POSITION-by-POSITION:
Quarterback: Both teams feature experienced senior QBs between WKU?s Ty Storey and WMU?s Jon Wassink. Storey has led WKU efficiently through the run and pass and Wassink has proven to be versatile in the same way. The only edge is completion rate. Storey completes passes at 70 percent, Wassink is at 59 percent. ADVANTAGE: WKU
Running back: LeVante Bellamy is the best running back WKU has faced all year. His 117 yards per game ranks eighth nationally and he leads the country with 23 touchdowns. Gaej Walker has been more than reliable at this spot for WKU, but the Broncos have the clear edge here. ADVANTAGE: WMU
Offensive line: Two really experienced offensive line units will control things up front. WKU has been healthy all year with a unit that?s played together for two years, plus has options with depth. WMU has four juniors anchored around a senior at center. The only change has been a shuffling on the right side in the last two games for WMU. ADVANTAGE: Push
Wide Receivers: Lucky Jackson and Jahcour Pearson are the reliable targets for Storey, and Jackson?s last game could see him move into second on WKU?s all-time receptions list. WMU is very young at this position with its best receiver being tight end Giovonni Ricci and freshman Skyy Moore. ADVANTAGE: WKU
Defensive line: DeAngelo Malone is the C-USA Defensive Player of the Year with a WKU FBS record 21 tackles for loss. He and Juwuan Jones on the other side at defensive end have led the best part of WKU?s defense that allows 128.9 rushing yards per game. The Broncos haven?t established much at the line, allowing 212.7 rushing yards per game. ADVANTAGE: WKU
Linebackers: WMU features the MAC Defensive Player of the Year in linebacker Treshaun Hayward with 132 tackles, which ranks fifth nationally. Kyle Bailey has been the only consistent player at that position for WKU, although Clay Davis has come along well in the other linebacker spot the last few games. ADVANTAGE: WMU
Defensive backs: Neither team has allowed much in the passing game with WKU allowing 200 yards and WMU permitting 228 yards through the air. The Broncos have held three of their last four opponents to 150 passing yards or fewer. The Tops have allowed 591 passing yards the last two games. ADVANTAGE: WMU
