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Well folks, it's that time of the year again. Our valiant athletes must travel to Dismal Flats to compete against the chimps of mid michigan community college.

As always, it will be a spirited and competitive game. I'm going to hit on some key points as we look forward to this matchup.

- WMU has not trailed in a game since the 4th quarter against Northwestern in week 1. This is a team that dominates TOP and the flow of the game, establishing a rhythm early on and preventing opposing teams from building on any momentum.

- WMU has ZERO turnovers on the year (knocks on wood). That kind of ball security has been and will continue to pay dividends. The ball is the program!

- As for this matchup, CMU is undoubtedly a pass-first offense. Their stable of mediocre backs and questionable offensive line cannot sustain long drives on the ground. Their reliance on the pass will hurt them in this matchup as WMU's defense will be keyed in on the receivers and they will bring some heat to throw Rush off of his game. Their lack of TOP will hurt any momentum they get from big plays.

- Injuries. CMU is banged up right now. WRs Jesse Kroll, Mark Chapman and Eric Cooper are all hurt. Kroll is out indefinitely. Chapman and Cooper are questionable. OL Derek Edwards is also questionable. DE Mitch Stanitzek is likely out still. Their leader on defense, DB Tony Annesse is banged up and might not play. Backup QB Jake Johnson is out. And their best RB Romello Ross has been out all season. Losses to key personnel will really hurt CMU in this game. Their depth will be tested.

- Trenches. WMU has dominated the line of scrimmage in every game this year. CMU's O-line is suspect, especially in run blocking. CMU's D-line is having a tough time getting pressure on opposing QBs, but is better in run defense. WMU's O-line has played lights out and will give Terrell all day to pick apart CMU's secondary. WMU's D-line has played well and I think Keion Adams will have another good day (8 tackles, 1 sack, 3 TFL, 1 FF, 2 QBH vs. GaSo)

- WMU's special teams play is far superior to CMU's. CMU kicker is 1 for 5 on FGs. WMU has Darius Phillips.

- The only thing that scares me is our secondary's propensity to give up big plays over the top. Our safeties need to play better. And Cooper Rush will try to exploit them early and often. But I believe CMU's offense will go 3 and out more often than they are able to get big plays. They lack a running game and cannot lean on the O-line to move them down the field. CMU freshman RB Jonathan Ward looks promising, but they should be careful not to push him too hard. He still has work to do in the weight room and too many touches might lead to an injury.

- Virginia scored 49 points on CMU. Virginia previously scored 20 against FCS Richmond, 26 against Oregon, and 10 against UConn. WMU moved the ball well against GaSo and Northwestern who arguably have better defenses than CMU.


Prediction:

WMU - 45
CMU - 28

(09-27-2016 10:07 AM)ColinApocalypse Wrote:  Well folks, it's that time of the year again. Our valiant athletes must travel to Dismal Flats to compete against the chimps of mid michigan community college.

As always, it will be a spirited and competitive game. I'm going to hit on some key points as we look forward to this matchup.

- WMU has not trailed in a game since the 4th quarter against Northwestern in week 1. This is a team that dominates TOP and the flow of the game, establishing a rhythm early on and preventing opposing teams from building on any momentum.

- WMU has ZERO turnovers on the year (knocks on wood). That kind of ball security has been and will continue to pay dividends. The ball is the program!

- As for this matchup, CMU is undoubtedly a pass-first offense. Their stable of mediocre backs and questionable offensive line cannot sustain long drives on the ground. Their reliance on the pass will hurt them in this matchup as WMU's defense will be keyed in on the receivers and they will bring some heat to throw Rush off of his game. Their lack of TOP will hurt any momentum they get from big plays.

- Injuries. CMU is banged up right now. WRs Jesse Kroll, Mark Chapman and Eric Cooper are all hurt. Kroll is out indefinitely. Chapman and Cooper are questionable. OL Derek Edwards is also questionable. DE Mitch Stanitzek is likely out still. Their leader on defense, DB Tony Annesse is banged up and might not play. Backup QB Jake Johnson is out. And their best RB Romello Ross has been out all season. Losses to key personnel will really hurt CMU in this game. Their depth will be tested.

- Trenches. WMU has dominated the line of scrimmage in every game this year. CMU's O-line is suspect, especially in run blocking. CMU's D-line is having a tough time getting pressure on opposing QBs, but is better in run defense. WMU's O-line has played lights out and will give Terrell all day to pick apart CMU's secondary. WMU's D-line has played well and I think Keion Adams will have another good day (8 tackles, 1 sack, 3 TFL, 1 FF, 2 QBH vs. GaSo)

- WMU's special teams play is far superior to CMU's. CMU kicker is 1 for 5 on FGs. WMU has Darius Phillips.

