UMass Reach Highest Win Total Since 2018

The Minutemen get their second win of the 2023 season

© Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports

A 1-7 team beating a 2-5 team may not seem all that exciting. However, in the context of UMass football, it was significant.

Prior to Saturday, UMass had never beaten Army. The Minutemen have also not won more than one game in a season since 2018. That page in the record book will need an edit after this weekend with UMass' 21-14 win at West Point. Senior defensive tackle Billy Wooden had a sack and a fumble recovery on the final drive to clinch the win.

The only other win this year for head coach Don Brown and company came in their season opener against New Mexico State. 

UMass has not had a winning season since they returned to the FBS level in 2012. 

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Army avoided the shutout, scoring their first points in two games (159 minutes and 19 seconds, to be exact). However, the Black Knights lose their fifth consecutive game of 2023 and drop to 2-6 on the season.

Running back Kay'Ron Lynch-Adams turned in a career-best performance with 234 yards on 34 carries with three rushing touchdowns. Quarterback Taisun Phommachanh completed 17 passes on 23 attempts for 121 yards.

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The Black Knights have reduced their chances of reaching a bowl game significantly with the loss. With four games remaining, one is against an FCS opponent (Holy Cross). Army already has one win over an FCS team this season and only one win over an FCS team may count toward an FBS team's win total for bowl eligibility. They'll face #19 Air Force next week in a neutral site game next week in Denver. 

The Minutemen continue their season on November 4 when they host FCS Merrimack.