Head Coach Gary Darnell's Broncos have won the MAC West Championship two out of the last three seasons. They are preseason favorites to win the MAC West in 2002. Offensive Coordinator Brian Rock and Quarterback Coach Dan Enos fielded a passing offense that finished the 2001 season ranked 30th in the nation (257.8 yards/game). Coach Enos played quarterback at Michigan State from 1986 to 1991. Defensive Coordinator Jim Knowles also fielded a nationally ranked unit in 2001. The Broncos' defense allowed 283.3 total yards/game (9th in the nation) and 178.0 passing yards/games (13th in the nation).

On September 7, 2002 against Michigan the Broncos ran 37 (59 percent) pass plays gaining 249 yards and 26 (41 percent) rushing plays gaining 76 yards. WMU used two quarterbacks, JC transfer Chad Munson (6-3, 210lbs.) and letterman Jon Drach (6-4, 220lbs.). Munson was 15-25 passing for 199 yards with 1 interception and 2 touchdowns. Munson is currently ranked 6th nationally in passing efficiency with a rating of 182.0. Drach was 6-12 passing for 50 yards with 1 interception and 0 touchdowns. Both quarterbacks had negative rushing yardage (Munson -9, Drach -20). Receptions as distributed by position were: WR 15 receptions (185 yards); TE 5 receptions (48 yards); and RB 1 reception (16 yards). RB Philip Reed had 14 carries for 94 yards.

WMU allowed Michigan to gain 446 yards of total offense. Michigan ran 31 (39 percent) pass plays gaining 226 yards and 49 (61 percent) rushing plays gaining 220 yards. The WMU defense held Michigan QB J. Navarre to minus 3 yards rushing and intercepted him once. Of the 55 solo tackles WMU made against Michigan 22 (40 percent) came from four players in the secondary. The number of solo tackles per secondary player were: CB T. Carr 7; FS C. Smith 6; CB S. Reynolds 6; FS K. Ford 3. LB Bryan Lape was in on the most tackles with 5 solo tackles, 7 assists, and 1 tackle for loss. DT Jason Babin had 2 tackles for loss. Babin returned a punt in the Indiana State game for 15 yards.