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BYU Football: Scouting the Schedule – Western Michigan

By Shaun Gordon

KALAMAZOO, MI - AUGUST 31: Jon Wassink #16 of the Western Michigan Broncos throws a pass against the Syracuse Orange in the third quarter of a game at Waldo Stadium on August 31, 2018 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
KALAMAZOO, MI - AUGUST 31: Jon Wassink #16 of the Western Michigan Broncos throws a pass against the Syracuse Orange in the third quarter of a game at Waldo Stadium on August 31, 2018 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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ANN ARBOR, MI – SEPTEMBER 08: LeVante Bellamy #2 of the Western Michigan Broncos runs the ball during the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI – SEPTEMBER 08: LeVante Bellamy #2 of the Western Michigan Broncos runs the ball during the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

The Offense

Quarterback

Before his injury, Jon Wassink (Jr.) was a solid signal-caller for the Broncos. Through the Toledo game he threw for 1,994 yards and 16 touchdowns, with a 61.6% completion rate and only six interceptions.

Kaleb Eleby hasn’t been a huge drop-off from Wassink statistically. In four games the freshman has thrown for 917 yards and four touchdowns, with a better completion percentage than Wassink (64.86%) and just two picks.

Eleby isn’t going to beat anyone with his legs, though, which should play into BYU’s strength defensively.

If he gets hurt, expect to see Alex Mussat (Jr.) under center for the Broncos.

Running Back

The Broncos have a two-headed ground attack, led by junior LeVante Bellamy. He rushed for 1,172 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 6.2 yards per carry.

Jamauri Bogan (Sr.) gets more of the short-yardage work, so he racked up fewer yards (740) but more touchdowns (15) than Bellamy.

The Cougars will also likely see Chase Brown a few times. The freshman only averaged five touches per game, but averaged five yards per carry in those opportunities.

Wide Receiver/Tight End

Much like BYU, Western Michigan spreads the ball around to multiple targets in the passing game. No pass-catcher has more than 800 yards, but seven different targets have at least 140 yards on the season.

A pair of wideouts, Jayden Reed (Fr.) and D’Wayne Eskridge (Jr.) lead the Broncos. Reed topped the team in both yards (783) and touchdowns (8). Eskridge is second in both categories (715 yards, 3 touchdowns).

Look for contributions from Keishawn Watson (Jr.), Drake Harris (Sr.), and Jaylen Hall (Fr.) at wideout as well.

Giovanni Ricci is Western Michigan’s primary pass-catching tight end. He hauled in 35 catches for 392 yards and three scores in the regular season.

Offensive Line

Western Michigan’s line has been solid all year, allowing the Broncos to rush for 204.6 yards per game and only giving up 17 sacks.

Expect to see the following starting five:

  • Left Tackle – Jaylon Moore (So.)
  • Left Guard – Mike Caliendo (So.)
  • Center – John Keenoy (Sr.)
  • Right Guard – Luke Juriga (Jr.)
  • Right Tackle – Zach Novoselsky (Sr.)
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