Western Michigan Broncos

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	Western Michigan Broncos

2000 overall record: 9-3
Conference record: 7-1 (t-1st in West)

Returning starters
Offense: 5
Defense: 7
Kickers: 1

2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing:Robert Sanford (1,571 yds)
Passing: Jeff Welsh* (2,537 yds)
Receiving: Steve Neal (848 yds)
Tackles: Garrett Soldano (113)
Sacks: Anthony Allsbury* (8)
Interceptions: Ronald Rogers* (4)
What's new
New defensive coordinator Jim Knowles was on the staff last year and left to become defensive coordinator at Buffalo. Then the Broncos' own defensive coordinator, Chuck Driesbach, left to take the same job at TCU, prompting Knowles to return to WMU as the coordinator. After all that traveling, expect him to stay with the same defensive scheme that helped the Broncos rank ninth in the nation in total defense last year.
Battling it out
The school's all-time leading rusher, Robert Sanford, has departed, and the position is now open. Charles Woods leads Philip Reed to become the new starter, but the battle will continue into August. There will be some pressure on whoever wins the job, as WMU has had a 1,000-yd rusher in four straight seasons. This year's offense will have a different look, though. The fullback has been scrapped, and the Broncos will go with just one running back.
Eye catcher: RB Philip Reed
Reed played sparingly as reserve running back last year with only nine carries for 48 yards. But he has gotten physically stronger, runs very well between the tackles and has a good understanding of the offense. Reed was one of the stars of the spring game with three touchdowns and 86 yards on 16 carries.
Budding star: WR Josh Bush
Steve Neal and Corey Alston have long been the stars of the WMU passing attack, but they have now moved on to NFL camps. That means Bush will be more of a focal point of the offense this season. He is only 5-9 but has good speed and great quickness which was shown in his two punt return TD last season. Jeff Welsh will look to him for many big plays in 2001.

Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.