AMHERST – The large, ominous shadow of a possible loss to an FCS opponent loomed over McGuirk Alumni Stadium. As the final seconds ticked off the clock, the realization came that it really happened for the UMass football team in a 27-26 loss to Bryant University on Saturday.
Bryce Soli kicked a 25-yard field goal as time expired to give the Bulldogs the victory. It was the first loss to an FCS team since 2021.
“Bottom line we didn’t make enough plays in the second half to win the game,” UMass coach Joe Harasymiak said. “All the credit to them (Bryant). They showed up and made plays and we didn’t.”
UMass once held a 20-3 lead in the second quarter, but as the game progressed the Bryant offense began moving the ball more efficiently, especially in the passing game.
“We had plenty of opportunities in the second half to put the game away,” Harasymiak said. “We have one option, there aren’t any other options but me a man and step up and come back. There’s literally no other option. That’s what I just told the team. We are going to see what we are made of.”
Starting quarterback Brandon Rose left the game in the first quarter with an upper body injury.
“The X-ray was negative,” Harasymiak said. “But obviously out for the game. I’ll find out how long he’s going to be out.”
The Minutemen (0-2) will now go on the road to play Iowa and Missouri before beginning their MAC schedule against Western Michigan on Oct. 4th.
Enter backup quarterback Grant Jordan who went 13-for-22 for 205 yards with an interception and a rushing touchdown. Bryant took its first lead of the game in the fourth quarter. Jordan lined up the offense at the UMass 11-yard line with nine minutes, 25 seconds left in the game. On a second down at the UMass 45-yard line, a ground ball snap rolled past Jordan. After picking it up, Jordan eluded pressure to launch it downfield to find Donnie Gray for a 41-yard completion.
“He extended plays,” Harasymiak said of Jordan. “He was in a rhythm there for a bit and ultimately, he gave us a chance to win the game. Proud of him.”
This set up a Derek Morris 53-yard field goal that gave UMass a 26-24 lead with 4:11 left in the game. The kick set a program record.
After a DD Snyder interception, UMass just needed one first down to run the clock and close out the game. Bryant got the necessary stop to give itself one more chance to set up the field goal. The Bulldogs did just that, driving 78 yards on 13 plays to set up Soli’s game-winner.
Tyler Martin intercepted Bryant late in the first quarter. The linebacker returned the interception 23-yards for his first career touchdown. It was also his first career interception for the Minutemen.
Jordan engineered an eight-play, 61-yard scoring drive early in the second quarter. Brandon Hood finished the drive with a 13-yard rushing touchdown. The score gave UMass a 13-0 lead with 13:06 left in the second quarter. Bryant got on the scoreboard in the second quarter when Soli made a 37-yard field goal.
UMass immediately turned the ball over on its next possession when Azarel Juste picked off Jordan. The Minutemen escaped without giving up points after Soli missed a 47-yard field goal. A 50-yard pass play from Jordan to Gibson set up UMass’ next touchdown. Jordan eventually scored on a five-yard scramble. The quarterback broke the pocket to the right, found some room and dove into the endzone to give UMass a 20-3 lead with 3:32 left in the second quarter.
Gibson had eight seven catches for 89 yards. Marques White and Tim Grant-Randall had sacks for the UMass defense.
Brennan Myer found Zyheem Collick on a 16-yard touchdown just before halftime for the Bulldogs. The drive went 11-plays and 69-yards. UMass safety
Kendall Bournes got disqualified on the play for targeting.
UMass had a chance to extend its lead coming out of halftime, but Morris missed a 38-yard field goal. After the missed field goal, Bryant drove 80 yards on five plays for a touchdown. Myer tossed his second touchdown pass of the game, this one to Elijah Elliot for 43 yards. The touchdown cut the UMass lead to 20-17.
AJ Hairston replaced Jordan in the third quarter. The move lasted one drive, as Jordan returned on the next possession. Jordan drove the Minutemen down the field for a Morris 25-yard field goal. The points gave UMass a 23-17 lead late in the third quarter. Bryant took its first lead on its next possession.
Myer found Collick for a 72-yard touchdown to give Bryant its first lead of the game with 45 seconds left in the third quarter. Myer went 22-for-44 for 318 yards and three touchdowns.
A tornado warning and inclement weather delayed the game for two hours.
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