Step by step

Western Michigan (7-4, 5-3 in MAC)

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Posted: Wednesday August 11, 1999 06:18 PM

The Plot

Gary Darnell may be the best 15-7 coach in America that nobody's heard of. There's ample reason to think this will be the year the Broncos clear the second-place hurdle. Tim Lester is the conference's best quarterback not named Pennington, the offensive line is solid and the secondary has potential. An end-of-season doubleheader with Marshall and Toledo will decide their fate.

The Director

Starring

QB Tim Lester -- Passed for whopping 3,311 yards and 22 TDs in leading Broncos.
WR Steve Neal -- Hard to top 63 catches and 1,121 yards.

Co-starring

TE Jake Moreland -- Had more catches last year (44) than any tight end at school in a decade.
RB Robert Sanford -- Former conference freshman of year ready to assume primary rushing role.
K Brad Selent -- Eighteen field goals and 40 extra points earned him accolades in '98.

And introducing

WR Marco Wolverton -- Sophomore poised to emerge as Broncos' new receiving threat.

Why it will work

On paper, all ingredients are there for potential greatness.

Why it won't

Potential railroading at Florida to open season could crush momentum.

Our critics' review

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