Line just went from Uconn -2 to W.Mich -1.5 anybody know of an injury or just alot of late money on W.Mich
W.mich./Uconn
- Thread starter taylormade9998
- Start date
haven't seen late-breaking as of yet.
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Four downs with David Drew: Previewing Western Michigan vs. UConn
First down: Bring the beef
The statistics present a tough challenge for Western Michigan. Connecticut enters today?s game giving up an average of 1.5 yards per-carry and 51 yards per-game. The Broncos? ground game will need a good push from the big boys on the offensive line to keep their running game going after a successful showing in Minneapolis. WMU is averaging just under 130 yards per-game on the ground. UConn?s secondary is also a solid unit and Carder will need every second he can get to survey the field.
On the other side, UConn?s offense relies on running the ball. The Huskies are averaging just under 112 yards per-game. WMU is a little under-sized up front compared to most BCS-level teams, but through three games, including two BCS schools, the Broncos have gotten the job done. That has to continue. If the Broncos are to win the game they have to win the line of scrimmage.
Second down: Just move the chains
Every WMU player who scored points in last year?s 38-31 win at UConn is no longer on the team. The Broncos? passing game is still a work in progress, but the emergence of the running game kept the chains moving the last two weeks. While the game plan will likely be different than last week, the idea remains the same. WMU needs to use a steady dose of the ground game to pick up three to four yards on first down. From there, quarterback Alex Carder can turn to his receivers and not feel the pressure of third-and-long situations. If Dareyon Chance can continue to sneak his way through traffic like he did last week the ground game will be in good shape. Against a bigger, more-physical defense Antoin Scriven should see the field a bit more to pound the ball.
While it goes down as a pass, WMU utilized the wide receiver screen pass last week as an extended run play to alleviate Minnesota?s pass-rushing defensive ends. There will another helping of those plays today. Carder and freshman go-to receiver Jaime Wilson didn?t quite have the deep ball chemistry down last week, but if the weather doesn?t get too bad there may be some long balls in the play book this afternoon. Don?t forget, Wilson has also proven he can throw the ball.
Third down: Keep the laundry off the field
This one is simple: Western Michigan can?t shoot themselves in the foot with penalties. The Broncos did a nice job last week and they gained a lead, before a second-quarter letdown. It?s going to take a lot to beat UConn without penalties so smart football is a big key.
Fourth down: Ball security
The forecast shows a good chance of rain, wind gusts and chilly air. The football naturally becomes harder to secure in those conditions so the Broncos must take care of the ball. They struggled in the first two games of the season, but did a much better job last week against Minnesota. That must continue against an aggressive UConn defense, otherwise WMU's chances of winning decrease. Take last night's Louisiana-Monroe vs. Baylor game. The underdog ULM was driving late in the game to take the lead and the quarterback fumbled. Baylor recovered the fumble and scored a touchdown to put the game out of reach.
Recap: The Broncos let a win get away from them last week in Minneapolis. That frustration along with a disappointing effort against Illinois leaves WMU hungry for a win over a BCS opponent. If you couldn't tell by my four areas of emphasis, I think this game will come down to the matchup between WMU's offense and UConn's defens. The Huskies bring in a tough defense and are eager to avenge last year?s loss at home to the Broncos, but WMU knows what it takes to beat this team. That confidence combined with playing at Waldo Stadium, where the Broncos haven?t lost since 2010, the Big East?s first appearance in Kalamazoo will only be memorable for the Mid-American Conference host.
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Four downs with David Drew: Previewing Western Michigan vs. UConn
First down: Bring the beef
The statistics present a tough challenge for Western Michigan. Connecticut enters today?s game giving up an average of 1.5 yards per-carry and 51 yards per-game. The Broncos? ground game will need a good push from the big boys on the offensive line to keep their running game going after a successful showing in Minneapolis. WMU is averaging just under 130 yards per-game on the ground. UConn?s secondary is also a solid unit and Carder will need every second he can get to survey the field.
On the other side, UConn?s offense relies on running the ball. The Huskies are averaging just under 112 yards per-game. WMU is a little under-sized up front compared to most BCS-level teams, but through three games, including two BCS schools, the Broncos have gotten the job done. That has to continue. If the Broncos are to win the game they have to win the line of scrimmage.
Second down: Just move the chains
Every WMU player who scored points in last year?s 38-31 win at UConn is no longer on the team. The Broncos? passing game is still a work in progress, but the emergence of the running game kept the chains moving the last two weeks. While the game plan will likely be different than last week, the idea remains the same. WMU needs to use a steady dose of the ground game to pick up three to four yards on first down. From there, quarterback Alex Carder can turn to his receivers and not feel the pressure of third-and-long situations. If Dareyon Chance can continue to sneak his way through traffic like he did last week the ground game will be in good shape. Against a bigger, more-physical defense Antoin Scriven should see the field a bit more to pound the ball.
