Western Michigan took the Victory Cannon for the third straight season in a 49-10 victory over Central Michigan.
This win also garnered the Broncos 76 votes in the Associated Press Poll, which made them the first team out in the Top 25 poll. They are now ranked 25th in USA Today Amway Coaches Poll, Western Michigan's first national ranking ever.
“It’s another ‘never’ that we’ve accomplished,” coach P.J. Fleck said.
Fleck also said that being ranked is not the end goal for his team.
“It’s part of our theme for the year, just like bamboo we want to grow higher,” Fleck said.
Western Michigan appears to be the best team in the Mid-American Conference after this victory, as they will most likely win the MAC West if they can beat Toledo later in the season.
Corey Davis sets MAC Record
Western Michigan receiver Corey Davis set the MAC career receiving record, which was previously set at 4,187 yards by former Bronco Jordan White. Davis ended the game with 4,252 yards, good for 11th in FBS history. Davis is 753 yards away from the record.
Davis also tied former NFL player and former Bronco Greg Jennings for the school record for touchdown catches at 39.
Northern Illinois Regaining Footing?
Northern Illinois picked up its first win of the season against Ball State, and earned the Bronze Stalk trophy.
Even though it was the Huskies first win of the season, a win to start MAC play could be huge for their confidence.
“We executed well enough to get the victory, but there is still room for improvement with this football team,” coach Rod Carey said. “But anytime you can go on the road, and get a road win in this conference, that is something you don’t underestimate at all.”
Protest at Eastern Michigan
Several weeks ago, a peaceful protest occurred during the Eastern Michigan game against Wyoming. After the game, protesters came onto the field, arm-in-arm.
The protest was in response to controversial graffiti messages spray painted in different parts of Eastern Michigan’s campus.
The protest did not affect the game, according to coach Chris Creighton.
“They stayed off the field during the entire game,” Creighton said. “They got pretty close to the playing surface at the very end. You just didn’t want anything to happen with the players on the field.”
Saturday will be Eastern Michigan’s first home game since the protest, and while there it is not known if there will be another protest, the potential for one is there.
“The administration has talked, and are prepared if there is going to be a demonstration,” Creighton said. “But there has not been one organized or planned, to my knowledge.”
