Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Zach Wilson (1) runs in the game against the Idaho State Bengals at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019. Laura Seitz, Deseret News
Jeff Call
By Jeff Call

BYU (6-4) at UMass (1-10)

  • Kickoff: Saturday, 10 a.m. MST
  • Venue: Warren McGuirk Alumni Stadium
  • Surface: FieldTurf
  • TV/livestream: FloSports/NESN (more broadcast info)
  • Radio: KSL 1160AM/102.7 FM
  • Series: BYU leads the all-time series, 2-1.
  • Weather: Temperatures in the low 40s with partly cloudy skies.

THE STAKES

For UMass … The Minutemen are playing in their final game of the season and hoping to avoid a one-win season.  

For BYU … The Cougars, who have already received a bowl invitation, are looking to extend their four-game winning streak and build more momentum for next week’s game at San Diego State. 

THE TRENDS

For UMass … The Minutemen have lost six consecutive games and have been outscored 171-32 in their last two outings. 

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For BYU … The Cougars have posted a 10-4 record under coach Kalani Sitake in the month of November. BYU is 23-8 in November during the Independence era.  

THE CRYSTAL BALL

UMass: The Minutemen are ranked No. 225 in the Sagarin Ratings. They are not only rated as the worst team in the FBS but they are also worse than most FCS programs.

BYU: The Cougars are favored by 40 points. That sounds about right. 

PLAYER TO WATCH

Massachusetts’ Randall West makes a pass against Northwestern during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. | Jim Young, AP

Randall West, UMass quarterback: The senior has completed 78 of 134 passes for 733 yards with five interceptions and four touchdowns in seven games. 

KEY MATCHUP

BYU’s offense vs. UMass defense: Can the Cougars score at least 50 points in a game for the first time since the 2016 season?

QUOTABLE

“We’re going to keep building on what we do. We’re really focused on what we can get done and being at our best. This is another opportunity for us to go see our fans on the East Coast and we’re looking forward to our players being at their best for our fans and for themselves.”

— BYU coach Kalani Sitake

NEXT UP

On Nov. 30, BYU visits San Diego State. UMass’ season ends Saturday. 

BYU SCHEDULE

Aug. 29 — Utah 30, BYU 12

Sept. 7 — BYU 29, Tennessee 26 (2 OT)

Sept. 14 — BYU 30, USC 27 (OT)

Sept. 21 — Washington 45, BYU 19

Sept. 28 — Toledo 28, BYU 21

Oct. 12 — South Florida 27, BYU 23

Oct. 19 — BYU 28, Boise State 25

Nov. 2  — BYU 42, Utah State 14

Nov. 9 — BYU 31, Liberty 24

Nov. 16 — BYU 42, Idaho State 10

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Nov. 23 — at UMass (10 a.m., FloSports/NESN)

Nov. 30 — at San Diego State (7 p.m., CBS Sports)

Dec. 24 — Hawaii Bowl 

All times MT 

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