While it goes down as a pass, WMU utilized the wide receiver screen pass last week as an extended run play to alleviate Minnesota?s pass-rushing defensive ends. There will another helping of those plays today. Carder and freshman go-to receiver Jaime Wilson didn?t quite have the deep ball chemistry down last week, but if the weather doesn?t get too bad there may be some long balls in the play book this afternoon. Don?t forget, Wilson has also proven he can throw the ball.
Third down: Keep the laundry off the field
This one is simple: Western Michigan can?t shoot themselves in the foot with penalties. The Broncos did a nice job last week and they gained a lead, before a second-quarter letdown. It?s going to take a lot to beat UConn without penalties so smart football is a big key.
Fourth down: Ball security
The forecast shows a good chance of rain, wind gusts and chilly air. The football naturally becomes harder to secure in those conditions so the Broncos must take care of the ball. They struggled in the first two games of the season, but did a much better job last week against Minnesota. That must continue against an aggressive UConn defense, otherwise WMU's chances of winning decrease. Take last night's Louisiana-Monroe vs. Baylor game. The underdog ULM was driving late in the game to take the lead and the quarterback fumbled. Baylor recovered the fumble and scored a touchdown to put the game out of reach.
Recap: The Broncos let a win get away from them last week in Minneapolis. That frustration along with a disappointing effort against Illinois leaves WMU hungry for a win over a BCS opponent. If you couldn't tell by my four areas of emphasis, I think this game will come down to the matchup between WMU's offense and UConn's defens. The Huskies bring in a tough defense and are eager to avenge last year?s loss at home to the Broncos, but WMU knows what it takes to beat this team. That confidence combined with playing at Waldo Stadium, where the Broncos haven?t lost since 2010, the Big East?s first appearance in Kalamazoo will only be memorable for the Mid-American Conference host.
Injuries ? UConn: CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson (hamstring) probable; DE Jesse Joseph (Achilles'), DE Teddy Jennings (knee), out. Western Michigan: TE Matt Cutler (stinger) questionable; WR Josh Schaffer (shoulder), WR Justin Collins (hamstring), probable; WR Eric Monette (ankle), WR Timmy Keith (ACL), DE Chris Prom (knee) out.
Five Things About The Game
Are the inexperienced ready? UConn junior Tim Willman and true freshman E.J. Norris are replacing senior starter Jesse Joseph (out for season) at defensive end in what should be a challenging game. Joseph tore his Achilles' at Maryland last week, and now Willman (two tackles this season) and Norris (no tackles) face outstanding quarterback Alex Carder and running back in Dareyon Chance. Chance rushed for 144 yards in Western Michigan's 28-21 loss to Minnesota. Joseph was a run-stopper on the outside, forced the rush inside, and was the anchor opposite sack specialist Trevardo Williams. The only other defensive end with experience is Teddy Jennings and he went down in Week 1 with a season-ending knee injury. Willman and Norris could be spelled by redshirt freshman Kenton Adeyemi and sophomore Jonathan Louis, also inexperienced.
Focus, focus: If the Huskies leave Waldo Stadium with a win, no easy task, they return home to play another MAC team (Buffalo, their third MAC opponent) with a good chance of going 4-1 in nonconference games. The Huskies were 2-3 after five games last season, and that fifth game was a 38-31 loss to the Broncos at Rentschler Field. Carder tossed a touchdown pass in the last two minutes. The Huskies finished 5-7 in 2011. A 4-1 start could lead to better things once Big East play begins, but the Huskies can't get there until they go 3-1. So, they need to focus from start to finish on both sides of the ball.
Find a running game: Lyle McCombs rushed for 136 yards on 24 carries against Western Michigan last year. His longest gain was 65 yards. McCombs has rushed for 236 yards on 70 carries in three games this season. His longest run is 15 yards. Something is wrong with the running game, and what has become increasingly clear is there is little margin for error with this offense. Everything has to be clicking for plays to be successful. If not, well, you've seen the struggles in the last three games. The running game has to get better. It improved a bit against Maryland with McCombs picking up 94 yards on 27 carries, but it needs to show more if for no other reason than reducing the opportunities for Carder.
Get ready secondary: UConn coach Paul Pasqualoni said Blidi Wreh-Wilson, the Huskies' senior cornerback and captain, is probable for the game. Wreh-Wilson tweaked a hamstring last week and didn't play against the Terps. Opposite senior Dwayne Gratz, who had an interception in the 24-21 win over Maryland, was junior Taylor Mack, who filled in nicely. The Huskies also played a lot of three safety sets with freshman Andrew Adams joining Ty-Meer Brown and Byron Jones. Carder could see some of that; the UConn secondary certainly will see a lot of balls coming its way. Getting Wreh-Wilson back should be huge. Carder could go after Mack if Wreh-Wilson has a setback or is limited. Mack must be prepared. "I think our safety group has a really strong core," said Adams. "Ty-Meer and Byron are the leaders and they're helpful to us in practice and in the games by letting you know where you should be."
