When it comes to Western Michigan, the scouting report begins and ends with quarterback Broc Lowry, the 2025 MAC Offensive Player of the Year.
The Broncos were 88th in college football in points per game last season, but they put together a 10-win season thanks to over 1,800 passing yards and nine touchdowns from Lowry, as well as 964 rushing yards and 14 scores.
That's the one thing that is probably forcing Michigan football defensive coordinator Jay Hill to lose sleep at night. The ability of Lowry to run and make things happen on the run while throwing the ball.
This won't be the first Big Ten team that Lowry has faced with Western Michigan, playing in games against Michigan State and Illinois. In those outings, he ran 11 times for 59 yards (5.4 average), however, he only completed 57 percent of his throws.
Western Michigan averaged 204 rushing yards per game last season. If the Broncos come anywhere close to that number, they should have a shot at pulling off the monumental upset.
Why Michigan will keep Western Michigan QB Broc Lowry in check
That's where Western Michigan might run into trouble, though. Hill might be known as more of a secondary specialist, sort of like Jesse Minter. But Michigan football head coach Kyle Whittingham has repeatedly said that the defensive line is the strength of the team.
If that proves to be accurate, it's hard to see Lowry having much success. A quarterback can make some things happen scrambling around, but the Wolverines will have a plan for that. He also won't be able to run away from Michigan defenders as easily as if it were a normal Tuesday in the MAC.
Michigan has struggled with running quarterbacks over the years. One thing that could help is defending an offense in practice that wants to run the quarterback, whether that quarterback is Bryce Underwood or Tommy Carr.
The buzz about the linebackers has also been really positive. Chase Taylor was one of the three biggest stock risers from fall camp, according to Whittingham, while Nathaniel Staehling generated a ton of buzz with his play, making a weakness feel at least adequate.
If the front seven plays well, Lowry is going to struggle. The Michigan secondary is elite, and the pass rush should have a field day. Lowry will find a way to make some plays. The Broncos will put some points on the board; however, when the game is in doubt, Michigan's defense will have more successes than failures defending Lowry.
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