Ohio State’s big finish vs Notre Dame, Iowa has the most Iowa win, and don’t be fooled by the Nebraska final score. The Big Ten Week 1 rewind is live.
We may have gotten an early taste of Big Ten football in Week 0, but the Week 1 slate saw 13 of 14 Big Ten members in action from Thursday night through Saturday night. And it was a doozy to get us started. Ohio State had its mega showdown with Notre Dame in Ohio Stadium to highlight the weekend slate not just for the Big Ten, but the entire top 25.
Elsewhere, you simply had to see how Iowa won its game to believe it, and Nebraska somehow managed to come up with a final score that wasn’t nearly as comfortable as it might seem. Penn State started the weekend off with a thriller against Purdue on Thursday night, and Indiana followed the next night with a victory down to the wire against Illinois.
Northwestern was off in Week 1 after taking care of Nebraska in Week 0 in Ireland. Here’s how the rest of the weekend went around the Big Ten, including the Thursday and Friday results.
Western Michigan College Football Preview 2022: Team breakdown, season prediction, keys to the campaign, and what you need to know
Western Michigan continues to be SO frustrating.
The talent is there, but the consistent big seasons and wins aren’t. That’s a common theme in the MAC West, like with Toledo, but it just doesn’t make any sense.
The Broncos went 13-1 under PJ Fleck in 2016 and have been solid ever since – the program hasn’t had a losing season since 2013 – but last year’s team was No. 1 in the MAC in total defense, No. 2 in total offense, the running game was great, the skill guys were fantastic, the pass rush was among the best in the country, and the O line put up a phenomenal season, and …
Nope. Four MAC losses in a six game stretch killed the fun.
Beating Pitt was nice, and rolling a Nevada team without a slew of key parts was a good way to finish, but this needs to be a MAC Championship powerhouse, and that’s going to be tough this season.
Enough talent returns to be in the mix, but the schedule isn’t any easier, a slew of stars are gone, and it’s going to be hard to improve too much.
It’ll be a bowl season and another winning campaign, but Western Michigan is overdue to surprise on the positive side.
The offense was terrific, but there’s some reworking to do. The Broncos finished 12th in the nation in total offense and averaged 32.5 points per game thanks to a strong rushing offense and good balance. It’s all going to start with …
The offensive line has to be back to form. It was one of the strongest in the MAC last season doing a great job at keeping teams out of the backfield with the high sack total mostly coming from then-QB Kaleb Eleby trying to make things happening.
Three starters have to be replaced, but getting Eleasah Anderson from Sam Houston State – and Baylor before that – to fit in at left tackle is a plus. Jake Gideon is a good one in the interior – he’ll likely work at center – and there’s more reshuffling from there.
The rushing combination of Sean Tyler and La’Darius Jefferson is fantastic. These two combined for close to 2,000 yards with 19 touchdowns with the speed of Tyler and power of Jefferson working in a good rotation.
It’s going to be so, so hard to replace Eleby. He was an ultra-efficient playmaker who didn’t make a lot of mistakes and did a great job of pushing the ball down the field.
Now it’s a fight for the job with backup Jack Salopek a smallish passer with good accuracy and Mareyohn Hrabowski a big, tough option who can do a little of everything. Also entering the mix is Stone Hollenbach transferring from Alabama.
Skyy Moore was unstoppable with 96 catches for 1,293 yards and ten scores, but now he’s off in the Kansas City Chief attack. Third leading target Jaylen Hall is at WKU and top tight end Anthony Torres is off to Toledo. However, Corey Crooms is back after averaging over 17 yards per catch with 44 catches and six scores.
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Western Michigan Broncos Preview 2022: Defense
The defense was among the best in the nation at generating sacks, it was second in the nation in third down stops, and it finished first in the MAC in total defense allowing just 330 yards and 28 points per game.
Seven starters are back, but some of the star power is gone. The big problem is replacing …
Ali Fayad. He was the main man who got into the backfield, and Ralph Holley is done from the interior. Trying to help at tackle is Purdue transfer Bryce Austin, and Braden Fiske is a good playmaker on the nose. Andre Carter and Marshawn Kneeland aren’t Fayad, but they can get behind the line.
The linebacking corps is the team’s second biggest strength after running back. The top three tacklers are back with Corvin Moment, Zaire Barnes, and Ryan Selig all active tacklers with all-star potential.
The secondary has to pick off more passes, but it can tackle and it should be able to hold up just fine. Dorian Jackson broke up 12 passes and led the team with two picks, and in comes Anthony Romphf from Purdue to work at the other corner.
