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The Nevada Wolf Pack and the Western Michigan Broncos will compete for holiday cheer in the Quick Lane Bowl on Monday at Ford Field at 11 a.m. ET. After both teams made easy work of their previous opponents, one of them is set up to suffer a discouraging change of fortune.
Nevada was completely in charge four weeks ago, breezing past the Colorado State Rams 52-10 on the road. The contest was pretty much decided by the half, when the score had already reached 31 to nothing. It was another big night for the Wolf Pack's QB Carson Strong, who passed for four TDs and 299 yards on 23 attempts. Strong's 66-yard touchdown toss to WR Romeo Doubs in the third quarter made for one of the most memorable moments of the night.
Nevada's defense was a force to be reckoned with, as it collected two interceptions and three fumbles. The picks came courtesy of DB Tyson Williams and DB Berdale Robins.
As for WMU, they can't say they have nothing to be thankful for this Thanksgiving week. They were the clear victors by a 42-21 margin over the Northern Illinois Huskies. With WMU ahead 28-7 at the half, the game was all but over already. Their WR Skyy Moore was on fire, catching 12 passes for four TDs and 206 yards. Near the top of the highlight reel was Kaleb Eleby's 50-yard TD bomb to Moore in the second quarter.
Nevada is expected to lose this next one by 7. However, those who like betting on the underdog should be happy to hear that they are 3-0 against the spread when expected to lose.
A pair of defensive numbers to keep in mind before kickoff: The Wolf Pack are 187th worst in the nation in rushing touchdowns allowed, with 19 on the season. The Broncos have experienced some struggles of their own as they are stumbling into the matchup with the 200th most touchdowns allowed in the nation, having given up 37 on the season. It's possible one of these Achilles' heels will wind up tripping the losing team up.
