Last year, it ranked 27th in Success Rate, including an impressive eighth against the pass. Western Michigan’s defense is among the best in the MAC. The Broncos also lose three starting offensive linemen and four of their top five receivers from last year, including Kansas City Chiefs second-round pick Skyy Moore. Kaleb Eleby had been the starting quarterback of this offense for the last couple of years and played well before leaving for the NFL as an undrafted free agent. Unfortunately for Western Michigan, it’s probably not the team to take advantage of this. The way to attack this defense last year was through the air, where it ranked 104th in Passing Success Rate. Replacing Walker and three starting offensive linemen will be the largest task for Mel Tucker’s offense this season.ĭefensively, nine starters return and the unit should improve on its Success Rate from last year. Kenneth Walker III, who was a first-team All-American and carried this offense at running back, left for the NFL. If they regress to the mean, there’s a chance they disappoint this season. In reality, they were carried by explosive plays on both sides of the ball. The Spartans ranked just 62nd in Offensive Success Rate and 93rd in Defensive Success Rate.
This sounds great until you realize this team was not quite as good as its record shows. Michigan State went 11-2 and climbed to as high as fifth in the AP Top 25 last season.
