Gridiron Report Card

The Spectrum's sports staff grades the Bulls after their 33-0 win over Western Michigan Saturday.

Passing game: B

The Good: Sophomore quarterback Joe Licata matched a career-high in touchdowns and all three of his TDs were pinpoint passes - allowing only the receivers to make plays on the ball.

The Bad: The Bulls' run game was a menace all afternoon but the squad couldn't get much going through the air early in the game. Licata threw for just 124 and the Bulls were 4 for 13 on third downs.

Run game: A

The Good: As a unit, the run game was phenomenal, rushing for 10- to 20-yard gains consistently throughout the game. The rushers combined for 290 yards on 56 carries.

The Bad: Senior running back Branden Oliver ran for 128 yards but failed to get in the end zone.

Receiving: A-

The Good: It was promising to see someone other than senior receiver Alex Neutz lead the team in receiving. Senior Fred Lee caught four balls for 88 yards and a touchdown.

The Bad: Neutz, arguably the team's best offensive weapon, didn't get involved until he caught a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter, once the game was already out of reach.

Offensive line: A

The Good: The o-line created gaping holes for Oliver to run through all game as the Bulls had their most impressive rushing performance of the season.

The Bad: While most rushes resulted in positive yardage, the Broncos still managed to stop Oliver in the backfield often when the run was predictable.

Run Defense: A

The Good: The Bulls held the Broncos to 38 yards rushing on 26 attempts. Western Michigan couldn't get anything going.

The Bad: Every play wasn't a tackle for a loss.

Pass Rush: B+

The Good: Senior defensive end Colby Way had three sacks. Senior linebacker Khalil Mack also had a sack and a forced fumble.

The Bad: The line struggled to catch Zach Terrell when they flushed him out of the pocket in the first half.

Pass Defense: B+

The Good: The Bulls had two picks and Western Michigan had 16 incompletions.

The Bad: The Broncos were only able to move the ball through the air and not the run, passing for 164 yards.

Special teams: B+

The Good: Sophomore running back Devin Campbell had a 32-yard kick return to start the game. Junior kicker Pat Clarke made two field goals, one from 51 yards (a career-long).

The Bad: Clarke's first extra point attempt of the game was blocked.

Coaching: A-

The Good: The Bulls knew Western Michigan had a porous run defense and they took advantage of it, running the ball all game even when it wasn't as effective as they would have liked.

The Bad:The Bulls were penalized eight times for 105 yards and were 4 for 13 on third downs.

email: sports@ubspectrum.com