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2016 Western Michigan Broncos football team

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2016 Western Michigan Broncos football
MAC champion
MAC West Division champion
MAC Championship, W 29–23 vs. Ohio
ConferenceMid-American Conference
DivisionWest Division
Ranking
CoachesNo. 18
APNo. 15
Record13–1 (8–0 MAC)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorKirk Ciarrocca (4th season)
Offensive schemeSpread
Defensive coordinatorEd Pinkham (4th season)
Base defense4–3
Home stadiumWaldo Stadium
Seasons
← 2015
2017 →
2016 Mid-American Conference football standings
Conf Overall
Team   W   L     W   L  
East Division
Ohio xy   6 2     8 6  
Miami (OH) x   6 2     6 7  
Akron   3 5     5 7  
Bowling Green   3 5     4 8  
Kent State   2 6     3 9  
Buffalo   1 7     2 10  
West Division
No. 15 Western Michigan xy$   8 0     13 1  
Toledo   6 2     9 4  
Northern Illinois   5 3     5 7  
Eastern Michigan   4 4     7 6  
Central Michigan   3 5     6 7  
Ball State   1 7     4 8  
Championship: Western Michigan 29, Ohio 23
  • $ – Conference champion
  • x – Division champion/co-champions
  • y – Championship game participant
Rankings from AP Poll

The 2016 Western Michigan Broncos football team represented Western Michigan University (WMU) in the 2016 NCAA Division I FBS football season. They were led by fourth-year head coach P. J. Fleck and played their home games at Waldo Stadium as a member of the West Division of the Mid-American Conference (MAC). The Broncos completed their regular season undefeated and won the MAC West Division title. The Broncos finished conference play defeating the Ohio Bobcats 29–23 in the 2016 MAC Championship Game, winning the school's first MAC championship title since 1988. WMU received an invitation to the 2017 Cotton Bowl as the highest rated Group of Five team in the College Football Playoff (CFP). It was the first major-bowl appearance in school history (and second for a MAC team). The Broncos also won 10 games in a season for the first time in their 111-year football history. They lost to the No. 8 Wisconsin Badgers in the New Years Six bowl game, 24–16.

WMU received its first national top 25 ranking after they beat rival Central Michigan and was No. 25 in the Coaches Poll. Following its first win over Northern Illinois since 2008, the Broncos were ranked in the AP Top 25 for the first time in school history at No. 24 in week seven.[1] The Broncos debuted in the CFP poll at No. 23. They finished the regular season ranked 18th in the Coaches Poll and 15th in the AP Poll.

Preseason

[edit]

MAC media poll

[edit]

The Mid-American Conference preseason poll was released on July 28, 2016. The Broncos were predicted to finish first in the West Division and win the MAC Championship Game.[2]

MAC West Division media poll
Predicted finish Team Votes (1st place)
1 Western Michigan 144 (19)
2 Toledo 113 (2)
3 Northern Illinois 112 (3)
4 Central Michigan 98 (2)
5 Ball State 44
6 Eastern Michigan 35

Schedule

[edit]

The following table lists WMU schedule.[3]

DateTimeOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendance
September 3Noonat Northwestern*ESPNUW 22–2130,635
September 107:00 pmNorth Carolina Central*ESPN3W 70–2123,727
September 174:00 pmat Illinois*ESPNewsW 34–1040,954
September 247:00 pmGeorgia Southern*
  • Waldo Stadium
  • Kalamazoo, MI
ESPN3W 49–3117,208[4]
October 17:00 pmat Central MichiganCBSSNW 49–1030,411[5]
October 86:30 pmNorthern Illinoisdagger
  • Waldo Stadium
  • Kalamazoo, MI
CBSSNW 45–3028,042[6]
October 153:30 pmat AkronNo. 24CBSSNW 41–011,321[7]
October 223:30 pmEastern MichiganNo. 20
  • Waldo Stadium
  • Kalamazoo, MI (Michigan MAC Trophy)
ASNW 45–3123,721[8]
November 18:00 pmat Ball StateNo. 23ESPN2W 52–205,614
November 87:30 pmat Kent StateNo. 21ESPN2W 37–214,536
November 193:30 pmBuffaloNo. 21
ESPNUW 38–026,136
November 255:00 pmToledoNo. 21
  • Waldo Stadium
  • Kalamazoo, MI
ESPN2W 55–3524,191
December 27:00 pmvs. OhioNo. 17ESPN2W 29–2345,615
January 2, 20171:00 pmvs. No. 8 Wisconsin*No. 15ESPNL 16–2459,615

Coaching staff

[edit]

The following table lists the team's coaching staff.[9]

Name Position Year at WMU Alma mater
P. J. Fleck Head coach 4th Northern Illinois (2004)
Kirk Ciarrocca Offensive coordinator 4th Temple (1990)
Ed Pinkham Defensive coordinator, defensive backs 4th Allegheny (1975)
Kenni Burns Running backs 1st Indiana (2006)
Brian Callahan Offensive line 4th Eastern Illinois (1992)
David Duggan Linebackers 1st New Hampshire (1986)
Bill Kenney Tight ends, offensive tackles 4th Norwich (1982)
Matt Simon Wide receivers 3rd Northern Illinois (2004)
Rob Wenger Special teams, defensive ends 4th Colgate (2008)
Jimmy Williams Defensive line 1st Nebraska (1982)

Roster

[edit]
2016 Western Michigan Broncos football

Quarterback

  •  1 Alex Mussat – Redshirt Freshman, 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m), 205 lb (93 kg)
  •  9 Brendan Tabone – Freshman, 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m), 186 lb (84 kg)
  • 11 Zach TerrellRedshirt Senior, 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m), 204 lb (93 kg)
  • 13 Tom Flacco – Sophomore, 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m), 199 lb (90 kg)
  • 16 Jon WassinkRedshirt Freshman, 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m), 200 lb (91 kg)

Tailback

  •  3 Fabian Johnson – Senior, 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m), 204 lb (93 kg)
  •  5 LeVante Bellamy – Sophomore, 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m), 185 lb (84 kg)
  • 22 Davon Tucker – Redshirt Freshman, 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m), 205 lb (93 kg)
  • 28 Matt Falcon – Freshman, 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m), 210 lb (95 kg)
  • 31 Jarvion Franklin – Junior, 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m), 228 lb (103 kg)
  • 32 Jamauri Bogan – Redshirt Sophomore, 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m), 187 lb (85 kg)
  • 33 Leo Ekwoge – Redshirt Sophomore, 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m), 210 lb (95 kg)

Wide receiver

  •  2 Anton Curtis – Redshirt Freshman, 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m), 185 lb (84 kg)
  •  7 D'Wayne Eskridge – Freshman, 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m), 190 lb (86 kg)
  • 10 Hunter Broersma – Freshman, 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m), 192 lb (87 kg)
  • 15 Carrington Thompson – Redshirt Senior, 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m), 176 lb (80 kg)
  • 19 Jason Russell – Freshman, 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m), 190 lb (86 kg)
  • 25 Trevor Sweeney – Senior, 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m), 175 lb (79 kg)
  • 29 Rodney Graves – Freshman, 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m), 171 lb (78 kg)
  • 35 Brandon Hinds – Freshman, 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m), 166 lb (75 kg)
  • 45 Jaret Curtis – Freshman, 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m), 190 lb (86 kg)
  • 80 Jake Spinek – Senior, 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m), 186 lb (84 kg)
  • 83 Michael Henry – Senior, 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m), 189 lb (86 kg)
  • 84 Corey Davis – Senior, 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m), 213 lb (97 kg)
  • 86 Keishawn Watson – Redshirt Freshman, 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m), 180 lb (82 kg)
  • 87 Giovanni RicciRedshirt Freshman, 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m), 206 lb (93 kg)

Tight end

  • 12 Mitch Heimbuch – Freshman, 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m), 245 lb (111 kg)
  • 38 Odell Miller – Redshirt Sophomore, 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m), 261 lb (118 kg)
  • 85 Donnie Ernsberger – Junior, 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m), 255 lb (116 kg)
  • 88 Lucas Bezerra – Junior, 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m), 248 lb (112 kg)
  • 89 Brett Borske – Freshman, 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m), 250 lb (110 kg)
 

Offensive lineman

  • 51 Jordan Asbury – Freshman, 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m), 275 lb (125 kg)
  • 52 John Keenoy – Sophomore, 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m), 305 lb (138 kg)
  • 59 Luke Juriga – Sophomore, 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m), 289 lb (131 kg)
  • 60 Mark Brooks – Freshman, 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m), 270 lb (120 kg)
  • 61 Mike Caliendo – Freshman, 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m), 293 lb (133 kg)
  • 62 Alex Keys – Freshman, 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m), 295 lb (134 kg)
  • 63 Kristof Ifkovits – Redshirt Junior, 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m), 295 lb (134 kg)
  • 65 Jackson Day – Senior, 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m), 292 lb (132 kg)
  • 67 Curtis Doyle – Redshirt Sophomore, 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m), 308 lb (140 kg)
  • 70 Spencer Kanz – Freshman, 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m), 290 lb (130 kg)
  • 71 Jonathan Todd – Redshirt Freshman, 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m), 330 lb (150 kg)
  • 72 Taylor MotonRedshirt Senior, 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m), 328 lb (149 kg)
  • 75 Zach Novoselsky – Redshirt Sophomore, 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m), 299 lb (136 kg)
  • 77 Chukwuma Okorafor – Junior, 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m), 333 lb (151 kg)
  • 78 Elliot Jordan – Redshirt Sophomore, 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m), 282 lb (128 kg)

Defensive lineman

  •  1 Keion Adams – DE – Senior, 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m), 245 lb (111 kg)
  •  5 Andre Turner – DE – Redshirt Junior, 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m), 266 lb (121 kg)
  • 33 Eric Assoua – Sophomore, 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m), 230 lb (100 kg)
  • 50 Daniel Jackson – Sophomore, 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m), 263 lb (119 kg)
  • 53 Nathan Braster – Junior, 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m), 272 lb (123 kg)
  • 55 Nick Matich – Junior, 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m), 288 lb (131 kg)
  • 58 Antonio Balabani – Redshirt Freshman, 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m), 218 lb (99 kg)
  • 66 Wesley French – Redshirt Freshman, 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m), 311 lb (141 kg)
  • 68 David Curle – Senior, 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m), 303 lb (137 kg)
  • 90 Ken Aguirre – Freshman, 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m), 300 lb (140 kg)
  • 91 Ken Finley – Sophomore, 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m), 298 lb (135 kg)
  • 92 Zack Taylor – Freshman, 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m), 295 lb (134 kg)
  • 95 Jaylon Moore – Freshman, 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m), 280 lb (130 kg)
  • 98 Kailen Guillory – Freshman, 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m), 262 lb (119 kg)

Kicker

  • 37 Butch Hampton – Freshman, 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m), 170 lb (77 kg)
  • 47 Keenan Erb – Sophomore, 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m), 170 lb (77 kg)
  • 93 Austin Regan – Redshirt Sophomore, 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m), 190 lb (86 kg)
  • 96 Jason Evans – Redshirt Sophomore, 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m), 184 lb (83 kg)
 

Linebacker

  •  6 Asantay Brown – Junior, 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m), 203 lb (92 kg)
  •  8 Caleb Bailey – Redshirt Junior, 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m), 236 lb (107 kg)
  • 10 Robert Spillane – Junior, 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m), 218 lb (99 kg)
  • 13 Jakevin Jackson – Senior, 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m), 221 lb (100 kg)
  • 20 Drake Spears – Freshman, 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m), 205 lb (93 kg)
  • 27 Paul Engram – Redshirt Freshman, 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m), 221 lb (100 kg)
  • 34 Alex Grace – Sophomore, 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m), 216 lb (98 kg)
  • 42 Jared Culp – Freshman, 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m), 225 lb (102 kg)
  • 46 Lucas Cherocci – Senior, 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m), 216 lb (98 kg)
  • 48 Joseph Miller – Freshman, 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m), 222 lb (101 kg)
  • 56 Kasey Carson – Redshirt Senior, 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m), 206 lb (93 kg)

Defensive back

  •  2 Justin Tranquill – Redshirt Freshman, 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m), 185 lb (84 kg)
  •  4 Darius Phillips – CB – Junior, 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m), 191 lb (87 kg)
  • 11 Stefan Claiborne – Freshman, 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m), 185 lb (84 kg)
  • 12 Emmanuel Jackson – Freshman, 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m), 170 lb (77 kg)
  • 17 Justin Ferguson – S – Redshirt Senior, 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m), 203 lb (92 kg)
  • 18 Sam Beal – Sophomore, 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m), 177 lb (80 kg)
  • 21 Jeffery Johnson – S – Redshirt Senior, 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m), 195 lb (88 kg)
  • 22 Dontre Boyd – CB – Freshman, 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m), 155 lb (70 kg)
  • 23 Austin Guido – Senior, 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m), 202 lb (92 kg)
  • 24 Obbie Jackson – Redshirt Freshman, 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m), 155 lb (70 kg)
  • 26 Davontae Ginwright – Redshirt Freshman, 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m), 191 lb (87 kg)
  • 30 Malik Rucker – Redshirt Junior, 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m), 174 lb (79 kg)
  • 31 Brad Tanner – Freshman, 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m), 190 lb (86 kg)
  • 36 Deshawn Foster – Sophomore, 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m), 224 lb (102 kg)
  • 41 Latrell Levanduski – Junior, 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m), 194 lb (88 kg)
  • 45 Bill Bonnano – Junior, 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m), 190 lb (86 kg)

Punter

  • 39 Derrick Mitchell – Sophomore, 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m), 207 lb (94 kg)
  • 57 James Coleman – Senior, 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m), 215 lb (98 kg)

Long snappers

  • 43 Wyatt Pfeifer – Junior, 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m), 239 lb (108 kg)
  • 99 Martin Diaz – Redshirt Sophomore, 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m), 196 lb (89 kg)

Season

[edit]

Home invasion arrests

[edit]

During the week leading up to the opening game, two freshmen, Ron George and Bryson White, were arraigned on charges of "armed robbery, first-degree home invasion and larceny from a building". The police allege that they used a gun and a knife to rob a woman.[10]

White was already facing criminal charges in Ohio related to driving under the influence of marijuana and driving on a suspended license. A passenger in his car was charged with carrying a gun and White refused to cooperate when asked about it.[11]

The players were dismissed from the team.

All-Americans

[edit]

Taylor Moton was named to the Football Writers' Association of America All-American second team.[12]

Corey Davis was named as a first team All-American by the Associated Press, the FWAA, and the American Football Coaches Association, earning him honors as the school's first "consensus" All-American.[13] He earned second team honors from The Sporting News and the Walter Camp Football Foundation.[13]

Campbell Trophy

[edit]

For his classroom exploits that include a 4.0 GPA in his Masters' program, quarterback Zach Terrell won the prestigious Campbell Trophy, known as the "academic Heisman."[14]

National Football Foundation

[edit]

Zach Terrell was chosen as a scholar athlete by the National Football Foundation as one of 12 athletes across all four (FBS, FCS, II, III) divisions of college football to receive an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship.[15]

Conference Players of the Week

[edit]

Robert Spillane was named MAC West Defensive Player of the Week for his week one performance in the team's 22–21 win at Northwestern in which he collected seven tackles and forced a fumble.[16] Spillane later earned Co-Defensive Player of the Week honors in the Broncos' week three win at Illinois in which he made 11 tackles and snagged his first career interception.[17] Spillane later earned DPOW honors with 14 tackles in the Broncos' 45–31 win over Eastern Michigan in week eight.[18] In the Broncos' 37–21 win over Kent State, Spillane recorded a crucial safety that resulted in week ten honors.[19]

Darius Phillips was named MAC West Special Teams Player of the Week for his week two performance against North Carolina Central that included a 66-yard punt return touchdown.[20] Phillips' standout performance that included a 100-yard kick return touchdown in week four against Georgia Southern earned him STPOW honors in week five.[21]

Jamauri Bogan earned honors as MAC West Co-Offensive Player of the Week for his 189 rushing yards and two touchdowns at Illinois in week three.[17]

Zach Terrell became the week four MAC West Offensive Player of the Week for his 270 yards passing and four touchdowns in the Broncos' 49–31 win over Georgia Southern.[21] Terrell would garner honors again for his 445-yard passing performance in the Broncos' 38–0 rout of Buffalo.[22]

Wide receiver Corey Davis had six receptions for 72 yards and two touchdowns against rival Central Michigan earned him week five MAC West Offensive Player of the Week honors as he passed former Bronco Jordan White for the conference record for career receiving yards.[23] Davis would snag honors again with a 12-reception, 272-yard receiving effort that included three touchdowns against Ball State.[24]

Jarvion Franklin, the 2014 MAC Offensive Player of the Year and MAC Freshman of the Year[25] received honors as MAC West Offensive Player of the Week after the Broncos' 45–30 win over Northern Illinois in week six during which he tallied 249 all-purpose yards (169 rushing and 80 receiving) with a receiving touchdown and a rushing touchdown (both on fourth down plays)[26] to help buoy WMU's offensive efforts.[27] Later, in week seven at Akron, Franklin again earned MAC West honors as he set the school record for single game rushing with 281 yards on 33 attempts in the Broncos' 41–0 win over the Zips.[28]

Caleb Bailey collected seven tackles (including 2.5 tackles for loss) and an interception in the Broncos' 41–0 victory at Akron to earn week seven honors as MAC West Defensive Player of the Week.[28]

Asantay Brown tallied six tackles, including one for loss, and an interception return for a touchdown in the Broncos' 55–35 rout of Toledo in week 13, earning him honors as MAC West Defensive Player of the Week.[29]

Scholar Athletes of the Week

[edit]

Zach Terrell earned honors as Scholar Athlete of the Week for the week of Oct. 3–10 for his performance in the Broncos' 45–30 win over Northern Illinois on Oct. 8. He completed 18 of 24 passes for 327 yards and accounted for four touchdowns total (three passing, one rushing) in the first Western Michigan victory over the Huskies since 2008. Terrell boasted a 4.0 GPA in his Master's of Business Administration program and completed his undergraduate degree in finance earlier in 2016 with a GPA of 3.66.[30]

Taylor Moton earned honors as Scholar Athlete of the Week for the week of Nov. 14–21 for his performance in the Broncos' 37–21 win over Kent State as he helped buoy an effort of 329 rushing yards against the Golden Flashes on national television.[31] Moton spent most of the year rated at No. 1 on the Schneider Scale, which is used to determine the Outland Trophy winner (best offensive lineman not playing center).

Distinguished Scholar Athletes

[edit]

On December 27, 2016, the Mid-American Conference named seven Broncos as Distinguished Scholar Athletes:[32]

  • Lucas Bezerra (TE) 3.71 GPA
  • Kasey Carson (LB) 3.58 GPA
  • John Keenoy (OL) 3.7 GPA
  • Taylor Moton (OL) 3.28 GPA
  • Trevor Sweeney (WR) 3.77 GPA
  • Zach Terrell (QB) 4.0 GPA
  • Justin Tranquill (DB) 3.85 GPA

Academic All-Conference

[edit]

Sixteen players from the team were named to the Academic All-Conference team: Lucas Bezzera, Kasey Carson, Lucas Cherocci, David Curle, Alex Grace, Austin Guido, Luke Juriga, John Keenoy, Odell Miller, Derek Mitchell, Taylor Moton, Zach Novoselsky, Giovanni Ricci, Trevor Sweeney, Zach Terrell and Justin Tranquill.[33]

Rankings

[edit]

After winning their first two games against Northwestern and North Carolina Central, WMU received 1 vote in the Coaches Poll.[34] Their road win against Illinois moved the Broncos to 3–0 where they received 6 votes in the AP Poll and 16 votes in the Coaches Poll.[35] WMU received their first Top 25 ranking in program history after they defeated rival Central Michigan and moved to 5–0.[36]

The table below shows the week-by-week status of WMU in the college football polls.

Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
— = Not ranked RV = Received votes
Week
PollPre1234567891011121314Final
APRVRVRV24202017141414131215
CoachesRVRVRV2523202118212118141418
CFPNot released232121211715Not released

Game summaries

[edit]

Northwestern

[edit]

Source[37]

Western Michigan at Northwestern
1 234Total
• Broncos 0 6106 22
Wildcats 7 077 21
Series record Previous meeting Result
Tied 1–1 2013 NW, 38–17

Western Michigan withstood a three-touchdown effort from Northwestern running back Justin Jackson and used a late Jamauri Bogan touchdown to win its season opener in Evanston.[38] The Broncos recovered a fumble late in the game that was upheld on video review. It marked the Broncos' first win over a Big Ten school since 2008.

North Carolina Central

[edit]

Source[39]

North Carolina Central at Western Michigan
1 234Total
Eagles 7 1400 21
• Broncos 28 141414 70
  • Date: September 10
  • Location:
    Waldo Stadium
    Kalamazoo, MI
  • Game start: 7:05 pm EDT
  • Elapsed time: 4:56
  • Game attendance: 23,727
  • Game weather: 66°F, wind: 17 MPH W, partly cloudy
  • Referee: Matt Gallagher
  • TV announcers (ESPN3): Dan Gutowsky (play-by-play), Marcus Ray (analyst)
Series record Previous meeting Result
WMU leads 1–0 N/A N/A

Seven different Western Michigan players scored touchdowns in the Broncos' home-opening 70–21 win over Division I FCS opponent North Carolina Central.[40]

Illinois

[edit]

[41]

Western Michigan at Illinois
1 234Total
• Broncos 14 1037 34
Fighting Illini 0 730 10
  • Date: September 17
  • Location:
    Memorial Stadium
    Champaign, IL
  • Game start: 3:02 pm CDT
  • Elapsed time: 3:18
  • Game attendance: 40,954
  • Game weather: 78 F, Wind: WNW 7 MPH, Partly Cloudy
  • Referee: Jeff Servinski
  • TV announcers (ESPNews): Mike Couzens (play-by-play), Dan Hawkins (analyst)


Series record Previous meeting Result
ILL leads 4–2 2012 24–7, ILL

Running back Jamauri Bogan scored two rushing touchdowns and kicker Butch Hampton booted two field goals to lift the Broncos to victory over their second Big Ten opponent of the season.[42] It was the first win over Illinois since 2008.

Georgia Southern

[edit]

Source[43]

Georgia Southern at Western Michigan
1 234Total
Eagles 7 1077 31
• Broncos 7 2877 49
  • Date: September 24
  • Location:
    Waldo Stadium
    Kalamazoo, MI
  • Game start: 7:04 pm EDT
  • Elapsed time: 3:15
  • Game attendance: 17,208
  • Game weather: Clear, 70º F
  • Referee: Greg Blum
  • Television network: ESPN3
Series record Previous meeting Result
Tied 1–1 2015 43–17, GASO

Darius Phillips' kickoff return touchdown and interception return touchdown helped stake the Broncos to a 42–17 lead as they eventually held on to win, 49–31, over non-conference opponent Georgia Southern.[44]

Central Michigan

[edit]

Source[45]

Western Michigan at Central Michigan
1 234Total
• Broncos 7 141414 49
Chippewas 3 070 10
Series record Previous meeting Result
WMU leads 48–37–2 2015 41–39, WMU

Western Michigan used a fast start that resulted in a 21–3 halftime lead to defeat the arch-rival Chippewas in Mount Pleasant, 49–10.[46] The victory gave the Broncos their third straight victory in the series, their fifth victory in the past six meetings, and their third consecutive victory in Mount Pleasant (2012, 2014, 2016) after only having won there in 1965, 1970, 1973, and 2002 since WMU went Division I in 1962.[47]

Northern Illinois

[edit]

Source[26]

Northern Illinois at Western Michigan
1 234Total
Huskies 0 1767 30
• Broncos 14 71014 45
  • Date: October 8
  • Location:
    Waldo Stadium
    Kalamazoo, MI
  • Game start: 6:35 p.m. EDT
  • Elapsed time: 3:41
  • Game attendance: 28.042
  • Game weather: Clear, 56º F with 10 MPH wind
  • Referee: Larry Smith
  • TV announcers (CBSSN): Ben Holden (play-by-play), Jay Feely (analyst)
Series record Previous meeting Result
WMU leads 24–18 2015 27–18, NIU

Western Michigan beat Northern Illinois 45–30, to improve their record to 6–0 (2–0 MAC).[48] With the win, the Broncos had beaten all three Illinois FBS teams in the same season—Northwestern, Illinois, and Northern Illinois.

Akron

[edit]

Source[49]

Western Michigan at Akron
1 234Total
• No. 24 Broncos 14 1377 41
Zips 0 000 0
  • Date: October 15
  • Location:
    InfoCision Stadium
    Akron, OH
  • Game start: 3:32 p.m. EDT
  • Elapsed time: 3:33
  • Game attendance: 11,321
  • Game weather: Sunny, 74º F with 12 MPH wind
  • Referee: Curt Johnson
  • TV announcers (CBSSN): John Sadak (play-by-play), Randy Cross (analyst)
Series record Previous meeting Result
WMU leads 14–4 2011 68–19, WMU

Western Michigan's first match-up against the Zips since 2011 was again a one-sided contest as the Broncos raced out to a 27–0 halftime lead en route to a 41–0 win over the East Division-leading Akron Zips. Corey Davis caught two touchdown passes and Jarvion Franklin set the school record for single game rushing with 281 yards on 33 attempts. Franklin added an 18-yard pass reception, giving him 299 all-purpose yards in the victory.[28] Linebackers Caleb Bailey and Kasey Carson collected interceptions to help preserve the shutout.[49]

Eastern Michigan

[edit]

Source[50]

Eastern Michigan at Western Michigan
1 234Total
Eagles 7 1077 31
• No. 20 Broncos 7 17147 45
  • Date: October 22
  • Location:
    Waldo Stadium
    Kalamazoo, MI
  • Game start: 3:36 p.m. EDT
  • Elapsed time: 3:38
  • Game attendance: 23,721
  • Game weather: 56°F with clouds and 11 MPH wind
  • Referee: Tim O'Dey
  • TV announcers (ASN/ESPN3): Mike Gleason (play-by-play), Brad Jackson (analyst)[51]
Series record Previous meeting Result
WMU leads 32–18 2015 58–28, WMU

Zach Terrell threw three touchdowns, two of them to Carrington Thompson, and for 398 yards as the Broncos held off a game Eastern Michigan team that would eventually qualify for its first bowl game since 1987.[8]

Ball State

[edit]

Source[52]

Western Michigan at Ball State
1 234Total
• No. 17 Broncos 21 71410 52
Cardinals 7 337 20
  • Date: November 1
  • Location:
    Scheumann Stadium
    Muncie, IN
  • Game start: 8:04 p.m. EDT
  • Elapsed time: 3:29
  • Game attendance: 5,614
  • Game weather: Clear, 72º F with 10 MPH SSW wind
  • Referee: Greg Blum
  • Television network: ESPN2
Series record Previous meeting Result
WMU leads 23–19 2015 54–7, WMU

Corey Davis had a big game on national television with 12 receptions for 272 yards and three scores as the Broncos raced out to a 28–10 halftime lead and went on to win, 52–20.[53]

Kent State

[edit]

Source[54]

Western Michigan at Kent State
1 234Total
• No. 14 Broncos 3 10816 37
Golden Flashes 14 007 21
  • Date: November 8
  • Location:
    Dix Stadium
    Kent, OH
  • Game start: 7:35 p.m. EST
  • Elapsed time: 3:23
  • Game attendance: 4,536
  • Game weather: Rain, 55º F with 8 MPH WSW wind
  • Referee: Ron Hudson
  • Television network: ESPN2
Series record Previous meeting Result
WMU leads 33–20–1 2013 32–14, KENT

Fabian Johnson rushed for a career-high 125 yards as the Broncos had to rally from a 14–0 deficit on the road to win, 37–21, at Dix Stadium, in a rainy Election Day contest on national television.[55]

Buffalo

[edit]

Source[56]

Buffalo at Western Michigan
1 234Total
Bulls 0 000 0
• No. 14 Broncos 0 141014 38
  • Date: November 19
  • Location:
    Waldo Stadium
    Kalamazoo, MI
  • Game start: 3:35 p.m. EDT
  • Elapsed time: 3:00
  • Game attendance: 26,136
  • Game weather: Snow, 33º F with 20 MPH wind
  • Referee: Curt Johnson
  • Television network: ESPNU
Series record Previous meeting Result
WMU leads 5–2 2013 33–0, BUFF

Zach Terrell was the hero again for the Broncos, as he shredded the Bulls' defense for 445 yards passing in a 38–0 rout that was preceded by a visit from College Gameday for the first time in school history.

Toledo

[edit]

Source[57]

Toledo at Western Michigan
1 234Total
Rockets 7 7021 35
• No. 14 Broncos 14 102110 55
  • Date: November 25
  • Location:
    Waldo Stadium
    Kalamazoo, MI
  • Game start: 5:11 p.m. EST
  • Elapsed time: 3:39
  • Game attendance: 24,191
  • Game weather: Cloudy/rainy, 39°F with 3 MPH SW wind
  • Referee: Mark Kluczynski
  • Television network: ESPN2
Series record Previous meeting Result
TOL leads 41–29 2015 35–30, WMU

Linebacker Asantay Brown scored on the game's first play from scrimmage with an interception return for a touchdown and Jamauri Bogan returned to form with 31 carries for 198 yards and a touchdown as the Broncos routed Toledo, 55–35, for the MAC West divisional title. Corey Davis also broke the Division I FBS career receiving yardage record in the win.[58]

Ohio (MAC Championship Game)

[edit]

Source[59]

Ohio vs Western Michigan
1 234Total
Bobcats 0 7133 23
• No. 13 Broncos 6 1733 29
  • Date: December 2
  • Location:
    Ford Field
    Detroit, MI
  • Game start: 7:02 p.m. EST
  • Elapsed time: 3:37
  • Game attendance: 45,615
  • Game weather: Indoors
  • Referee: Greg Sujack
  • TV announcers (ESPN2): Adam Amin (play-by-play), Mack Brown (analyst), Molly McGrath (sideline)
Series record Previous meeting Result
WMU leads 32–28–1 2015 49–14, WMU

Kicker Butch Hampton booted five field goals and linebacker Robert Spillane intercepted Ohio quarterback Greg Windham with 51 seconds remaining to deliver the first MAC championship to Kalamazoo since 1988.[60] The Broncos finished the regular season 13–0 for the first time in school history with the victory.

Wisconsin (81st Cotton Bowl Classic)

[edit]

Source[61]

Western Michigan vs Wisconsin
1 234Total
No. 12 Broncos 0 736 16
• No. 8 Badgers 14 307 24
  • Date: January 2, 2017
  • Location:
    AT&T Stadium
    Arlington, TX
  • Game start: 12:01 p.m. CST
  • Elapsed time: 3:04
  • Game attendance: 59,615
  • Game weather: Indoors
  • Referee: Riley Johnson
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Bob Wischusen (play-by-play), Brock Huard (analyst), Allison Williams (sideline reporter)
Series record Previous meeting Result
WISC leads 4–1 2000 19–7, WISC

The only blemish on Western Michigan's 2016 campaign came in the postseason as Dare Ogunbowale, Corey Clement, and Troy Fumagalli scored touchdowns for Wisconsin in a 24–16 defeat for the Broncos. Zach Terrell threw for a touchdown and ran for another in his final collegiate game. The touchdown pass went to Corey Davis, playing in his final collegiate game, as well.[62]

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[edit]
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