Eastern Michigan at UMASS 9/18/21 - NCAA Football Picks & Predictions

U Mass seems to be out to earn their spot in ESPN's Bottom 10 with two lopsided losses already under their belt. This week they host Eastern Michigan, a team that is 1-1 and looking to get going in the right direction.

U Mass lost last week to Boston College by 17, but they are still averaging being outscored by 30 points per game. The Minutemen have lost 13 in a row going back to 2019. 

Eastern Michigan lost to No. 18 Wisconsin 34-7, and are being outscored by an average of 21-17 in two games. 

Brady Olson got his first start at quarterback last week for U Mass, passing for 214 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. U Mass showed a lot more offense last week, but they were playing a lesser opponent. Tyler Lytle opened the season at quarterback. Olson seems to be the starter now.

Eastern Michigan is struggling on offense. They managed just 15 yards rushing last week against Wisconsin, and 76 yards passing. Their only score against Wisconsin last week was a pick-six in the fourth quarter.

The Eagles are using two quarterbacks about evenly and are averaging 132 yards passing and 118 rushing. The Eagles have no passing touchdowns and two interceptions in two games.

U-Mass has about the same level of offense but has a more porous defense than the Eagles.

The Minutemen are averaging 190 yards passing and 81 rushing. The Minutemen are giving up 535 yards per contest and almost 300 of that is through the air.