- The only thing that scares me is our secondary's propensity to give up big plays over the top. Our safeties need to play better. And Cooper Rush will try to exploit them early and often. But I believe CMU's offense will go 3 and out more often than they are able to get big plays. They lack a running game and cannot lean on the O-line to move them down the field. CMU freshman RB Jonathan Ward looks promising, but they should be careful not to push him too hard. He still has work to do in the weight room and too many touches might lead to an injury.

- Virginia scored 49 points on CMU. Virginia previously scored 20 against FCS Richmond, 26 against Oregon, and 10 against UConn. WMU moved the ball well against GaSo and Northwestern who arguably have better defenses than CMU.


Prediction:

WMU - 45
CMU - 28

Excellent analysis & post!

Go Broncos, beat CMU!

Calling CMU "Mid-Michigan Community College" is an insult to the actual MMCC, lol.

Also, anyone know of the full story as to why the bands don't travel anymore? I heard one year it went REALLY south and the bands have refused to travel since.

On paper, we should win this game. But it is CMU, and it's in Mt. Pee. I am freaking out about this one. It would be nice to get a good start and let the running game take over. Bad weather would help us.

Does anyone have any good CMU bashing graphics they can post? I'm here in CMU country and need to bash back!

For the love of God, we need to win this one...

(09-27-2016 10:07 AM)ColinApocalypse Wrote:  Well folks, it's that time of the year again. Our valiant athletes must travel to Dismal Flats to compete against the chimps of mid michigan community college.

As always, it will be a spirited and competitive game. I'm going to hit on some key points as we look forward to this matchup.

- WMU has not trailed in a game since the 4th quarter against Northwestern in week 1. This is a team that dominates TOP and the flow of the game, establishing a rhythm early on and preventing opposing teams from building on any momentum.

- WMU has ZERO turnovers on the year (knocks on wood). That kind of ball security has been and will continue to pay dividends. The ball is the program!

- As for this matchup, CMU is undoubtedly a pass-first offense. Their stable of mediocre backs and questionable offensive line cannot sustain long drives on the ground. Their reliance on the pass will hurt them in this matchup as WMU's defense will be keyed in on the receivers and they will bring some heat to throw Rush off of his game. Their lack of TOP will hurt any momentum they get from big plays.

- Injuries. CMU is banged up right now. WRs Jesse Kroll, Mark Chapman and Eric Cooper are all hurt. Kroll is out indefinitely. Chapman and Cooper are questionable. OL Derek Edwards is also questionable. DE Mitch Stanitzek is likely out still. Their leader on defense, DB Tony Annesse is banged up and might not play. Backup QB Jake Johnson is out. And their best RB Romello Ross has been out all season. Losses to key personnel will really hurt CMU in this game. Their depth will be tested.

- Trenches. WMU has dominated the line of scrimmage in every game this year. CMU's O-line is suspect, especially in run blocking. CMU's D-line is having a tough time getting pressure on opposing QBs, but is better in run defense. WMU's O-line has played lights out and will give Terrell all day to pick apart CMU's secondary. WMU's D-line has played well and I think Keion Adams will have another good day (8 tackles, 1 sack, 3 TFL, 1 FF, 2 QBH vs. GaSo)

- WMU's special teams play is far superior to CMU's. CMU kicker is 1 for 5 on FGs. WMU has Darius Phillips.

- The only thing that scares me is our secondary's propensity to give up big plays over the top. Our safeties need to play better. And Cooper Rush will try to exploit them early and often. But I believe CMU's offense will go 3 and out more often than they are able to get big plays. They lack a running game and cannot lean on the O-line to move them down the field. CMU freshman RB Jonathan Ward looks promising, but they should be careful not to push him too hard. He still has work to do in the weight room and too many touches might lead to an injury.

- Virginia scored 49 points on CMU. Virginia previously scored 20 against FCS Richmond, 26 against Oregon, and 10 against UConn. WMU moved the ball well against GaSo and Northwestern who arguably have better defenses than CMU.


Prediction:

WMU - 45
CMU - 28

Good stuff, Colin. I am concerned about Conklin (TE) over the middle. He is a reliable target, and probably the best TE we have faced. Our LB's haven't proven the ability to cover anyone, so that's the only real matchup issue I see.

That said, it's in Mt. Pleasant and we have seen plenty of superior Bronco teams meet their demise up there.

(09-27-2016 10:32 AM)wingsenforcer Wrote:  Also, anyone know of the full story as to why the bands don't travel anymore? I heard one year it went REALLY south and the bands have refused to travel since.

