If we had a ballot for Coach of the Year, we might give Kennesaw's Jerry Mack a vote. That the Owls could win 10 games and the C-USA title in just their second year of FBS action should garner Mack a few votes. Even Indiana's Curt Cignetti didn't inherit a task so daunting, as Mack was able to improve Kennesaw's athleticism, with foot speed to unnerved conference foes. Meanwhile, Wofford transfer QB Amari Odom developed into a dual-threat playmaker responsible for 25 TDs. No knocks on Lance Taylor's MAC champ Broncos., but WMU didn't face this sort of defensive quickness since maybe the Illinois loss on September 13, and not sure any smashmouth tactics succeed at Myrtle Beach. Play Kennesaw State (at Conway, SC)
Man, this hurts me and I'm only doing a half-unit. So proud of Western, its best team since the Fighting Flecks of 2016. And I told myself, and perhaps I talk to myself way too much, that I bet I get an alumni/donation letter now. Sure enough Tuesday. I'm sure my $25 will find the next five-star QB. Or one-star and his lunch at Pizza Hut. It's basically the hook why I am playing this. WMU might be slightly better, but KSU has been pretty darn impressive. No apparent major opt-outs or transfers on either side. Western by a late field goal and life is good.
Western Michigan took its lumps with season-opening setbacks to a gauntlet of opponents -- Michigan State, North Texas (in OT), Illinois. That set up the Broncos to blow through their MAC schedule, losing just once SU. Their calling card is defense. The unit yields just 18.2 ppg, 14th best in FBS, and the yardage allowance is 15th. On offense, QB Broc Lowry is a dual threat, with six rushing and no passing TDs in the past four games -- all victories. Kennesaw State has lived a charmed life this season after winning twice outright a year ago. Fairy tales usually end, and the Owls' wondrous journey should close out with a loss.
