UMASS will need strong alliances with BYU, Army, Idaho when they are kicked out of the SB, Buffalo regionally from the MAC, and scheduling arrangements with the AAC northern teams if it is going to survive as an independent. Typical scheduling as a long run independent:

FCS school

2 P-5 schools - one for the money and one with a return game at Gillette. Rutgers and BC could full fill the return game requirement if they can get them on the schedule regularly.

AAC - Temple and UConn regularly and three more schools with Navy slipping in there every few years. Hopefully with this arrangement UMASS can get in on their bowl arrangement as an opponent in Miami or get one of their lower end bowls with all of their future bowl commitments. They can also play a series of BB games in this arrangement.

An annual regional game with Buffalo.

The rest of the schedule made up with SB, MAC, and CUSA home and home's.

UMASS will also need a TV contract of some sort to survive as an independent. Try to hook on with Army, be a lead in game to ND when thy play later in the day, or hook on with a sports channel like the BE.

UMASS should have stayed in the MAC even if it meant bringing in their other sports. James Madison might have moved up then for a 14 school all sports conference. Good luck on your future though.