It was a collection of events (fights, taunts, etc...) in the late 80's/early 90's that culminated in Chippewa Marching Band members doing a 'War Dance' around the goal post at Waldo. I think it was in '89 after they crushed us. The Tribe got involved, CMU banned their band from traveling to Kalamazoo, and we followed suit. Several band members from CMU had to go to sensitivity training (no joke).

In the late 90's I believe they tried it again, but things did not improve.

Nothing gets a rivalry going like flying trombones and bass drums.

(09-27-2016 11:21 AM)broncofan1 Wrote:  

(09-27-2016 10:32 AM)wingsenforcer Wrote:  Also, anyone know of the full story as to why the bands don't travel anymore? I heard one year it went REALLY south and the bands have refused to travel since.

It was a collection of events (fights, taunts, etc...) in the late 80's/early 90's that culminated in Chippewa Marching Band members doing a 'War Dance' around the goal post at Waldo. I think it was in '89 after they crushed us. The Tribe got involved, CMU banned their band from traveling to Kalamazoo, and we followed suit. Several band members from CMU had to go to sensitivity training (no joke).

In the late 90's I believe they tried it again, but things did not improve.

Nothing gets a rivalry going like flying trombones and bass drums.

That sounds about right, lol. Someone told me what happened, but I managed to forget. It's a shame the bands don't travel - having both bands in the cornfield this weekend would add to what's going to be an already electric atmosphere.

Update from the chimp site regarding injuries:

Jesse Kroll - Out for season, surgery

Eric Cooper - Out for season, surgery

Romello Ross - Out for season

Derick Edwards - Should return in 2-3 weeks

Mitch Stanizek - Should return in a few weeks

Tony Annese - Game time decision for Oct. 1

Mark Chapman will play vs. WMU, but likely hampered by his injury.

(09-27-2016 12:53 PM)ColinApocalypse Wrote:  Update from the chimp site regarding injuries:

Jesse Kroll - Out for season, surgery

Eric Cooper - Out for season, surgery

Romello Ross - Out for season

Derick Edwards - Should return in 2-3 weeks

Mitch Stanizek - Should return in a few weeks

Tony Annese - Game time decision for Oct. 1

Mark Chapman will play vs. WMU, but likely hampered by his injury.

Wow.

(09-27-2016 12:53 PM)ColinApocalypse Wrote:  Mark Chapman will play vs. WMU, but likely hampered by his injury.

What kind of A-HOLES name their son Mark Chapman????

(09-27-2016 01:01 PM)Hiller4Hyz09 Wrote:  

(09-27-2016 12:53 PM)ColinApocalypse Wrote:  Mark Chapman will play vs. WMU, but likely hampered by his injury.

What kind of A-HOLES name their son Mark Chapman????

Joel Rifkin?

Quote:What kind of A-HOLES name their son Mark Chapman????

Those who are not fans of the Beetles, and instead like listening to country music while watching "Hee Haw", up there in Mt Pleasant. :)

Looks like it's going to rain all weekend, including a 90% chance of thunderstorms in the area for game time. Field will be very wet. This greatly benefits WMU, as WMU has a huge advantage in the trenches. If the weather takes away CMU's pass game...bye bye, little Chippies.

(09-29-2016 08:59 AM)ColinApocalypse Wrote:  Looks like it's going to rain all weekend, including a 90% chance of thunderstorms in the area for game time. Field will be very wet. This greatly benefits WMU, as WMU has a huge advantage in the trenches. If the weather takes away CMU's pass game...bye bye, little Chippies.

Hoople, Kimbo, someone explain nicely to these wonderful posters how poor traction can benefit the throwing team.

Anyone here remember Lefevre coming in during a squal and lighting is up?

(09-29-2016 09:14 AM)Moomba Wrote:  

(09-29-2016 08:59 AM)ColinApocalypse Wrote:  Looks like it's going to rain all weekend, including a 90% chance of thunderstorms in the area for game time. Field will be very wet. This greatly benefits WMU, as WMU has a huge advantage in the trenches. If the weather takes away CMU's pass game...bye bye, little Chippies.

Hoople, Kimbo, someone explain nicely to these wonderful posters how poor traction can benefit the throwing team.

Anyone here remember Lefevre coming in during a squal and lighting is up?

That may be true, but I remember the rain having a huge damper on our passing game in the Potato Bowl. Errant throws, lots of drops...

Do you think a thunderstorm would benefit CMU?

Not to mention rain will keep people from coming out to the game, effectively making the crowd a non-factor.

(09-29-2016 08:59 AM)ColinApocalypse Wrote:  Looks like it's going to rain all weekend, including a 90% chance of thunderstorms in the area for game time. Field will be very wet. This greatly benefits WMU, as WMU has a huge advantage in the trenches. If the weather takes away CMU's pass game...bye bye, little Chippies.

2006 at Mount Pleasant.

WMU also had a significant advantage in the ground game.

