The Miami (OH) Redhawks play host to the Western Michigan Broncos on Saturday afternoon in a crucial MAC showdown from Fred C. Yager Stadium. Both teams come into this one with losing records but with an undefeated record at home, the Redhawks will like their chances to move to .500 with a win in this one. In the series between the two though, the Broncos have won all seven meetings, making things slightly more interesting to see if Miami (OH) can grab the win. This is sure to be a close one and fans won't want to miss out on how this might shape the MAC race.
Western Michigan has lost two in a row as they head into Saturday night and will be looking to snap their losing skid against a formidable foe. It helps that Western Michigan hasn't lost to Miami (OH) in their series against each other and that confidence is bound to shine through in this one, even if going on the road might add a little more discomfort to the situation. For the Broncos, their wins this season have only come against new Hampshire and Ball State, while all the losses have come by double-digits. Snapping out of their rut against a talented team will be tough but this group seems up for the challenge.
It should be a huge advantage that they'll be going on the road in this one without any injuries to worry about navigating. With a clean bill of health, the depth factor could be exactly what this group needs to spring the upset.
It was great to have all of the WMU Alumni back in Kalamazoo this weekend! ?? ?? pic.twitter.com/FZAlYEd2PH
— Western Michigan Broncos ?? (@WMUBroncos) October 18, 2022
On the offensive side of the ball, the Broncos have struggled to be anything but one of the worst-performing groups in the MAC this season. They rank 119th nationally in total offense, while also ranking outside the top 100 in passing and rushing. Considering Miami's surprisingly stout defense, those woes are expected to only continue into this one. It all starts with Jack Salopek (7 touchdowns, 10 interceptions), who will need to take better care of the ball for the Broncos to have any chance in this one.
Defensively, questions remain as to how this one will play out as well. The Redhawks have their own struggles offensively but it'll all come down to the battle on the ground. Western Michigan will need to find a way to be strong against the run, where they rank 66th nationally, and if that's the case, they'll have a shot on the road. Zaire Barnes (65 tackles) is one of the elite linebackers nationally and with a pass r ush that has depth, the Broncos will feel confident that they won't get beat through the air.