BLACKSBURG, Virginia — It was a rough first 1:34 for Western Michigan on Saturday.
The Broncos fumbled the opening kickoff and watched it get returned for a touchdown – then had a snap go over punter J Schroeder’s head and out of the end zone for a safety less than a minute and half later, helping Virginia Tech get out to an early 8-0 lead – on their way to a 35-17 win in Blacksburg.
Western Michigan (2-2) was held to a season-low 241 yards on offense, but scored its first points against the Hokies in four all-time meetings.
Freshman running back Jarvion Franklin failed to break 100 yards for the first time in his young career, rushing for 76 yards on 15 carries. Franklin scored both Bronco touchdowns, giving him 11 on the season – one more score on the ground than WMU’s offense had in the entire 2013 season.
Sophomore wide receiver Corey Davis did not play Saturday due to a lower body injury, according to WMU’s radio broadcast. Daniel Braverman led the Broncos with 100 yards receiving on eight catches.
Ronald Zamort and Donald Celiscar led a stout WMU pass defense, each grabbing interceptions from Hokies QB Michael Brewer. VT did most of their damage on the ground, rushing for more than 300 yards against the Broncos.
Western Michigan opens Mid-American conference play next Saturday against Toledo. Kickoff at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo is set for 7:00 p.m. ET.
