{
  "id": 7012321,
  "title": "T.Y. Harding gets UMass off to fast start as Minutemen win consecutive games for 1st time since 2023",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/t-y-harding-gets-umass-off-to-fast-start-as-minutemen-win-consecutive-7012321",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-12T22:42:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/uncategorized/2026/09/12/t-y-harding-gets-umass-off-to-fast-start-as-minutemen-win-consecutive-games-for-1st-time-since-2023"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Amherst, Mass. (AP) — T.Y. Harding delivered an early rush to the Massachusetts offense, catching a 49-yard pass in the first minute of action. Moments later, he showcased his speed with an 82-yard punt-return touchdown. The Minutemen (2-0) claimed their first back-to-back wins since 2023 by defeating Sacred Heart 37-10 on Saturday.\n\nUMass broke a 16-game losing streak with a 37-21 victory over Rutgers, their opponent in the opener. The team also followed up the win against the FCS Pioneers (0-2) with a swift 37-10 victory. The last time the Minutemen won consecutive games was during the 2023 season, which included wins over Army and Merrimack.\n\nQuarterback William Watson III guided the team to a promising start, connecting with Harding on a crucial deep-ball down the middle for the game's first points. Watson completed 9-of-10 passes for 152 yards and added 40 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Jahmad Harmon continued the momentum with a 34-yard interception return for a touchdown, pushing the Minutemen ahead 37-0 in the second half. Another interception by Harmon later in the game turned into a 37-10 halftime lead.\n\nReece Adkins contributed with a rushing touchdown. The Pioneers managed only one touchdown late in the final quarter, a 1-yard run by Cole Snider. Sacred Heart's next game is scheduled for next Saturday against Elon in a Coastal Athletic Association matchup.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "T.Y. Harding gets UMass off to fast start as Minutemen win consecutive games for 1st time since 2023",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/t-y-harding-gets-umass-off-to-fast-start-as-minutemen-win-consecutive",
        "published": "2026-09-12T22:38:13.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}