Quick Lane Bowl
December 27
Western Michigan (7-5) vs. Nevada (8-4), Ford Field, Detroit, 11 a.m., ESPN
Western Michigan -7 – O/U 56

Despite the lack of marquee names in this game, the Quick Lane Bowl could shape up to be very interesting. Both teams have active offenses, with Nevada looking a bit stronger, averaging 36.7 points a game to Western Michigan’s 30.8. The problem for the Wolfpack is that its offense is completely one-dimensional. Nevada boasts the nation’s fourth-best passing attack, but has the country’s second-worst running game. If the pack is clicking through the air, it will be a long day for Western Michigan. On the plus side for the Broncos is the country’s 17th best passing defense. They should be able to at least slow down the Wolfpack a little bit. Meanwhile, Western Michigan has a powerful, balanced offense that averages 464 yards per game, and Nevada gives up close to 400 yards per game. Add to all of that the location — Ford Field is just 140 miles from Western Michigan, and close to 2,200 miles away from Reno, Nevada. There won’t be a lot of fans in the stands, but most of the ones there will be wearing brown and gold. And they should be pleased with the outcome.
Prediction: Western Michigan 45-31
Result: Western Michigan 52-24
Western Michigan trailed for about 30 seconds. After Nevada kicked a field goal to go up 3-0, the Broncos’ Sean Tyler returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown, and Western Michigan never looked back. Western Michigan racked up 514 yards on offense, and their defense handcuffed Nevada’s passing attack and held the Wolfpack to 242 total yards.

Record:
Bowl season: SU – 10-7; ATS – 7-10-0; O/U – 8-9-0
Overall: SU – 602-188; ATS – 374-330-6; O/U – 339-359-12

Copyright © 2021 by Doug DeBolt.