2022 Record: 5-7, 4-4 MAC
2023 MAC Head Coaches Poll: Sixth in MAC West
After posting eight wins, including a bowl victory over Nevada, in 2021, the Western Michigan Broncos slipped to five wins and no bowl game last year. Looking ahead to 2023, WMU will be challenged to move up the standings. MAC head coaches, in fact, predicted a sixth place West Division finish. New head coach Lance Taylor, formerly offensive coordinator at Louisville, has his work cut out for him as he tries to elevate the Broncos across several areas.
"It starts with a championship culture, and we have to commit to the process of building the daily habits," Taylor said. "If we take care of the small things, winning will come ... I have been really pleased with the buy in. ... They're hungry ... to take that next step."
>> Some of the heavy lifting must be done on the offensive side. Western Michigan led the conference in scoring (33.9 ppg) in 2021. However, the Broncos dropped to last just one year later, averaging 19.0 ppg in 2022. They were also last in total offense (301.9 ypg), 10th in rushing (136.3 ypg) and 11th in passing (165.7 ypg).
>> It says something when, as a team, you throw more interceptions than touchdowns. WMU tossed seven TDs and 13 picks last year. Suffice it to say, that must change.
>> Sophomore Jack Salopek started mostly early in the year, eventually completing 49.1 percent of his passes, good for 1,285 yards with seven TDs and 11 interceptions. Freshman Treyson Bourget started later, completing 49.5 percent of his attempts with two scores and one pick. Both QBs aim for improvement under a new head coach and offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach (Billy Cosh). Transfer QB Hayden Wolff arrived in the summer and is another option. "He started 22 games at Old Dominion (and won some big games," Taylor said. "(He) beat Virginia Tech and was a really productive quarterback."
>> The Broncos could also stand improvement on their run game. Western Michigan (136.3 ypg) was 10th among MAC teams rushing the ball in 2022. Sean Tyler led the way with 209 carries totaling 1,027 yards (4.9 ypc) with seven TDs. He also caught 12 balls for a total of 111 yards and another score. However, Tyler transferred to Minnesota (coached by former WMU coach P.J. Fleck). Replacement options include juniors Zahir Abdus-Salaam (5-9, 195) and Keshawn King (5-11, 185). The former logged 46 carries last year, averaging 2.2 ypc. King, meanwhile, averaged 74 ypc. for Virginia Tech last year.
>> There is plenty of experience along the offensive line, where senior Trevor Campbell will lead the way. However, production must improve. Not only do the Broncos need to rush better, they must give QBs more time. The Broncos surrendered 42 sacks in 2022. Only Akron (56) gave up more.
>> Despite the team's offensive struggles last year, WR Corey Crooms earned Second Team All-MAC honors, registering 57 catches for 814 yards and five TDs. Like Tyler, he departed for Minnesota. However, Jehani Galloway and Anthony Sambucci return after combining for 48 receptions, 520 yards and a TD.
>> Yet another player lost to Minnesota helped anchor a pretty good Bronco defense last year. Linebacker Ryan Selig played in 12 games and made 73 tackles, while recording 5.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks for WMU in 2022. In total, WMU lost nine defenders, including four who earned All-MAC recognition in 2022.
>> Western Michigan did well enough on defense last year that Lou Esposito was retained as defensive coordinator. "We're going to have some holes to fill, but I know Lou is just the man for the job," Taylor said. I think "it helps not changing the defensive scheme and system. That part of the learning curve is taken out."
>> Junior Marshawn Kneeland is part of a young defensive front.
>> Linebackers Quinton Cannon and Damari Robinson saw limited action last year.
>> Senior CB Keni-H Lovely was a Third Team All-MAC selection in 2022. Tate Hallock (6-4, 210, Sr.) joins the safety mix after seeing limited action in several seasons at Michigan State.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
>> Sophomore kicker Palmer Domschke converted 21-of-22 PATs and 13-of-19 field goals last year. His career-high 52-yard boot was one of three FGs in a win at Miami. He also kicked the game winning field goal in the final minute at Central Michigan.
Senior Logan Flesher is a possible at punter.
Plenty of challenges await. WMU took some serious hits via transfer. It must fill those spots and raise the overall level of play in order to move up the standings.
After hosting St. Francis to open 2023, the Broncos hit the road for three straight weeks -- Syracuse, Iowa and Toledo. Mississippi State is the final non-conference matchup. Ball State, Miami and Central Michigan visit in home MAC tilts. The schedule is a little more forgiving down the stretch, and by then more players will have significant game experience upon which to draw. New systems will also be more familiar by that time.