The Univ. of Massachusetts' football program is "leaving the Mid-American Conference" following the '15 season, according to Peter Cappiello of the BOSTON GLOBE. The MAC "activated a contract clause that gave UMass the option to become a full member for all 21 varsity teams (10 men, 11 women) or remain a football-only member for only two more years." UMass has been a "football-only member of the MAC since its jump" to FBS in '12. UMass AD John McCutcheon in a statement "cited travel concerns as a factor in not converting to the MAC for all sports." But he "affirmed the school's commitment to play at the FBS level." Cappiello notes basketball is the "only sport affected by the school’s decision to leave the MAC." Both the men’s and women’s basketball teams were "required to play four games each (home and home) against MAC opponents, but that agreement ends immediately for the men’s team." The women will "play MAC opponents for one more season" (BOSTON GLOBE, 3/27). In Boston, Rich Thompson writes the AAC "could be UMass' best option" moving forward. UMass had "no natural rivalries in the MAC, but could inflame its old Yankee Conference battles with UConn if it were admitted to the AAC" (BOSTON HERALD, 3/27).
