UMass ends 16-game skid with win over Rutgers
Pop Watson III passed for 197 yards and three touchdowns as UMass ended a 16-game losing streak with a 37-21 win over Rutgers in the season opener for both teams Thursday night.
This is a huge win for UMass, snapping a 16-game losing streak that's been weighing on the team and its fans for what feels like an eternity. The fact that they were able to take down a Power Five team like Rutgers, even if it was in a non-conference game, adds some extra juice to the victory. Pop Watson III was clearly the star of the show, leading his team to a convincing 37-21 win.
The impact of this win goes beyond just the box score, though. For a program like UMass, which has struggled to find consistency in recent years, this victory could be a much-needed shot in the arm. It shows that the team is capable of beating quality opponents, and that could help build some momentum as they head into the rest of the season. Rutgers, on the other hand, will likely be looking to bounce back from this loss and prove that it's not a one-game anomaly.
So what's next to watch? The big question is whether UMass can build on this win and keep it rolling. They'll face a tough test next week, and we'll get a better sense of just how good this team really is. For Rutgers, the focus will be on regrouping and getting ready for their conference schedule. Can they respond from this loss and get back on track? We'll be keeping an eye on both teams as the season heats up.
Originally reported by espn.com. SportsNewsNow adds analysis for sports & fitness readers.