2008 Western Michigan Broncos
Written July 20, 2008 by Jason Lowry
It’s getting close to the start of another exciting season of college football, and Jason Lowry is ready to bring you his 2008 Western Michigan Broncos football predictions. The Broncos are coming off a disappointing season going 5-7 overall and just 2-3 in MAC Conference play. This year the Broncos bring back 17 starters for head coach Bill Cubit, and look like they are primed for a much better season in 2008. To get a better idea at what the Broncos will look like this season, lets take a look at who they will be lining up on both sides of the ball.
Western Michigan Broncos odds to Win National Championship
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Offense:
With 7 starters back on this side of the ball the offense should be able to keep pace or improve on their 26.9 points per game from a year ago. It all starts with returning starting quarterback, junior Tim Hiller. Hiller threw for over 3,000 yards last season and tallied 20 touchdowns through the air. The team also has their leading running back this season in junior Brandon West, but he will have to improve on his touchdown total, as he only had 4 last year. The team also brings back the two leading receivers in senior tigh end Branden Ledbetter and senior wide receiver Jamarko Simmons who let the team with 980 yards last season. Things are going to be a little shakey on the offensive line, as the team only brings back two starters here in senior right tackle Rob Johnson and sophomore left guard Phillip Swanson. It looks like the Broncos will add junior center Paul Wasikowski, sophomore right guard Nick Clemens, and redshirt freshman Anthony Parker at left tackle to the mix.
Defense:
Things should get a lot better on this side of the ball as 10 starters come back to a defense that got scorched for nearly 29 points a game last season, just one year after the team gave up only 19.9 ppg. The team brings back all 4 starters on the defensive line, where senior defensive ends Zach Davidson and Greg Marshall both had 6.5 sacks last season. The team does need to find a new starter in the linebacker mix, and it looks like junior Austin Pritchard will be the go to guy at the strong side backer spot, where he should fit in well with seniors Dustin Duclo and Boston McCornell. All 4 starters are back in the secondary, where teams could again try and attack as the Broncos run defense should be pretty good again this season. Senior corner Londen Fryar is one of the best in the MAC, and behind him is one of the best free safeties in the conference in senior Louis Delmas.
Prediction: 2nd in the MAC West Division
We think this team is going to be one of the most improved teams in the country this season, as they should easily flip their win loss record around this year. We don’t think they are better than the Chippewas from Central Michigan, but we do think this team will give them a run for their money when they meet up on Oct. 18. Opening day against Nebraska will be a good test to see just how good this team is going to be.
Be sure to check back for our MAC Conference predictions in the near future, and get ready for our NFL Predictions coming soon. Also if you are looking for a place to get going on the upcoming football betting season, head over to Sportsbook.com and get an account going today.