UMass Minutemen Host Liberty Flames in NCAAF Week 12 Matchup

The UMass Minutemen are set to host the Liberty Flames on Saturday, November 16, at Warren McGuirk Alumni Stadium in Amherst, Massachusetts. This NCAAF Week 12 matchup kicks off at 1 p.m. ET and will be streamed live on ESPN+.

The Liberty Flames, with a 6-2 record, enter the game as 14.5-point favorites against the 2-7 UMass Minutemen. Despite Liberty’s favorable odds, there are several factors that could influence the outcome. Liberty has been dealing with significant injuries and key player losses, which have not been adequately replaced. This could lead to head coach Jamey Chadwell holding out key players who are dealing with injuries.

UMass, on the other hand, benefits from a much-needed bye week, which should help their offense adjust to a new signal-caller after losing Taisun Phommachanh to a season-ending injury. Ahmad Haston or freshman AJ Hairston are likely to start for the Minutemen. Haston has previous experience, and the drop-off from Phommachanh is not expected to be significant.

Despite UMass’s overall poor record, the team has shown a higher ceiling in 2024 compared to recent seasons. They have performed well against stronger opponents in the MAC, including close games against Toledo, Miami (OH), and Northern Illinois. Liberty’s passing attack has lacked momentum this year, although they are expected to have success running the ball with Quinton Cooley against UMass’s weak defensive front.

The prediction for this game leans towards UMass covering the spread, given Liberty’s historical performance as a favorite of more than 10 points and coach Chadwell’s tendency not to run up the score late in games[1]).