PISCATAWAY, NJ - AUGUST 30: Head coach Walt Bell of the Massachusetts Minutemen speaks to his team during the fourth quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium on August 30, 2019, in Piscataway, New Jersey. Rutgers emerged victorious in that matchup, defeating UMass 48-21. Fast forward to the present, and college football returned with a thrilling slate of games on Thursday night, highlighted by an unexpected outcome.
The game that captured the most attention was the clash between the UMass Minutemen and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, who were heavily favored at 29.5 points. However, the Minutemen defied the odds and delivered a stunning performance, winning the game 37-21.
From the outset, UMass took control, leading 24-7 at halftime and maintaining their advantage throughout the contest. Quarterback William Watson was instrumental in the victory, completing 19 of 22 passes for 197 yards and three touchdowns, while also contributing 40 rushing yards on six carries. His exceptional play was a key factor in UMass's ability to secure this monumental win.
According to reports, Rutgers paid UMass $1.55 million to host them in this season opener, expecting an easy victory. Instead, they were met with a fierce challenge from the Minutemen, who showcased resilience and skill that had been absent in recent seasons.
This victory is particularly significant for UMass, as it marks the end of a staggering 677-day winless streak. The Minutemen had not won a game in nearly two years, going 0-12 in 2025 and entering the 2026 season with the longest active losing streak in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) at 16 games. This win not only breaks that streak but also represents their first victory against an FBS opponent since 2023 and their first against a current power conference school since 1978.
The magnitude of this upset cannot be overstated. It stands as one of the biggest upsets in recent college football history, comparable to the Texas Longhorns' shocking loss to the Kansas Jayhawks in 2021, where Texas was a 31-point favorite. The Minutemen's triumph over Rutgers serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of college football, where any team can rise to the occasion and achieve the extraordinary.
As the season progresses, this victory will undoubtedly be a pivotal moment for the UMass Minutemen, providing a much-needed boost in morale and confidence. The players and coaching staff will look to build on this momentum as they continue their campaign in the 2026 college football season.
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