INSIDE SLANT
Was Western Michigan’s talent level incorrectly judged at the beginning of the season, or did it not play up to its skill level across the board?
The correct answer is probably a little of each factored into a season that fell far short of expectations.
The Broncos posted a 5-7 record this season and finished four games behind arch-rival Central Michigan in the Mid-American Conference West championship race with a 4-4 mark.
Neither record was what Western Michigan envisioned. It was thought to be a title contender, but clearly never played at that level against the league’s best teams.
The two tell tale results were a 34-23 loss to Central Michigan and a 38-3 defeat to Northern Illinois, the top two teams in the MAC West.
Western Michigan was viewed as a main bowl contender for one of the MAC’s three postseason games, but it never entered the picture.
“I don’t think anybody feels real good,” Western Michigan coach Bill Cubit told the Kalamazoo (Mich.) Gazette.
The Broncos were left out of the bowl season this year because of their inability to play with consistency. Two plays will haunt them during the offseason.
Trailing 23-19 at Indiana on Sept. 12, Western Michigan appeared headed for the winning touchdown in the closing seconds but lost a fumble inside the 5-yard line.
Leading 17-16 in the season finale Nov. 24 at home against Ball State, the Broncos gave up an 87-yard punt return for a touchdown to lose 22-17.
“The more time you have to think about the direction of the program, the more you understand what a fine line it is,” Cubit said.
NOTES, QUOTES
Game Of The Year: Western Michigan was plagued by inconsistent play throughout the season, but the one definite departure from that was at Toledo on Oct. 10. The Broncos scored three touchdowns in the first quarter and three more in the second on the way to a 58-26 victory. They had a 100-yard rusher and receiver and a 270-yard passer in the game.
Players Of The Year:
QB Tim Hiller—The senior wasn’t as spectacular as he was in 2008, but 2009 was still a good year for him. Hiller ranked second in the MAC with 270.8 passing yards per game, and he threw 23 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions.
TB Brandon West—An inconsistent performer at times during his career, the senior broke NCAA career records this season for all-purpose yards and kickoff return yards.
Fast Forward: The Broncos will enter the 2010 season with questions about an inexperienced starting quarterback, an offensive line that has to play better than it did this year, and various personnel on defense. The big question is at quarterback where four-year starter Tim Hiller will likely be replaced by Alex Carder, who will be a sophomore with no significant playing experience.
Recruiting Trail: The Broncos desperately need help in two areas on defense as they head into the meat of the recruiting season. They’ll be searching for an interior defensive lineman and a cornerback.
Quote To Note: “Something important is missing for me. I don’t feel real good. I don’t think anybody feels real good. I anticipate this not happening again.”—WMU coach Bill Cubit telling the Kalamazoo (Mich.) Gazette his feelings about his team not achieving its goal of contending for the MAC West title and playing in a bowl game this season.
STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
Players To Watch In 2010:
SS Jamail Berry—He emerged throughout the 2009 season to make an impact in the secondary. Berry made five interceptions, recovered two fumbles and was in on 58 tackles.
FS Doug Wiggins—He was a big-play type this season and has a huge up side, but consistency wasn’t his forte. The Broncos are expecting more out of him next season.
QB Alex Carder—He’s the heir apparent to Tim Hiller, and he’ll have to learn on the job if he wins the position battle because he has no significant playing time. Carder completed 5-of-7 passes this season as a redshirt freshman.
Pro Prospects:
QB Tim Hiller—He ranks as a potential mid-round pick in April’s NFL draft. Hiller has prototypical NFL size at 6-4 and he has a nice arm. His comprehension of the game already is at an NFL level.
LB Austin Pritchard—He could get a chance to make an impression in an NFL camp. Pritchard was the Broncos’ top tackler this season with 102 stops.
Roster Report
• With four-year starting QB Tim Hiller set to depart the program, the Broncos will turn their attention in the offseason to his replacement. Alex Carder will get the first opportunity. He was Hiller’s backup this year as a redshirt freshman. But Drew Burdi and Tyler VanTubbergen will get a chance to win the job.
• The offensive line could be in for an overhaul after a subpar performance as a group this year. The Broncos tried four players at RT during the season. Dann O’Neill, a transfer from Michigan, could be the answer at that spot.
