Broncos defeat Toledo, 21-14
Sept. 23, 2000
KALAMAZOO -- WMU's football Broncos took a 21-0 lead into the fourth quarter and held on for a big win over previously unbeaten Toledo. Both teams are now 3-1 overall.
Toledo scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns on Bronco miscues, a blocked punt and a fumble, but the Bronco defense preserved the victory, 21-14. It was the first WMU win over Toledo since 1993.
Both teams compete in the Mid-American Conference's West Division, which Toledo was favored to win this season. Because of the head-to-head competition tie-breaker, the Broncos (1-0 MAC) have an effective two-game lead over the Rockets (0-1 MAC) in the division race.
WMU's Robert Sanford rushed for 91 yards on 22 carries, including a one-yard touchdown run that put the Broncos on the scoreboard, 7-0, in the first quarter. Charles Woods, who rushed for 51 yards on 14 carries, also had a one-yard touchdown run, in the second quarter. Brad Selent, who is perfect on point-after attempts this season, kicked the PAT to give the Broncos a 14-0 halftime lead.
Senior nose tackle Marty Herig completed the scoring for WMU with an interception and 29-yard return for a touchdown in the third quarter.
Bronco quarterback Jeff Welsh was 18 of 36 for 231 yards. Welsh also made a surprise 34-yard punt that pinned Toledo on its two-yard line. Senior Steve Neal lead the receiving corps with eight catches for 75 yards. Western Michigan amassed 363 yards in total offense to 312 for Toledo.
In other Mid-American Conference games on Saturday, Miami defeated Kent State, 45-14, and Akron defeated Ohio, 23-20. Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Marshall and Northern Illinois all lost in non-conference action.
The Broncos continue a three-game home stand on Saturday, Sept. 30, when they host Ohio University during the annual Family Festival Weekend at WMU. Kickoff for the game in Waldo Stadium is 1 p.m.
1st 2nd 3rd 4th Final
WMU Broncos 7 7 7 0 21
Toledo 0 0 0 14 14
Attendance: 24,816
For more information, visit the Broncos on the Web at <wmubroncos.com>.
Media contact: Daniel Jankowski, 616 387-4122; daniel.jankowski@wmich.edu