KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The WMU football team will head out on the road for the three of the next four games beginning this week when the Broncos take on the Ball State Cardinals.

The Broncos are coming off a three-game home stand in which they went 2-1 with the most recent win coming against UMass 52-14 in the 89th annual homecoming game. Junior quarterback Tyler Van Tubbergen is coming off a five-touchdown game as the WMU offense had a relentless attack of the Minuteman defense.

"It was a good win and I was really pleased, " said head coach Bill Cubit. "We didn't turn the ball over and that was a plus."

The running game was a big part of the WMU win last Saturday as eight different players ran the ball for the Broncos. Leading the charge was junior Brian Fields who had 11 carries for 71 yards.

"The guys up front are making the holes for us, makes my job easy," said Fields.

This week the Broncos will face Ball State which ranks 21st nationally in total offense and 26th in passing offense.  Last week the Cardinals lost 35-23 to Northern Illinois, where they racked up 563 yards of total offense.

"They're playing really well and there passing game is outstanding," said Cubit. " Our defense has got their work cut out for them."

With WMU only suffering one MAC loss, while the Cardinals have suffered two, this game has significant meaning to the outcome of the MAC West for both teams.

"We're playing a team that is desperate for a win, just like us," said Cubit.

WMU has won the last two meetings between the teams by an average of 19.5 points. Battling to keep the hopes and dreams of a MAC West title alive, the Broncos look toward Saturday as the start of that run.

"Your going to have to tie your shoes up and bring your hard hat," said Fields. "I'm looking forward to it."