The Mid-Season Report Cards are a subjective look using objective numbers with a look toward the remainder of the season as well. Teams are being reviewed in random order once they reach 6 games.
The Western Michigan Broncos have had a season that is nothing short of schizophrenic so far. They opened the season with some upset buzz going into their game at Michigan, but got blown off the field. They kept it closer but still lost to Indiana, then got things going with wins over Miami OH and Hofstra. The confusing part is in week 5 and 6, when they lost to Northern Illinois 38-3, then came back around and beat Toledo 58-26.
- Wins: C. 3 wins, no major upsets, it’s an average start.
- Offense: C+. Their passing offense is 28th in the country behind star senior QB Tim Hiller. Unfortunately, the running game is 98th and the scoring offense is only 72nd in the country with 26.5 ppg. The other stat to note is that their passing numbers are still only good for fourth in the wide open MAC this year.
- Defense: D. The defensive production is probably the best answer for their inconsistent results. They’re allowing 400 yards per game, 97th nationally and 10th in the MAC. Scoring defense is a little better, at 25.67 ppg, and 5th in the league, but it hasn’t been enough to put them atop the MAC yet.
- Special Teams: B. 51st in Net Punting, 50th in Punt Returns, and 41st in Kickoff Returns, all helping the Broncos stay in some of these games.
- Turnovers: F. With the same margin as Rice, -7, they share a tie for 107th. Moving the margin in the right direction will help capitalize on solid special teams play, and give the defense a break.
- Grading Curve: No Change. For the most part, they’ve beaten who they had to beat, and lost to the teams that should beat them. The Toledo win may have saved their season. I did have the Broncos 2nd in my preseason review, and they’re currently 6th on my power rankings.
- FINAL GRADE: C. Overall, not just in the wins & losses, they’ve been pretty average. I think they have a chance to to a little better, but for now, they are what their record says they are.
Remaining Games:
- Central Michigan
- Buffalo
- at Kent State
- at Michigan State
- at Eastern Michigan
- Ball State
Best Case Scenario: 4-2. I haven’t seen the consistency they would need to expect an upset over CMU or Sparty. That would be 7-5 on the season and potentially 6-2 in the league, which could get them in the conversation for the third bowl spot.
Worst Case Scenario: 2-4, to wind up 7-5/4-4. It’s unlikely, but there are struggling teams on their schedule that still have the talent to pull a couple surprises down the stretch.
Prediction: I’m going with 4-2. Not sure they’ll get to a bowl, because there’s a lot of teams in the MAC that could be looking at 7-8 wins.