Last year marked Massachusetts first year in the MAC and its first year as an FBS school. The Minutemen's record reflected the step up in competition as they went 1-11 overall and 1-7 in conference play. Given those results and the return of just 11 starters from last year's squad, expectations are not high for UMass this season. Not surprisingly, the Minutemen are a last pick to win the MAC at +9000 odds while their East Division odds are set at +3500 odds, also a last place line. Most telling, though, is Massachusetts regular season win total. 2013 College Football Predictions at 5Dimes have the number set at 1.5 and the Under is favored at -145 odds ($145 wins $100).

While two wins seems like nothing, but Massachusetts 2013 schedule could make realizing two wins a major challenge. The Minutemen will probably be lined as a dog in every game with the exception of a non-conference meeting with Maine. Upsets are possible, though, and the Minutemen scored one last year, knocking off Akron 22-14 in Ohio (+16 against the spread underdog). Massachusetts will need at least one or two surprise outcomes to get over the 1.5 games hump this season.

Massachusetts Minutemen 2013 College Football Predictions:

Massachusetts Odds to win the 2014 BCS National Championship +990000
Massachusetts Odds to win the 2013 MAC Championship +9000 (tied for 13 of 13)
Massachusetts Odds to win the MAC East Division +3500 (tied for seven of seven)
Massachusetts Regular Season Wins: Over 1.5 (+105), Under 1.5 (-145) 

Massachusetts 2013 Schedule:

8/31 at Wisconsin
9/7 Maine
9/14 at Kansas State
9/21 Vanderbilt
10/5 at Bowling Green
10/12 Miami, OH
10/19 at Buffalo
10/26 Western Michigan
11/2 Northern Illinois
11/16 Akron
11/23 at Central Michigan
11/29 at Ohio

NFL Week 1 Lines Updated
What pro football bettors need to know about the updated week 1 lines, with insight from Pregame.com's Bryan Leonard, Vegas Runner and host Steve Fezzik.

-$25 of picks FREE! No Obligation - No Credit Card Required - Becoming a member is Fast and Free!