Going To Divsion1A

UMass is trying to transition to a Division 1A program. It has been controversial from the start. A record of 1-11 last year didn't help. Nether did poor attendance at Gillette Stadium.

It's off to the same start this year after a 24-14 loss to Maine. They are now 0-2. I was at the game. The attendance wasn't announced, but it had to be less than 8,000.

The fans who are there were very supportive, but the numbers are are not looking good. It needs to get better, but how and when? There is a huge alumnae base in the metropolitan Boston area, but they don't support the team. How do you get them to the stadium?

Other than BC, the college game is second-rate in popularity around here. It can't compete with the professional teams.

Next year, UMass will be playing three home games in Amherst. They need to get back there where the devoted fan base and students would support them better.

Their marketing study isn't looking too good at this point.