Everything was going great for UMass. It beat Rutgers on the way to a 4-0 season, and then came three straight MAC losses, including close battles with Miami University and Buffalo over the last two weeks.
UConn struggled in a 2-3 start before rolling past Temple 34-20. First-year head coach Jason Candle still might get the Huskies to a bowl game, but that’s almost certainly happening without a win over the Minutemen.
UMass vs UConn: Quick Hits
- UMass jumps back into MAC play with two of its next three games at home, starting with Ball State.
- UConn goes to Air Force next week and then gets three straight home games.
- UConn has won six of the last eight, with the last game a 47-42 win in 2024.
How To Watch UMass vs UConn
Date: Friday, October 23, 2026
Game Time: 7:00 PM ET
TV: CBS Sports Network
Location: Pratt & Whitney Stadium, East Hartford, CT
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Why UMass Will Win
Remember, this is UMass we’re talking about. Yes, it’s on a three-game losing streak, but this isn’t your twin-sibling-born-ten-minutes-before-you’s Minuteman team. Unlike last year, this version is competitive, with just tweaking to be done instead of a total overhaul.
The pass defense was tremendous over the last two weeks, and this year the defense is helping to crush the turnover margin. UConn is 1-3 when turning the ball over, and the one win was against Lafayette.
Why UConn Will Win
Things are starting to come together for the Huskies thanks to the ground game. Cyncir Bowers has been on a tear, taking off for 163 yards and two scores against Syracuse, and 84 yards and a score against Temple.
UConn is starting to do a better job of controlling games. It’s moving the ball and the chains just fine, and overall, it’s looking and playing like a team that’s starting to come together under new head coach Jason Candle.
UMass vs UConn Prediction, Betting Lines
Teams have started to figure out that if you keep running on UMass, the dam will start to weaken, if not break. The Minutemen lost their last three games because the MAC teams on the other side were able to average well over four yards per carry.
UConn will have a hard time putting this away, but it’ll put together an efficient game to keep the momentum going.
UConn 34, UMass 20
Latest Consensus Line: UConn -14.5, o/u: 50.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 2
Must See Rating (out of 5): 2.5
Consensus line based on BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.