Delano Ware is a good veteran who made 40 stops and veteran Bricen Garner is back as a longtime part of the mix after finishing third on the team in tackles in 2020 before missing time last year.
Iowa football announced potentially the greatest game to be played… too bad we have to wait until 2028 to see it.
College Football GameDay has six years to prepare its coverage for what should be the game of the century.
Think of the greatest college football game you have ever witnessed. Nobody will ever forget where they were when Appalachian State knocked off Michigan in the upset of the century back in 2007. That field goal block sealed one of the greatest moments in sports history. Who could forget the battle between Texas‘ star quarterback Vince Young and USC‘s Heisman winner Reggie Bush at the 2006 Rose Bowl?
Those games are all mere child’s play to the contest announced by the University of Iowa on Friday.
In a game so important it needed an announcement six years beforehand to prepare fans, Iowa will play Western Michigan in 2028. The official twitter account stated, “Can’t say we didn’t give you a heads up.” Thankfully they did, as the date is already saved in my calendar.
While the Hawkeyes won their last matchup against Western Michigan 59-3 in 2013, the two games prior against the Broncos are still a sore subject for those in Iowa City. Western Michigan stunned the Hawkeyes in both 2000 and 2007.
The Broncos have become a formidable opponent in the MAC, going 32-25 under coach Tim Lester. The Broncos have not had a losing season since 2013 when they finished 1-11 in the worst season in program history with a baby-faced P.J. Fleck. The current Minnesota coach knows a thing or two about losing to the Hawkeyes, unable to solve Iowa in his five years coaching the Golden Gophers. Guess who was also at the helm for Western Michigan in that beatdown by Iowa?
Maybe Western Michigan has joined the Big Ten by this next matchup?! Would they be the next Rutgers, or could they create a slugfest against their in-state rivals? Maybe the Broncos are the team that can permanently dethrone Ohio State as king of the Big Ten!
In 2022, this matchup might not seem like anything really, a tuneup game for the Hawkeyes against a group of five opponent. However, with the ever-expanding universe of college football, don’t be surprised when this matchup determines who makes the College Football Playoff.
Okay, maybe that’s all a bit much, but let’s hope there is in fact some excitement surrounding this paycheck game when it rolls around in 2028.
James Franklin attends a massive football camp in Michigan with Jim Harbaugh and PJ Fleck
Football camp season is upon us, and Penn State head coach [autotag]James Franklin[/autotag] is once again embracing the opportunity to get out and connect with high school players from around the Big Ten footprint. On Thursday, Franklin attended the Michigan Football Showcase at Ferris State University. He wasn’t the only Big Ten coach in attendance either.
Franklin was one of four FBS coaches on hand for the event. The others were Michigan head coach [autotag]Jim Harbaugh[/autotag], Minnesota head coach [autotag]PJ Fleck[/autotag], and Western Michigan head coach Tim Lester. Nearly 500 high school football players attended the event. Central Michigan head coach Jim McElwain was also reportedly in attendance according to Ferris State. Franklin will square off against three of those coaches this upcoming season (Fleck, Harbaugh, and McElwain).
Franklin took time at the microphone to address the importance of high school players maximizing what they get out of the college experience. Franklin said he gets annoyed hearing some high school recruits say they will be attending a college for the next three years, with the expectation they are going to go straight to the NFL after that. Franklin hopes the message resonates, and perhaps leads to some potential recruiting opportunities for Penn State down the line.
Jim Harbaugh’s here at the Ferris State football camp, seated next to P.J. Fleck, James Franklin and Western Michigan’s Tim Lester. pic.twitter.com/J6JE019rmE
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Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with Western Michigan edge defender prospect Ali Fayad
Few players took advantage of the 2021 season quite like Western Michigan edge defender Ali Fayad.
He had a dominant shortened 2020 campaign, but Fayad exploded with the best year of his collegiate career this past season, placing fourth in the FBS with 13 sacks. He was a constant force to reckoned with in MAC backfields, being named the MAC Defensive Player of the Year for his efforts.
Draft Wire had the chance to speak exclusively with Fayad about his breakout year, his experience at the Shrine Bowl, his high-effort playing style, and much more.
JI: You’re coming off of a stellar year at Western Michigan. What went into this season and prepared you for a career year?
