Western Michigan Broncos - NCAA Football Odds, Lines & Betting

The Broncos were close to overtaking their rivals from Central Michigan in the MAC East, but finished second in the division before falling to Cincinnati in a 27-24 nail-biter in the inaugural International Bowl. Coach Bill Cubit loses his son Ryan to graduation after his stint as a three-year starter, but eight other starters return for 2007 for the 8-5 Broncos. 

But no worries for Cubit, as running backs Mark Bonds, a 1,082-yard rusher who scored seven times and Brandon West, who ran for nearly 700 additional yards form a strong duo in the backfield.  Thomas Peregrin has the inside track on the starting quarterback job, but it is not set in stone after a shaky spring practice.  Receiver Jamarko Simmons (61 receptions, 668 yards, 2 TD) and tight end Branden Ledbetter (37 receptions, 423 yards, 6 TD) are back as reliable targets for Peregrin, as the Broncos try to improve on their 78th-ranking in total offense. 

The defense, which ranked 11th nationally in total defense, also welcomes back eight starters. They ranked sixth in rushing defense and led the nation in sacks.  The Broncos lost the country’s best pass-rusher in Ameer Ismail, who was tops with 17 sacks.  Defensive end Zach Davidson, who had eight sacks, will be counted on for an even bigger year, and Cubit will be ecstatic to see safety Antwain Allen back in the secondary after an injury-plagued 2006. 

The Broncos travel to West Virginia to start the season, but a four-game stretch late in the campaign will decide their fate.  The Broncos host Ball State and Central Michigan, and host Iowa and Eastern Michigan over the final five weeks of the season.  The Broncos should push Central Michigan to the limit in 2007, and if they can compensate for the losses of Cubit and Ismail, they could take the MAC West.

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