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Western Michigan Offensive Breakdown
Quarterback
After being named MAC Freshman of the Year in 2005, Western Michigan University quarterback Tim Hiller redshirted last year after being injured by the NIU defense in Kalamazoo last season.
The sophomore picked up where he left off as a freshman and has already thrown for 1,487 yards and 12 touchdowns in six games this year. He has the Broncos ranked third in the MAC in passing offense with 274.4 yards per game and has led the team to 30 points per game on the road.
NIU defensive coordinator Denny Doornbos is aware of the playmaking ability of Hiller as well as how potent the WMU offense is.
“They run a lot of formations and run the same type of plays out of it,” defensive coordinator Denny Doornbos said. “But they have a lot of combinations within those formations.”
B-
Wide Receivers
Every player and coach on the NIU defense is aware of WMU’s Jamarko Simmons.
The 6-foot-2 inch junior leads the MAC in receptions per game with 9.17 and fourth nationally. Simmons’ 106.5 receiving yards per game is the ninth best in the nation and second best in the MAC.
“They have an awesome receiver,” said NIU linebacker John Tranchitella. “A lot of guys have stepped up for them.”
Junior tight end Branden Ledbetter is the team’s second leading receiver with 275 yards on 22 receptions.
The Broncos’ second leading rusher also has the third most receiving yards on the team. Brandon West, WMU sophomore, is dangerous in open space as he averages nine yards per catch.
B+
Running Backs
The combination of power and speed in the backfield is usually a good formula for a successful running game.
The Broncos have just that as Mark Bonds and Brandon West have shared the load and combined for 723 yards. Bonds, a 219-pound senior from Indianapolis, provides the power while the 169-pound West gives WMU the speed.
“They do some good things,” said defensive end Larry English. “We need to play sound and get some good pressure.”
Bonds is coming off a season-high 143 rushing yards in last weekend’s loss to the University of Toledo. Both running backs are ranked in the top 10 in the MAC.
C+
Offensive Line
Three seniors on the offensive line is a big reason why WMU was picked to finish first in the MAC West this year.
Senior center Robbie Krutilla anchors the O-Line and is on the Rimington Trophy Watch List for the nation’s most outstanding center and on the Outland Trophy Watch List for the nation’s best interior lineman.
Fellow senior and right guard Matt Williams played in all 13 games last year and senior James Blair, a 6-foot-4 inch 334-pound tackle, started the final 10 games last season.
“They have a good offensive line,” Tranchitella said. “They are good at opening up the run with their power and speed running backs.”
C+
» Next Sports Article: Western Michigan Defensive Breakdown