WMU vs. Connecticut - Round 2
KALAMAZOO, Mich. - Saturday marks the first time a Big East Conference school will be heading to Kalamazoo to take on the Broncos. The Connecticut Huskies roll into town with revenge on their mind as WMU beat the Huskies 38-31 last year.
The Broncos are coming off their second loss of the season against yet another Big Ten opponent in Minnesota 28-23. WMU had an opportunity at the end to win the game but the drive was halted by the Minnesota defense.
"We didn't make enough plays to win the game," said head coach Bill Cubit. "We didn't take advantage of the plays we needed to take advantage of."
For the third week in a row freshman receiver Jaime Wilson led the way for WMU with 10 catches for 117 yards and one touchdown. It was Wilson's second straight 100-yard receiving game and he is becoming more and more of a threat for the opposing defense.
"He's had to carry the load," said Cubit. "He's smart, engaged and he just gets it."
Junior running back Dareyon Chance also had himself a big day against the Big Ten on Saturday. Chance became the fifth running back in school history to rush for over 100 yards against a Big Ten school and his 144 yards are the most ever against a Big Ten team.
"A lot of times, defenders can't see me until I'm three or four yards down the field," said Chance.
The 5'5, 169-pound running back shouldered much of the load for the Broncos in the run game and looks forward to going up against Connecticut this week for the opportunity to repeat the same performance.
"I'm just taking advantage of the opportunity I am given," said Chance.
With the 24-21 win against Maryland last Saturday, Connecticut improved to 2-1 on the season. The Huskies are ranked third in the country in total defense and sacks and fifth in both rushing and passing defense. Though WMU beat the Huskies last year, that's the last thing on Cubit's mind.
"Yes, we won last year but last year was last year," said Cubit. "That's a totally different team now."
The Broncos take on the Huskies Saturday September 22 at Waldo Stadium, with kick-off being at 2 p.m. The game can be seen on ESPN3.
