AMHERST — For the second straight week to begin the 2024 college football season, the UMass football team proved to be more than talented enough to win a game yet came up shy of doing so.

Two Saturdays ago the Minutemen had more first downs, rushing yards and converted a higher percentage of their third downs while holding onto the ball for nearly seven more minutes than Eastern Michigan – a game they lost by two touchdowns, 28-14. And this past Saturday, UMass had 126 more total yards, 11 more first downs, more third and fourth down conversions and possessed the ball for over 44 minutes of a 60-minute game.

Still, the Minutemen lost by two touchdowns – a 38-23 loss to Toledo to drop their record to 0-2.

UMass, trailing 17-16, was driving to take the lead toward the back half of the third quarter and faced a third-and-10 at the Toledo 40-yard line. Starting quarterback Taisun Phommachanh noticed wide receiver Sterling Galban had a step on Rockets defender Braden Awls over the middle and let rip a throw just beyond the first down sticks.

Awls laid out in front of Galban and made a spectacular interception to end UMass’ drive and all its momentum with it. One play later, Toledo’s Junior Vandeross took a pass from Tucker Gleason and raced 73 yards for a score.

A game the Minutemen were more than in the mix of suddenly turned upside down in the matter of seconds. Their next two offensive possessions totaled seven plays and both resulted in CJ Kolodziey punts before the Rockets went down the field in four plays and celebrated another trip to the end zone and a 31-16 advantage.

Disappointment certainly filtered through UMass head coach Don Brown, but he at least knows his team is good enough to win these games.

But actually doing so requires more attention to detail – and more discipline.

“I’ve been doing this a long time, this is kind of a crazy game,” Brown said during Monday’s press conference. “When you look at it, [Toledo had] 170 yards passing, 85 yards rushing, for about 250 [total yards]. Somewhere in the third quarter, they had 100 yards of offense. I thought our guys really were playing well.”

Let’s revisit some of the key moments from Saturday’s game, as well as share Brown’s thoughts from Monday’s press conference.

The onside kick late in the fourth quarter

Most fans wondered why Don Brown decided to send the kick team out in onside kick formation after an 8-yard Phommachanh touchdown run brought UMass within one possession (31-23) late in the fourth quarter. The Minutemen still held all three of their timeouts, and the clock sat at 2 minutes, 55 seconds remaining – meaning the new two-minute stoppage was still in play, too.

With how UMass’ defense was playing, especially its front seven against the run, kicking it deep had to have been something Brown at least thought about. But he went with the onside kick, Toledo recovered, and four plays later scored the game-sealing touchdown that officially put the game out of   reach.

It wasn’t a given that the Minutemen would’ve stopped the Rockets had they kicked it deep anyway, and it’s not fair to bash Brown after the fact since the outcome is now known. Still, that choice was one of many difficult ones that Brown – who went for it four times on fourth down – had to make on Saturday.

“There were so many different coaching decisions that came up [Saturday],” Brown said after the game. “I don’t have any qualms about the end where we had three timeouts, and if we got them off the field with the three timeouts, even if they went for it on fourth we would’ve had over two minutes left – which is what you’re looking for.”

Phommachanh’s best performance since injury, emerging receivers

Brown said on Monday that his quarterback’s outing against Toledo was his best since returning from last season’s knee injury.

Phommachanh tossed for 259 yards, one touchdown and one interception, going 26-for-40 through the air. He also rushed a career-high 22 times for 44 yards (sacks included) and a score, looking quite spry on runs of 25 and 18 yards throughout the game. The senior captain seems to be clicking in every aspect of his game, and he’s as healthy now as he’s ever been. Each snap taken translates to more and more confidence from Phommachanh – a terrific sign for UMass.

“I thought [this was the best he’s played since coming back from injury],” Brown said. “I also think he controlled his emotions, especially early in the game. When he started to hit his stride, you could see it. And good for him.”

Phommachanh’s favorite targets on Saturday were Eastern Washington transfer Jakobie Keeney-James and sophomore Jacquon Gibson. Keeney-James hauled in six catches for 93 yards and a touchdown while Gibson added six catches for 72 yards.

When Anthony Simpson and Dominick Mazotti went down with injuries in the first half and didn’t return, pass catchers needed to step up. And step up those two did.

“I was totally elated and excited for both guys, because they're hard workers,” Brown said of the wideouts. “They love the game, and it’s nice to see them reflect positively on the field, because there’s your test. Do you want more time? Then you better play well when you're on the field. And both of them did, so that was a good to see. It’s good for us, and good for them.”

Big plays hurt defense once again

As was the case in 2023, big plays hurt the Minutemen in their loss to Toledo. UMass didn’t let the Rockets’ offense move the ball easily for most of the contest, but they hit on a handful of home run plays that proved to be the difference.

The defensive line held Toledo to 83 yards on the ground and the secondary limited Gleason to a pitiful 34.8 completion percentage and only 175 yards through the air. But three of Gleason’s eight completions went for touchdowns – including ones for 40 and 73 yards, respectively. Add in a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown from Jacquez Stuart, and there’s a trio of plays that gashed UMass’ defense/special teams.

Those back-breakers can be made up for once in awhile, but three in one game is nearly impossible to overcome – and Saturday showed that.

Brown said the team and coaching staff are working to ensure that doesn’t happen again, starting with kickoff specialist CJ Kolodziey, who Brown wants to dial in one type of kick during kickoffs so the coverage team can expect it consistently. That should help clarify where the coverage team needs to be and when to be there.

“Well, we had one big mistake,” Brown said of the special teams. “We didn't fold in with the two guys. And [special teams coordinator Ben Albert] is working real hard on trying to get that straight. There's a couple ways of doing [a kickoff]. There are different models and styles of kicks that you can use. The sky kick, the muddle on the ground, you know, there's just several styles. You just got to go with what the best style for your guy is. Now, week one, he kicked off pretty darn well. Week two? Not so much. So we got to get CJ, to get some continuity.”