U-Mass added to 2012 nonconference schedule

Submitted by G-Man on

Michigan will play UMass again in 2012.  Story here.  

I would assume it will be on either 9/15 or 9/29, but that part wasn't reported.

 

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dahblue

September 27th, 2011 at 12:02 AM ^

They were a cupcake when we played them last year (they barely broke .500 in DII). It was just that our defense was so bad we made UMass look potent. they only scored that much once more all season - against Maine. Anyway, doesn't bother me if we play UMass or any other weak team. That's the way of the football world these days. would be nice if neb and Ohio were split though.

Joined: 11/09/2009

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Rasmus

September 27th, 2011 at 9:38 AM ^

This is a historically good FCS program that is transitioning to FBS (the MAC) in 2012 -- they open the season at UConn, then play Indiana in Gillette Stadium. They also play at Vanderbilt, and now at Michigan. They have a full slate of FBS scholarships available for the current recruiting class. They will be bowl-eligible in 2013, when they play their first championship-eligible MAC schedule.

While I don't think they pose a serious threat to a Michigan team with a halfway decent defense, they can't be seen as a Baby Seal U.

Also -- they have a deal for games at Gillette Stadium through 2016 -- if the UConn date goes well in 2013 (from a Michigan-alumni fundraising standpoint), I don't think it's impossible that Michigan could play at Gillette Stadium. All of UMass's other deals for the 2012 season are Gillette home-and-homes (UConn, Indiana, and Vanderbilt), so it wouldn't surprise me if Brandon has promised to at least consider bringing Michigan alumni to the NE Patriots' luxury suites in, say, 2015 or so.

Joined: 07/02/2009

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fatbastard

September 26th, 2011 at 11:05 PM ^

Better than a MAC team.  They love us from the last trip.  They're band is great.  Honestly, given the rest of our nonconference schedule next year, I don't mind it. 

Joined: 01/03/2009

MGoPoints: 792

macdaddy

September 26th, 2011 at 11:07 PM ^

Not lovin' this at all but I don't know what the alternatives are. I'm assuming most teams have their schedules for 2012 set already. I'd like to see a (semi) cupcake that we haven't played before but it is what it is. The home schedule next year is definitely on the lame side. Nevertheless I'll be there for all of them.

Joined: 07/05/2008

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Bando Calrissian

September 26th, 2011 at 11:13 PM ^

For as much as Dave Brandon talks about "value" and "paying for value..."

Does that mean he expects us to pay for value when it comes to tickets?  Because, honestly, for $70 per seat, seat licenses (oh, sorry, not supposed to call 'em that...) for much of the stadium, hefty price tags for the suites and club seats, most everyone having to pay for parking, $4 bottles of water for what will be guaranteed to be a hot September game... 

Is that expense worth a matchup with UMass?  At what point does the price of the charm and mystique of Michigan Stadium reach its tipping point?

Joined: 07/02/2008

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pz

September 27th, 2011 at 12:19 AM ^

Bama at a neutral site + ND away (not to mention Nebraska & OSU) = taking a bit of a sleeper on other non-conference games. It is what it is and it hurts for season ticket holders, but if we booked another big-time opponent, we could be staring at an ugly year 2 for Hoke that has more to do with scheduling than the quality of the team we field.

9-game conference schedules can't come quickly enough to readjust this home/away balance situation...

Joined: 06/30/2008

MGoPoints: 3784

Top dog 4578

September 27th, 2011 at 7:15 AM ^

So we can beat them by 40 like we should of the first time...Michigan will bring defense this time..I really hate playing these games..No upside for a win,but everything to lose if we were to lose..I do like playing bama to start the season ...(to be the best you have to beat the best)...Umass is a wasted game.....I guess all schools do it,but its hard to get pumped up for a game like Umass.........

Joined: 04/23/2011

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