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Some Basic Info on Western Michigan's Offense

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buckeye phi's picture
September 23, 2015 at 5:38pm
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A lot of people seem to feel their enjoyment of the games can be enhanced by possessing some extra knowledge about the Buckeyes' upcoming opponents.  With that in mind, here is some basic information regarding the Western Michigan Broncos. 

They are a multiple look offense with a decided emphasis on the passing attack.  So far this season, the Broncos are averaging 327 yards per game through the air.  Their rather anemic 93 yards per game average on the ground would look even more paltry if it hadn't been bolstered by playing an over-matched FCS team last weekend.

WMU's quarterback, Zach Terrell, has connected on 70.7% of his passes, gaining 947 yards and scoring 8 touchdowns over the first three games.  He has also already thrown 5 interceptions, incidentally.  

The Broncos' receiving corps is led by rs Junior, Daniel Braverman.  At only 5'10" and 164lbs*, Braverman already has an incredible 40 receptions in only three games.  Junior wide-out, Corey Davis, is no slouch, either - with 19 receptions on the young season. 

Running back, Javion Franklin is next on the list with 9 receptions.  Speaking of Franklin, he has rushed for 242 yards so far this year, but 161 of those yards came last Saturday against Murray State - an FCS team.  Interestingly enough, he ran the ball 8 times for 23 yards in their opener against Michigan State.

Compared to what the Buckeyes usually see, Western Michigan starts a couple of offensive linemen who would have to be considered to be a bit on the small side.  For instance, their right tackle, Chukwuma Okorafor is listed at 6'5" and "only" 275lbs.  They have a freshman starting at center who is listed at 6'2"- 282lbs. 

Their left tackle, Willie Beavers, (no, I'm not making this up) - is their only starter listed as weighing more than 300lbs.  The Broncos are not going to be able to drive Ohio State's defensive line off the ball - but they're pretty good at pass protection which is what the WMU offensive staff wants. 

The Bronco's have one of the nation's hot young head coaches in PJ Fleck.  During his playing days, Fleck was a fine wide receiver for Northern Illinois (small world, eh?).  His offense would seem to reflect that background.  He has recruited well, also.  He once actually cracked the top forty nationally with a class - very impressive by MAC standards. 

Offensively, Western Michigan is decidedly one-dimensional, however.  Look for Messrs Bosa, Washington, Hubbard, Lewis, Lee, et al, to be able to pin their proverbial ears back much more than usual - giving Zach Terrell a particularly uncomfortable afternoon. 

While Braverman, Davis and company will surely provide a challenge, Ohio State's back seven could be in for a big day as well.  The ball will be in the air a lot.  There should be many chances for a pick.

The Buckeyes' defense matches up up very well with the Broncos' offense.  If the OSU offense can limit the turnovers and penalties this Saturday - and keep from giving WMU too many additional opportunities, it will be surprising if the Broncos come up with anything approaching their 31 point per game average - 

 

*http://www.ourlads.com/ncaa-football-depth-charts/depth-chart/western-michigan/92522 

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