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Western Michigan football: Can experienced Broncos return to New Year’s Six?

By Dante Pryor

KALAMAZOO, MI - AUGUST 31: Jon Wassink #16 of the Western Michigan Broncos looks to pass against the Syracuse Orange in the first quarter of a game at Waldo Stadium on August 31, 2018 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
KALAMAZOO, MI - AUGUST 31: Jon Wassink #16 of the Western Michigan Broncos looks to pass against the Syracuse Orange in the first quarter of a game at Waldo Stadium on August 31, 2018 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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BOISE, ID – DECEMBER 21: Head Coach Tim Lester of the Western Michigan Broncos sends a signal out to his team during second half action against the BYU Cougars at the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl on December 21, 2018 at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. BYU won the game 49-18. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images)
BOISE, ID – DECEMBER 21: Head Coach Tim Lester of the Western Michigan Broncos sends a signal out to his team during second half action against the BYU Cougars at the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl on December 21, 2018 at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. BYU won the game 49-18. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images) /

Predicting Western Michigan’s 2019 outcome

  • Week 1: vs. Monmouth (Aug. 31)
  • Week 2: at Michigan State (Sept. 7)
  • Week 3: vs. Georgia State (Sept. 14)
  • Week 4: at Syracuse (Sept. 21)
  • Week 5: vs. Central Michigan (Sept. 28)
  • Week 6: at Toledo (Oct. 5)
  • Week 7: vs. Miami (OH) (Oct. 12)
  • Week 8: at Eastern Michigan (Oct. 19)
  • Week 9: vs. Bowling Green (Oct. 26)
  • Week 10: BYE
  • Week 11: vs. Ball State (Nov. 5)
  • Week 12: at Ohio (Nov. 12)
  • Week 13: BYE
  • Week 14: at Northern Illinois (Nov. 26)

Anytime you return as much as the Broncos return you have few question marks coming into the season.

Not only are they returning starters, they are returning guys who led them in key categories like rushing, receiving, passing and sacks.

There are two vital questions the Broncos have to answer this season, though:

  1. Can this experienced offensive line keep Jon Wassink upright and healthy?
  2. Will the veteran defensive back field improve enough to complement a steady pass rush and a dynamic offense?

Teams in the MAC West lost a lot. Northern Illinois lost its head coach and leading pass-rusher, Toledo lost its top two receivers and Eastern Michigan lost its top defensive player.

dark. Next. Top 30 skill position players for 2019

Prediction: 10-2, 7-1 MAC

The Broncos return the most talent in the division — and the conference — by far. With an early season upset of Michigan State, the Broncos have an opportunity at a 10-2 season and set up a showdown with rival Eastern Michigan for the MAC West division and a berth in the conference championship game.

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