The Western Michigan Broncos had a miserable 1-11 season a year ago, with their only win coming vs UMass, who also went 1-11 on the year. This year the Broncos return 14 starters and also landed the MACs top recruiting class, so they should stare to make that turn back to respectability. Preview & Schedule are below
Last year the Broncos had just 3 starters back and proceeded to score just 17.2 ppg. This year they have 9 starters back and should be a much improved group. Zach Terrell was the starting QB last year, but it looks like he will give way to freshman Chance Stewart, who was the #46 QB coming out of HS. The receiving corps is all set with Corey Davis back, after catching 67 passes for 941 yards and 6 TDs last year. Freshman Lonnie Johnson has been signed as the 60th best WR coming out of HS, while Timmy Keith is back after missing all of last year with a torn ACL. The running game is a bit thin, but does have top RB Dareyon Chace back, after rushing for 692 yards and 3 TDs last year. The OL looks to be very improved, with 4 starters back from last year. The defense has some work to do, after allowing 35.4 ppg and returning just 5 starters this year. They do have their top tackler back from last year in Justin Currie, who also had 7 TFL and 3 INTs last year. Justin helps form the top secondary in the MAC that also includes Donald Celiscar and Ronald Zamfort, who combined for 27 PBUs and 3 INTs last year. The front 7 is pretty weak, but teams will not be able to pass on the Broncos.
The Broncos have a way to go to challenge the big boys in this conference, but with this year’s top recruiting class they are getting some nice pieces that will help them work their way back to respectability. The Offense should be much improved this year and should average 21+ ppg for the year, at least. The defense has some holes in the front 7, but the secondary is very stout and I see this defense as an improved group overall. This team is improved on both sides of the ball, but still the schedule is tough and it looks likes their best chances for wins are at home vs Murray State and at home vs E. Michigan. The latter game should keep them out of the basement in the MAC West, but still no more than 2 wins on the year. KEY TREND: 1-11 ATS as dogs of 27 or less vs a .600 or better opponent.
2014 Western Michigan Broncos Schedule
Aug. 30 Purdue
Sep. 6 OPEN DATE
Sep. 13 at Idaho
Sep. 20 Murray State
Sep. 27 at Virginia Tech
Oct. 4 Toledo
Oct. 11 at Ball State
Oct. 18 Bowling Green
Oct. 25 Ohio
Nov. 1 at Miami Univ.
Nov. 8 OPEN DATE
Nov. 15 Eastern Michigan
Nov. 22 at Central Michigan
Nov. 28 Northern Illinois
Info gathered From Phil Steele's CFB Preview and Athlon Sports
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