NASSAU, BAHAMAS (WKZO-AM) — Western Michigan University has won its first bowl game in school history, beating Middle Tennessee State 45-31 in the Bahamas Bowl.
The teams were evenly-matched through three quarters, but the Broncos ran away with the game in the fourth. With five minutes remaining, Rontavious Atkins’ 29-yard interception return to the 4-yard line set Western up to score another touchdown and put the game out of reach.
The Blue Raiders appeared to be out of steam after that, giving up a sack and dropping a series of passes.
The real star of the game for Western was running back Jamauri Bogan, who rushed for 215 yards and four touchdowns. Bogan averaged over 11 yards a carry.
Quarterback Zach Terrell was 18-26 for 297 yards and two touchdowns. Corey Davis had eight catches for 183 yards and a touchdown. Daniel Braverman added five receptions for 101 yards and a score.
It was a banner year for Western. The team won eight games twice in consecutive seasons for the first time in school history. They also picked up their first victory over a ranked team, upsetting Toledo on the road to close out the regular season.
– John McNeill
