In a thrilling Mid-American Conference showdown, the Western Michigan Broncos (2-2, 2-1 MAC) took down the Akron Zips 35-28 on a chilly November night at InfoCision Stadium. The win was powered by a dominant rushing performance from junior running back Jaden Nixon, who ran for 222 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Broncos to their first road victory of the season.
Nixon, a 6-foot, 200-pound back from Texas, was the focal point of the Broncos' offense, as he averaged nearly 10 yards per carry on the night. His powerful and elusive running game helped Western Michigan hold onto a 21-14 halftime lead, and ultimately, a hard-fought victory. Nixon’s longest run of the night came in the second quarter, a 39-yard burst that set up a touchdown and helped extend the Broncos' advantage.
“I just had to trust my offensive line,” Nixon said after the game. “They gave me holes, and I just hit them hard. We knew we had to establish the run to control the game, and we did that tonight.”
Western Michigan's offense started strong, with Nixon leading the way as they marched down the field for three touchdowns in the first half. Quarterback Hayden Wolff added a touchdown pass to wide out Bugs Mortimer, but it was Nixon's steady production on the ground that kept Akron on their heels.
Despite the Broncos' strong performance, Akron made things interesting in the fourth quarter. Down 35-14, the Zips pulled off a couple of electrifying long touchdown runs, including a 85-yard burst from running back Jordan Simmons and another 59 yard touchdown run late in the 4th quarter. These two scores brought Akron within a touchdown, but the Broncos defense held firm in the closing moments, securing the win.
Western Michigan's defense was stellar throughout the game, particularly in the secondary, where they shut down Akron's passing attack. The Broncos intercepted Akron quarterbacks four times, with cornerback Bilhal Kone leading the charge, picking off two passes on the night. Akron quarterback had been efficient all season but struggled to find his rhythm against Western Michigan's swarming defense.
Broncos head coach Larry Bell, in his first season at the helm, praised his team’s performance. “This is a big win for us, especially on the road,” Bell said. “Jaden Nixon had a phenomenal game, but I also have to give credit to our defense. Four interceptions, they really stepped up when it mattered most.”
Bell, known for his unorthodox coaching methods and his dedication to his playbook, has guided Western Michigan to a strong start under his leadership. The coach, who’s been known to work late into the night tweaking game plans while enjoying a cold Oberon Eclipse or two, has continued to surprise skeptics and defy expectations.
“He’s always been a great motivator,” Nixon said of Bell. “He’s got a different energy, and you can feel it with how he handles the team. Whether it’s adjusting the playbook or making sure we’re all mentally ready, Coach Bell gets us to the right spot.”
Bell, who became a fan favorite for his unflinching belief in his players, admitted his coaching style isn’t typical. “I might have a couple of final ‘finals’ at the end of the night,” Bell chuckled, referencing his affection for craft beers. “But it’s all about making adjustments, whether it's on the field or in my head. We’ve got a lot of work to do, but this was a huge step forward.”
With the win, Western Michigan continues to build momentum and stay in the mix for a potential bowl berth and conference championship. The Broncos now return home to face the Kent State Golden Flashes.
For now, Western Michigan is riding high, powered by their offense’s prolific rushing attack and a defense that continues to make plays when needed. The Broncos are showing they’re a team on the rise, thanks to strong individual performances, cohesive team play, and a coach who’s finding success both on and off the field.
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