UMass Minutemen Face Off Against New Mexico State Aggies in 2023 Season Opener
The college football season is finally upon us, and one of the exciting matchups to kick things off features the UMass Minutemen facing the New Mexico State Aggies at Aggie Memorial Stadium on Saturday, August 26, 2023. Both teams are looking to make a statement early in the season and improve upon their previous year’s performances.
Last Year’s Struggles
New Mexico State had a tough 2022 season, ranking 25th-worst in total offense, with an average of 330.8 yards per game. However, their defense held up relatively well, coming in at 30th in the nation with 336.2 yards allowed per contest. On the other hand, UMass had its share of struggles, particularly on the offensive side, where they ranked third-worst in scoring, averaging only 12.5 points per game. Their defense, though not stellar, performed better, ranking 104th with 31.1 points allowed per game.
Game Details
- Date: Saturday, August 26, 2023
- Time: 7:00 PM ET
- Channel: ESPN
- Live Stream: For those who can’t make it to the stadium in person, you can catch every heart-pounding moment by streaming the game on Fubo.
A Clash of Styles
This game promises to be a fascinating clash of styles and strategies. New Mexico State, hailing from the southwestern deserts, will be aiming to harness the home advantage and turn Aggie Memorial Stadium into a fortress of determination. On the other side of the field, the UMass Minutemen will be determined to spoil the Aggies’ homecoming and kick off their season on a winning note.
Why You Should Tune In
- Opening Act of the Season: This game marks the exciting opening act of the 2023 college football season. It’s a fresh start for both teams, and the outcome will set the tone for the journey that lies ahead.
- Unpredictable Offenses: New Mexico State and UMass both faced offensive struggles in the 2022 season, making their offensive performances a wild card. Will they unveil new strategies and surprises this year?
- Defensive Showdown: While both teams had their offensive woes, their defenses held up better in certain aspects. The battle between their defensive units promises to be an intriguing subplot.
- Home Turf Advantage: New Mexico State has the home turf advantage, and there’s nothing quite like the atmosphere of a college football game played in front of passionate, hometown fans.
- Emerging Stars: Keep an eye on emerging stars and key players who could be the game-changers for their respective teams. Every season, college football unveils new talent, and this game is where you’ll see it first.
Key Statistics to Watch
As we head into this matchup, it’s worth looking at some key statistics from the 2022 season for both teams:
New Mexico State:
- Offensive Yards Avg. (Rank): 330.8 (101st)
- Defensive Yards Avg. (Rank): 336.2 (37th)
- Rush Yards Avg. (Rank): 161.6 (57th)
- Pass Yards Avg. (Rank): 169.2 (120th)
- Turnovers (Rank): 18 (58th)
- Takeaways (Rank): 14 (103rd)
UMass:
- Offensive Yards Avg. (Rank): 265.8 (130th)
- Defensive Yards Avg. (Rank): 370.1 (40th)
- Rush Yards Avg. (Rank): 148.8 (68th)
- Pass Yards Avg. (Rank): 116.9 (126th)
- Turnovers (Rank): 19 (74th)
- Takeaways (Rank): 18 (62nd)
These statistics provide a glimpse into the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, setting the stage for an intriguing matchup.
Players to Watch
For New Mexico State, Diego Pavia will be a player to keep an eye on. Last year, he threw for 1,442 yards with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions. Additionally, he contributed on the ground with 508 rushing yards and six TDs. Star running back Thomas will look to build on his 520 rushing yards from last season.
UMass will rely on Brady Olson, who averaged 65.9 passing yards per game last season and threw two touchdowns. In the backfield, Ellis Merriweather, who had 575 rushing yards and three touchdowns, will be a key player to watch.
Both teams have talented receivers, with Justice Powers and Kordell David leading the way for New Mexico State, and George Johnson and Cam Sullivan-Brown showcasing their skills for UMass.
How to Watch
For fans eager to catch this exciting season opener, the game will be broadcast on ESPN at 7:00 PM ET. If you prefer to stream the action, you can watch it on Fubo.
The 2023 college football season is full of promise and potential for both the New Mexico State Aggies and the UMass Minutemen. As the teams take the field at Aggie Memorial Stadium, all eyes will be on the gridiron to see which team will set the tone for their season ahead. Don’t miss the action!