UMass vs. Ohio: Minutemen in search of first win against Bobcats

The UMass Minutemen (0-4, 0-1 MAC) are still in search of their first FBS victory, a feat they look to achieve against the perfect Ohio Bobcats (4-0, 0-0 MAC) in their MAC home opener Saturday at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA.

UMass and Ohio have never played each other, but the Minutemen have faced one MAC opponent thus far, falling to the Miami (Ohio) Red Hawks last weekend. Ohio, meanwhile, has not yet faced a conference opponent this year.

The Minutemen suffered a 27-16 loss at the hand of the Red Hawks despite a career day for fifth-year senior running back Michael Cox, who racked up 188 rushing yards and two touchdowns (both career bests). Zac Dysert, however, did more than enough to power Miami past UMass, throwing for 192 yards and three touchdowns and rushing for 76 yards and another score. Mike Wegzyn (19-of-40, 188 passing yards) was intercepted three times for UMass, which amassed an FBS era best 471 total yards of offense in the loss.

Ohio flattened Norfolk State last weekend, 44-10, behind the arm of Derrius Vick (14-of-20, 199 yards), who threw four touchdown passes. Beau Blankenship carried the ball 25 times for 109 yards and one score while Donte Foster reeled in five catches for 69 yards and two touchdowns.

Saturday's game kicks off at 3:30 p.m. ET and the game will be televised on ESPN3.com, with Bob Picozzi and Rene Ingoglia on the call. The game can also be heard on the UMass Sports Network (WEEI Springfield, Worcester).