Western Michigan comes into the 2021 season looking to build off a great 2020 season with an explosive offense. WMU finish the 2020 season wit ha 4-2 overall record led by an offense that average 42 points a game and the 16th best 480 yards per game. Quarterback Kaleb Eleby will be back under center after a great 2020 that saw him throw for 18 touchdowns on the year.
Ali Fayad has led the Broncos the last 3 seasons in sacks and will return in 2021 season to lead the defensive front. The biggest strength of the WMU defense is the linebacker group and the defensive backs. AJ Thomas is expected to lead the defense with his ability to play multiple positions and Bricen Garner will disrupt passes and pressure receivers from the safety spot.
The Michigan Wolverines come into this season after one of the worst seasons in recent memory finishing the year 2-4 overall. The Michigan offense struggled all season but was able to post nearly 400 yards and 28 points per game. Hassan Haskins will get the brunt of the load early on after averaging more than 6 yards per carry in 2020 until the QB situation is ironed out.
Michigan struggled offensively but the defense was awful in all 6 games. The Wolverines gave up 430+ yards and 35 points per game in the 2020 season. The biggest bright side heading into this season is the bulk of the defense is back from last years team and with a year under them as a unit should improve. All-Big Ten safeties Brad Hawkins and Daxton Hill will be relied on to protect the deep ball and drive the defensive unit.
