Week 5: Western Michigan at Temple

The spread has spread throughout the MAC, and if you want to contend in this conference, then you better be able to score a bunch of points. Western Michigan, which has won three straight after an opening loss at Nebraska, has demonstrated it belongs in that club.

The Broncos tuned up for the upcoming conference battles with a 41-7 pounding of Tennessee Tech in which quarterback Tim Hiller passed for 333 yards and five touchdowns. Temple, which allowed 45 points in its most-recent outing, a loss to Penn State, has not demonstrated the ability to slow such an attack.

The challenge Western Michigan will present is partially rooted in its balance. While Brandon West rushed for 133 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries in the most recent win, Hiller threw a couple touchdown passes to running back Kirk Elsworth, and found three different wide receivers for scores.

One of the many issues confronting the Owls is the protection, or lack of it, offered the Temple quarterbacks. Penn State shredded the Temple line for seven sacks, and disrupted the rhythm of many other plays with penetration and hurries. Look for Western Michigan to try and apply similar pressure, seeking similar results.

Notes:

Temple did not help its cause at all against Penn State by turning the ball over and struggling offensively, accounting for just 138 total yards and 10 first downs.

Temple quarterback Adam DiMichele was knocked out of the Penn State game last weekend with a right shoulder injury, and his status against Western Michigan is yet to be determined.

Western Michigan quarterback Tim Hiller hit on his first 13 passes against Tennessee Tech, and went 27-of-31 for the game for 333 yards and five touchdowns.

Temple used backup quarterback Chester Stewart against Penn State following the injury to DiMichele, and Stewart went 6-for-30 for 116 yards with three interceptions.

The Broncos had 633 yards in total offense last week, just 30 yards less than the school record.

Key Player (Broncos) — Jamarko Simmons, WR

The Broncos pride themselves on spreading the ball around and utilizing a multitude of receivers, but they need a go-to guy in critical situations, and Simmons is that guy. He had a season-high 10 receptions for 115 yards and a touchdown last week.

Key Player (Owls) — Chester Stewart, QB

Stewart took off the headset and threw down the clipboard during last week’s game at Penn State and got thrown into the fire, replacing the injured starter Adam DiMichele. Stewart had three interceptions in that game, and needs to be smarter with the ball for his team to have success.

Broncos by 6