Jay Burnham is the primary play-by-play broadcaster for Massachusetts football and men’s basketball on both radio and TV. We appreciate his input on Saturday’s game between the Minutemen and Bulldogs.

Is UMass excited about visiting Sanford Stadium?

Of course… Excited to return to the scene of the crime where Andy Isabella put up 219 receiving yards for UMass in 2018. Also happy to be in an SEC building without cowbells.

In your travels, what are some of your favorite stops?

Up until recently, we had a series with Army and got the privilege to play at West Point several times. It is a must for football fans and a great vantage point for broadcasters as well. By far my favorite setting.

What will moving to the MAC mean for UMass?

Give this program a chance to compete for a conference championship and compete consistently against schools on similar footing. Also enable the team to have eight built in games every year as opposed to a haphazard schedule. It should be a game-changer for the program.

What do the Minutemen need to do to win?

Everything.

What is your take on Georgia?

A team that is still elite with an amazing fan base and a great town.

Dr. J was my favorite NBA player, can you talk about his legacy at UMass?

His statue sits outside the basketball arena in Amherst. His impact is everlasting on UMass and helped pave the way for a rich, steep basketball tradition. He is beloved in every way.

What are some changes you would like to see in college athletics?

With all the changes, it’s just a bummer for fans to not be able to see players grow and get to know them. Each year it’s a new team and playing new teams. I would work out a collectively bargained deal to guide players into more connected commitments to their teams while also returning to a regional-based scheduling model. I want to see more Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State. Not Rutgers vs. USC.