The UMass Minutemen (1-6) are 20½-point underdogs today against the University of South Carolina (2-4, 1-4 SEC) in Columbia.
The Gamecocks’ two wins have been against Vanderbilt and East Carolina. Last week they lost to Georgia, 28-14.
UMass will be facing an opponent in disarray at quarterback.. True freshman Brandon McIlwain was a highly- touted Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of the Year. He was named the starter over senior Perry Orth after out-performing him in the spring game.
In the five games he’s started, McIlwain has completed 56 of 106 passes for 546 yards with two TDs and one interception. South Carolina is last in the FBS in scoring and 126th in yards.
Josh Kendall reported this week on thestate.com that another true freshman, Jake Bentley, was starting today against UMass.
This didn’t go over well with McIlwain’s mother, Lena McIlwain, who posted on Facebook: “Obviously, any quarterback will shine against UMass who’s given up over 400 yards a week passing. It’s a total set-up to justify making the switch to the coach’s son.”
Bentley is the son of running backs coach Robbie Bentley.
Kendall reported that Gamecocks’ coach Will Muschamp responded, “Who says we’re making a change? We have a good plan heading into (today). Obviously we are not going to disclose that plan until (today).”
The game kicks off at noon and will be televised on the SEC Network.
Short Yardage: UMass should consider putting a MASH tent on the sideline. Last week against Louisiana Tech, eight different players were helped off the field, including freshman cornerback Isaiah Rodgers who was helped off twice. … UMass is getting a $1.5 million payout for going up against the Gamecocks. … UMass is 100th in turnover margin (-0.6), 99th in penalties per game (7.4) and 70th in penalty yards per game (56).
Baseball Notes: Major League Baseball’s replay process continues to evolve. Apparently only egregious calls will be overturned to keep managers from appealing pickoff plays at first base (Hello, John Farrell).
Regarding Wednesday’s appeal of the Adrian Gonzalez out call at home plate, SXM’s Steve Phillips said, “I would love to have one of those umpires (in the replay room) join the telecast to explain what they saw to justify the call.”
Phillips said that knowing Wednesday’s call was “out” may have influenced the umpires’ decision in the replay booth. “New York should not know what the call was at home plate.”
Tito’s Moments: MLB sideline reporter Samantha Ryan interviewed Terry Francona moments after he pulled Trevor Bauer. The Indians’ right-hander was nicknamed Drone Boy after he cut his finger on his toy drone and needed 10 stitches to repair the wound.
One of the stitches burst and blood dripped from Bauer’s pinkie like maple sap into the bucket. “When I saw blood on the rubber that’s not a real good sign that things are going well,” said Francona. “I told him to keep the ball, it might be worth something.”
Francona was eating peanuts when he noticed the TV camera spying on him. Francona stared back, then slid his middle finger across his cheek. Perfect. It wasn’t the first time. Two seasons ago he gave NESN’s camera the finger, prompting analyst Jerry Remy to exclaim, “He’s saluting us again.”
If the Cubs advance they’ll be dedicating the achievement to Ernie Banks, who holds the record for most games played (2,528) without a postseason appearance. Two other Cubs alumni have the dubious distinction of long careers without a postseason or World Series appearance: Billy Williams (2,488 games) and Ron Santo (2,243 games). … Talking on SXM Radio, Royals manager Ned Yost recalled the first time he met Giants pitcher Madison Baumgarner: “He told me, ‘It’s such a pleasure to meet you. I’ve watched all your deer hunting videos!” … In its April baseball issue, Sports Illustrated picked the Astros over the Cubs.