T.Y. Harding caught a 49-yard touchdown on UMass’s second offensive snap, then returned Sacred Heart’s first punt 82 yards for another score. Massachusetts won 37-10, with Harding supplying two very different reasons to get out of your seat. After missing most of 2025 and undergoing shoulder surgery, he said returning, contributing alongside his teammates and winning were what mattered. His afternoon made that return tangible.
Now Stonehill visits Saturday, September 19, at 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+. UMass has an 85% chance to win. The Sacred Heart victory delivered the program’s first 2-0 start of the FBS era and its first home win since October 26, 2024. Fans can enjoy the prospect of another winning afternoon at home without needing Saturday to settle the entire rebuild.
The quarterback gives that optimism substance. William “Pop” Watson III completed nine of 10 passes for 152 yards against Sacred Heart, avoided interceptions and sacks, and added 40 rushing yards and a touchdown. Across his first two starts, he completed 28 of 32 passes without an interception, and UMass allowed no sacks. That is encouraging protection and decision-making, though 32 attempts leave plenty still to learn.
UMass entered 2026 with Max Warner replacing Mike Bajakian as offensive coordinator while Jared Keyte remained defensive coordinator. Keyte’s defense followed five sacks against Rutgers with none against Sacred Heart, leaving the pass rush less settled than Watson’s play in Warner’s new offense. Watch for Watson to find Harding within possessions that require several first downs. Productive catches between the spectacular ones would give Warner more ways to keep a drive moving.
Stonehill will be playing its first FBS opponent, and UMass will have to contain a quarterback who can hurt it through the air and on the ground. Jack O’Connell threw for 380 yards and four touchdowns without an interception at New Hampshire, adding 53 rushing yards in a 42-35 loss. UMass needs to hurry his decisions while keeping him from escaping for first downs.
Against Sacred Heart, UMass allowed only three conversions on 13 third downs, and returning linebacker Tyler Martin started and made six tackles. But the defense recorded no sacks and conceded 143 rushing yards. Those successful third-down stops are worth carrying forward; pressure that interrupts O’Connell’s throws would make them easier to repeat.
Interactive guide · Methodology
After Stonehill, UMass travels to Sacramento State for its September 26 MAC opener.
Enjoy another Harding burst if it comes. Then watch the next Stonehill third down. Can UMass force O’Connell off his intended throw, contain his escape and get Watson the ball back? That would be a satisfying way to finish this home stretch.