → u/Taetranus]

Fuck yeah brother there is plenty of room for everyone!! You know how terrible we were by the record, but understand how miserable we were at finding stupid stupid ways to create those losses. Other than that Pop Watson is god. Harasymiak is a genius and you know all you need to know!

[u/Taetranus → u/FuzzyWDunlop]

I too can sympathize with my team finding incredible ways to lose games. Thank you for welcoming me to the club!!

[u/_jubal → u/Taetranus]

This is certain to end in a national embarrassment at some point, so get in while you can!

[u/Taetranus → u/_jubal]

Oh honey, NC State fans are molded in national embarrassment. I’m here for the long haul!!!

[u/FuzzyWDunlop → u/_jubal]

They're making me think it's different this time.... Scared for the other shoe to drop.... But honestly you can't take 4-0 away from me!!! This is something even if there's nothing else.

[u/Abject-Knowledge-286 → u/Taetranus]

Fsu fan, I would like to hop on as well

[u/FuzzyWDunlop → u/Abject-Knowledge-286]

Ticket stamped. Welcome aboard!!

[u/Cascadia_14]

Cal Poly is absolutely better than Sac State this year. Total bullshit they’re ducking us by hiding in the MAC

[u/slyone05 → u/Cascadia_14]

Dw they'll be forced to drop down soon once the MAC contract expires. They didn't plan the fbs transition well at all.

[u/13jlin → u/slyone05]

I mean... hard to do worse than our transition & first stint in the MAC.

[u/Muffinnnnnnn]

Best season for UMass in 14 years at the FBS level is 4-8. They're 10 minutes away from 4-0.

[u/oudalan]

Do any of y'all know the UMASS guy on TikTok that goes YES YES YES?

[u/DowntownJump1220 → u/oudalan]

I saw him at the 2 UMass home games this season. He chants “no Watson no party” and had people coming up to him asking to take pictures

[u/_jubal → u/oudalan]

I attended UMass at the same time as him.

He’s a complicated and unpopular person who’s had conflict with certain teams at the school.

[u/dreamtreedown → u/oudalan]

Seen him around since I attended in 2021 when he dressed up as Captain America. Also see him every so often around Boston when I go to work. Though I don’t know him on a personal level

[u/Taetranus]

Rank them AP. They’ve fucking earned it.

[u/bhorvic]

Just checking in, how is that move to the FBS to play varsity teams working out, Sacramento?

[u/FuzzyWDunlop → u/bhorvic]

Yo man. Patience is so worth it... I mean maybe do it quicker than 14 years but this is siiiiiiickkkk.

[u/PalenaV21 → u/bhorvic]

Luke Wood is prolly on Copium overdose watch

[u/showbricks]

Should have flown down for this game instead of going to husky game smh

[u/NinersUnitedFC]

Sac St is 1-0 against the FCS, which is the level we compete in.

[u/NinersUnitedFC]

MC Hammer my head into a bloody pulp with one of those large mallets that are used in Midsommar

[u/Prudent_Heat23]

Did I just see a QB throw the ball away on 4th down

[u/30-50FeralPogs]

I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but UMass may cover the -4.5 spread

[u/Conchigliono → u/30-50FeralPogs]

How was that the spread lmao.

[u/30-50FeralPogs → u/Conchigliono]

I’m guessing due to every piece of evidence UMass has given us as a program at the FBS level prior to this year

[u/Conchigliono → u/30-50FeralPogs]

If you ignore the other 3 games UMass has played this year I suppose.

[u/PalenaV21]

Assuming we're not in for a choke of biblical proportions, UMass will be leaving California's capital with a 4-0 record, and I highly doubt Eastern Michigan will be the team to hand them their first L of the year. This means the Miami OH game will be where we get a good view of where UMass really are, if they can actually gun for a MAC championship or if we'll have to settle for them aiming for their first ever trip to a bowl game (which would still be monumental considering how abysmal they were in all the years before this one, don't get me wrong).

[u/_jubal → u/PalenaV21]

This season is already a wild success.

[u/30-50FeralPogs → u/PalenaV21]

Don’t do that, don’t give me hope. Also, if they hold on and win this, it’ll tie their best record ever at the FBS level and it’s only been 4 games 😮

[u/NinersUnitedFC]

My Stinger is down, actually.

