The Broncos are seeking their fourth straight win in the series. If successful, this year’s seniors would be the first WMU group to go undefeated over a four-year career.
The flip side of the coin is . . .
The Chippewas have won two of their last three contests, upsetting Ohio (26-23) on the road three weeks ago and blasting Ball State (56-9) ten days ago. In between, CMU fell to MAC West leader Toledo by a 30-10 count.
Western Michigan, meanwhile, has won five of its last six. The only blemish was a 14-13 loss to Akron in a Sunday game – necessitated by bad weather and flooding on the original Saturday date.
Here’s more on the two teams:
Western Michigan (5-3, 3-1 MAC)
>>> The Broncos are third among MAC teams in scoring offense, putting up 36.2 ppg.
>>> WMU is also third in total offense 419.1 ypg. The Broncos are second (MAC) in rushing, churning out 235.6 ypg. While they utilize several running backs, Jarvion Franklin is third among all MAC rushers with an average of 80.2 ypg. Jamauri Bogan is eighth with an average of 67.0 ypg.
>>> WMU is second in passing efficiency. Quarterback Jon Wassink has completed 124 of 193 attempts (64.2%) with 14 touchdowns and four interceptions. That is second among MAC passers.
>>> Western’s receiving corps is led by D’Wayne Eskridge (28 catches, 486 yards, 3 TDs) and Keishawn Watson (33 catches 288 yards, 6 scores).
>>> Three Broncos recorded double digit tackles in the overtime win over EMU. Robert Spillane led the way with 12 stops. Stefan Claiborn and Malik Rucker each recorded 10 tackles.
CENTRAL MICHIGAN (4-4, 2-2 MAC)
>>> The Chippewas have won two of their last three after dropping three straight.
>>> Senior transfer Shane Morris completed 16 of 21 for 199 yards and four touchdowns in the recent 56-9 win over Ball State. Morris ranks third (MAC) in total passing yards and is eighth in pass efficiency.
>>> Mark Chapmanis fourth among receivers with 43 total catches, averaging 73.7 ypg. Jonathan Ward is eighth with 34 receptions for 245 yards.
>>> CMU is fourth in pass offense (254.4 ypg) and ninth in pass efficiency. The Chippewas’ run game ranks 10th, averaging 136.6 ypg.
>>> Darwyn Kelly (11) and Michael Oliver (10) combined for 21 tackles against Ball State. Mike Dana registered nine tackles and 2.5 TFL, while defensive end Joe Ostman notched four sacks. That puts him first among FBS defenders with 10 sacks in 2017.
>>> CMU is tied for fifth in the FBS in turnovers gained with 18 and 11th in the nation in fumbles recovered with eight.