'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
MACtion continues on Wednesday with the Western Michigan Broncos (3-5) facing off against the Bowling Green Falcons (4-4) at Doyt L. Perry Stadium. Both MAC teams had a bye in Week 9 in preparation for the mid-week matchup.
The Broncos were victors in their last game with a 16-10 win over Miami (OH). Western Michigan rode three field goals from Palmer Domschke and turnover-free football to a narrow win over their conference foe. The Broncos got a much-needed clean game from their quarterback Treyson Bourguet, who took over for Jack Salopek after the ladder threw five picks in a home loss to Ohio.
The Falcons also won in Week 8, beating a reeling Central Michigan squad 34-18. Bowling Green scored first and never looked back, forcing three fumbles, one was returned for a touchdown, and a pick in the triumphant win. The defense was relentless, amassing six sacks while keeping CMU passers to under 210 yards on 30 attempts. The Chippewas were without star RB Lew Nichols for a second consecutive game due to an undisclosed injury. Bowling Green quarterback Matt McDonald threw a pair of scores to WR Tyrone Broden en route to an impressive 18-of-21 for 253 yards.
Western Michigan Broncos vs. Bowling Green State Falcons Betting Odds
All Lines Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
$1,000 No Sweat First Bet on FanDuel
Tale of the Tape
Head coach Tim Lester is still trying to find his footing in Kalamazoo after taking over for "Mr. Row the Boat" P.J. Fleck in 2017. Lester has been consistent in his five seasons, never dipping under .500, yet never winning more than eight games during his tenure. However, 2022 may jeopardize his perfect run of .500 or better seasons with a 3-5 start.
Unfortunately, much of the blame falls on former starting quarterback Jack Salopek. The three-year letterman took over for star Kaleb Eleby. Eleby turned pro after an electric redshirt sophomore campaign (he went undrafted in the 2022 NFL combine). Salopek leads the MAC in interceptions thrown with ten despite only attempting 191 passes in five games.
Poor play led to the promotion of true freshman Treyson Bourguet to the starting role. Bourguet, a premier QB from Arizona, led Salpointe Catholic High School to the State Championship in 2021. As a coach on the staff, I saw firsthand his excellence, highlighted by 40 touchdowns against only four turnovers. The offense, which ranks near the bottom of the FBS in points per game, should continue to improve with Treyson under center.
The WMU defense has been solid, anchored by a rugged interior. The Broncos allow only 3.8 yards per rush and are suitable for at least one fumble recovery per game. Opposing passers have moderate success against WMU, but are yet to light up the Broncos' secondary.
At 4-4, the Bowling Green Falcons have a chance to punch their ticket to a bowl game for the first time since 2015. The Falcons, behind two-year starting QB Matt McDonald, have one of the better passing attacks in the MAC. The BGSU starter has thrown 16 touchdowns against three picks this year while throwing for roughly 230 yards per contest. Unfortunately, the ground game has had a rough go of it in 2022, averaging a near league-worst 3.2 yards a pop.
BGSU is lucky that McDonald has stepped up his play, given that they easily house one of the country's worst defenses. Opposing passers complete nearly 70% of their passes while throwing for 270 yards per game. The front seven didn't do any better, allowing about five rushing yards per attempt. Their saving grace is forcing two turnovers a game, a number inflated by the four they got in Week 8.
Western Michigan Broncos vs. Bowling Green State Falcons Prediction
Treyson Bourguet's play should dictate the game's flow. If the freshman can lead the Broncos to a kick after every drive like we know he can, it should be a road win for WMU. The Western Michigan defense should turn the Falcons one-dimensional and, in turn, force Matt McDonald into some critical mistakes. Meanwhile, Bourguet has all the ability to lead a balanced Broncos offensive attack.
Prediction: Western Michigan +5.5 (-115)
$1,000 No Sweat First Bet on FanDuel
