by Kevin McCaskill Jr.
9/5/23 * 1:10 PM
(AUBURN, AL/SPRINGFIELD, MA) - The Minutemen lost to the Tigers from Auburn 59-14 over the weekend. UMass came into the game with momentum from their 1st win of the season over New Mexico St. The new Chancellor of UMass made the trip with to Auburn to see the game.
In the first quarter, UMass continued their solid play from “Week 0”. Auburn scored an early TD and UMass responded immediately. Two big plays - a scramble for 31 yards by QB Taisum Phommachanh and a 17 yard run by RB Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams - set the Minutemen up in the red-zone. Phommachanh scored on a QB Sneak from the 1-yard line. After the EP, the game was tied at 7.
The UMass defense stopped Auburn in the red-zone forcing them to settle for a FG. Auburn led 10-7.
UMass was forced to punt on their next two possessions. Auburn scored on their next two offensive drives. UMass was down 24-7 and the game got away from them.
(FPM coverage of UMass @ Auburn was sponsored by Pokémoto Northampton, located at 18 Main St., in downtown Northampton)
On UMass’ 4th offensive possession, Phommachanh was strip-sacked by Donovan Kaufman. The fumble was recovered by Jaylin Simpson.
Auburn scored 4 more TDs, including a 50 yard “Pick-6” by Jaylin Simpson.
Carlos Davis came in the game for the Minutemen late in the 3rd qt. Davis connected with WR Anthony Simpson for a 58 yard TD.
Auburn added one more TD before the end of game. The Tigers ran over the Minutemen for a final score of 59-14.
The Minutemen host Miami (OH) on Saturday for the 1st home game of the season.