3 Keys for Michigan Football to beat Western Michigan

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - OCTOBER 24: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines looks on in the second quarter of the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at TCF Bank Stadium on October 24, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - OCTOBER 24: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines looks on in the second quarter of the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at TCF Bank Stadium on October 24, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

2. Limit the Bronco Offense

The dynamic Western Michigan offense that we saw in 2020 is back at two key positions in 2021. Quarterback and running back.

Star quarterback Kaleb Eleby enters his fourth year in Kalamazoo as the most efficient returning passer in all of college football.

Passing for 1,442 YDs, 16 TDs, and only 1 INT in a shortened six-game season is impressive, to say the least. Eleby is a no doubt dynamic player who is playing himself into an NFL draft selection, and when you pair him with presumptive starting running back La’Darius Jefferson who rushed for 5.3 YPC this offense is going to be electric.

But pertaining to Michigan football, the question arises, how can you stop Eleby, Jefferson, and the rest of the Bronco offense?

Odds are, you’re probably not going to stop them entirely. But the key will be how much first-year defensive coordinator and long-lost member of the ‘Doobie Brothers’ Mike McDonald can do to quell the Western Michigan attack.

Everything being said since McDonald was hired has eluded to the fact the new-look Michigan defense will be multiple and in turn, give opposing offenses trouble. Going up against this type of offense albeit a member of the MAC will be a good test for this Wolverine defense.

Needless to say, after what we all saw on the field last year from the defense in those six games, it’s critical that McDonald and this new look defensive staff are able to limit the Bronco attack.