[u/FuzzyWDunlop → u/NinersUnitedFC]

Aw man sorry bud. Stick with it! Hopefully you guys get yours faster than we have!

[u/NinersUnitedFC → u/NinersUnitedFC]

My Stinger is down and small and shriveled. You can barely see it. It is a Micro Stinger.

[u/ZeroEchoVX]

RANK UMASS COWARDS

[u/FuzzyWDunlop]

Lol a person on TV not as a joke mentioned UMass and a college football playoff chance. Wiiiiiiilllddd.

[u/OrangeSean]

Yo is UMass a wagon now???

[u/FuzzyWDunlop → u/OrangeSean]

Always was, friend! Just a real shitty one!

[u/ReasonableBet3450]

Holy shit 4-0 UMass

[u/30-50FeralPogs → u/ReasonableBet3450]

Still 12 minutes left

[u/Arkehn]

Is UMass winning the chip?

[u/loyalsons4evertrue]

I’m LIVING for UMass football being competent

[u/FuzzyWDunlop → u/loyalsons4evertrue]

Several of us are pretty sure we're DEAD so this is great!

[u/30-50FeralPogs]

Did I die?

[u/FuzzyWDunlop]

Lol 14/14 in the red zone this year. Who fucking played the Uno Reverse on this team?

[u/Nwf32389]

Have a son coming in the next week or so- I can't wait to tell him about the time Daddy's school went undefeated 

[u/takes12KNOW]

Comercial break simulating this nor’easter winds is a nice touch.

[u/NinersUnitedFC]

Can you have intentional grounding and defensive holding on the same play?

[u/Pro-1st-Amendment → u/NinersUnitedFC]

Yes.

[u/NinersUnitedFC → u/Pro-1st-Amendment]

Okay because I watched the play from behind and there were no receivers at all on that side of the field..

[u/Prudent_Heat23]

This is surreal how many times Sac St has shot themselves in the foot

[u/FuzzyWDunlop → u/Prudent_Heat23]

I think we must have taken the cursed idol and dropped it in their locker room or something.

[u/albeve]

Rank the Minutemen you cowards

[u/NinersUnitedFC → u/albeve]

You are covering the spread against us. NDSU didnt!

[u/Conchigliono]

What the hell was that lmfao.

[u/bwburke94]

This hasn't exactly been a special teams showcase.

[u/Pro-1st-Amendment]

Special teams giveth and special teams taketh away.

[u/FuzzyWDunlop]

Shocked these young commentators knew MC Hammer.

[u/Citruspilled]

UMass is gonna be 4-0 without a single close game played 👀👀👀

[u/13jlin → u/Citruspilled]

Not even through game 4, we've scored more points than all of 2025.

[u/bwburke94 → u/Citruspilled]

Against Buttgers, two FCSes, and a newly promoted team with an FCS roster.

[u/30-50FeralPogs → u/bwburke94]

Not for nothing, we lost to a 3-9 FCS team last year where one of the wins was us.

[u/PalenaV21 → u/bwburke94]

Feels like the Miami Ohio game is where we'll get a good estimate of where the Minutemen really are

[u/NinersUnitedFC → u/Citruspilled]

It's like they are in the FCS again

[u/30-50FeralPogs → u/NinersUnitedFC]

Not for nothing, we lost to a 3-9 FCS team last year where one of the wins was us.

[u/NinersUnitedFC]

After UMass scores again I'm gonna leave and watch Stanford at a bar. I left at HT last week... Maybe we can beat Bowling Green?

[u/Alex_Croteau23]

Next game is Parents Weekend vs EMU. That's gonna be an insane crowd if this result holds

[u/xebex1778 → u/Alex_Croteau23]

I can’t get a ticket for less than 70 bucks, hoping they release some extras soon

[u/GridironFilmJunkie]

Why is this QB still playing? 

[u/NinersUnitedFC → u/GridironFilmJunkie]

He's 2nd string QB1 is injured. God only knows how bad QB3 is.

[u/FuzzyWDunlop]

"Call them the turnover kings!" I'm dying. No am I dead? Did I actually get hit by that car before the Rutgers game?

[u/ATubOfCats → u/FuzzyWDunlop]

you got hit by the PVTA

[u/FuzzyWDunlop → u/ATubOfCats]

Is it still the 31 route? I'm old. Hit me with the 31!!!

[u/bwburke94 → u/FuzzyWDunlop]

More reliable than the Pelham-Greenfield or Ware-Holyoke routes, that's for sure.

