2011-2012 Football Previews – MAC Conference – Western Michigan Broncos
The Broncos finished at .500 last season, and they are looking to build on that as they move into 2011. The team was bowl eligible in 2010, but they weren’t selected for a bowl game.
Mid American Conference 2011-2012 Football Previews: Western Michigan Broncos
Head Coach: Bill Culbit
2010 Record: 6-6
Western Michigan Gambling Odds from JustBet to win BCS: +15,000 (Part of Field)
Western Michigan Odds from JustBet to win MAC Championship: +950
W. Michigan Team Page – Players Stats – Roster – 2011 Schedule –>
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The 2010 season started with Western Michigan going 1-3, but they rebounded to get back to even on the year. Can they keep their momentum going into this season?
Culbit and his staff appear to be focusing on two key areas in the offseason: the running game, and taking care of the football. Western Michigan’s offense was very powerful last year, but they turned it over too much.
The team ranked 93rd in the nation in rushing yards, and they know they need to become more balanced.
Team Strengths:
Alex Carder threw for more than 3,300 yards last year and he racked up 30 touchdown passes. Carder was named to the Davey O’Brien watch list for this year, so he is definitely starting to get the recognition he deserves. Carder does a good job moving in the pocket to keep plays alive, and he’s a very accurate passer.
The defensive line may be the best in the MAC. All four defensive linemen from last year return, and they have proven very capable of rushing the quarterback and being disruptive in the running game as well.
The Broncos have a good combination of speed on the outside and strength in the middle of the defensive line.
Western Michigan may have the conference’s best wide receiver in Jordan White. White was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA, and he should lead this unit once again in 2011.
Last season White set a school record with 1,378 receiving yards and ten touchdown catches. Robert Arnheim appears ready to step into his role as the number two receiver.
Team Weaknesses:
As mentioned earlier, the running game really held the offense back in 2010. Carder is a very good quarterback, but they do need to establish some sort of a running game this year if they are going to improve. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
The offensive line must replace all three interior starters from a year ago. A team that struggled quite a bit protecting the quarterback and opening holes for the runner last year may have even more trouble in 2011. Western Michigan has talent at the skill positions on offense, but in order to get the most out of their talent they will need some young offensive linemen to step up.
Can the Broncos turn things around in the red zone? Last year the Broncos defense struggled to keep teams out of the end zone, while the Broncos offense often stalled out or turned the football over.
If they can’t be more efficient on both sides of the ball it will be difficult to improve their overall record.
2011-2012 Western Michigan Football Prediction: 7-6
Carder gives the Broncos a very solid leader under center. The defensive line should be dominant, and I fully expect the secondary to be much better than last year.
The offensive line may hold them back a bit, but I think the schedule sets up for Western Michigan to get to a bowl game this year. Look for back-to-back games at Toledo and Miami to play a big role in where this team finishes the season.
I expect the Broncos to be slightly better than they were last season.
2011 Western Michigan Broncos Schedule
9/3/11 12:00 PM ET @MICH
9/10/11 12:00 PM ET NICST
9/17/11 12:00 PM ET CMICH
9/24/11 12:00 PM ET @ILL
10/1/11 12:00 PM ET @CONN
10/8/11 12:00 PM ET BGREN
10/15/11 12:00 PM ET @NOILL
10/22/11 12:00 PM ET @EMICH
10/29/11 12:00 PM ET BALST
11/8/11 8:00 PM ET @TOL
11/16/11 8:00 PM ET @MIAOH
11/25/11 12:00 PM ET AKR
One reply on “2011 Western Michigan Broncos Gambling Odds | Predictions”
How bout it Western Michigan fans. Will the Broncos have more or less than 8 wins in 2011?