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| | Saturday, September 2 Broncos bucking to be in playoff mix | |||||
| By George Porter Special to ESPN.com Western Michigan Broncos 1999 record: 7-5 (6-2 MAC) Coach: Gary Darnell Returning starters: 14 (8 offense, 6 defense) Outlook Tim Lester was to Western Michigan what Chad Pennington was to Marshall. Lester led the Broncos to their first playoff appearance since 1988 and now the Broncos are forced to replace him. That task falls to junior quarterback Jeff Welsh, who is a good athlete and knows the offense. One luxury Welsh has is returning 1,000-yard rusher Robert Sanford. Sanford should get 1,000 yards for the third time in his career thanks to the fact he's get to run behind the bulk of his 1999 starting offensive line. Senior center Colin Greczek anchors a line that also features Paul Lambert, Matt Stover and Jeff Hinson. Another perk for Welsh -- senior split-end Steve Neal, who had over 1,100 yards receiving last year. The defense is led by senior linebacker Mario Evans. Evans must match his 100 tackle season for the Broncos to have a chance. If the defense can keep the offense in games, then the Broncos might have a chance of contending with Toledo in the West. Keep an eye on ... WR Steve Neal. Neal has NFL-type skills, size and speed. He will make Welsh's transition that much easier. It's a good year if ... Jeff Welsh can pick up near where Lester left off. If he does that, the Broncos could be in the playoff mix. |
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