AF: We can start off when I got hurt in 2020; that really propelled me for this year, because it changed my whole mind and my mindset towards the game towards, towards my preparation, and just everything that has to do with [football]. When something gets taken from you, that you love, you really start to feel a certain type of way. You can’t control certain things, and that time goes by, man, it’s just all the hard work and the preparation that I put into it. My mindset was really all football 24/7 since the COVID year until 2021. I had subtle reminders around my house: I had a MAC logo taped around my ceiling over my bed. I had NFL logos taped over my bed and things like that. It was really just staying consistent in what I was doing, putting the right food in my body, stretching, going the extra mile just to get what I want.
JI: What did it mean to you to be named MAC Defensive Player of the Year?
AF: Man, it felt awesome. It was great to see my family happy. I’ve been really wanting this award since 2020; I thought I was gonna get it before I got hurt. It felt great, putting all that work and having those subtle reminders around your house. It’s everything coming to come into fruition. I made a whole playlist before the season, wrote down in my journal that I was gonna win the MAC Defensive Player of the Year and have double digit sacks and all those things coming together. It’s awesome to see that the hard work that you put in, it does pay off.
JI: Your hand activity and arsenal as a pass-rusher stands out on film. What’s gone into being able to play with as much urgency and quickness at the point of attack?
AF: Honestly, man, it’s very instinctual. Every time somebody has something funky, I got a counter for them. I always come with a plan. I watch a lot of film, and it’s the man above, God forever. It’s truly instinctual by me. I’m very focused on the film that I watch. I’m always watching my opponent before I play, but I just continue to keep going, just motor, man. It’s the will to get to the the quarterback and getting to the quarterback, it’s my favorite thing in the whole world.
(AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
JI: What’s your favorite pass-rushing move to execute?
AF: I love my spin. I love the ghost step, too. The offensive linemen’s hands having to slip off the back plate is a great feeling, coming up for you and then just cleaning up the quarterback. Swim and the dip are my two favorites.
JI: There’s a bit of debate about where you’ll play at the next level. In talking with teams, have you heard a consensus about where they want you lined up?
AF: I mean, most teams obviously see me as their 3-4 [edge rusher] because of my size. I’m not prototypical for the prototype defensive end, 4-3 in the ground. But I’ve also heard teams telling me I could play 4-3, they’d be flexible, because they see my physicality at the point of attack. They see that I like to use my hands, and I don’t get pushed around, and then if you watch the film, you know, I’m very stout, and I hold down edges and just know how to get to the quarterback if you put me on the edge.
JI: You had the chance to play in the East-West Shrine Game. What was that experience like?
AF: That experience was awesome, just going to actually get coached by the NFL coaches and then go on to play the top-tier players in the country felt good. Just for me to go out there and dominate it with my pass rush to make them look at what I bring it to the table, making everything look really nice while getting home. It just felt good to dominate and do what I had to do to just turn heads.
JI: On top of all the on-field stuff, you also got to meet with NFL teams. How did that process go?
AF: Oh, man, talking to them was awesome. Finally getting to know who I was, not just the person on the field, but off the field, getting to know how much I love the game. I’m a football guy 24/7, and I’m willing to do whatever. I’m down. Everybody in the draft will feel like it’s the bottom of the ocean, so I just really hope that they understand that about me, and that I’m gonna work hard, and I’ll do whatever.
Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
JI: Which edge rushers have you grown up idolizing?
AF: Growing up in high school, I’d watch Aldon Smith on the San Francisco 49ers. Watching him come off the edge, I watched him drop five sacks – I’m sorry, it was against the Bears – watched that live. So you know, watching him to see a dominant force off the edge. Another guy [I’m] watching: Von Miller; I utilized a lot of [his] moves. I tried to dip like him, get this spin coming out of nowhere like him. Another guy was actually Dwight Freeney that I was really starting to watch. I know that people will say me and him are very similar in size and whatnot. Just watching and seeing how he dominated dominated the game with over 100, 115 or 120 sacks, man.
I just tried to take what makes his spin move better than mine are you know, what steps is he see takin, how’s he getting out? [I’m] watching even Robert Mathis, man. I really love the game of football. I tried to take from all the GOATs, all the best, and I tried to implement it to my game as much because you know, I feel like I’m my own [guy], but yeah, those guys paved the way, so I just tried to give and take it, and I tried to give it on the field.
JI: How do you like to spend your free time outside of football?
AF: Outside of football, the past five years, even this last little couple more six months, spending in Texas training and what not…I really just like to chill, spend time with my family. I really like to talk to them and get to know them even more than I already do. You never know how much you can know about a person: even your mom, your dad, your sister. I just really like to chill with them, and the time that I have with them is very limited, and when I do have time, I really love to sit back and chill the family, and I got a couple of dogs I like to take the park and enjoy the nature and being outside. So I’m a really chill guy, but this snow right now in Michigan is killing me.
