Western Michigan University NCAA News

The 32nd Shrum Bowl saw SFU Clansmen defeat UBC T-Birds 30-1. Photograph by: Ian Smith, Vancouver Sun, Vancouver Sun More misery for the UBC Thunderbirds, but a lifeline for the Simon Fraser Clan.

Western Michigan sophomore point guard Mikey Douglas, left, and senior guard David Kool listen during a timeout in WMU's exhibition game last Saturday against K-College. Douglas was one of a bevy of Detroit-born Broncos to experience tragedy last season, a season of which Kool said, "I've really never been a part of anything like that." Broncos ...

Even Keith Nichol has joined in on the fun. His 7-yard TD pass to Dion Sims makes it 49-14 Spartans with 5:59 to play in the fourth quarter.

The third play from scrimmage got it started for MSU. Facing a third-and-1 at their 29, the Spartans called for Ashton Leggett to get his second carry of the season.

Numbers don't always tell the story. Sometimes, though, they do. Statistically, Western Michigan University's defense is among the worst in the nation, ranked 108th out of 120 Division I-A football teams, giving up 426 yards per game.

WMU quarterback Tim Hiller pauses after throwing an incomplete pass during the first half Saturday in East Lansing.

Michigan State didn't get any better or any worse in blasting Western Michigan, 49-14, for its fifth victory of the season.

Western Michigan has beaten a team from a Bowl Championship Series conference in each of the previous three seasons.

The Awards and Recognition Association today revealed the top 10 finalists for its annual sportsmanship award , given to one outstanding NCAA Division I collegiate football player who best personifies the spirit of sportsmanship.

Bowl eligibility. Both teams are coming off losses and need to win two more games to have a chance to play in the postseason.

The ache inside Mikey Douglas is still too raw to avoid the random sighs and unplanned moments of reflection.

Call it the Western Michigan University football team's "November Magic." It's Louis Delmas chanting "Big MAC!, Little Ten!" through a cheerleader's megaphone after the Broncos secured a 23-17 win against Illinois last season at Ford Field.

Kevin Hogan, left, and Monte Simmons have wreaked havoc on opposing quarterbacks this season, leading a Kent State defense that's tallied a MAC-best 26 sacks.

Spencer Keith threw for 373 yards and two touchdowns to lead Kent State to a 26-14 victory over Western Michigan on Saturday.

Until Saturday night, Brandon West had no idea he was on the doorstep of his greatest milestone yet.

Florida quarterback Tim Tebow and Texas quarterback Colt McCoy are among 14 finalists for the Campbell Trophy, given to the nation's top senior scholar-athlete in college football.

Western Michigan wide receiver Trey Smith makes a catch over a Buffalo defender during the second half Saturday.

Game analysis: So much for trying to repeat. It will take a monumental collapse from either Temple, Kent State or Ohio for UB to win the MAC's East Division after Saturday's loss to Western Michigan.

Sophomore kicker John Potter earned the right to be a little cocky. John A. Lacko / Special to the Kalamazoo Gazette Western Michigan University's John Potter watches his kick as it passes through the uprights for the game-winning field goal in overtime on Saturday.

John Potter's 28-yard field goal in overtime gave Western Michigan a 34-31 victory over Buffalo Saturday in Mid-American Conference play.