Western Michigan Broncos

NCAAF – MAC

2022-2023 TEAM LEADERS

Western Michigan Broncos

The Western Michigan Broncos are a college football team representing Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Competing in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), the Broncos have a long history of success and have produced many talented players and coaches throughout the years.

Western Michigan Broncos Standings

The Western Michigan Broncos have had a mixed record in recent years, with some strong seasons and some disappointing ones. In 2022, the Broncos finished with a record of 8-5, including a victory in the Frisco Bowl. This was the Broncos’ best record since 2016, when they went 13-1 and appeared in the Cotton Bowl Classic.

The Broncos are currently ranked #62 in the 2023 College Football Playoff rankings. They will open the season on September 3rd against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

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Western Michigan Broncos Team News and History

The Western Michigan Broncos football program was established in 1906, with their first season taking place in 1906. Since then, the Broncos have experienced both highs and lows, but they have remained committed to excellence and have continued to build on their legacy. In recent years, the Broncos have emerged as one of the top programs in the MAC, with several conference championships and bowl game appearances.

Team Key Stats

The Western Michigan Broncos have achieved several notable statistics throughout their history, showcasing their accomplishments on the field. Some of the key stats include:
Overall Win-Loss Record (1906-2022): 544-463-25
Bowl Game Appearances: 10 (1961, 1988, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2022)
Bowl Game Record: 3-7
Conference Championships: 15 (6 MAC, 9 MIAC)
All-time Home Record: 299-154-14
Championships Won
The Western Michigan Broncos have experienced success in terms of championships, with a total of 15 conference championships to their name. Of these, six are MAC championships and nine are Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAC) championships. While the Broncos have yet to capture a national championship, their dominance in the MIAC and MAC demonstrates their ability to compete at a high level.

Important Team Events

The Western Michigan Broncos have experienced several important events throughout their history. Some of the most notable events include:

• First football season in 1906: The Broncos played their first football season in 1906, marking the beginning of their storied football history.
• First conference championship in 1928: The Broncos won their first conference championship in 1928, taking home the MIAC title.
• Joining the Mid-American Conference in 1946: The Broncos’ entry into the MAC marked the beginning of a new era for the program, providing them with a stable conference home and new opportunities for growth
• First bowl game appearance in 1961: Western Michigan made their first bowl game appearance in the 1961 Aviation Bowl, facing off against the New Mexico State Aggies.
• First bowl win in 2000: The Broncos won their first bowl game in 2000, defeating the Marshall Thundering Herd in the Motor City Bowl.
• MAC West Division championship in 2015: The Broncos won their first MAC West Division championship in 2015, earning them a berth in the MAC Championship Game.
• MAC Championship Game appearance in 2015: The Broncos appeared in their first MAC Championship Game in 2015, losing to the Central Michigan Chippewas.
• Cotton Bowl Classic appearance in 2016: The Broncos appeared in their first Cotton Bowl Classic in 2016, losing to the Alabama Crimson Tide.
  MAC West Division championship in 2016: The Broncos won their second MAC West Division championship in 2016, earning them a berth in the MAC Championship Game.
• MAC Championship Game appearance in 2016: The Broncos appeared in their second MAC Championship Game in 2016, losing to the Toledo Rockets.
• Bahamas Bowl appearance in 2019: The Broncos appeared in the Bahamas Bowl in 2019, defeating the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders.
  

   

  Top Players in College History

  The Western Michigan Broncos have produced numerous talented players throughout their history, many of whom have gone on to have successful careers in the NFL. Some of the most notable players in Broncos history include:

• Greg Jennings (WR, 2001-2005): Jennings was a standout wide receiver for the Broncos.
• Corey Davis (WR, 2013-2016): Davis was a dynamic wide receiver for the Broncos, earning First Team All-MAC honors in 2015 and 2016. He was drafted in the first round by the Tennessee Titans in 2017 and has since become a reliable target for quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
• Corey Davis, Western Michigan BroncosJoe Staley (OT, 2003-2006): Staley was a dominant offensive tackle for the Broncos, earning First Team All-MAC honors in 2006. He was drafted in the first round by the San Francisco 49ers in 2007 and went on to have a highly successful NFL career.
• Joe Staley, Western Michigan BroncosJason Babin (DE, 2000-2003): Babin was a dominant pass rusher for the Broncos, earning MAC Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2003. He was drafted in the first round by the Houston Texans in 2004 and went on to play for several teams during his NFL career, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections.
• Jason Babin (DE, 2000-2003): Babin was a dominant pass rusher for the Broncos, earning MAC Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2003. He was drafted in the first round by the Houston Texans in 2004 and went on to play for several teams during his NFL career, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections.

Top Coaches in College History

The Western Michigan Broncos have been led by several talented coaches throughout their history, each contributing to the program’s growth and success. Here are some of the most notable coaches in Broncos history:

• Bill Doolittle (1924-1940): Doolittle served as head coach for the Broncos for 17 seasons, leading the team to a 78-34-8 record during his tenure. He is credited with establishing Western Michigan as a respected football program in the Midwest.
• Bill Doolittle, Western Michigan BroncosAl Molde (1974-1986): Molde coached the Broncos for 13 seasons, earning a 68-73-2 record during his tenure. He led the team to two bowl game appearances and two conference championships, cementing his place as one of the most successful coaches in Broncos history.
• Gary Darnell (1997-2004): Darnell served as head coach for the Broncos for eight seasons, earning a 58-44 record during his tenure. He led the team to two conference championships and three bowl game appearances, including the team’s first-ever bowl win in the 2000 Mid-American Conference Championship Game.
• Gary Darnell, Western Michigan BroncosP.J. Fleck (2013-2016): Fleck coached the Broncos for four seasons, leading the team to a 30-22 record during his tenure. He revitalized the program with his high-energy approach, leading the team to their first-ever Cotton Bowl Classic appearance in 2016. Fleck’s success at Western Michigan earned him a head coaching position at the University of Minnesota.
• P.J. Fleck, Western Michigan BroncosTim Lester (2017-Present): Lester has been the head coach of the Broncos since 2017, leading the team to a 16-20 record in his first three seasons. Though he has yet to win a conference championship,
• Lester’s offensive-minded approach and commitment to player development have made him a popular figure among Broncos fans, and there is optimism for the team’s future under his leadership.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Western Michigan Broncos’ mascot?

The Western Michigan Broncos’ mascot is Waldo the Bronco. Waldo is a blue and gold bronco with a white mane and tail. He is often seen wearing a Western Michigan football helmet and carrying a football.

What is the Western Michigan Broncos’ home stadium?

The Western Michigan Broncos’ home stadium is Waldo Stadium. Waldo Stadium is located on the campus of Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The stadium has a capacity of 30,000 people.

Who is the Western Michigan Broncos’ head coach?

The Western Michigan Broncos’ head coach is Tim Lester. Lester has been the head coach of the Broncos since 2017. He is a former college football player and coach.

What is the Western Michigan Broncos’ conference affiliation?

The Western Michigan Broncos are members of the Mid-American Conference (MAC). The MAC is a Division I FBS conference in the NCAA. The MAC has 12 member schools, all of which are located in the Midwestern United States.

What are the Western Michigan Broncos’ biggest rivals?

The Western Michigan Broncos’ biggest rivals are the Central Michigan Chippewas and the Toledo Rockets. The Broncos and Chippewas have played each other every year since 1946. The Broncos and Rockets have played each other every year since 1948. These games are always highly competitive and are known as the Battle for the Cannon and the Battle for the Victory Bell, respectively.