T.Y. Harding gets UMass off to fast start as Minutemen win consecutive games for 1st time since 2023
T.Y. Harding scored on a 49-yard reception in the opening minute, added an 82-yard punt-return touchdown soon after and Massachusetts defeated Sacred Heart 37-10 on Saturday, the first back-to-back wins for the Minutemen since 2023. UMass (2-0) snapped a 16-game losing streak with a 37-21 win over Rutgers of the Big Ten in its opener and followed up with the easy victory over the FCS Pioneers…
T.Y. Harding ignited UMass' season with impressive performances in their first two games, leading the Minutemen to back-to-back wins for the first time since 2023. His 49-yard opening-minute touchdown pass set the tone, followed by his electrifying 82-yard punt-return touchdown that electrified the crowd.
UMass' resurgence began in their opener, ending a 16-game losing streak with a 37-21 victory over Rutgers. The win followed a 37-21 triumph over Sacred Heart, marking their first consecutive wins since 2023.
William Watson III was instrumental, hooking up with Harding on the crucial play and contributing 152 passing yards and a touchdown. Harding then rushed for his second score just over three minutes later, as Watson completed 9 of 10 passes for 152 yards. Jahmad Harmon added a 34-yard interception touchdown, giving UMass a 37-0 lead in the second half. Harmon's second interception touchdown sealed the victory.
Reece Adkins provided a rushing touchdown, but the Pioneers only managed one score on Cole Snider's 1-yard run late in the final quarter.
UMass now looks ahead to their next Coastal Athletic Association matchup against Elon next Saturday, before hosting Stonehill at home the following Saturday.
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