Infocision Stadium - Akron,OH
Wednesday, Nov. 4 -- 6 p.m. ET
(ESPN3)
Although the coaches and media preseason polls . . .
The Broncos are a team with many weapons and averaged 33.1 ppg last year. Akron, meanwhile, scored an average of just 10.5 ppg and was among the lowest of all FBS teams in several categories.
The Zips managed to pull off a big upset in 2017 when they upset the defending MAC champs 14-13, in Kalamazoo. However, Western Michigan owns a 14-5 lead in the series overall and figures as a favorite to widen its advantage Wednesday.
AKRON ZIPS
2019 Record: 0-12 overall; 0-8 MAC
Preseason Coaches Poll: sixth in MAC East
Preseason Media Poll: Sixth in MAC East
>> For the Zips to start winning, they need to start scoring. They scored seven or less points seven times in 12 outings last year. Senior quarterback Kato Nelson is back, giving UA a mobile playmaker. Still, he was sacked 43 times last year.
>> Head coach Tom Arth’s offense struggled mightily in several areas. One was rushing; the Zips averaged 1.8 yards per carry and totaled under 50 yards rushing per game.
>> Senior Nate Stewart returns after leading the team with 37 catches for 529 yards and three scores. Junior college transfer George Qualls has also been added to the group.
>> Defensively, Akron closed 2019 ranked 11th among MAC teams. It surrendered 36.3 ppg., eclipsed only by Bowling Green (38.6).
>> Several of UA’s top tackles are gone. Among six starters returning is linebacker Bubba Arslanian. He registered 125 tackles last year. Senior defensive end Dylan Meeks (47 stops) anchors the line, while Randy Cochran anchors a secondary that is one of the more experienced units on the roster.
>> Kicker Cory Smigel connected on five-of-six field goal attempts in 2019.
WESTERN MICHIGAN BRONCOS
2019 Record: 7-6 overall; 5-3 MAC
Preseason Coaches Poll: Second in MAC West
Preseason Media Poll: Fourth in MAC West
>> The Broncos earned a berth in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl last year but were edged by Western Kentucky, 23-20. WMU was also close to taking the MAC West title but dropped the season finale at Northren Illinois, 17-14.
>> WMU was top three among MAC teams in both scoring offense and defense last year.The offense tallied 33.1 ppg. (third), while Western’s defense gave up 25.9 ppg (second).
>> Sophomore Kaleb Eleby takes over QB duties for Jon Wassink, who passed for 3,097 yards, with 20 TDs and eight interceptions last year. Eleby saw action in 2018, but was a 2019 redshirt.
>> Leading rusher LeVante Bellamy (266 carries, 1,472 yards and 23 TDs) is gone. Sophomore Sean Tyler figures to move into the role and give WMU a solid running game to balance out an offense that figures to be very productive through the air.
>> Senior wideout D’Wayne Eskridge is a speedy playmaker who returns after battling injuries in 2019. Skye Moore had a team-high 51 receptions, good for 802 yards and three scores.Tight end Giovanni Ricci provided eight touchdowns before moving on.
>> The Broncos defense is experienced up front. Defensive end Ali Fayad’s 53 tackles included 15 TFLs and 6.5 sacks.
>> Senior linebacker Treshaun Hayward was a tackling machine in 2019, registering 142 hits on the campaign.
>> Pitt transfer Therran Coleman could help a secondary that returns two starters.
>> 2019 MAC Defensive Player of the Year Treshaun Hayward returns to WMU after racking up 142 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks. Hayward is one of two returning players in 2020 who recorded 130 or more tackles and 10.0 or more TFL.