The UMass Minutemen and the Vanderbilt Commodores are close to finalizing a four-game home-and-home football series, Tennessean.com has reported.
The first game would be played in 2012 at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville. It would be the first ever meeting between the two schools and the first for UMass against a school from the SEC.
Vanderbilt is currently scheduled to open the 2012 season at home against Presbyterian. However, the SEC is working with the Commodores to possibly open the 2012 season on Thursday night at home vs. South Carolina. Vandy also plays at Northwestern and at Wake Forest.
Vandy already has a full slate of non-conference games scheduled for 2013. They play at Ohio State and host Northwestern, Austin Peay and Wake Forest.
In 2014, the Commodores travel to Northwestern and host Wake Forest. This would be the earliest that the second game with UMass could be played. Vandy currently has one opening in 2015, two in 2016 and three in both 2017 and 2018.
UMass announced in April their move from the FCS to the FBS. They will play a full MAC schedule in 2012 and will be eligible for the MAC Championship Game and bowls beginning with the 2013 season.
The Minutemen recently announced a home-and-home series against Indiana in 2012 and 2017. Their 2012 schedule also includes a trip to UConn.
Football Schedules