JI: What kind of dogs do you have?
AF: I have a white German Shepherd. My little sister has a Pomeranian, and I just got a couple of days ago a brand new, all-black German Shepherd.
JI: Let’s say I’m an NFL general manager. What would I be getting if I drafted you to my team?
AF: If you draft Ali Fayad, you’re getting a relentless workhorse that’s willing to do whatever it takes to win a Super Bowl and win every single game, every time I’m on the field. I’m gonna give them 125 percent. Once you get me, I always prove people wrong and always turn a lot of heads up on that field, so I’m that guy out there that people are always talking about.
Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Western Michigan wide receiver Skyy Moore
A consistently productive and dominant receiver in the Mid-American Conference, Western Michigan’s Skyy Moore will hope to churn out similar numbers at the next level as he enters the 2022 NFL draft.
Here is everything you need to know about the Broncos’ talented pass-catcher:
Western Michigan has a few prospects that could interest the Lions in the 2022 NFL draft class
Even with the free agent frenzy kicking off on Monday, the Detroit Lions continued to do their due diligence for the 2022 NFL draft. The Lions had multiple personnel on the scene in Kalamazoo for Western Michigan’s pro day for Broncos prospects.
Western Michigan has two prominent prospects for 2022: WR Skyy Moore and QB Kaleb Eleby. Moore is a 5-11 dynamo who can play inside or outside. He did not work out, choosing to keep his NFL scouting combine workout numbers. But Moore did run routes and catch passes from Eleby.
The quarterback did do workout drills, unofficially timed at 4.84 by one scout in attendance in the 40-yard dash. His exit velocity on throws stood out, and the passing drills reinforced the strong accuracy he showed on game tape.
Moore is generally projected in the second or third round, while Eleby gets slotted a couple of rounds later.
Two other Broncos to watch for Lions fans are likely undrafted free agents. EDGE Ali Fayad bagged 13 sacks in 2022 and has some good finishing power. He weighed in at just 248 pounds and did not have a great workout, however (32-inch vertical, 4.82 40-yard dash per one scout).
Offensive lineman Mike Caliendo was a five-year starter with experience at both guard and center. He thrived during the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl and has the intelligence and strength in the run game to merit a priority free agency look from Detroit.
Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with Western Michigan quarterback prospect Kaleb Eleby
Though he was dealt a bad hand with a shortened 2020 season, Western Michigan quarterback Kaleb Eleby made the most of it.
In just six games last year, Eleby threw for 1,715 yards, 18 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions. With him under center, the Broncos averaged a whopping 41.7 points per game, placing them in the top 10 in the FBS. Now, as he heads into the 2021 season with a full schedule ahead of him, he hopes to parlay his success into another strong year that can elevate him as a prospect for the 2022 NFL draft.
Draft Wire had the chance to speak exclusively with Eleby about maintaining his arm talent, which areas he intends on improving in going forward, how playing with 2021 second-round pick D’Wayne Eskridge helped both players’ development, and much more.
JI: You put together a really good year in 2020, but with the shortened season due to COVID, Western Michigan only played six games. What’s been the key for you maintaining that momentum and building off of it this year?
KE: The biggest key is just continuing to focus on the areas that I feel like I need to improve upon within my game. We fell short of our goal; we didn’t get a MAC championship, and we’re trying to do everything in our power in order to do so.
JI: Would you say there’s a specific area that you have in mind that you want to improve on, whether it’s a weakness of yours, or an area that you’re good at that you feel like you can be even better at?
KE: I would just say consistency, being able to execute at a high level consistently is the biggest thing. There’s really been a focus on execution and consistency all the way around, [on] leadership on and off the field. That was kind of my focus this offseason: trying to get ready for the upcoming year.
(AP Photo/Al Goldis)
JI: You might have one of the strongest arms in the nation right now. So, what goes into it? There’s not a lot of talk about what goes into the process of strengthening your arm as a quarterback. Is there like a specific workout that helps out with that, or would you say repetition in throwing helps out with that?
KE: I’ll have to say a combination of everything. Your body is the most important thing, and being able to take care of it at a high level allows you to be able to perform at a high level. I’ve really just been focusing on everything, head to toe, trying to improve everything. As far as taking care of my body, [I’ve done] extra treatment, kowtows on a regular basis, coming up with a routine that would just allow me to be able to be at my best consistently.
