By the Numbers:
Central Michigan (3-6, 2-3 MAC) will travel to Kalamazoo on Saturday to take on arch rival Western Michigan (1-9, 1-5 MAC). The two teams have met 84 times, with Western holding a 45-37-2 advantage.
The Chippewas have a one, two punch with freshman quarterback Cooper Rush and junior Titus Davis. Rush has gained valuable experience as a starting quarterback since being pressed into service early in the season. Davis boasts an NCAA best 19.2 career yards per reception. Junior Dion Butler leads CMU tight ends in receptions with 10. Senior tight end Connor Odykirk has caught two touchdown passes. Sophomore Saylor Lavallii has 774 yards rushing.
The Bronco's leading receiver is Corey Davis, who has caught 61 passes and six touchdowns. Corey Davis is the younger brother of CMU receiver Titus Davis. Bronco freshman quarterback Zach Terrell has thrown for eight touchdowns and 1,316 yards. Western Michigan is ranked 10th nationally in pass defense.
Four Names to Know:
Alex Niznak, CMU sophomore quarterback from Siberia. Niznak's talent has been wasting on the CMU bench. A Niznak appearance in a maroon and gold uniform is long overdue given that CMU's 2013 season is now lost.
The Davis Brothers, it would help to make the game more interesting if they could change uniforms and teams at halftime.
Buster, the Bronco's mascot, his appearance always livens things up. Buster will be guarding the Waldo Stadium entrances on Saturday against Chippewa fans trying to sneak in their new macot, "Chippy", a hereford cow.
How to Watch:
TV: ESPN3
Listen:
CMU fans: 98.5 FM WUPS covering all of central and northern Michigan.
WMU fans: 96.5 FM, WKZO covering Kalamazoo