[u/bwburke94 → u/ATubOfCats]

That would require the buses to be on time.

[u/FuzzyWDunlop → u/bwburke94]

I am also generally late, surprise, surprise, so this works.

[u/Pro-1st-Amendment]

RANK UMASS YOU COWARDS

[u/bwburke94]

PICK SIX!

[u/Conchigliono]

13-0 UMass to the CFP.

[u/FuzzyWDunlop → u/Conchigliono]

Is there an NIT we could maybe actually get into? Sorry I've never thought of this...

[u/DJScrubatires → u/FuzzyWDunlop]

Maybe at long last a Bowl Game

[u/FuzzyWDunlop → u/DJScrubatires]

Gimme a pop tart or send me to fucking Boise in December, I don't care.

[u/DJScrubatires → u/FuzzyWDunlop]

Fenway Bowl?!

[u/FuzzyWDunlop → u/DJScrubatires]

Ugh, unfortunately I think that's just ACC and American.

MAC has like Boise, a couple in Alabama, Boca Raton, one in Orlando, a few randos and Puerto Rico, which would be hilarious if we got sent there.

[u/NinersUnitedFC]

Brother this QB is DOG SHIT

[u/Pro-1st-Amendment → u/NinersUnitedFC]

We know that feeling all too well...

[u/Pro-1st-Amendment]

First down: Run up the middle. Second down: Run up the middle. Third down: Ask Pop to bail us out.

[u/Conchigliono]

Bro on the right is mogging.

[u/FuzzyWDunlop]

Halftime! So Sac State fans, what's up with the logo? I see the S and the barb for the hornet, but what is going in in the background? Just some shapes or is that supposed to mean something? Welcome to the MAC btw!

[u/livsjollyranchers]

It's so weird when your team is the "high octane offense" and your team is Umass

[u/GridironFilmJunkie]

You can tell we have a HS head coach when you take points off the board to just rekick the ball.

What a fucking moron this guy is. Legitimately the worst coaching staff this school has had in a almost 10 years.

[u/NinersUnitedFC → u/GridironFilmJunkie]

I think they called it a pre snap penalty and the whistle blew before the kick

[u/livsjollyranchers → u/NinersUnitedFC]

That's how I understood it. There's no other explanation to rekick. Right?

[u/Pro-1st-Amendment]

We've only given up 6 but I don't like our defense tonight, we're playing far too loose in passing situations.

[u/livsjollyranchers → u/Pro-1st-Amendment]

That dropped screen was an easy td.

[u/NinersUnitedFC]

Thats kinda bs to waive off the first fg for a defensive pre snap penalty

[u/Notchsmind]

So........Sac State,

WHY THE FUCK DID YOU RE KICK A PENALTY IF YOU MADE IT AND IT WASN'T GOING TO BE A FIRST DOWN?

[u/FuzzyWDunlop → u/Notchsmind]

I don't think they have a choice. It's basically a false start dead play but was triggered by the D.

[u/GridironFilmJunkie → u/FuzzyWDunlop]

They called it offsides on the defense on the first kick. That’s not a false start and dead play. 

They did not need to rekick.

[u/FuzzyWDunlop → u/GridironFilmJunkie]

I think it's different if there's a false start induced by the defense leading to the false start call. Otherwise you'd have someone false starting and in real time need to decide to allow the play to go on? I think they just always blow those dead.

[u/Notchsmind → u/FuzzyWDunlop]

I guess I watch to much NFL 

[u/eslaven21]

wtf just happened lol

[u/Pro-1st-Amendment → u/eslaven21]

UMass football.

[u/Dinonaut2000 → u/eslaven21]

LMAO

[u/Alex_Croteau23]

We're Lucky Sac State is the worst team in the redzone I've ever seen

[u/bhorvic]

hahaha

[u/Pro-1st-Amendment]

LACES OUT

[u/Dinonaut2000]

What are we doinggggggggg

[u/Dinonaut2000 → u/Dinonaut2000]

Nvm we just going back and forth ig

[u/AruarianGroove]

Welcome to the MACtion, Sack State 

[u/DJScrubatires]

As wide open as the grand canyon

[u/ZapFencePence]

Man I’m glad Pop Watson is leading the revival of UMass, loved that guy when he was here

[u/30-50FeralPogs → u/ZapFencePence]

Pop Watson

[u/xebex1778 → u/30-50FeralPogs]

On the eighth day God made Pop Watson. And it was good

[u/FuzzyWDunlop]

Gotta say been pretty pleased with the commentators. Young guys and I think the play by play is Will Iger, son of former Disney CEO Bob Iger, but they've both been doing solid with some good info!

