West Breaks NCAA Record, Broncos Keep Bowl Hopes Alive
By Kevin Pool
kpool@themacdaily.com
35, 
14YPSILANTI — Western Michigan running back Brandon West rushed for 140 yards and a touchdown to set the NCAA record for all-purpose yards in a career and to help the Broncos win 35-14 over rival Eastern Michigan.
West was in Georgia yesterday, attending the wake for his half-brother who was killed last Sunday. He was flown into Detroit this morning for the game, which started a 1 p.m. in Ypsilanti.
“To have the courage to go down there and come back speaks volumes about his character,” WMU quarterback Tim Hiller said.
West broke the record that had been set by former Memphis and current Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams, who had 7,573 total yards in four years. West accomplished this feat on a drive that would lead to his touchdown and give the Broncos (5-6, 4-3 MAC) a 21-7 lead.
EMU (0-10, 0-6 MAC) turned a Hiller interception into seven points after a four yard run by quarterback Alex Gillett.
Gillett played the entire game for the Eagles, for the first time this season as he had been splitting time with Kyle McMahon. Gillett threw for 186 yards and a touchdown and ran for another 105. The freshman was responsible for five of the Eagles six turnovers.
“We just wanted to see what we had in him. I think he played well, but we’re disappointed with the turnovers,” EMU coach Ron English said.
The Broncos responded with two touchdown passes from Hiller to give them a 14-7 lead. Hiller threw for 275 yards and four TD’s with his favorite target being Jordan White who had 140 yards on ten catches.
“He (White) did a nice job. He’s a guy who will go up and get the ball,” Hiller said.
Hiller’s third touchdown gave the Broncos a 28-7 lead, but Gillett found Kinsman Thomas in the corner of the end zone to make it a 28-14 halftime score.
“We came out ready to play,” English said. “We had a couple of chances where we just didn’t get the job done.”
The Eagles effort fell short on Senior Day as senior linebacker Andre Hatchett was visibly upset and had a hard time answering questions. Hatchett on the day led the Eagles along with Marcus English with 13 tackles.
The defense allowed 164 yards rushing which was an improvement after allowing over 1,000 in the last three games combined.
“I’m not getting distracted by 0-10 or 0-12. I knew what the job was coming into this. My motivation is to turn the program around for good,” English said.
WMU will have two weeks to prepare for Ball State. A win would make the Broncos bowl eligible. Meanwhile, EMU will have a short week to prepare for Friday’s game at Toledo.
