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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: Anton Curtis of the Western Michigan Broncos is called for pass interference as he defended receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones #9 of 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: Anton Curtis of the Western Michigan Broncos is called for pass interference as he defended receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones #9 of the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

The Defense

Defensive Line

Tony Balabany (Jr.) and Eric Assoua (Sr.) bookend the defensive line for the Broncos, and they’re both more than capable of causing havoc in the backfield. The two combined for five sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss during the regular season.

But Ralph Holley (So.) is the biggest threat on the line. He produced six sacks and 9.5 tackles on his own at one tackle position. The other starting tackle, Wesley French (Jr.) is a run specialist who excels in turning runners outside to the waiting ends.

Ali Fayad and Deshawn Foster are both capable backups, so the Broncos won’t lose much when rotating their starters out.

Linebackers

The starting linebackers are the heart of Western Michigan’s defense. Drake Spears and Alex Grace lead the team in tackles, and both juniors are adept at getting to whatever player has the ball.

Freshman Corvin Moment has stepped in at the middle of the unit and performed well, totaling 47 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble.

The Broncos have three strong backups as well in Najee Clayton (Jr.), Tanner Motz (Fr.), and Treshaun Hayward (So.).

Secondary

The secondary will pose a big challenge to BYU’s passing game. Western Michigan only gives up 209.3 yards per game through the air.

A.J. Thomas (So.) and Justin Tranquill (Jr.) are a pair of ballhawks at the safety position. Depth is an issue in that spot, though, with Davontae Ginwright (Jr.) serving as the primary backup for both positions.

Juwan Dowels (Sr.) is Western Michigan’s primary shut-down corner, leading the team in both interceptions (2) and breakups (9).

Sefan Claiborne (Jr.) is plenty capable on the opposite side, and Anton Curtis (Jr.) can spell both without losing much performance.

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