KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO) – The Broncos are now 6 games into their 12 game schedule and going with the college theme it’s time to hand out our mid-term report card.
Quarterbacks: Alex Carder has been nothing short of amazing this year. His stats of 1678 yards, almost 70% completion rate and 15 touchdowns with only 5 interceptions has solidified him as the best quarterback in the MAC and one of the best in the country. Carder has made Broncos fans forget all about Tim Hiller. Carder has already this season broken Hiller’s school record for passing yards in a game with 479 against UConn. Backup quarterback Tyler VanTubbergen, has been solid as well in limited action. GRADE: A
Running Backs: A lot was expected out of the Broncos running backs in 2011 and while at times they have preformed admirable, they have also disappointed in some games. Tevin Drake and Brian Fields lead the team in rushing with 311 and 196 yards receptively. While the production has been off from the backs, it has not necessary hurt the offense. With the return of Kevin Galaher and an easier 2nd half schedule expect the Broncos running game to get back on track and soon. GRADE: B-
Wide Receivers: Based on what Jordan White has done this season alone I’d give the wide receiving core an A. His 67 receptions and 824 lead not only the MAC but the nation. But it’s what the other receivers have accomplished that has given this group an even higher grade. Robert Arnheim has been Mr. Reliable, and Chleb Ravenell has been a touchdown machine lately. GRADE: A +
Tight Ends: The tight ends have an unfair disadvantage due to the lack of use in Bill Cubit’s offensive system. Still they have been the most disappointing area on the offense. Clark Mussman, Blake Hammond, and Dallas Walker have underperformed in not only receptions but in helping with pass and run blocking. Expect minimal improvement in the 2nd half. GRADE C-
Offensive Line: Despite being hampered by injuries, the O-Line has been alright. It was obvious in the Michigan and Illinois game that they were overmatched and oversized, but they still battled and Coach Cubit was impressed by their play. Anthony Parker and Dann O’Neil have done a great job leading the O-line. The return of Kevin Galaher at center will have this grade higher at the end of the season. GRADE: B-
Defensive Line: Team Train Wreck has been as good as advertised. Drew Nowak is 4th on the team in tackles with 35. Freddie Bishop has really improved since the beginning of the season and leads the team with 6.5 tackles for loss and 4 sacks. Junior Paul Hazel has been the only disappointment on the D-Line so far. After leading the team in sacks with 8, he has failed to record a sack this season. GRADE: A
Linebackers: Mitch Zajac leads the team in tackles with 46 tackles and has been the vocal leader of the 3rd ranked MAC scoring defense. True Freshman Devon Brant has started 4 games at the Mike Linebacker position and looks much more confident as each game passes. Rover Johnnie Simon has replaced Jamail Barry just fine and improves every game. GRADE: A
Secondary: After spending his first few years at running back, Aaron Winchester had made the successful switch to the cornerback position. His toughness and hard nose attitude fit in perfectly with Coach Cohen’s defense. Lewis Toler had 5 interceptions last year and has none this year, but don’t expect him to remain shutout in the interception category. Doug Wiggans has looked like a new player this season, showing ball hawking skills we all knew he had. Wiggans leads the team with 5 pass breakups GRADE: A -
Special Teams Kickers: John Potter is a perfect 24-24 at PATs but only 9-12 at FG Attempts, missing key field goals at Michigan and Illinois. Ben Armer ranks 5th in the MAC in punting, averaging 41.6 yards per punt. GRADE: A-
Special Teams Returners: Jordan White and Dervon Wallace have made the offense’s job much easier giving them great starting fielding position White and Wallace both lead the MAC in punt return and kick return average. GRADE: A
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