Comments on: 2009 Opponent Preview: Western Michigan

By: John

John — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 04:04:54 +0000

The Broncos signed two 3 star transfer players: Chleb Ravenell and Ansel Ponder. Ponder enrolled in January and took part in spring drills. Bill Cubit called Ponder the best combination of size and speed and that he’s ever seen(impressive since Cubit coached Greg Jennings). Justin Braska isn’t a linebacker. He’s a defensive end(and penciled in as the starter at left defensive end). Doug Wiggins, the safety transfer from the University of Miami(FL, a former four star high school athlete offered scholarships by Florida and Michigan(he made an official visit to Michigan)) will likely start at Free Safety. He was listed as the starter on the spring depth chart. In short Western’s offense should be above average and its defense ok.

By: FormerlyAnonymous

FormerlyAnonymous — Thu, 14 May 2009 23:52:34 +0000

Jarrett Dillard. Record setter. That is all.

By: Tim

Tim — Thu, 14 May 2009 23:21:31 +0000

I SMELL A HOUSTON HOMER

By: FormerlyAnonymous

FormerlyAnonymous — Thu, 14 May 2009 23:10:20 +0000

“In WMU’s final game against Rice last year in the Texas Bowl, Rice QB Chase Clement shred the Broncos to ribbons, rushing for 72 yards and 1 rushing TD. Clements passed for over 300 yards, 3 TD throws, and the guy even caught a throw back pass for a TD.”

Just FYI, Rice’s passing game the last few seasons has been ridiculous in a good way. The fact they torched them is along the lines of being surprised Texas Tech racked up insane passing yards on Texas (but with lower talent levels). It’s not overly surprising given the talent both teams have.

By: Markusr2007

Markusr2007 — Thu, 14 May 2009 18:07:59 +0000

Thanks for posting this. I thought this was a very thorough analysis. I was very worried about WMU’s offensive capabilities heading into this season, but didn’t realize their receiving corps and defnse was so depleted.

Bill Cubit’s done some good things at WMU in recent years. As far as 2009 WMU recruits stepping up, man, I don’t know. Most Bronco recruits are 2-star (Scout) and ranked around 200th or not at all. The best players is a 3-star offensive tackle. Not exactly what the Dr. ordered this fall for WMU.

I do find it interesting that last year WMU was the best passing team in the entire MAC (1st in yrdg) with Hiller, and one of the worst rushing teams (11th out of 13 MAC teams), but that this year the scenario might be reversed with greater emphasis on rushing and balance. This makes sense for Cubit to pursue. WMU should get better productivity this year rushing, and Hiller and TE’s will keep defenses honest.

In WMU’s final game against Rice last year in the Texas Bowl, Rice QB Chase Clement shred the Broncos to ribbons, rushing for 72 yards and 1 rushing TD. Clements passed for over 300 yards, 3 TD throws, and the guy even caught a throw back pass for a TD.

While WMU is going to be Forcier’s first collegiate game, I’m thinking given his skills, he could have a lot of success in this first outing.

By: Tim

Tim — Thu, 14 May 2009 15:25:43 +0000

Considering this was about proven commodities, no I didn’t. If you’re relying on freshman 2-stars to be important contributors to your team, you’d best have a verrry keen eye for talent or get verrry lucky.

By: Alex

Alex — Thu, 14 May 2009 15:09:23 +0000

Apparently you didnt bother to look in to any of the freshman coming in for WMU. They will most likely have 2 freshman WR contributing… both about 6′2 as well as a 6′5 TE.

Arnheim is no longer a QB and played the last half of the season at WR.

Maybe it is just because I follow the program… but that seemed to be a pretty lazy write up, missing a lot of information that is readily available.

By: Tim

Tim — Thu, 14 May 2009 02:53:32 +0000

It’s Austin Pritchard, and what I’ve seen has his eligibility expired. I’ll do some double-checking.

By: matt brest

matt brest — Wed, 13 May 2009 22:38:38 +0000

I think you overlooked WMUs strongest player, Aaron Pritchard. He was 1st team All MAC last year at LB and is shown in the 2009 WMU Spring Football Guide. Although WMU’s defense will still be their weakness, Aaron should help a lot.

IMO, the key for a Michigan win will be our running game. We must control the ball and the clock in order to provide enough offense to score consistently and to keep their offense off the field. Even with an improved QB this year, I think that will be the consistent 2009 theme for UM.

Go Blue!
Matt
‘87 BSME