Cole Cabana's 82-yard touchdown run sparks the Broncos as Western Michigan rebounds and strengthens its bowl outlook.
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Western Michigan delivered a much-needed response Saturday afternoon, defeating Bowling Green 23–10 at Waldo Stadium to improve to 6–3 on the season and remain firmly in the Mid-American Conference championship conversation.
A week after allowing 45 points in a loss to Toledo, the Broncos leaned on their rushing attack and a significantly improved defensive performance to secure their sixth victory of the season.
Running back Cole Cabana provided the game's biggest offensive highlight, breaking free for an 82-yard touchdown run in the first quarter and finishing with 110 rushing yards.
The victory also snapped Western Michigan's three-game losing streak against Bowling Green.
Cabana's Explosive Run Changes the Game
Bowling Green struck first, opening the scoring with a seven-yard touchdown pass from Jay Kastantin to Kaden White.
Western Michigan didn't take long to respond.
With 3:12 remaining in the opening quarter, Cabana exploded through the Falcons' defense for an 82-yard touchdown, tying the game at seven.
The one-play scoring drive provided the spark Western Michigan needed after a slow start.
Quarterback Broc Lowry later connected with Ryan Brotherton for a six-yard touchdown in the second quarter, giving the Broncos a 14–7 advantage.
Bowling Green added a field goal before halftime, but Western Michigan entered the break leading 14–10.
Western Michigan's Defense Takes Control
The second half belonged to the Broncos.
After surrendering 595 total yards against Toledo last week, Western Michigan held Bowling Green scoreless over the final two quarters.
The Falcons finished with just 274 total yards, including 125 rushing and 149 passing.
Western Michigan also intercepted three passes, repeatedly disrupting Bowling Green's attempts to mount a comeback.
The defensive improvement was particularly significant considering the Broncos had surrendered 38 or more points in each of their previous two games.
While the offense produced only one touchdown after the opening quarter, the defense ensured Western Michigan never surrendered its lead.
Drew Kelly Helps Put the Game Away
Western Michigan kicker Drew Kelly played an important role in extending the lead.
Kelly connected on three second-half field goals:
32 yards in the third quarter.
50 yards early in the fourth quarter.
46 yards with 15 seconds remaining.
His performance accounted for nine of Western Michigan's 23 points and helped the Broncos maintain control as their offense struggled to consistently finish drives.
Western Michigan finished with 336 total yards, including 190 on the ground.
MCSN Analysis: The Broncos Are Still in the Fight
Western Michigan needed this victory for more reasons than its overall record.
Last week's loss to Toledo exposed serious defensive concerns, particularly after the Broncos surrendered nearly 600 yards. Another disappointing performance could have damaged their momentum entering the final stretch of conference play.
Instead, Western Michigan responded.
Holding Bowling Green to 10 points was a meaningful improvement, and Cabana's explosive rushing performance demonstrated the offense's ability to generate big plays.
However, there are still concerns.
The Broncos converted just four of their 14 third-down opportunities and lost two fumbles. Those mistakes could prove costly against stronger conference opponents.
Western Michigan has now reached six wins, meeting the traditional victory threshold for bowl eligibility, although an official bowl invitation is not guaranteed.
More importantly, the Broncos remain in the MAC championship discussion.
The MCSN Take: Western Michigan isn't a finished product, but Saturday was the kind of response a conference contender needed. The defense rebounded, the running game delivered, and the Broncos kept their season moving in the right direction.
With November approaching, every conference game becomes more important.
And Western Michigan has given itself something worth playing for.