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Game Stats
KALAMAZOO, Mich.- Western Michigan improved to 5-1 in the Mid-American Conference, 7-2 overall with a 31-10 win over in-state rival Eastern Michigan Saturday at Waldo Stadium.
Western Michigan took advantage of the deep ball, as Tim Hiller connected on passes of 45, 30, 50 and 34 yards. Two of those completions were touchdown strikes. Hiller was 24-for-36 in passing for 339 yards on the day.
Jamarko Simmons caught seven balls for 128 yards and Schneider Julien led the receivers with 10 receptions (one TD) on his way to 90 yards.
Running back Brandon West also had a big day with 29 carries for 166 yards, including a one yard touchdown punch in. He finished with 231 all-purpose yards.
WMU racked up 502 yards in total offense, but was hindered by three lost fumbles.
Louis Delmas led the Bronco defense with 11 tackles, while E.J. Biggers, Mario Armstrong and Boston McCornell each had seven. Both Biggers and Cornell recorded interceptions.
The Broncos took a 7-0 lead on their first possession, wasting no time in a quick four play, 58-yard drive. Juan Nunez caught three passes from Hiller in the series, including a 45-yard touchdown reception over the middle.
Western Michigan put three more on the board before the end of the first quarter to take a 10-0 lead. The Broncos worked their way to the EMU 45 yard line and Hiller hooked up with Jarmarko Simmons for a 30-yard pass, setting up a 32-yard John Potter field goal.
Eastern Michigan's only trip to the end zone came in the second quarter, as the Eagles put together a six-play, 68-yard drive. Terrence Belvins rambled his way down the left sideline for a 19-yard touchdown run. The 10-7 score was the closest EMU would come to Western Michigan on the afternoon.
West returned the ensuing kickoff 53 yards before being brought down at the EMU 40. West carried the ball four times during the Bronco possession, working Western Michigan down to the EMU 7, where Hiller completed a seven-yard touchdown toss to Julien.
Late in the third quarter, West coughed up the ball at the WMU 29, but the Bronco defense stood strong and Eastern Michigan only came away with a field goal. It would be the last score for the Eagles.
Leading 17-10, Hiller lofted a 50-yard pass to Simmons who came down at the one-yard line to start the fourth quarter. On his second attempt, West drove the ball in for his team-leading 10th touchdown of the season, pushing the score to 24-10.
Hiller iced the game with a 34-yard touchdown pass to tight end Branden Ledbetter with just over two minutes remaining. It was Ledbetter's only catch of the day.
With the loss, Eastern Michigan fell to 1-5 in the MAC, 2-8 overall.
Western Michigan hosts Big Ten opponent Illinois next week at Ford Field in Detroit on Nov.8. Kickoff is set for noon and the game will be aired on ESPN+. Tickets are still available by contacting the WMU Ticket Office at (269) 387-8092, or are available online at wmubroncos.com.
