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Central Michigan Players

Dan LeFevour

LeFevour has emerged as one of CMU’s top leaders this season. As a second-year starter, he has amassed 2,312 passing yards and 26 total touchdowns (18 passing and 8 rushing). His running game has improved vastly. He leads the team with 546 rushing yards. The former high school running back has two rushing performances more than 100 yards, and had four rushing touchdowns against Army on Oct. 13. CMU’s all-time passing touchdown leader tied a school record with five passing touchdowns Oct. 6 at Ball State.

Red Keith

It is scary to imagine the Chippewas’ defense without Keith. The emotional leader has totaled 89 tackles, 9.9 per game, and was critical in last week’s 41-32 win at Kent State. Keith entered the game in the fourth quarter after the Golden Flashes scored 32 in the first three quarters and helped hold the team scoreless to preserve CMU’s win.

Antonio Brown

No one had heard of Brown until after the season started. But his impact already has been felt. Brown is fourth in the MAC in all-purpose yards with 171.1 per game. He has a team second-best 590 receiving yards and has returned one kickoff for a touchdown. His “lightning in a bottle” playmaking ability has been critical in establishing field position.

Bryan Anderson

Anderson set a school record with 73 receptions in 2006. This season, he leads the team with 656 receiving yards, a 72.9 average per game.He’s caught more downfield passes this season, making him CMU’s best deep threat. Anderson has tied his career high for receptions in a game (10) twice, and has 56 receptions for an average of 11.7 yards per catch. His six touchdown catches lead the team as well.

Justin Hoskins

Hoskins received scant playing time early, gaining just 90 yards in CMU’s first four games. But since the Northern Illinois game, in which he rushed for 93 yards and two touchdowns, Hoskins has solidified the starting role. Hoskins has 493 yards rushing and seven touchdowns, including 5.6 yards per carry.

Western Michigan Players

Tim Hiller

Hiller, the 2005 MAC Freshman of the Year, redshirted last season because of injury, but has returned to lead Western’s fourth-best pass offense of the MAC (250.8 yards per game). Hiller is 190-for-300 for 2,067 yards and 14 touchdowns. Although he leads MAC quarterbacks with 13 interceptions, Hiller generally has been efficient this season.

Boston Mccornell

McCornell anchors the Bronco defense from the linebacker position. With comparable size to CMU’s Red Keith, the junior from Macon, Ga., leads the team with 71 tackles, including 6.5 for loss. McCornell might give the offensive line something to worry about if he gets going early.

Jamarko Simmons

Simmons has emerged not only as the team’s leading receiver, but also as the MAC’s leading receiver with 865 yards and six touchdowns on 75 receptions. He totaled 172 receiving yards against Akron and 110 yards against Ball State in MAC play this season. Look for him to be Hiller’s top target Tuesday.

Mark Bonds

Bonds has been effective as part of a dual rushing attack with Brandon West. He has rushed for 537 yards on 124 carries (a 4.3 average) and has six rushing touchdowns. He was particularly effective against Toledo and NIU, rushing for 143 yards and 104 respectively in two Broncos wins. He’s led the team in rushing in five of its nine games.

Brandon West

The smaller of Western’s double-threat, the sophomore tailback can make people miss. In last year’s Central/Western game, West rushed for 117 yards on 22 carries. West has two 100-yard games this season, including 171 yards on 21 carries Oct. 20 against Ball State. The sophomore from Brunswick, Ga., has lead the team in rushing four times this season. Look for him to test the CMU defensive front.