UMass football defeats Rutgers 37-21 in season opener

UMass defeated Rutgers 37-21 on Thursday night, snapping a 16-game losing streak that dated back 677 days. Rutgers entered the game as 30-point favorites despite paying UMass $1.55 million to travel for the contest. The postgame scene included a pre-planned fireworks show at the Rutgers home stadium shortly after the upset loss. The result has generated significant public criticism of Rutgers coach Greg Schiano and men's basketball coach Steve Pikiell. New athletic director Keli Zinn now faces a $70 million athletic department deficit and potential long-term financial obligations regarding coaching buyouts. Social media reaction highlighted the lopsided nature of the matchup and the contrast between the financial payout and the on-field outcome.

• 11:40 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Single saddest thing l’ve ever seen:’ Internet reacts to Rutgers’ loss to UMass