AMHERST — After back-to-back losses to Power 5 opponents, UMass and Florida International will both take on someone their own size.
The Minutemen and Panthers will arrive at McGuirk Stadium (Saturday, 3:30 p.m., NESN) hungry for their first win.
UMass (0-2) has the added advantage of playing at home, while FIU (0-2) has the added motivation or wanting to avenge last year’s 24-14 loss to the Minutemen in Amherst.
“They’re pretty hungry coming back for revenge and we’re looking for our first win playing here at McGuirk,” said senior receiver Bernard Davis. “It’s a big game for both of us.”
The UMass players were confident.
“It would mean a lot. It would be a huge confidence builder for the team,” said sophomore safety Lee Moses. “Everyone just out their hunting for our first win. The way we’ve been practicing these last few days. It’s just a matter of time. We’re going to pull through. We’re going to get it right. Each week we’re getting better.”
Junior Teddy Lowery, a safety/linebacker hybrid, agreed.
A win “would give us a lot of confidence. FIU is a pretty good team but we really need this win right now to get some more confidence,” said the junior college transfer. “This win would be an ultimate booster for us.”
The game is UMass’ Amherst opener after playing week one on the road and week two in Foxborough.
It’ll be Lowery’s first game at McGuirk
“It’s pretty crazy. I’m really nervous. It’s in front of the home crowd,” he said. “I’m excited as well. Our team is coming together.”
UMass coach Mark Whipple said playing at home is special, but hardly a guarantee of success for the Minutemen, who are 2-4 on campus since returning half of their home games there in 2014.
“It’s always been a great place to play. I think the atmosphere has always been good,” he said. “The numbers don’t say it’s an automatic win.”
The Panthers arrive in Amherst after falling to Indiana (34-13) and Maryland (41-14) in Miami.
Quarterback Alex McGough, who set an FIU record with 21 touchdown passes last year, hasn’t to throw one this year. He’s 28 of 56 for 302 yards and four interceptions.
After being held to 23 yards on 10 carries by Indiana, Alex Gardner had 109 on 16 carries verse Maryland.
Tight end Jonnu Smith has caught a pass in 34 straight games, the seventh longest active streak in the Bowl Subdivision.
“FIU looks like they’re faster. Their running back is a really good player. Their quarterback has made a lot of plays but has struggled with some indecisions,” he said. “On defense, they’re fast. We’ve got our hands full. We’ve got to play a compete game. We just have to finish in the fourth quarter.”
Matt Vautour can be reached at mvautour@gazettenet.com. Get UMass coverage delivered in your Facebook news feed at www.facebook.com/GazetteUMassCoverage