WMU News

WMU has nation's fourth longest winning streak in football

September 9, 1998

KALAMAZOO -- Western Michigan University is the only NCAA Division I-A school in Michigan to claim a win in the new football season. Michigan, Michigan State, Central Michigan and Eastern Michigan each lost in their season openers.

Michigan's loss to Notre Dame was twice as nice to the Broncos. Not only did the loss contribute to WMU's claim of being the only Michigan school with a football win, but it also ended the Wolverines' 12-game win streak. The Michigan loss, combined with a Colorado State loss to Colorado, has made WMU's seven-game win streak the No. 4 victory roll in the U.S.

The Broncos entered the 1998 season as the country's "Most Improved Team," having won its last six straight en route to an 8-3 mark. WMU opened the new season with a 37-23 win over Northern Illinois in front of a new Mid-American Conference record crowd of 35,107.

Bronco quarterback Tim Lester threw for 377 yards in the home opener. All-American candidate tight end Jake Moreland caught two touchdown passes among his nine pass receptions, racking up 113 yards. Steve Neal caught six passes for 127 yards and Darnell Fields ran for 95 yards on just 14 carries.

The Broncos play at Indiana on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. EDT.

Media contact: Chris Hanna; 616 387-3673; chris.hanna@wmich.edu


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