UMass vs. Western Michigan: Minutemen face Broncos for first time ever

The UMass Minutemen (0-5, 0-2 MAC) still haven't broken into the win column, but they came awfully close last weekend. On Saturday, the Minutemen will try to build on that success when they face the Western Michigan Broncos (2-3, 0-1 MAC) on Saturday afternoon at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Saturday's meeting marks the first even between UMass and Western Michigan, but the Minutemen have faced two Mid-American Conference opponents already this season as it continues the transition to the FBS level in the MAC.

UMass came within one drive of winning in last weekend's home game against the undefeated Ohio Bobcats, but the drive stalled out. Mike Wegzyn played the best game of his career, completing 27-of-51 passes for 373 yards and four touchdowns. Michael Cox continued to play at a high level, rushing for 80 yards, and the Minutemen had two 100-plus yard receivers in Deion Walker (162 yards, TD) and Alan Williams (127 yards, 3 TD) as the team racked up 511 yards.

Western Michigan has altered wins and losses all season, coming up short against the Toledo Rockets most recently. Tyler Van Tubbergen, taking over for the injured Alex Carder, completed 26-of-46 passes for one touchdown, but threw three picks, as the Broncos were downed 37-17. Dareyon Chance rushed for 102 yards and Jaime Wilson had 103 receiving yards and one score for Western Michigan.

Saturday's game begins at 2 p.m. ET and will be streamed live at UMassAthletics.com.