INSIDE SLANT

Tim Hiller never led Western Michigan’s football team to the Mid-American Conference West Division championship during his four seasons in the program. But his development through five years at the school has positioned him to enjoy a professional career at quarterback.

Hiller has one more game left in his Broncos career, and after that he’ll be thoroughly judged by NFL scouts and personnel people. The reviews should be good.

One talent evaluator told the Kalamazoo (Mich.) Gazette that Hiller should expect to be selected in the third round range of next April’s NFL draft.

Hiller will finish his Broncos’ career—barring an unexpected invitation to a bowl game if Western Michigan gets to a 6-6 record—at home Nov. 24 against Ball State.

He needs two touchdowns to tie the career record for touchdown passes (100) by Chad Pennington of Marshall.

Hiller’s understanding of the Broncos’ system is extremely sophisticated now. But it wasn’t always that way. He was benched three times as a sophomore in 2007 before finally grasping the teachings of coach Bill Cubit in 2008.

“It’s been challenging at times,” Hiller told the Kalamazoo (Mich.) Gazette. “Obviously we’re not exactly where I thought we would be or where I’d like to be as a team. But it’s really pushed me as a player.”

NOTES, QUOTES

• Western Michigan forced a season-high six turnovers Nov. 14 in its 35-14 victory at Eastern Michigan. S Jamail Berry intercepted two passes.

—qb T  im Hiller tossed four touchdown passes to reach 98 for his career. He needs two in the Broncos’ remaining game, Nov. 24 against Ball State, to tie the MAC all-time record.

Series History:   Western Michigan leads series 19-16 (Ball State won last year’s game 45-22)

Scouting The Offense:  The tight end has been a key position in the Broncos’ passing game the past few seasons, but that aspect was missing most of the year. Matt Stevens finally made the impact the Broncos thought he could have this season when he snagged two touchdown passes against Eastern Michigan on Nov. 14. Keeping him in the mix will be important during the Broncos’ final game on Nov. 24.

Scouting The Defense:   Western Michigan’s defense took advantage of Eastern Michigan QB Alex Gillett in its last game, Nov. 14. The Broncos forced six turnovers, including five by Gillett (three interceptions, two fumbles).

Quote To Note:   “I tell (scouts) all the time, and I think they believe it, if there’s a smarter guy in college football right now than him, I’d love to see it.”—WMU coach Bill Cubit on the deep understanding QB Tim Hiller has of the Broncos’ offense.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

This Week  ‘S GAME: Ball State at Western Michigan, Nov. 24—The Broncos hoped this game would be meaningful in the Mid-American Conference West championship race. Instead, they must win just to finish the season with a 6-6 record and gain a slim hope for a bowl invitation.

Keys To The Game:   The Broncos can capitalize with their passing game against Ball State’s leaky defense. The Cardinals have had trouble containing all of the good passing teams on their schedule this year, and QB Tim Hiller figures to have his way against Ball State’s secondary.

Players To Watch:  

TB Brandon West broke NCAA FBS records this month for all-purpose yards in a career (7,626) and kickoff return yardage (3,088) in a career.

TE Matt Stevens finally made the impact the Broncos thought he could have this season when he snagged two touchdown passes against Eastern Michigan on Nov. 14. Stevens caught only 13 balls in the first nine games of the season.

WR Jordan White was healthy Nov. 14 for the first time in six weeks and responded with 10 receptions for 140 yards against Eastern Michigan.

Roster Report:  

—Doug Wiggins left the game Nov. 14 against Eastern Michigan early in the fourth quarter with a head injury, possibly a concussion. He should be ready to play Nov. 24 in the season finale.

—Senior QB Tim Hiller is closing in on the Mid-American Conference career record for touchdown passes. He threw four against Eastern Michigan in his last game to reach 98, two shy of the mark by Chad Pennington of Marshall.

—wr J  ordan White went through a full week of practice two weeks ago for the first time in five weeks, and his play against Eastern Michigan benefited. White caught 10 passes for 140 yards.