Worst weather conditions imaginable. The stadium emptied during the 2nd quarter.

CMU threw. And threw. And threw well.

WMU's run game was pedestrian, at best.

One of the worst losses - and coaching choke jobs - in WMU football history.

While I agree the weather conditions should benefit WMU on Saturday, take NOTHING for granted when playing in either Mount Pleasant or Ypsi. Strange things happen in both those stadiums.

I am confident of a WMU victory Saturday, but it will be have to be earned through execution, coaching, and discipline. There will be no gifts from Mother Nature, or CMU.

Go Broncos!

(09-29-2016 09:49 AM)GullLake Wrote:  

(09-29-2016 08:59 AM)ColinApocalypse Wrote:  Looks like it's going to rain all weekend, including a 90% chance of thunderstorms in the area for game time. Field will be very wet. This greatly benefits WMU, as WMU has a huge advantage in the trenches. If the weather takes away CMU's pass game...bye bye, little Chippies.

2006 at Mount Pleasant.

WMU also had a significant advantage in the ground game.

Worst weather conditions imaginable. The stadium emptied during the 2nd quarter.

CMU threw. And threw. And threw well.

WMU's run game was pedestrian, at best.

One of the worst losses - and coaching choke jobs - in WMU football history.

While I agree the weather conditions should benefit WMU on Saturday, take NOTHING for granted when playing in either Mount Pleasant or Ypsi. Strange things happen in both those stadiums.

I am confident of a WMU victory Saturday, but it will be have to be earned through execution, coaching, and discipline. There will be no gifts from Mother Nature, or CMU.

Go Broncos!

This.

Execution, coaching, and discipline. I can agree with you there.

WMU has 0 turnovers on the year and has not trailed in a game since week 1.


CMU will be without 2 of their best receivers and 1 of their backup wide outs. The CMU faithful are saying that guys like true freshman Childress and basketball transfer Stewart might need to step up. They will also lean heavily on Conklin, the TE.

For WMU, this OL+RB combo is possibly the best we've ever had. Lowly Virginia, with a banged-up O-line, ran for 148 yards at 5.7 YPC against the Chip D.


Strange things happen in Mt. Pee (both on and off the field), but this WMU team is a complete team. If anyone wants to place bets on the Chips, have at it.

4 of the past 5. Let's make it 5 of the past 6.

(09-29-2016 10:05 AM)ColinApocalypse Wrote:  Execution, coaching, and discipline. I can agree with you there.

WMU has 0 turnovers on the year and has not trailed in a game since week 1.


CMU will be without 2 of their best receivers and 1 of their backup wide outs. The CMU faithful are saying that guys like true freshman Childress and basketball transfer Stewart might need to step up. They will also lean heavily on Conklin, the TE.

For WMU, this OL+RB combo is possibly the best we've ever had. Lowly Virginia, with a banged-up O-line, ran for 148 yards at 5.7 YPC against the Chip D.


Strange things happen in Mt. Pee (both on and off the field), but this WMU team is a complete team. If anyone wants to place bets on the Chips, have at it.

4 of the past 5. Let's make it 5 of the past 6.

Should WMU win, an entire generation of CMU football players and students will not experience the taste of victory against WMU at Kelly Shorts Stadium.

WMU has won the last two in Mount Pleasant, snapping a horrible streak of losses.

I was there in 2000, 2004, 2006 (made it through the 1st half and get cold thinking about it), 2008 and - gads - 2010 (fumble on the goal-line for the go-ahead TD...are you kidding me?!).

Regardless of the weather and regardless of CMU's injury situation, WMU will need its best game so far this season. Per a previous post, there will be no gifts.

(09-29-2016 09:49 AM)GullLake Wrote:  

(09-29-2016 08:59 AM)ColinApocalypse Wrote:  Looks like it's going to rain all weekend, including a 90% chance of thunderstorms in the area for game time. Field will be very wet. This greatly benefits WMU, as WMU has a huge advantage in the trenches. If the weather takes away CMU's pass game...bye bye, little Chippies.

2006 at Mount Pleasant.

WMU also had a significant advantage in the ground game.

Worst weather conditions imaginable. The stadium emptied during the 2nd quarter.

CMU threw. And threw. And threw well.

WMU's run game was pedestrian, at best.

One of the worst losses - and coaching choke jobs - in WMU football history.

While I agree the weather conditions should benefit WMU on Saturday, take NOTHING for granted when playing in either Mount Pleasant or Ypsi. Strange things happen in both those stadiums.

I am confident of a WMU victory Saturday, but it will be have to be earned through execution, coaching, and discipline. There will be no gifts from Mother Nature, or CMU.

Go Broncos!

That was SO. EFFING. MISERABLE.