WMU Press Conference for Eastern Illinois

Coach Cubit (audio) - MAC Teleconference

KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The Broncos started off the season a way no team wants to with a 24-7 loss to Illinois on Saturday. WMU was held to only 259 total yards offensively and made mental mistakes including three interceptions from quarterback Alex Carder and offensively having six fumbles.

At today's press luncheon, head coach Bill Cubit was disappointed with the outcome but knows that the team will move on for the upcoming game against Eastern Illinois.

"I was disappointed during and after the game and watching the film as well," said Cubit. "So many opportunities and we just didn't convert."

The lone touchdown of the game for the Broncos was an eight-yard pass from Carder to junior Jaime Wilson in the waning seconds of the third quarter. WMU seemed to gain momentum early in the fourth quarter until Carder threw his third interception of the day that ultimately sealed the game.

"We didn't have many big plays," said Cubit. "We just move on now and learn from it."

Though the outcome of the game was bleak, one bright spot was the WMU defense. Junior Johnnie Simon made 18 tackles, which matches a career-high. With the 18 tackles, Simon leads the nation in total tackles per game.

"We played pretty good as a team," said Simon. "But just not good enough to win the game."

This week the Broncos play an Eastern Illinois team that is coming off 49-29 win against Southern Illinois. Eastern Illinois quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo threw for 369 yards and five touchdowns. A fast paced offense that will test the WMU defense.

"I'm excited and it's going to be a good game," said Simon. "It will be challenging for our defense this week."

The coaches aren't looking past the Panthers of Eastern Illinois either. 

"They're good offensively with a good quarterback and a fast-tempo offense," said Cubit.