FAVORITE TEAMS

The Independent had three teams bowling, but Army had a historical season with their first 11-win season, back-to-back 10 win seasons in program history, and won their 2nd straight game against Navy. Notre Dame was the first non-Power 5 school to go to the playoffs. BYU started 3-1, including an upset win over #6 Wisconsin, but a road loss to #11 Washington derailed them to 1-3 before ending their season at 7-6. Liberty’s first FBS season ended at 6-6 with 4 wins against FBS opponents and an upset over Troy. New Mexico State had a woeful 3-win season after winning a bowl game in 2017. UMass failed to use their experienced roster to try and improve on their 4-win season. Their season ended at 4 wins again…

UMass’s 4 wins for the 2nd straight season was a disappointment. A promising year for Andrew Ford turned into a disaster after he got hurt. The Minutemen’s defense got worse (which was expected), allowing 43 points per game and their run defense allowed over 3200 yards and 38 touchdowns. Running back Marquis Young’s stats fell, but the positive on offense was Andy Isabella’s 102 receptions, 1698 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. The schedule was a total nightmare and their only key win was against Liberty. Coach Mark Whipple’s firing was the right decision, but now UMass maybe back to square one.