 |
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The pair of MAC West Division titles in 1999 and 2000 are becoming a fading memory at Western Michigan. In 2002, the Broncos suffered four losses by a combined 15 points en route to a 4-8 season. Last year, WMU finished 5-7, but the margin in its losses was more profound. Now the Broncos must face a 2004 schedule that includes road games at Illinois and Virginia Tech and MAC games against Bowling Green, Toledo, Miami and Marshall. Oh, by the way, WMU lost its top two defensive players (one to the NFL Draft) it's two veteran quarterbacks and a former 1,000-yard rusher.
Gary Darnell's Broncos have been known for their wide-open passing attack, but the veteran coach has promised a more balanced offense this fall.
"People who watch us expect a big play every down, but we can't afford to be that greedy," Darnell said. "We will be pushing back to our more traditional balance of 50-50 between the pass and rush."
The good news: Darnell has publicly stated that there will be more of a balance this season between the pass and the run. The bad news: The majority of experience returning on offense is from the receiving corps.
The loss of Jon Drach and Chad Munson, who combined to throw 31 touchdowns and 3,622 yards in '03, leaves a big question mark at the quarterback position. Transfer Ryan Cubit boasts the big-game experience, having set four freshman passing records at Rutgers. Cubit will battle junior Blayne Baggett, who has thrown just 14 passes at WMU, to guide the offense.
Juniors Trovon Riley and Daniel Marks will try to revive the Broncos' running game, which averaged just 2.8 yards per carry last season -- and that was with Phil Reed, a 1,000-yard rusher in 2002, still around. Riley has game-breaking speed, but has been oft-injured.
The receiving corps is paced by Greg Jennings, a junior playmaker who recorded six 100-yard games and earned the team's offensive MVP award. He'll be joined by Tyrone Walker, a speedster who averaged 18 yards per catch in '03. In order for the running game to take off, the offensive line will need to step up, and there is plenty of experience returning in the trenches.
Mike Giorgianni and Paul Tithof offer stability at linebacker. The two entered last season with no Division I-A experience and emerged as solid starters.
"Whatever level it takes to win in this league ... I think those guys can do it," Darnell said. "We have personnel and attitude at linebacker."
The secondary should be strong with DeRae Allen and Scott Robinson, a converted safety, manning the corners. Kevin Ford, who posted 111 tackles last season, provides experience at free safety, but former walk-on Mark Hardy will have big shoes to fill replacing Feldpausch at weak safety.
• Click here for a complete list of 2004 Team Previews from Athlon
|
| To Purchase the 2004 College Football Preview from Athlon Sports, click here. |
