OVERVIEW:
The 2021 Western Michigan season was an up-and-down campaign. Not only did WMU defeat both MAC title game participants during regular season play, the Broncos dominated those teams. WMU dropped Kent State 64-31 in mid-October and then finished the regular season with a 42-21 victory over MAC champ Northern Illinois.
Those wins were two of several very bright spots on Western Michigan’s 2021 season as the Brown and Gold also beat Pittsburgh (44-41) and picked up a Quick Lane Bowl win by defeating Nevada (52-24) in late December.
On the other hand, Western Michigan finished just 4-4 in MAC play, dropping three of its final six regular season contests.This year’s preseason MAC Media poll put WMU in fourth place. Can the Broncos do better?
Head coach Tim Lester has acknowledged there are “some things to figure out” on offense. However, he and Bronco fans alike know they can count on a solid running game. Sean Tyler and La’Darius Jefferson were both among the top seven MAC rushers last year, combining for 1,986 yards and 10 TDs. “That’s a lot of yards and a lot of touchdowns,” Lester said at MAC Media Day.
Although WMU lost several talented players along the line, Lester said the staff had been anticipating a transition and has been preparing for it. Jake Gideon returns and moves to center. Senior Dylan Deatherage is the other returning starter upfront, but Lester is encouraged by potential newcomers. “We have seven or eight guys fighting for those three (remaining) spots. … I’m excited to see who the next three are.”
As for the passing game, Kaleb Eleby is gone after throwing for 3,277 yards and 23 touchdowns (with six interceptions). While there are several options at quarterback, freshman Jack Salopek was with the program last year. He appeared in two games and threw just five total passes. “He’s been a capable backup,” Lester said. “He’s a solid player, and he’s getting better every single time he’s out there.”
One key target is gone. Skyy Moore, who earned First Team All-MAC honors, was picked up by the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs. However, Corey Crooms returns after grabbing 44 balls for 768 yards and six touchdowns. “He made so many big plays for us last year,” Lester said. “It’s going to be exciting to see who wins those last two spots.”
Western Michigan surrendered a MAC-best 330.9 yards per game in 2021 -- nearly 20 yards better than second place Toledo. The Broncos ranked second against both the run (140.5 ypg) and passing (190.4 ypg).
“We were No. 2 or 3 in third down defense last year,” Lester added. “Really, toward the end of the year, I think our defense really started to shine.”
With a strong contingent returning, including some coming off injury, there is abundant optimism. “We have a chance to be special on defense,” Lester said. “When you can put together a dominant defense in this day and age of football, that’s rare.”
All-MAC selections Corvin Moment and Zaire Barnes anchor a veteran linebacking corps. Junior Ryan Selig joins the unit. Juniors Andre Carner and Branden Fiske are back on the D-line, but Lester said that unit is deep in talent. Last year, the Broncos recorded 40 sacks (2nd MAC).
Safety Bricen Garner and Dorian Jackson -- both seniors - anchor a secondary that Lester said “is as fast as it's ever been.” Jackson was a Second Team All-MAC honoree.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
Tyler gives WMU a very explosive weapon on kickoff returns. Senior Nick Mihalic is back after handling both kicking and punting duties last year. He was good on 9 of 11 field goal attempts, although the longest was from 30 yards. He hit 11 of 14 PATs.
MISC:
>> After opening at Michigan State Friday, Sept. 2, Western Michigan has an early MAC matchup when it faces Ball State in Muncie Sept. 10. Pittsburgh visits Kalamazoo the next week and WMU is at San Jose State Sept. 24. New Hampshire is the final non-conference opponent.
>> Western Michigan faces Ohio (H), Miami (A) and Bowling Green (A) in interdivisional play.
>> “We’re going to figure out some things on offense, but on defense I think we have a chance to be pretty special.” -- Head Coach Tim Lester.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Consistency is likely one of the keys for WMU, which could not put two wins together after Oct. 2 last year. MIssing Elebry at QB is another issue. He earned Second Team All-MAC honors and averaged 253.8 ypg (2nd MAC) through the air. How well can WMU fill that loss?
There is plenty of talent at running back and enough up front for the Broncos to run the ball successfully. That should keep some of the pressure off their passing game. However, WMU needs to make opponents pay when they load the box, and dangerous passing threats certainly help.