Western Michigan Preview (Game Ten)

[catdaddyp]

QB:

Broc Lowry is the reigning MAC Offensive Player of the Year, and the former Indiana transfer is having another great season. However, he hasn’t run the ball nearly as much as he did in 2025, which is where he really separated himself from other quarterbacks, rushing for nearly 1,000 yards. Lowry still has the ability to make plays with his legs, but he has rushed for just 259 yards thus far. Through the air, he has completed 62% of his passes for 1,397 yards and 11 touchdowns compared to just 3 interceptions. One area worth watching is his performance under pressure, as his completion percentage drops to just 41% when pressured.

 

RB:

Redshirt senior Jalen Buckley is another All-MAC returner for this Bronco offense. He is on pace for another All-MAC season, having rushed for 711 yards and 8 touchdowns.

 

WR:

Redshirt junior Baylin Brooks and sophomore Aveion Chenault are the primary targets at receiver. The duo has combined for 53 receptions, 759 yards, and 6 touchdowns.

 

TE:

Presbyterian transfer Nate Levicki and New Mexico State transfer Adam Parks are the starting tight ends and play a big role in this offense as blockers. They will also be utilized in the passing game, combining for 23 receptions and 3 touchdowns.

 

OL:

WMU has made a few changes along its offensive line over the past few games, so this starting lineup may look different come game time. In general, it’s a big, physical offensive line that is typically better at running the football than protecting the quarterback. However, Lowry’s mobility has limited sacks allowed.

LT - Chad Schuster (6’6 305) (R.Sr.)

LG - Hunter Whitenack (6’6 340) (R. Sr.) - Illinois Transfer

C - Liam Vaughn (6’1 295) (R. Fr.)

RG - Gavin Dabo (6’5 305) (R. So.)

RT - Ben Roebuck (6’7 330) (R. So.) - Michigan Transfer

 

DL:

Long Island transfer Scoop Gardner and North Carolina transfer Austin Alexander start at edge. Houston transfer Zavian Tibbs, Ohio State transfer Ahmed Tounkara, and redshirt junior Dalton Gustwiller rotate along the interior and receive the majority of the snaps. This defensive line is one of the best pass-rushing units in the MAC, having collected 18 sacks this season.

 

LB:

JUCO transfer Justyce Betts and redshirt seniors Domanick Moon and Dillon Moore are the starting linebackers. This is an active linebacking corps, with all three ranking as the team's top tacklers.

 

DB:

Seniors Jarvarius Sims and Joshua Franklin start at cornerback, with Franklin being another All-MAC returner. Redshirt junior Joey Pope and Louisville transfer Daeh McCullough start at safety.

 

ST:

JUCO transfer Dieter Kelly is 11 of 12 on field goal attempts and perfect on all 29 extra point attempts. Redshirt junior Ryan Millmore averages 45.3 yards per punt, with a long of 69 yards. Cornerback Joshua Franklin also handles kick returns and has taken one back 92 yards for a touchdown.

 

Keys on Offense:

While WMU’s defense has been susceptible to giving up plenty of yards through the air, they don’t give up many points. The temptation will certainly be there for the staff to throw the ball more than usual, but this Akron offense fares much better when leaning on the run game. CB’s mobility will be vital, as he will be facing one of the best pass-rushing defenses in the conference.

 

Keys on Defense:

WMU is at its best when running the football. However, their staff sometimes stubbornly tries to throw the ball more than necessary. The Zips defense will need to be stout against the run and avoid giving up explosive plays for touchdowns if Akron is going to have a chance in this game.

 

Final Thoughts:

Akron has shown there is enough talent on this roster to compete and play well in spurts. Putting it all together for four quarters is an entirely different matter. I can’t pick the Zips to win, but I would love to be proven wrong.

 

[exit322]

I guess my only question will be...how long after I see my kid in the band at halftime will I be staying for this one 😄

 

Seriously, though, Akron is better than their record (no comments from the Bill Parcells wing), and this is still a winnable game.

Edited yesterday at 06:16 PM by exit322

[Zips1991]

With nice weather (for a November game) in the forecast and the following day off for Veterans Day, I'll probably go to this game as I have all of the previous home games. But my excitement level drops each game, especially with basketball back and soccer heading into postseason play. I don't think Akron has much of a chance in this one, but I like watching CB play QB so at least there's that to look forward to.

[MangoZip]

Who remembers two years ago when Akron was up 17-0 in the 2nd quarter vs Western and ended up losing? Thinking back over the last few years there are just so many games where the Zips snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. It just keeps happening. Hoping tonight isn’t yet another example. 

[Zips1991]

1 hour ago, MangoZip said:

Who remembers two years ago when Akron was up 17-0 in the 2nd quarter vs Western and ended up losing? Thinking back over the last few years there are just so many games where the Zips snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. It just keeps happening. Hoping tonight isn’t yet another example. 

I don't think tonight will be one of those examples but that's because I don't think we'll ever have victory in our grasp tonight. I just think WMU is too much for us to handle. Especially with our defense.

[exit322]

37 minutes ago, Zips1991 said:

I don't think tonight will be one of those examples but that's because I don't think we'll ever have victory in our grasp tonight. I just think WMU is too much for us to handle. Especially with our defense.

 

Though if the defense overall plays like last week, it's not impossible.

[kreed5120]

Just now, exit322 said:

 

Though if the defense overall plays like last week, it's not impossible.

 

Depends on if it's the defense we saw for the first 3 quarters or the one we saw in the 4th. Unfortunately I think the greater likelihood would be the 4th qtr defense since that more closely resembles the defense we've seen all season.

[exit322]

51 minutes ago, kreed5120 said:

 

Depends on if it's the defense we saw for the first 3 quarters or the one we saw in the 4th. Unfortunately I think the greater likelihood would be the 4th qtr defense since that more closely resembles the defense we've seen all season.

 

I know it's not like me to look at the bright side, but even outside those couple bad plays the fourth quarter defense was fine.  But yeah, I expect to be leaving tonight after halftime.