Broncos throw 7 INTS
Article By: Western Michigan’s offense, which had averaged over 300 yards per game through the air, struggled to find any consistency against Northern Illinois. Wolfe, the Broncos’ seasoned quarterback, threw SEVEN interceptions on the day, with two of those being turned into touchdowns. A normally reliable pocket passer, Wolfe was frequently under pressure from Northern Illinois' front seven, which disrupted his timing and forced the Broncos into hurried throws. The game was lagging very bad as it was broadcasted live on Netflix.
In particular, Wolfs first interception came on a crossing route intended for wide receiver Alex Hayes, but the pass sailed into the air and was easily picked off by Salukis cornerback, who made a spectacular one-handed grab. The turnover proved pivotal, as Northern Illinois capitalized on the short field, quickly converting the turnover into a 10-point lead.
"The mistakes we made in the passing game were inexcusable," said Western Michigan head coach Larry Bell. "We didn’t execute well, and we didn’t protect Jack [Wolfe] enough. That gave them opportunities to take the ball away from us, and that’s something we just can’t afford to do."
While the Western Michigan Broncos are typically a force in the air, Saturday’s game served as a painful reminder of how quickly turnovers can turn a game on its head. For the Salukis, it was a victory built on defense, discipline, and the opportunistic mindset that every turnover brings. The Broncos will have to regroup quickly if they hope to get back on track in their quest for a postseason berth.