Defensive Line

Western Michigan University’s defensive line has allowed opponents to average 223.5 yards per game via the ground attack this season.

So far this season, the Broncos have faced five Division I-A opponents. Of those, four have rushing offenses that rank within the top 50 in the nation, including No. 3 West Virginia.

Even Central Connecticut State brought a mighty punch on the ground. The Bronco’s Division 1-AA opponent ranks No. 4 in rushing offense.

Although WMU has struggled, and NIU is ranked as the No. 54 rushing offense, the Huskies are not sold by the numbers.

“The linemen are going to be pretty tough,” NIU center Eddie Adamski said. “They have a lot of experience. We had a tough time with them last year.”

Right defensive end Zach Davidson is leading the Broncos with six tackles for a loss this season, including 1.5 sacks. The rest of the group has combined for five tackles for a loss and three sacks.

NIU offensive coordinator Roy Wittke feels the battle at front will be a key factor in Saturday’s outcome.

“We’ve got to win the battle up front,” Wittke said. “We feel like if we can run the football effectively and win that battle up front we’ll have a chance to stay ahead and down in distances and maybe take their secondary out of the game a little bit if we can.”

Grade: C-

Linebackers

Of WMU’s top three tacklers, two are linebackers. Juniors Boston McCornell and Dustin Duclo rank second and third respectively on the team.

However, the pair rank No. 20 and 31 within the MAC. But, they have made their hits count, as the two have combined for 8.5 tackles for a loss, broken up three passes and forced two fumbles.

“They got a good defensive line and their linebacker core is kind of solid,” said Justin Anderson, NIU running back. “With Garrett [Wolfe last season] they had eight, nine, in the box and they knew who was going to run the ball. I just feel right now I’m kind of under the radar. Hopefully they’re not paying too much attention. But if they are, we are still going to ram it down their throat. Plain and simple.”

Grade: C

Secondary

Last year, WMU picked off former NIU quarterback Phil Horvath three times in the Huskies’ 16-14 loss.

NIU wide reciever Marcus Perez is ready and wants revenge for a couple of those picks this year, as two of those passes were intended for him.

“You got a lot of returning guys back, a lot of speed, and lot of talent back there,” Perez said. “This will probably be one of the best secondaries we see all year.”

WMU’s secondary has five of the team’s six interceptions this season. Cornerback Londen Fryar is third in the nation for passes defended. The junior has broken up 11 passes and has an interception in six games this year.

“They’ve got maybe the best secondary, most talented group of athletes back in the back end than anybody that we’ve faced up to this time,” Wittke said. “They build a lot of the things they do defensively around those kids. That will be a real challenge for us.”

Grade: A

Special Teams

Last week WMU let Akron return a 90 yard punt as time expired to win the game.

However, the Broncos kickoff return coverage team is ranked fourth in the MAC. On average, teams are only gaining 21.2 yards per return.

WMU also ranks fourth in the MAC in kick returns. Running back Brandon West is averaging 27.4 yards per kickoff for the Broncos.

WMU kicker Mike Jones is a perfect 4-4 for field goals this season, but has missed three PATs — the most in the MAC.

Grade: B