Yager Stadium -- Oxford, Oh
Both Western Michigan and Miami struggled early this year as they faced some tough non-conference foes. Both programs hope they have turned it around and want to keep their momentum with a win this weekend in Oxford.
The Broncos posted their first win two weeks ago with a 68-0 thrashing of Delaware State. That came after losses to Syracuse (55-42) and home and 49-3 at #21 Michigan. Another victory last week, 34-15 at Georgia State leaves the Broncos at 2-2.
Through four games, WMU is averaging 36.8 ppg, which is third among MAC teams. Throw out the Michigan game, and the Broncos are are producing 48 ppg.
That’s a lot of offense, and stopping it will be a challenge for Miami, which has surrendered 26.2 ppg (7th MAC). However, MU head coach Chuck Martin noted offensive turnovers have set up several opposition scores.
This is the 60th meeting between the two schools. Miami has a 37-21-1 advantage. The last meeting was in Kalamazoo, with WMU posting a 35-13.
Here’s more on the two teams . . .
MIAMI REDHAWKS 1-3. 1-0 MAC)
➤➤ It sounds like the obvious, but from MU’s perspective, the RedHawk defense needs to corral the Bronco’s potent offense, while the Miami offense needs to remain productive.
The RedHawks went two games - albeit against some tough defenses -- without scoring a touchdown. The bad weather didn’t help in Cincinnati’s 21-0.
Within a quarter, MU lost three key offensive players to injury at Minnesota. All three, and a number of other players were missing for Bowling Green, but at least a few are getting closer to a return. For Martin, perhaps the most pleasing thing about last week’s win was how other player’s stepped up.
➤➤ Two of those who stepped up against BG were running backs Alonzo Smith and Maurice Thomas. Both played key roles, especially given the absence of RB Kenny Young.
Thomas put Miami in front for the first time this season with a 30-yard scamper in the first quarter. Smith earned MAC East Player of the Week honors after rushing for a career high 220 yards (1TD) on 39 attempts).
➤➤ The RedHawks had been struggling so much in the run game, that it was affecting MU’s rushing attack. Once they were able to run the ball, it opened up some play action passing.
➤➤ With James Garner gone, the RedHawks have an even greater need for receivers to step up. Sophomore Jack Sorenson caught six passes against BG, good for 72 yards and a TD.
➤➤ Miami ranks third among MAC teams in total defense (339.0) ypg. It is second against the run (140.5 ypg) and fourth in pass defense (198.5 ypg).
➤➤ Among the top players on defense are safety De’Andre Montgomery (38 tackles), linebacker Junior Montgomery (34 tackles) and linebacker Brad Koenig (31 tackles).
WESTERN MICHIGAN (2-2)
➤➤ The Broncos have won their last two outings, outscoring Delaware State and Georgia State by a combined 102-15.
➤➤ WMU never trailed in last week’s game against Georgia State. The two were tied at 3-all early in the second quarter, but Western built a 20-9 halftime lead and added two more touchdowns in the third quarter before Maine tallied a final TD. There was no scoring in the final frame.
➤➤ Quarterback Jon Wassink completed completed 20 of 25 passes for 234 yards and three touchdowns last week. . Overall, his 246.0 passing yards per game is second among MAC quarterbacks. He is seventh in pass efficiency.
➤➤ D’Wayne Eskridge owns a league-best 130-0 receiving yards per game, but has appeared in just two contests. He is listed as a starter on this week’s two-deep.
Jayden Reed leads the team in receptions (19). Both he and Eskridge have produced 260 yards and two touchdowns each.
Junior tight end Giovanni Ricci has two TDs among his six catches.
➤➤ Western Michigan tops the MAC in total offense (471.0 ypg). The Broncos are also first in rushing (225.0 ypg) and fourth in pass offense (246.0 ypg)..
➤➤ Jarvion Franklin, a key player in WMU’s recent history of running success is gone, but the Broncos’ ground game continues to thrive. LeVante Bellamy tops the MAC, averaging 97.2 ypg. He has 389 yards (7.8 ypc) and three touchdowns to his credit. Jamauri Bogan, Chase Brown and Prince Walker are all averaging over six yards per carry. Bogan has contributed three touchdowns.
➤➤ WMU is one of five teams left nationally who has not lost a fumble. However, the Broncos are ninth in fumbles recovered (5).
Western recovered two fumbles and recorded a pick against Georgia State.
➤➤ Drake Spears leads WMU with 28 total tackles. He has 3.0 tfl and 2.0 sacks. Alex Grave is the tackles for loss leader with 5.5 tflm while Ali Fayad tops the team in sacks (3.0).