Western Michigan stays unbeaten with win over OH in MAC title game

The 13th-ranked Broncos take on OH on Friday night in the Mid-American Conference title game, with a chance to win WMU’s first league championship since 1988.

It took a Robert Spillane interception with 51 seconds remaining to seal the deal.

WMU: If Navy (9-2) loses Saturday, the Broncos figure to be a cinch for the Cotton Bowl.

OH is well-coached by Frank Solich and proved to be a worthy adversary.

Windham hit receiver Jordan Reid on a quick third-and-goal slant for an 8-yard touchdown to pull OH within 9-7 with 8:08 left in the half.

“We’ve got great leaders, and we’ve built a great mentality since Day 1”, said Laseak. Hampton connected on his fifth field goal of the contest, the final one coming from 34-yards out to give the Broncos a 29-23 lead.

The Broncos were not done before halftime, as Terrell scrambled and found receiver Carrington Thompson running near the sideline before catching an 8-yard touchdown pass with:36 left in the second quarter. Stranger things can happen in college football so WMU better bring its A-Game or else things could get very interesting against a well-coached Bobcats team in Detroit. However, it has been the Bobcats defense that has been the calling card.

Western Michigan players celebrate a sack by defensive lineman Eric Assoua (33) during a win over OH in the MAC championship game on Friday.

Bradd Ellis’ first career interception, off a deflection, and 32-yard return gave OH the ball at the Broncos’ 5 early in the third quarter. But once again Ohio’s defense held, forcing a 27-yard field goal for a 6-0 first quarter lead. The Broncos scored 45 points per game during the regular season (third in the country) and also graded out as a top-10 offense by S&P+. But against OH, which scored just a decent 27 points per game against mostly MAC competition this year, WMU’s defense might look like a juggernaut.

The Broncos have a rising coaching star in P.J. Fleck, a quarterback in Zach Terrell who has thrown for 30 touchdowns and been intercepted once, National Football League prospect Corey Davis at receiver and a two-headed running game that has trampled teams.

Hampton proved to be the offensive saviour.

Davis had eight receptions for 144 yards, including a highlight 70-yard TD reception, just seconds after OH scored a TD to pull within 9-7 with 8:08 left in the second quarter. “I’m so proud of his poise”.

Here is all the important info you need for today’s game.

The other question is whether PJ Fleck will row the boat another year in Kalamazoo or jump ship to a Power-5 team. 20-year-old Bryson White finds himself in more legal trouble in Ohio. As stated, Western Michigan sports one of the best groups of skill position players, not only in the Group of Five but in all NCAA football.

Windham’s insertion at quarterback energized the Bobcats offense for the rest of the game. They are especially tough against the run, allowing only 105 yards a game which is good for 4th in the country. Last week was no different, as the Bobcats gained only 299 total yards and had eight penalties.

What’s ahead: Postseason bowl announcements will be made Sunday with the four finalists for the national championship playoffs announced at 1:30 p.m. on ESPN. The team is No. 17 in the playoff rankings, putting it on the doorstep for a top bowl game on December 31 or January 2.

Ohio: The Bobcats’ MAC title drought continues, but Ohio is bowl eligible for the eighth straight season.