Like last year, for every UMass game this season, I'll be giving out
three stars to the top three performers from the Minutemen and keeping
track of who earns the most three-start points over the course of the
season.

I'm putting a little extra weight on No. 1. So a No. 1
star is worth five points. A No. 2 is worth three and a No. 3 is worth
two.

Three Stars from UMass vs. Rhode Island

No. 1 - Jonathan Hernandez - I'm continually impressed at how willing Hernandez is to take on contact and fight for yards despite his smaller stature.

No. 2 - Kirk Nelms - He turned a spot start into heroics. Two picks including one for a game-clinching touchdown.

No. 3 - Julian Talley - He had what could have been a key fumble, but it didn't cost UMass and otherwise he was terrific.

Season to date points:

Jonathan Hernandez - 10
Kirk Nelms 3
Ed Saint Vil - 3
Kellen Pagel - 2
Julian Talley - 2