JI: Going back to your 2020 season, your teammate, D’Wayne Eskridge, got drafted in the second round this year. How did working with him help you out in your first year as a full-time starter, and how did you guys complement each other’s skill sets?
KE: Yeah, he was just a great guy to be around. He was a leader both on and off the field, and he had a lot of knowledge for the game, and the thing about it was we were able to communicate well; communication is definitely key…there was a lot that went into it as far as the communication aspect, and we really built that chemistry.
JI: Now that he’s gone, which receivers on your roster should fans keep an eye on to fill his role this year?
KE: Yeah, I mean, it takes 11 men; it’s an 11-man operation. I feel that we have a lot of guys [that are] going to step up. We’re bringing back two all-conference receivers in Jaylen Hall and Skyy Moore. We have a lot of [receivers] that are going to have a great opportunity to showcase what they can do in Corey Crooms, and we have a transfer Bryce Nunnelly just to name a few, but I’m pretty excited.
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
JI: When you’re preparing for a passing play, what are the first things that you’re looking for pre-snap, and immediately post-snap?
KE: I like seeing, “What is the look? What is the defense showing pre-snap?” Then, [I’m] trying to come up with things as far as what the defense could do post-snap, going back into the film study, what the game plan was earlier in the week, tendencies and the amount of film stuff that you watch it heading into the week that allows you to be able to kind of predict things a little bit before they’re happening or know what to expect.
JI: Would you say that if you had to choose, would mental preparation or physical preparation be more important?
KE: Personally, I always feel like the smarter players are always the better player, in my opinion.
JI: Which quarterbacks have you grown up idolizing, and is there anyone you’ve taken some parts of their game and applied it to yours?
KE: Yeah, I grew up watching Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Donovan McNabb, guys like that. I took the time out, going to watch over the years, just seeing what separates those guys from being good and great. It’s just the amount of work and preparation that goes into it: how they’re prepared, their attitude, the leadership both on and off the field. I try to take little nuggets from each one and try to make the complete, best version of myself.
JI: How do you like to spend your free time outside of football, and how were you spending your time this offseason outside of workouts and practices?
KE: So, I’m the oldest of five; I have four younger brothers, so just being able to talk a little ball with them; they all play football as well. [I’ve been] being around them and kind of being away from the game, but also teaching them some things that I know. It’s always fun just to watch them grow.
(AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
JI: Did growing up in that kind of environment with all those brothers add a bit more of a competitive edge? I’ve got a brother, so I know how that kind of stuff goes.
KE: Yeah, absolutely. Lot of wrestling going on in the house [laughs].
JI: Heading into this year, it doesn’t really seem like there’s a consensus QB1 in this class. With your name being in that conversation, what separates you from other quarterbacks in this class, and what do you think is your defining trait?
KE: I would have to say leadership. I just love to win. I feel like there’s a lot of guys who want to win just as much as me, but I feel like the offseason and the things that you do when people aren’t watching is where it really matters.
JI: Obviously, you’ve got a lot of time before you have to figure out your decision regarding the draft, but this year, what are you looking to prove to pro teams and scouts? What would they be getting if they’re looking to draft you to their team?
KE: I just want people who recognize me for who I am both on and off the field, my play, and who I am as a person. I think people who know me will be able to say that they’re going to get a hard worker: someone who loves to win.
Breaking down a trio of quarterback prospects who could improve their stock for the 2022 NFL draft with a strong showing in 2021
The 2021 NFL draft is only two months in the rearview mirror, but that doesn’t mean it’s too early to prepare for next year’s draft.
Five quarterbacks were taken in the first round, marking just the second time the feat has been accomplished in the 21st century. While the 2022 draft may not be as highly-touted at the position heading into the upcoming season, there is not shortage of quarterback talent.
The likes of Spencer Rattler and Sam Howell have been consistently ranked among the top returning quarterbacks in college football. Kedon Slovis, JT Daniels and Matt Corral have also seen plenty of hype as gifted, Power 5 signal-callers. Outside of the Power 5, Malik Willis, Carson Strong and Desmond Ridder have made their fair shares of appearances in the first rounds of early 2022 mock drafts.
However, there’s always a quarterback or two that breaks out with a stellar season and shoots up draft boards. While it’s difficult to predict said breakout candidates with incredible precision, there are a handful of quarterbacks with major sleeper potential.
Here are three quarterbacks who could shoot up boards in the 2022 NFL draft:
