Western Michigan Will Face Western Kentucky in the First Responder Bowl
The Western Michigan Broncos will finish their season in Texas, competing in the First Responder Bowl. This will mark the 5th bowl game over the last six years for the Western Michigan Football Program.
The Western Michigan Broncos had higher aspirations entering this season than where they currently find themselves sitting. It may feel as if this season will go down as a bust after missing out on the chance to play in the MAC Championship; However, winning the First Responder Bowl may just be enough to look at this season with a positive grain of salt.
After losing their final game of the season to Northern Illinois, the Broncos had to watch their in-state rivals Central Michigan compete for a MAC Championship. Despite not being able to compete for a MAC Championship, Western has a chance to finish their season off on a high note doing that against a team they haven’t faced since 1947.
Western Michigan Will be Tested
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LeVante Bellamy will be playing in his last game as a Bronco. Bellamy has been dominant running the ball this season, averaging over 5 yards a carry and contributing for a total of 23 touchdowns this season, which is the most for any running back in all of Division I college football. However, Western Kentucky has the 42nd best rushing defense. Will Bellamy be able to finish his career off with one more dominant performance? Or will Western Kentucky’s rush defense be too much to handle for Bellamy?
Another notable team statistic for Western Kentucky is their red zone defense. Western Kentucky’s red zone defense is ranked 15th in the country, and a considerable part of that is because of players like DeAngelo Malone and Kyle Bailey.
Junior DL DeAngelo Malone has recorded 10 solo sacks this season, which is 11th in the country. Junior LB Kyle Bailey is also a massive piece of this Western Kentucky’s defense. Kyle Bailey has 99 tackles this season, which leads the team.
Western Kentucky’s defense isn’t the only thing Western Michigan will have their hands full with. Senior QB Ty Storey is not someone to take lightly. Ty Storey has a passing efficiency of 143.30, which ranks 49th in the country amongst other quarterbacks. Not only can Ty pass the ball efficiently, but he can also run with the ball. Ty has rushed for 246 yards and is accountable for 7 rushing touchdowns.
Not only does Western Kentucky have a reliable quarterback, but they also have a reliable running back. Junior RB Gaej Walker has rushed for a total of 1,115 yards this season, which ranks 29th amongst running backs.
Western Michigan has a steep slope to climb when it comes to facing Western Kentucky. However, with many seniors playing their last game as a Bronco and the fact they missed a chance to play in the MAC Championship, the Broncos will look to finish their season on a high note and win their second bowl game in program history.
Next. A look at former Lions currently excelling elsewhere. dark
What: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 8-4 vs. Western Michigan Broncos 7-5
When: 12:30 pm Monday, December 30, 2019
Where: Dallas, Texas – Gerald J. Ford Stadium
Watch On: ESPN