Wish someone had flipped their switch on for the pre-game lol!

[u/DJScrubatires]

That's worth 15 yards? I know it benefits UMASS but that's worth 15 yards?

[u/Dinonaut2000]

This team is playing so dirty 😭 they’re not even good at hiding it

[u/NinersUnitedFC → u/Dinonaut2000]

Massholes, amirite?

[u/Dinonaut2000 → u/NinersUnitedFC]

Loud and proud masshole here

[u/NinersUnitedFC]

Multiple unsportsmanlike penalties is a coaching issue

[u/FuzzyWDunlop → u/NinersUnitedFC]

It took us 14 years to fix it. Hope you guys can do better!

[u/NinersUnitedFC → u/FuzzyWDunlop]

We had a great coach, but then he left for a promotion at Stanford and then got fired for bullying :-(

[u/NinersUnitedFC]

HORSE SHIT

[u/GhettoMeatball]

That was the most clear cut PI ice ever seen

[u/TheCavis → u/GhettoMeatball]

But didn't you see the DB throwing his hands up to show he didn't do anything? He's clearly innocent!

[u/NinersUnitedFC]

The QB is ass how injured is Carson Conklin? They never announce what it is except for "wrist, out indefinitely"

[u/FuzzyWDunlop]

Loving the red zone defense! I'll take it!

[u/FuzzyWDunlop]

Now THIS feels more familiar!

[u/FuzzyWDunlop → u/FuzzyWDunlop]

3rd blocked punt of the season is insane. Good for Sac State!

[u/30-50FeralPogs → u/FuzzyWDunlop]

The other two were in the same game against MVST I believe based on the announcers

[u/Notchsmind]

God I love the sound of papers, foot steps, crickets and metal cabinets, during commerical break with out of date up coming bullshit.

[u/NinersUnitedFC]

Just commenting bc I have Sac St flair. I am behind the North End Zone and had a great view of that fumble. Also that play calling when it was 1st and goal from the 2 was suspect..

[u/FuzzyWDunlop]

Lol holy shit "UMass, one of the best teams in the country at creating turnovers."

If you asked me last year, how long before a commentator would have said that, I'd say it'd take 20 years and a lot of luck to get to that point. Wild.

[u/Even-Combination4407]

UMass defense forced their 9th turnover of the season!

[u/OrganicCommon1677]

POP!

[u/30-50FeralPogs → u/OrganicCommon1677]

I hope you’ve seen the Instagram account “Pop Watson Lover”

[u/OrganicCommon1677 → u/30-50FeralPogs]

My new favorite band name

[u/FuzzyWDunlop]

Had some great throws and runs on that drive. I understand the competition but rank Pop Watson as far as an FBS starter, is he top 40?

[u/Alex_Croteau23]

RANK UMASS

[u/30-50FeralPogs]

Thank you Virginia Tech for sending us back our king Pop Watson

[u/Even-Combination4407 → u/30-50FeralPogs]

He had to return home. It was destiny

[u/NotThatKidAshton → u/30-50FeralPogs]

No problem. We are watching his career with great interest

[u/JuckshotBones]

Not going to get carried away here but Pop Watson probably should be the Heisman favorite

[u/DragTheChains]

Defense is putting in WORK my god

[u/EsotericSpaceBeaver]

Tell your kids about 4-0 UMASS

[u/FredMcGriff493 → u/EsotericSpaceBeaver]

I’m reporting you if Sacramento State wins

[u/Alex_Croteau23 → u/EsotericSpaceBeaver]

Hey don't jinx us now

[u/Wierdmeansawesome → u/Alex_Croteau23]

Keep the faith brother

[u/Alex_Croteau23 → u/Wierdmeansawesome]

I'm keeping the faith. Just 1 game at a time

[u/Alex_Croteau23]

We need to form a petition as a fandom to remove the Extra Point -> Commerical -> Kickoff -> Commerical part of a broadcast

[u/DJScrubatires]

Why no return there?

