Monmouth at Western Michigan 8/31/19 - College Football Picks & Predictions
The Monmouth Hawks are set to visit Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan for a Week 1 clash against the Western Michigan Broncos. The Monmouth Hawks are looking to continue their success from the 2018 season as they went 8-3 at the FCS level. The Monmouth Hawks were very good on the offensive side of the ball last season as they finished the season with an average of 33.2 PPG. The Hawks will return their starting QB from a season ago as Kenji Bahar is looking to expand off his 2018 success as he contributed 2626 passing yards and 20 TDs. Bahar will have to find a new top target as WR Reggie White Jr. graduated after contributing 1133 receiving yards and 11 TDs last season.
The Monmouth Hawks were inconsistent at times on the defensive side of the ball last season as they allowed opponents to score an average of 31.5 PPG. The Hawks will return their leading tackler from a season ago as Tymere Berry returns to the secondary after contributing 60 tackles and 2 interceptions. Evan Powell will be one of the main pieces on the defense after contributing 2 interceptions and 32 tackles in a backup LB role. The Western Michigan Broncos are looking to continue their success from the 2018 season as they went 7-6 with an appearance in the Famous Idaho Bowl, and they will be looking to repeat their 2018 offensive success as they finished the year ranked 40th in PPG. QB Jon Wassink returns under center after contributing 1994 passing yards, 16 TDs, and 6 interceptions a season ago. The ground attack should once again be strong for the Broncos as they return RB LeVante Bellamy who pitched in 1228 rushing yards and 6 TDs last season.
The Western Michigan Broncos will need to be much better on the defensive side of the ball as they finished the 2018 season ranked 106th in points allowed. The middle of the defense should be one of the strong spots for this defense as Drake Spears and Alex Grace return after contributing a combined 169 tackles and 20.5 TFL. The secondary should also be strong for the Broncos as they return their interception leader from 2018 as Anton Curtis is looking to expand on his 2-interception junior season.
The Monmouth Hawks had a good season last year, but they were at the FCS level and when they played Eastern Michigan, they lost 51-17 who WMU beat last season. The Broncos should once again be very strong on the offensive side of the ball as they return a ton of talent, and I am concerned for the Monmouth Hawks and their suspect defense here. The Broncos made it an emphasis to improve on the defensive side of the ball this season and they have a chance to prove that against a lower division foe who is missing their 1000-yard receiver from a season ago. Final Score Prediction, Western Michigan Broncos win and cover ATS 54-7.
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