They won't look the same: Carder had some proven receivers last year. That's why he was able to throw for more than 3,800 yards and 31 touchdowns. His main target, Jordan White, was the leading receiver in Division I-A last year (140 catches, 1,911 yards). He had 12 catches for 173 yards and two touchdowns against the Huskies. Gone. Two other receivers, Chleb Ravenell and Robert Arnheim, were a couple of 60-reception guys. Gone. Ravenell had nine catches for 123 yards and two TDs against UConn, and Arnheim caught 10 for 113. Carder and the new group of receivers are getting to know each other, though he has found a favorite in freshman Jaime Wilson (29 receptions for 330 yards, four TDs). Blake Hammond has 10 catches for 143 yards. The Broncos are young here. They're also banged up. Eric Monette is out with an ankle injury; Josh Schaffer (shoulder) and Justin Collins (hamstring) aren't 100 percent, and neither is tight end Matt Cutler, listed as questionable after sustaining a stinger last week against Minnesota.
Five Things About The Game
Are the inexperienced ready? UConn junior Tim Willman and true freshman E.J. Norris are replacing senior starter Jesse Joseph (out for season) at defensive end in what should be a challenging game. Joseph tore his Achilles' at Maryland last week, and now Willman (two tackles this season) and Norris (no tackles) face outstanding quarterback Alex Carder and running back in Dareyon Chance. Chance rushed for 144 yards in Western Michigan's 28-21 loss to Minnesota. Joseph was a run-stopper on the outside, forced the rush inside, and was the anchor opposite sack specialist Trevardo Williams. The only other defensive end with experience is Teddy Jennings and he went down in Week 1 with a season-ending knee injury. Willman and Norris could be spelled by redshirt freshman Kenton Adeyemi and sophomore Jonathan Louis, also inexperienced.
Focus, focus: If the Huskies leave Waldo Stadium with a win, no easy task, they return home to play another MAC team (Buffalo, their third MAC opponent) with a good chance of going 4-1 in nonconference games. The Huskies were 2-3 after five games last season, and that fifth game was a 38-31 loss to the Broncos at Rentschler Field. Carder tossed a touchdown pass in the last two minutes. The Huskies finished 5-7 in 2011. A 4-1 start could lead to better things once Big East play begins, but the Huskies can't get there until they go 3-1. So, they need to focus from start to finish on both sides of the ball.
Find a running game: Lyle McCombs rushed for 136 yards on 24 carries against Western Michigan last year. His longest gain was 65 yards. McCombs has rushed for 236 yards on 70 carries in three games this season. His longest run is 15 yards. Something is wrong with the running game, and what has become increasingly clear is there is little margin for error with this offense. Everything has to be clicking for plays to be successful. If not, well, you've seen the struggles in the last three games. The running game has to get better. It improved a bit against Maryland with McCombs picking up 94 yards on 27 carries, but it needs to show more if for no other reason than reducing the opportunities for Carder.
Get ready secondary: UConn coach Paul Pasqualoni said Blidi Wreh-Wilson, the Huskies' senior cornerback and captain, is probable for the game. Wreh-Wilson tweaked a hamstring last week and didn't play against the Terps. Opposite senior Dwayne Gratz, who had an interception in the 24-21 win over Maryland, was junior Taylor Mack, who filled in nicely. The Huskies also played a lot of three safety sets with freshman Andrew Adams joining Ty-Meer Brown and Byron Jones. Carder could see some of that; the UConn secondary certainly will see a lot of balls coming its way. Getting Wreh-Wilson back should be huge. Carder could go after Mack if Wreh-Wilson has a setback or is limited. Mack must be prepared. "I think our safety group has a really strong core," said Adams. "Ty-Meer and Byron are the leaders and they're helpful to us in practice and in the games by letting you know where you should be."
They won't look the same: Carder had some proven receivers last year. That's why he was able to throw for more than 3,800 yards and 31 touchdowns. His main target, Jordan White, was the leading receiver in Division I-A last year (140 catches, 1,911 yards). He had 12 catches for 173 yards and two touchdowns against the Huskies. Gone. Two other receivers, Chleb Ravenell and Robert Arnheim, were a couple of 60-reception guys. Gone. Ravenell had nine catches for 123 yards and two TDs against UConn, and Arnheim caught 10 for 113. Carder and the new group of receivers are getting to know each other, though he has found a favorite in freshman Jaime Wilson (29 receptions for 330 yards, four TDs). Blake Hammond has 10 catches for 143 yards. The Broncos are young here. They're also banged up. Eric Monette is out with an ankle injury; Josh Schaffer (shoulder) and Justin Collins (hamstring) aren't 100 percent, and neither is tight end Matt Cutler, listed as questionable after sustaining a stinger last week against Minnesota.
