Overview
- The Minutemen beat Rutgers 37-21 on Thursday night, snapping a 16-game losing streak that had been the longest active skid in the FBS.
- Transfer quarterback William “Pop” Watson III completed 19 of 22 passes for 197 yards and three touchdowns while adding 40 rushing yards, pacing UMass's first sustained offensive showing in more than a year.
- Rutgers committed multiple turnovers and allowed consistent pressure and sacks, with reports noting three interceptions and a lost fumble by quarterback Dylan Lonergan that shifted momentum to UMass.
- Coverage noted that Rutgers reportedly paid UMass a $1.55 million guarantee to play in Piscataway, a claim widely cited in reports but described as reported and not independently verified.
- The upset gives UMass immediate momentum under coach Joe Harasymiak and raises questions about Rutgers' short-term bowl hopes and preparation as the Scarlet Knights head to Boston College while UMass returns home to face Sacred Heart.