2011 Western Michigan Broncos Football Preview

Head coach Bill Cubit appears to have things moving in the right direction in Kalamazoo, but as the new season stands just a few months away, it’s worth noting that in just a few games on a slate of 12, the margin for error is small for the Western Michigan Broncos.

Here’s the thing to realize about the 2010 season for WMU: Cubit’s crew gave away two games it had no business losing. Idaho was a thoroughly mediocre team last year, but for some reason, Western Michigan wasn’t able to even get a sniff at the Vandals, who rolled to a 33-13 victory over a hapless bunch of Broncos. Idaho’s defense was a sieve in 2010, but Western Michigan could never figure out the Vandals’ schemes and looks. Then, later in the season, WMU stumbled badly against a very poor Central Michigan team that was in full rebuild mode after dominating the MAC for the previous few seasons. A perplexing and paralyzing 26-22 loss to Central kept the Broncos at 6-6 and very possibly denied them a bowl game in tandem with the Idaho setback. Temple didn’t make a bowl game at 8-4 in the MAC, but if Western – with a more enthusiastic fan base – had reached the 8-4 plateau, a postseason invite probably would have been extended. At any rate, now is the time for Western Michigan to take a forward step from last year instead of allowing the what-ifs and could-have-beens to cast a long, dark shadow over the program.

The Broncos have just two losing seasons during the six years of Cubit’s tenure, and his 2011 squad may be his best. The Broncos bring back a total of 15 starters from last season, seven on offense and eight on defense. This group looks to be a formidable contender for the MAC crown. Quarterback Alex Carder was simply terrific last season, throwing for over 3,300 yards and 30 touchdowns. Carder really found his rhythm down the stretch, throwing 20 touchdowns to just two interceptions during the last six games. Jordan White, who had 1,300 receiving yards last year, is also back this season.

The defense was pretty good last year, surrendering just 23 points per game. During late season losses to Northern Illinois and Central Michigan, it was the defense who kept the Broncos in the contest. The 2011 schedule will provide a chance for the Broncos to shine on the big stage. A nationally televised opener against Michigan could be huge for the program. The Broncos also travel to BCS schools Illinois and Connecticut in consecutive weeks in the early half of the season. Road trips to Northern Illinois and Toledo should decide the fate of the Broncos as they continue their quest for their first ever bowl victory.

> Buy Western Michigan clothing & apparel and find a great selection of college Fathead helmets online through College Sports Fans!