Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

UMass Ends 16-Game Skid With 37-21 Rutgers Win

9/4/2026

17 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

UMass Minutemen snapped a 16-game losing streak with a 37-21 victory over Rutgers.
Quarterback William “Pop” Watson III threw for 197 yards and three touchdowns.
Defense recorded five sacks and three interceptions, two by Jahmad Harmon.
The win was the largest 29-point underdog upset since Texas State beat Houston in 2012.
Coach Joe Harasymiak earned his first win after previously serving as Rutgers’ defensive coordinator.

History

Historical Context

On September 1 2007, Appalachian State, the FCS national champion, defeated No. 5 Michigan 34-32 before 109,218 fans, becoming the first FCS team to topple a ranked FBS opponent. The shock forced Michigan out of the AP Top 25 and prompted the poll to allow FCS votes. Subsequent upsets—James Madison in 2010 and North Dakota State in 2016—showed the trend’s lasting impact.

1 of 2

Story summary

UMass Minutemen snapped a 16-game losing streak with a 37-21 victory over Rutgers.
Quarterback William “Pop” Watson III threw for 197 yards and three touchdowns.
Defense recorded five sacks and three interceptions, two by Jahmad Harmon.
The win was the largest 29-point underdog upset since Texas State beat Houston in 2012.
Coach Joe Harasymiak earned his first win after previously serving as Rutgers’ defensive coordinator.

1 / 2