Matthews makes playoffs case

In 2007 it was ground-breaking when New Hampshire got an at-large bid to the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs with four losses.

Two years later James Madison coach Mickey Matthews is lobbying for his five-loss Dukes to get some consideration.

Disappointing loss at home for Minutemen

AMHERST - Moments after Saturday's game ended, the rain - which had ranged from drizzly to steady all afternoon - seemed to erupt into a downpour that sent the fans remaining from the McGuirk Stadium crowd of 4,028 scattering for the exits and the dry safety of their vehicles.

UMass can't overcome turnovers

AMHERST - Moments after Saturday's game ended, the rain - which had ranged from drizzly to steady all afternoon - seemed to surge into a downpour that sent the fans remaining from the McGuirk Stadium crowd of 4,028 scattering for the exits and the dry safety of their vehicles.

Plenty at stake for Minutemen football

AMHERST - While the University of Massachusetts football team will need help from both other teams and the Football Championship Subdivision tournament selection committee to keep its postseason hopes alive, the Minutemen have plenty to play for when they take the field at noon Saturday to play James Madison at MCGuirk Stadium.

Football playoff picture emerging

Three Colonial Athletic Association teams won their eighth games Saturday, likely ensuring a trip to the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs.

Villanova, William & Mary and New Hampshire all joined Richmond with 8-1 records. Eight wins typically is enough to get CAA teams into the playoffs.

UMass football fires on all cylinders

AMHERST - Northeastern and McGuirk Stadium proved to be a panacea Saturday for all of the University of Massachusetts football team's woes.

The Minutemen dominated from the opening kickoff to the closing whistle and crushed the Huskies 37-7 before a home crowd of 6,725.

Nelson back in stride for Minutemen

AMHERST - When he went down with injuries, University of Massachusetts senior tailback Tony Nelson was leading the Colonial Athletic Association in rushing average and was on the watch list for the Walter Payton Award as the top offensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision.