Western Michigan isn’t a flashy offensive team and they aren’t the quickest team defensively, but they have a blue collar work ethic and solid fundamental base which should have them in the upper tier in the MAC. Bill Cubit’s team took a step backward in 2007 when all signs pointed to a step up in results, but with 17 starters back (including 10 on defense) this year should be the best in his tenure.

The defense is the focal point of this team. Last year they held all but one MAC opponent to about a TD below their seasonal average in points scored, a truly “A” effort. They have two impact pass rushers (Zach Davidson and Greg Marshall) who tallied 6.5 sacks a piece, but even with those two the overall sack numbers fell. That should illustrate the tradition they have to live up to of getting after the quarterback. I would expect those numbers to increase thanks to a secondary that allowed six year bests in completion percentage in 2007. The entire secondary unit returns in tact and is loaded with seniors, a big bonus in a conference with so many spread attacks and returning QBs. Londen Fryar in particular at corner is one of the best pure talents in the conference and recorded 16 pass breakups last year. Also watch out for Boston McCornell at LB who made his impact immediately in his first year after coming in from JUCO. All he did was lead the team in tackles and tackles for loss while adding a pair of pass break ups and an INT.

While the offense isn’t lacking talent of its own, it is a step behind the defense. Tim Hiller came back from a redshirt season and looked like his normally impressive self in 2007…most of the time. At other times he was wildly inconsistent. In all he finished with 20 TDs but 15 INTs, 3021 yards and 63% completions. This is the same Tim Hiller that took over midway through the 2005 season, as a freshman, and took home MAC Frosh of the year honors after throwing for 1300+ yards with 20 TDs against just three INTs in the final five games. If he cuts down his mistakes, the offense probably resembles its 32 ppg form in Hiller’s healthy season three years ago. At his disposal is one of the MAC’s best WRs, Jamarko Simmons. The 6-2 234 lbs. WR isn’t really a deep threat but he is ultra dependable and his size gives him a big advantage in the red zone. He also happens to be on the East/West Shrine game watch list and a potential NFL target. RB Brandon West seems like he has been here forever and fits the WMU profile perfectly: non-flashy, tough minded, workhorse. I like him though and his prospects of cracking the 1000 yard barrier this year.

Unfortunately the Broncs have to play Ball State and Central on the road which likely keeps them from the title game. The rest of the conference slate looks prime for the picking however, a true bet on team in my mind that may just be discounted in the market while CMU, Ball State, Miami and BGSU get the attention.