Ford Field -- Detroit, MI
ESPN
Aside from a four-game win streak early in the season, Western Michigan's season has been a roller coaster. The Broncos never won two straight after that, nor did they lose more than two in a row.
WMU closed its regular season with a 42-21 win over MAC West champ Northern Illinois, which beat Kent State a week later for the overall Mid-American Conference crown. Monday's matchup against Nevada in Detroit gives Western a chance to close out the season with a win.
That challenge seemed a bit more formidable back in early December, and the Wolfpack was an early favorite. However, standout quarterback Carson Strong is skiping the bowl to prepare for the NFL draft. Moreover, head coach Jay Norvell departed after accepting the Colorado State head coaching job.
Norvell brought his pass-heavy offense to Nevada in 2017. While the Wolfpack struggled to a 3-9 mark that season, they have posted winning records in every year since and are making their fourth straight bowl appearance (winning two).
Here's more on the two teams . . .
NEVADA WOLF PACK (8-4, 5-3 MWC)
• The Wolf Pack won five of six games during a mid-season run and defeated UNLV 51-20 Oct. 29 to secure bowl eligibility. Nevada, however, lost two games before closing the regular season with a 52-10 triumph at Colorado State.
• Nevada forced five CSU turnovers - two interceptions and three fumble recoveries. Tyson Williams and Berdale Sanders owned the INTs.
• Quarterback Carson Strong completed 17 of 22 passes against Colorado State, good for 288 yards and four TDs. Most of the yards went to Tory Horton (4 catches, 113 yards, 2 TDs) and Romeo Doubs (5 catches, 97 yards, 2 TDs).
• Nevada also showed a healthy ground game against CSU, picking up a total of 226 yards with three touchdowns. Avery Morrow (5 carries, 88 yards, 1 TD), Toa Taua (14 carries, 69 yards) and Devonte Lee (7 carries, 57 yards, 1 TD) led the way.
• With Strong skipping the bowl game, his Nevada stats are now complete. He completed 70.0 percent of his passes in 2021, totaling 4,186 yards with 36 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Nate Cox, a 6-9 senior, was the only other player to throw more than two passes in 2021. He has 20 attempts with 14 completions totaling 158 yards with one touchdown. He does have the arm strength to go downfield or test some tight windows.
• Taua, a 5-9, 210-pound senior, has averaged 5.1 ypc, producing 704 yards and five rushing TDs. He's also caught 37 balls for 273 yards and a score.
• Daub tops Wolf Pack receivers with 80 catches for 1,109 yards and 11 TDs. Tight end Cole Turner is also a frequent target (62 catches, 67 yards, 10 TDs).
• Nevada has allowed 24.4 ppg (6th of 12 in Moutain West). The Pack has struggled some against the run (WMU's strength), allowing 172.3 ypg and 4.5 ypc with 19 TDs. The Broncos averaging 202.6 ypg on the ground.
• UN is seventh (MWC) in defending the pass, allowing 225.4 ypg., but are third in passing defensive efficiency.
• Nevada has recorded 40 sacks (second most MWF), but it has also allowed 38 (third most in MWC.
• UN has recorded thirteen interceptions, returning three for scores.
WESTERN MICHIGAN BRONCOS
• The Broncos ended their regular season with a 42-21 win over Northern Illinois.
The Huskies had already wrapped up a berth in the MAC title game, so they were likely concerned about staying healthy.
• Western Michigan owned a 636-291 yard advantage and recorded 29 first downs to just nine by the Huskies.
• NIU had just one first half score -- a 96-yard gallp by Clint Retkovich. Four Bronco passing TDs gave WMU a 28-7 halftime lead. Each team scored two second half TDs.
• Northern Illinois did not convert a third or fourth down play. Western went 9 of 14 on third and 1 of 3 on fourth.
• Western Michigan's defense surrendered a league low 338.3 ypg. The Broncos were third against the run (146.4 ypg) and second in pass defense (191.8 ypg). They were eighth in pass defense efficiency.
• Sean Tyler is WMU's leading rusher, carrying 164 times for 1004 yards (6.1 ypc) and 9 TDs. La'Darius Jefferson logged 185 trips for 846 yards and 10 scores. Jefferson and Tyler have each had nine or more rush attempts in every game this season
• Kaleb Eleby has completed 64 percent of his passes, good for 2,115 yards and 21 TDs with five intereceptions.
• Skyy Moore leads the MAC with an average of 114.2 receiving yards per game. Overall this year, he has 91 catches for 1,256 yards and 10 TDs.
Jaylen Hall owns 46 catches for 752 yards and 3 TDs. Sophomore Corey Crooms is another threat, if available.
• The Broncos are third in the country in time of possession per game (35:00), behind only Army West Point and Air Force.
• The Broncos rank 15th in the FBS and ranked first in the MAC with 3.08 sacks per game (37 total). Western Michigan has had a sack in every game this season. Senior defensive lineman Ali Fayad’s 11.5 sacks led the MAC and he is seventh in the FBS.
• The Broncos have three of the top six individual defensive players with tackles for loss in the conference.
Ali Fayad leads the MAC with 16.0 TFLs, Ralph Holley is third with 14.0 TFLs, and Corvin Moment is tied for sixth with 13.0 TFLs.