It’s a clash of mid-major programs on the gridiron out in the Silicon Valley as a member of the MAC takes on a foe from the Mountain West. The Western Michigan Broncos are on the road as they travel west to face the San Jose State Spartans Saturday night. Western Michigan comes in off a 34-13 home loss to #23 Pitt in their most recent contest last Saturday. San Jose State had a bye week last week: they were beaten 24-16 on the road by Auburn in their most recent contest back on September 10. These programs have met just once as FBS opponents with Western Michigan picking up a 23-3 victory at home in the lone meeting on September 25, 2021.
Western Michigan hung in for a while but eventually was overwhelmed by #23 Pitt at home last week. The Broncos dropped to 1-2 on the season overall with both defeats coming to ranked opponents though they are 1-0 in the MAC. Against Pitt, Western Michigan was down 10-3 after the opening quarter, 13-6 at the half and still was within 20-13 after three quarters. The Broncos ran out of steam as they were outscored 14-0 in the final stanza to lose going away. Western Michigan was outgained by a 417-180 margin in total offense, gave up 23 first downs while picking up 10 and was crushed in time of possession by a 38:36 to 21:24 margin. Adding insult to injury, the Broncos turned the ball over three times while forcing just one turnover in the loss.
On the season, the Broncos are 106th in the nation in passing offense by averaging 184.3 yards per contest while they are 92nd in rushing offense with an average of 132.7 yards per game this season. Western Michigan is 108th in the FBS in scoring offense as they put up 21 points per game while they are 103rd in scoring defense by allowing 33 points per contest. Jack Salopek has completed 52 of 97 passes for 522 yards with one touchdown against four interceptions while adding 52 yards on the ground. Anthony Samubucci completed his lone throw for a 31-yard touchdown. Sean Tyler leads the run game with 37 carries for 189 yards plus two scores. La’Darius Jefferson (33 carries, 132 yards, three TD) is a solid secondary option in the ground attack. Corey Crooms leads the team with 18 receptions for 169 yards plus a score on the year. Jehlani Galloway (10 catches, 142 yards) and tight end Blake Bosma (seven grabs, 41 yards) are the only other players with more than five catches. Palmer Domschke is five of five on extra points and has connected on all four field goal attempts with a long of 42 th is season.