Full Breakdown
UMass Shatters 16-Game FBS Losing Streak with Upset of Rutgers
9/4/2026, 10:46:40 AM
Game Summary
On September 3, 2026, the University of Massachusetts football team defeated Rutgers University 37-21 at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey. The win ended a 16-game losing streak—the longest active streak in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS)—and marked UMass’s first victory over a power-conference opponent since the late 1970s. Quarterback William “Pop” Watson III threw for 197 yards and three touchdowns, while the Minutemen’s defense forced four turnovers and recorded five sacks.
Background & Context
UMass entered the 2026 season after winless campaigns in 2024 and 2025, leaving the program a cumulative 28-142 record since joining the FBS in 2012. The Minutemen’s last win against an FBS school came in 2023, and their most recent overall victory was against an FCS opponent in 2024. Rutgers, a Big Ten member, opened the game as 29.5-point favorites, a spread that historically yields a near-perfect record for favorites.
Data & Statistics
- Score: UMass 37, Rutgers 21
- Spread: Rutgers favored by 29.5 points
- Watson’s line: 19-for-22, 197 passing yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs; 6 carries for 40 yards
- Receiving: Elijah Faulkner (2 TDs), Joseph Griffin Jr. (1 TD)
- Rushing: Curtis Kimmons IV, 17-yard TD run; team total rushing yards 78 (Kimmons)
- Turnovers: UMass forced 4 turnovers (3 interceptions, 1 fumble) and recorded 5 sacks; Rutgers had no sacks.
- Historical notes: First halftime lead against a power-conference school since 2017; largest win by a 29-plus-point underdog since Texas State’s 30-13 victory over Houston in 2012.
Official Statements & Responses
Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano called the loss a “complete breakdown,” saying his team was “out-licked, out-played and out-coached.” He noted that quarterback Dylan Lonergan was replaced in the fourth quarter due to injury.
UMass head coach Joe Harasymiak, a former Rutgers defensive coordinator, expressed personal pride, highlighting the emotional significance of winning in front of family members who traveled from nearby Waldwick, New Jersey.
Athletic director Ryan Bamford said the win is a step toward competing for a conference title and a postseason bowl appearance—milestones the Minutemen have yet to achieve as an FBS program.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think probably the most special part about it is, my mom, my dad are here [Piscataway], and my two brothers,” — Joe Harasymiak, head coach (q1)
- “We got out-licked, outplayed and out-coached,” — Greg Schiano, Rutgers head coach (q2)
- “It's everything that we have to do in order to put this right,” — Joe Harasymiak, head coach (q3)
- “We're not thinking about ‘How do you win a handful, three, four, five games?’ We're thinking about winning as many games on our 12-game schedule as you can,” — Ryan Bamford, athletic director (q4)
Why It Matters
The upset ends the nation’s longest active FBS losing streak and shows that UMass can compete against Power Five opponents. The performance validates recent investment in coaching and recruiting, including the addition of 56 new players for the 2026 season. The win may improve future scheduling opportunities and bolster recruiting in New England.
What’s Next
UMass returns to Amherst to face the Sacred Heart Pioneers later this month, followed by a matchup with Stonehill the subsequent week. Rutgers travels to Boston College later this month. Both programs will look to adjust after the surprising outcome in their opening contests.
