Virginia is coming off an appalling 31-7 loss to South Carolina last weekend, but the Western Michigan football team still faces a rigorous test this Saturday when the Cavaliers visit Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, Mich.
This will be the first meeting between Virginia (1-1, 1-0 ACC) and WMU (1-1) squads and it is the Broncos' Centennial Game. Western Michigan, which plays in the Mid-American conference, is 0-2 lifetime against current teams in the ACC.
The Broncos have a number of offensive threats, including senior quarterback Chad Munson and senior running back Phil Reed. Yet, another Western Michigan player has recently stepped into the spotlight that the Cavaliers must watch out for as well:sophomore wide receiver Greg Jennings.
Jennings' play stood out in Western Michigan's first two games, which was somewhat of a surprise considering the team's depth at that position. Jennings was not even listed on the team's roster at the start of the season, yet he was a large part in Western Michigan's home opening victory last Saturday against William & Mary. In the Broncos' 56-24 win, the Kalamazoo native provided offense by scoring two touchdowns and recording his second straight 100-yard game.
"It's a huge advantage being from here, knowing that I have that backbone of support no matter what I do on the field," Jennings said of his faithful fan base.
Through two games, Jennings leads the team with 13 receptions for 233 yards and four touchdowns. He is not only leading his squad; Jennings ranks ninth in NCAA scoring with a 12.0 average, and 25th in receptions with an average of 6.5.
Jennings tries to remain humble, despite his rise to the status of a hometown hero.
"The phrase 'hometown hero' is a lot to live up to," he said.
The wide receiver's play has also stimulated quality play from his teammates. In Western Michigan's first game of the season, they put up a good fight on the road against in-state rival Michigan State, losing 26-21. A week later, the Broncos dominated William & Mary on offense, gaining 638 yards compared to the Tribe's 349.
"I don't take any of those nights for granted," coach Gary Darnell said. "We were able to progress from week one to week two."
The Broncos continue to see that progress in practice which keeps them motivated for games.
"We're coming along as a team and that showed on Saturday [vs. William & Mary]," Jennings said. "I'm trying to do the best I can to help my team win ball games."
Western Michigan knows that the upcoming game against Virginia will not be easy, and they express the need for preparation.
"We have to be prepared for both styles of offenses they have shown in the first two games," Darnell said. "We know what direction they would go with the offense if Schaub was available. What direction they go with now is different."
The hometown hero agreed with his coach.
"We have to come out sharp and ready to play against Virginia," Jennings said. "It's just a matter of us all coming together."
Virginia is looking to regain a spot in the national rankings, but Jennings is undoubtedly looking to record his third consecutive 100-yard game as Western Michigan hunts for the upset.
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