Bill Cubit did an outstanding job resuscitating a lifeless Western Michigan program when he took over as head coach in 2005. Cubit's first four years on the job saw the Broncos post a 29-20 record while earning bowl bids in 2006 and 2008. The last four years were different, though, as Western Michigan posted 5-7, 6-6, 7-6, and 4-8 records. That run was enough to cost Cubit his job over the offseason. Taking over for the former Delaware Fightin' Blue Hen this year is former Northern Illinois receiver P.J. Fleck. Fleck inherits a decent amount of talent with the top quarterback, rusher, and receiver returning on offense and the top five tacklers back on defense. Nonetheless, the Broncos are still facing an uphill conference battle according to the latest 2013 College Football Predictions from 5Dimes. Western Michigan is a ninth pick to win the MAC Championship at +3400 odds and it is drawing +1500 odds to win the conference's West Division. The Broncos season win total is set at 5.5 games; both the Over and Under are getting -120 odds ($120 wins $100).
Western Michigan is probably staring at a 1-3 non-conference record with road meetings against Michigan State, Northwestern, and Iowa on the docket, but six wins may still be a possibility. The Broncos should be favored against Massachusetts, Eastern Michigan, and Central Michigan, and it has enough talent to contend with the likes of Kent State, Buffalo, and Ball State in Kalamazoo.
A couple of upsets there or at Toledo and Western Michigan should realize a .500 record. There are far too many 'ifs', though, to feel safe about an Over/Under wager either way on this team.
Western Michigan Broncos 2013 College Football Predictions:
Western Michigan Odds to win the 2014 BCS National Championship +990000
Western Michigan Odds to win the 2013 MAC Championship +3400 (nine of 13)
Western Michigan Odds to win the MAC West Division +1500 (four of seven)
Western Michigan Regular Season Wins: Over 5.5 (-120), Under 5.5 (-120)
Western Michigan 2013 Schedule:
8/30 at Michigan State
9/7 Nicholls State
9/14 at Northwestern
9/21 at Iowa
9/28 Kent State
10/5 at Toledo
10/12 Buffalo
10/19 Ball State
10/26 at Massachusetts
11/9 at Eastern Michigan
11/16 Central Michigan
11/26 at Northern Illinois
College Football Week 1 Lines Updated
What college football bettors need to know about the updated week 1 lines, with insight from Pregame.com's Bryan Leonard, Vegas Runner and host Steve Fezzik.
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