After handling Akron 52-6 in the season opener, Ohio State faces a Group of Five opponent for the second straight week.
Western Michigan
Broncos
Western Michigan could be a more formidable foe than Akron, though, as the Broncos gave Wisconsin everything they could handle for three-plus quarters before the Badgers eventually pulled away in a 28-14 contest. OSU still is expected to cruise in this matchup, as it sits as a 37.5-point favorite over the Broncos.
To help break down the matchup, we're joined by Robin Hook, who has been the voice of Western Michigan athletics since 1984. Hook handles the play-by-play duties for the Broncos' football, men's and women's basketball and hockey teams.
In our weekly Q&A, Hook discussed Western Michigan's close call with Wisconsin, quarterback Hayden Wolff, running back Jalen Buckley and more.
Western Michigan gave Wisconsin all it could handle for more than three quarters in Week 1, what about the game plan against the Badgers stood out to you and what were your takeaways from that contest?
Robin Hook: The WMU offensive line held up well against Wisconsin opening up running lanes for Jalen Buckley and protected QB1 Hayden Wolff. The Bronco defense was solid in the red zone and while Wisconsin did move the football, there were very few explosive plays. The unfortunate bounce on a punt play turned the game in Wisconsin's favor after the Broncos had taken the lead in the fourth quarter.
Quarterback Hayden Wolff and running back Jalen Buckley were efficient against the Badgers, how pivotal are both to WMU’s offense and what are the strengths in their game?
Hook: Hayden Wolff is a veteran with a lot of poise. After 27 starts, he doesn't get rattled in the pocket. His top target Kenney Womack was out last week, but Malique Dieudonne stepped up in his absence. Buckley is a solid back and is able to break tackles at the line of scrimmage. He rarely goes down on initial contact and should have another big year on the ground.
Where would you say Western Michigan has improved the most defensively from last season, and what would you consider the strengths of this unit?
Hook: Under new defensive coordinator Scott Power, the Broncos don't blitz as much as they did a year ago playing more of a bend but don't break style, keep it in front of you defense. They were able to hold Wisconsin in check for most of the game until the fourth quarter punt that hit a Bronco and was recovered, giving the Badgers a short field. Wisconsin also had a short field on their final score after a failed fourth-down attempt by WMU. The D-line held up well vs Wisconsin and a veteran linebacker corps was outstanding, led by Donald Willis with 10 tackles.
I’m sure you’ve spent some time around WMU coach Lance Taylor and his résumé has been impressive with stints as a Power Four offensive coordinator and several Power Four and NFL assistant coaching gigs. What has he brought to the program from both an offensive scheme and a culture standpoint as he gets his second season underway?
Hook: Coach Taylor has a lot of experience at the professional and Power Four level. That experience shows in the staff he has put together and the team chemistry. Not often in today's college football are you able to hold on to all your returning starters and playing corps from the previous season. They like playing for coach Taylor and see the chance to compete for a conference championship as early as this season. The discipline that coach Taylor talks about was on display in the opener with very few penalties.
What else should Ohio State fans know about the Western Michigan program, whether it’s from the offensive or defensive side of the ball?
Hook: During the offseason, the goal was to bring in more team speed which was on display vs. Wisconsin in week one on both sides of the ball.
While hanging with Wisconsin is certainly headline-worthy, playing against the No. 2 team in the country will be another tall order. How can WMU make this game competitive similar to the contest against the Badgers?
Hook: The strength of this WMU football team is up front on the offensive line and front seven on defense. Both did well against Wisconsin but will face a much tougher opponent this week. The Broncos will need to run the football and shorten the game on offense and get some pressure on Ohio State's quarterback to create some turnovers.
Finally, how do you envision Saturday’s contest playing out?
Hook: I'm not into predictions, but would expect Western Michigan to be a competitive opponent for Ohio State. More importantly, I anticipate the Broncos will be in the mix for a MAC Championship once November rolls around.