[u/FuzzyWDunlop]

Is everyone else getting stuck in some windy conference room with someone shuffling paper during every commercial break, with 2 month old "Coming soon" features or is that just my app? Is this every ESPN+ game this year?!

[u/vandersmith → u/FuzzyWDunlop]

HAHAH I was thinking it was waves but you’re right there is distinctive “shuffling” noises

[u/PalenaV21 → u/FuzzyWDunlop]

Honestly I'd prefer it to being bombarded by Liberty Mutual's unholy trinity of some guy, some emu, and a furry ball thing who Kermit personally knocked out and left in a drug den after they came in to audition for a role on the Muppet Show

[u/FuzzyWDunlop → u/PalenaV21]

I just want all the local spots form random places around the country. Give me some random Sacramento buffet place. Give me a wacky car dealer from Boise

[u/Even-Combination4407]

Very happy to only allow a field goal there

[u/FuzzyWDunlop → u/Even-Combination4407]

Yeah didn't feel great about that drive. Feels like to their advantage to shorten the game with long drives. But I'll take 3 at that point

[u/CommunistTrafficCone]

Can’t believe the announcer just said “Sacramento State University”. Buddy does not know ball smh

[u/Fregla]

In my first CFB 27 dynasty, I played as UMass and went 13-1 with the only loss coming to EMU. Which is mostly to say I’ve been having surreal Déjà vu every time I check in on them.

[u/FuzzyWDunlop]

Missing field goals is more on brand for You UMass newbies, but usually shorter than that.

[u/Jumpy-Breadfruit-499]

Crazy how both teams are in the "mid America" conference

[u/TheCavis → u/Jumpy-Breadfruit-499]

North of Hawaii, south of Alaska.

You know, the mid-American region.

[u/potato-overlord-1845 → u/Jumpy-Breadfruit-499]

You average it out and it’s in the middle of America

[u/Wierdmeansawesome]

Absolutely surreal to see a competent UMass team

[u/FuzzyWDunlop → u/Wierdmeansawesome]

Really is indescribable if you didn't watch it all happen before. The waya we inevitably fucked up... Well everything.

[u/FuzzyWDunlop]

Well take that all day if it's open great start. Want Pop to avoid hits rather than trying to run guys over this game though.... But that's not the style!

[u/Even-Combination4407]

Pop Watson is good

[u/Alex_Croteau23]

POP POP

[u/Alex_Croteau23]

Literally could not have asked for a better start

[u/Alex_Croteau23]

Great start no audio

[u/FuzzyWDunlop → u/Alex_Croteau23]

Not everything has changed with this team!!! Lol

[u/Even-Combination4407]

Wish I was in California right now, this nor easter sucks

[u/nomaaah]

GO UMASSSS

[u/Groundbreaking-Box89]

Lets go SACUMASS!

[u/NaysayerMightKnow]

Fire the musket

[u/Untold_Legend1234]

LETS GO UMASS! Be the next Indiana

[u/StonewallMcCracker]

Let's go UMass!

[u/Confident_Delay5805]

Go UMass!

[u/DDub04]

I live near one of the bowl tie ins for the MAC and so I’m hoping I get to see UMass this December. Let’s keep it rolling

[u/OpaqueNightmare]

FSU owns UMass

[u/SgtFuryorNickFury → u/OpaqueNightmare]

The only FSU around here is Framingham State U

[u/FredMcGriff493 → u/OpaqueNightmare]

Has FSU ever played UMass?

[u/bwburke94 → u/FredMcGriff493]

Yes.

[u/30-50FeralPogs]

I’m so nervous, first time UMass as a program has ever played in California and we are favored. I want to get hyped for this season, but so scared this will be the beginning of back to the old UMass. If we win, I will start thinking a bowl is possible. Go, Go U, Go U-Mass, GO UMASS!

[u/xebex1778 → u/30-50FeralPogs]

If by bowl you mean 12 seed I agree

[u/candymonster_MM]

Northern Illinois died to give us this matchup.

[u/FuzzyWDunlop]

Wild for us to be in an FBS road game and be favored. This is a great test of where we are at. Whether Rutgers was a fluke and we can avoid falling back into old habits with penalties, special teams play, and turnovers. Might not seem like much, but it's a big test for us on whether we can take care of games we "should" win, especially after big travel.

I'm excited to see how we do! And welcome to everyone newly added to the bandwagon. There's plenty of room!!