4 keys to UB football win over Western Michigan

1. Know that Western Michigan is capable of a comeback. MACtion could come early as Western Michigan has averaged 39.5 points in its first two Mid-American Conference games. The Broncos have either won or lost their last three games by a margin of 10 points or less, including a 34-24 win last weekend against Akron in Kalamazoo, Michigan. They also trailed Ball State by seven points on Oct. 5 before grinding out a 45-42 win. The Broncos had just recovered from a 17-0 deficit against Akron last weekend when storms hit southwest Michigan, causing a delay of more than five hours, a disruption that began late in the third quarter. The game didn't resume until after 11 p.m. However, that didn't stop the Broncos.

2. Score as many points as possible against the Broncos. UB's progress on offense – particularly in scoring – has been either explosive or lackluster through the first six games. UB averaged 29.25 points and 314.5 yards in its four wins, but just 3.0 points and 183.5 yards in its two losses. UB's win last Saturday against Toledo marked the third time the Bulls scored at least 30 points this season. That pace will need to continue against Western Michigan, which has allowed opponents 34.7 points per game. To the Broncos' opponents? Big Ten members Wisconsin (28 points) and Ohio State (56 points). The Broncos also gave up 23 points to Akron, which averaged 15.1 points in its first six games.

3. Continue to benefit from third-down conversions. UB's offense went a season-high 7-for-16 (43.75%) on third-down conversions in Saturday's 30-15 win over Toledo. UB started 11th in the 12-team MAC bracket and 132nd out of 134 teams nationally in the statistical category. Progress in this category will be gradual. Western Michigan also doesn't have much luck stopping its opponents on third down. The teams are 34-79 (43.04%) against the third-place Broncos in their first six games; Akron was 6 for 13 on third downs and Ball State was 7 for 13. For comparison, Northern Illinois leads the MAC in third down defense (15 for 73, 20.55%) and UB is sixth (38 for 102, 37, 25%).

4. Prepare for a balanced offense. Western Michigan doesn't have the flashiest offense, but it's efficient and productive – and the Broncos can run and throw the ball. The Broncos are averaging 184.17 rushing yards and 37.6 carries per game, 183 passing yards and 15.5 completions (of 22.8 pass attempts) and 28.7 points through their first six games. The Broncos are second in the MAC with 22 touchdowns. Jaden Nixon is the MAC's second-leading rusher (84.17 yards per game) and quarterback Hayden Wolff is averaging 183 yards per game but has the MAC's highest completion rate (69.4%, 93 for 134). UB is allowing opponents 139.67 rushing yards, 235 passing yards and 22.7 points per game.