Watson paces UMass in 36-14 win over Stonehill to get Minutemen to 3-0 for first time since ’07

William Watson III led UMass to a 36-14 victory over Stonehill, marking the Minutemen’s first 3-0 start since joining the Bowl Subdivision in 2011. UMass capitalized on an early Stonehill fumble, with Derek Morris kicking a 30-yard field goal. Stonehill briefly led after Jack O’Connell’s touchdown pass to Alijah Turner, but UMass quickly regained control with T.Y. Harding’s 56-yard touchdown run. Morris added a 55-yard field goal to close the first quarter. After a scoreless second quarter, Curtis Kimmons IV scored in the third, and Morris extended the lead with another field goal. Watson sealed the win with a rushing touchdown and a 51-yard pass to Harding. Stonehill will face Ohio next, while UMass travels to Sacramento State for their Mid-American Conference opener. QUESTION: How might UMass’s strong start to the season impact their confidence and performance in upcoming games?