WMU vs. CMU "Battle for the Cannon"

KALAMAZOO, Mich. - Once the clock hit triple zeros last weekend the Western Michigan Football team knew it was the official start of 'Central Week.' The Broncos head up to Mount Pleasant to take on the Chippewas of Central Michigan this Saturday.

Coming off a 48-34 loss to Northern Illinois where the Broncos racked up nearly 500 yards of total offense, WMU looks to win at Central Michigan for the first time since 2002.

"I want to be that coach and this team wants to be that team that changes WMU history," said head coach Bill Cubit.

The last time WMU beat Central in Mt. Pleasant was on Nov. 23, 2002 and hasn't beaten the Chippewas on the road during the Cubit era. Last year however was a different story as the Broncos handed the Chippewas a 44-14 loss at Waldo Stadium. Cubit, along with the WMU squad this year, hopes for the same story.

"We just have to go up there and make a statement that we are here to win," said Cubit. "We're going to just have fun and let it fly."

Senior wide receiver Eric Monette, who had a career matching eight catches and a career high 142 yards and two touchdowns last Saturday against Northern Illinois, looks to complete his career with a win against Central Michigan on the road.

"It means a lot and I know that everybody really wants this victory," said Monette. "It's really my last hoorah."

With the Broncos at 3-6 (1-4 MAC), and chances dwindling of bowl eligibility, the rivalry between CMU becomes that much more important.

"This game can more or break our season," said Monette. "We have to match their intensity and just control what we do best."

The rivalry continues on Saturday at 1 p.m. This game represents the fifth time both teams will be playing for the "Battle of the Cannon" trophy.