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| Monday, August 13 Updated: August 14, 9:09 AM ET Defense gives Broncos chance at championship By Rodney McKissic Special to ESPN.com |
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Western Michigan Broncos 2000 record: 9-3 (7-1). Coach: Gary Darnell (5th year, 31-15 record). Starters returning: 5 offense, 7 defense. Outlook: After back-to-back MAC West Division titles and a 17-3 record at home, Western Michigan is headed for another successful run. Eight starters return from the nation's ninth-best defense, including All-MAC ends Anthony Allsbury and Chris Browning. The secondary is led by cornerback Ronald Rogers and fiery free safety Jermaine Lewis. There are questions at linebacker, though, where Mario Evans and Garrett Soldano must be replaced. Quarterback Jeff Welsh is good enough to stretch defenses, especially with quicksilver wideout Josh Bush. The go-to receiver, however, is tight end Mobolaji Afariogun, an All-MAC selection who has pro scouts drooling. Keep an eye on: LB Bryan Lape. Now is the time for Lape to step up and he'll get the opportunity as the replacement for Mario Evans. Key game: ESPN will carry the Nov. 6 game at Toledo which could decide the West Division championship between the two teams that have won the division for the last three years. It's a good year if... They break into the Top 25. The Broncos' defense should once again be one of the best in the nation and the offense has definite potential. In four seasons, Darnell has built a program that stands among the MAC elite and is moving closer to the top 25. This year, they should break through. Rodney McKissic covers the MAC for the Buffalo News. |
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