UMass tries, but can’t run with Bulls
AMHERST — Junior halfback Jordan Cronkrite keyed a 21-point third quarter outburst in a span of 4:32 with a pair of long runs and finished the game with three rushing scores to help carry undefeated South Florida to a 58-42 victory over UMass at McGuirk Stadium yesterday.
Cronkrite established school and American Athletic Conference records with 302 yards on 22 carries and scoring runs of 30, 76 and 77 yards. It was the most rushing yards against UMass by one player since Adrian Peterson of Georgia Southern gained 333 in 1999.
UMass (2-5) was without the services of coach Mark Whipple, who was serving a one-game suspension for using inappropriate language, including the word “rape”, in his criticism of officials after last week’s loss at Ohio. Defensive coordinator Ed Pinkham, who handled duties, had the players ready.
“The kids showed we can play with (5-0) teams. It’s just a challenge to be consistent for four quarters,’’ said Pinkham, who filled a similar one-game role while coach at Elon in 2012. “These kids are scrappers. Sometimes you play your tails off and something doesn’t go right.”
The Bulls, moving to 5-0 for a second straight season, began fast. After a holding call, quarterback Blake Barnett (17-of-24 for 209 yards) reared back and hit wide receiver Tyler McCants behind the coverage of Tyler Hayes for a 77-yard score.
UMass responded as quarterback Andrew Ford (19-of-27 for 199 yards, two TDs) spread the ball, finding receivers Andy Isabella (11 catches, 191 yards) and Sadiq Palmer for double-digit gains before tossing a 31-yard TD pass to Brendan Dingle, who escaped the clutches of Bulls defender Mike Hampton. Cooper Garcia made the first of his six extra points to tie the score.
South Florida return specialist Deangelo Antoine scooted 64 yards before being pushed out of bounds by UMass’ Brian Roberts. The Bulls then fumbled on a hard hit and recovery by Brice McCallister at the Minutemen 30 but the hosts couldn’t do much with their largesse and punted. Barnett directed a seven-play, 41-yard march to reach the UMass 12 and Weiss booted a 29-yard field goal.
Later in the second quarter, Barnett was hit by UMass defensive tackle Joe Previte. The ball fluttered into the hands of linebacker Bryton Barr, who returned it 53 yards to the Bulls 13. On the ensuing play, Ford found a wide-open Samuel Emilus in the middle of the end zone for an easy score. Garcia made the extra point and UMass led, 13-10, with 13:37 to go.
“The score didn’t show that it was positive but there was a lot of positivity to it. We’re chomping at the bit,” said Barr (nine tackles, interception, sack).
The game was delayed 10 minutes afrer UMass linebacker Michael Nesmith was injured on the ensuing kickoff. Medical personel placed Nesmith on a backboard as a precaution and as the stretcher was being wheeled off the field, Nesmith gave a thumbs up with his right hand as fans applauded. Bulls special teammer Trevon Sands was disqualified for targeting on the play.