KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The Western Michigan football team had no problem getting the season off to a great start, with a 51-13 win on the road at Akron last week.
"When we entered the fourth quarter, I considered keeping our guys in, just because they're only playing six games, they need every rep they can get but I thought better of it," said head coach Tim Lester.
The Broncos now get set to begin the brutal five game MAC West schedule that starts with Toledo on Wednesday night at Waldo Stadium.
"When you're playing a team like Toledo, that's had the history they've had, watching them on film they look great so our guys are dialed in," Lester added.
Year after year, nearly every game in the MAC West division has implications for who ends up playing for a conference title. This week, and season, are no different.
"With the shortened season, every game matters," Lester said, "that's what's great about college football and about this season, of all seasons."
Now in his fourth season at the helm, Lester has yet to beat Toledo as the team looks to break that losing skid to the Rockets this week.
"This is obviously a big one," added Lester, "we know they have talent and we had a great game with them last year."
2019's matchup resulted in a 31-24 Toledo victory to give the Rockets a third consecutive win in the series.
This season's showdown will look much different, of course, as every game in college football has. Coach Lester is hoping his team can create energy before kickoff.
"You really have to bring you own energy. Obviously, this game will have a lot of energy, but you kind of have to bring your own juice to every game, even home games this year, having a home game isn't what it used to be."
Kickoff is slated for 8 PM on Wednesday night at Waldo Stadium. The game can be seen on ESPN.
