PRE-GAME
? Today’s game marks the fourth time in three seasons the Broncos have faced a Big Ten opponent (2006 - Indiana, 2007 - Indiana, Iowa, 2008 ? Illinois).
? Western Michigan enters the game 0-2 all-time against the University of Illinois, dropping contests in 1947 and 2004, the latter by just three points.
? This is the first time WMU has hosted a game at Ford Field, but not the first time playing at the venue. In 2005, the Broncos beat Eastern Michigan, 44-36, inside the home of the Detroit Lions.
? The Broncos are sporting their traditional black home jerseys for the contest, but for the first time in school history they were accompanied by white game pants.
? Game captain: E.J. Biggers
FIRST QUARTER
? Jamarko Simmons hauled in a 27-yard reception on the first possession of the game, which gives him a reception in 27-straight games.
? After its first scoring drive, a 31-yard field goal by John Potter, WMU tried a surprise onside kick for the first time this season. The attempt was unsuccessful as the Illini fell on the ball.
? Despite trailing Illinois at the end of the first quarter, 7-3, the Broncos moved the ball downfield for seven first downs compared to just one for the Illini.
SECOND QUARTER
? Potter ties a career high with his second field goal of the game, this time a 22-yarder capping a 12 play, 70-yard drive. He also hit two field goals against Buffalo earlier this season.
? Londen Fryar recorded his first interception of the 2008 season and the seventh of his career.
? Tim Hiller’s 27-yard completion to Simmons makes him just the second Bronco to throw for over 3,000 yards twice in his career. He joins Tim Lester as the only other Bronco quarterback to accomplish the feat.
? Backup quarterback Robert Arnheim hauled in the first touchdown reception of his career on just his third career reception. He now has a reception in back-to-back games.
? Hiller has now thrown a touchdown pass in 13-straight games.
? E.J. Biggers picked off his second pass in as many games, and returned it a career long 44-yards. WMU has intercepted its opponent two or more times in four games this season.
? Freshman Dervon Wallace grabbed the first reception of his career.
? Simmons moves into second place all-time in career receptions at WMU with his seventh catch of the day, a toe dragging touchdown in the end zone, which gave him 236 career receptions.
? Simmons becomes the first Bronco in school history to record back-to-back 80 plus reception seasons.
? Hiller has thrown two or more touchdowns in a game 21 times in his career.
? The second quarter shutout of the Illini offense is the 13th time the Broncos have blanked their opponent in a quarter this season.
THIRD QUARTER
? Mario Armstrong made a touchdown saving pass break up, his second in as many games.
? Brandon West broke Greg Jennings’ school record for career all-purpose yards with 5,194 yards in less than three years. The previous record held by Jennings was 5,093 yards.
FOURTH QUARTER
? Potter hit a career long 45-yard field goal on his first career attempt of 40-yards or more. His three field goals today is also a career high.
? Weston Peiffer recorded his first career sack on Juice Williams.
? Simmons becomes the all-time leader at WMU in career receptions with 239 receptions, breaking the previous record of 238 set by Greg Jennings. Simmons broke the record on a 13-yard reception, his 10th of the game.
? Louis Delmas tied his career high in tackles with 12 on the day.
? Safety Mario Armstrong recorded a career high 12 tackles.
? Simmons goes over the 1,000 yard receiving mark for the season with his 11th catch of the day. He ties his season-best of 84 receptions set last season.
? 2008 is the second year in a row WMU has beaten a Big Ten team and the Broncos are the fourth MAC school to beat a Big Ten school this season.
? Today’s win is the first win over Illinois in school history.
? Today’s win broke a record for the MAC, giving the conference four wins over the Big Ten in one season.
