1971 Western Michigan Broncos football team

The 1971 Western Michigan Broncos football team represented Western Michigan University in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) during the 1971 NCAA University Division football season. In their eighth season under head coach Bill Doolittle, the Broncos compiled a 7–3 record (2–3 against MAC opponents), finished in fourth place in the MAC, and outscored their opponents, 228 to 124.[1][2][3] The team played its home games at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan.[4]

1971 Western Michigan Broncos football
ConferenceMid-American Conference
Record7–3 (2–3 MAC)
Head coach
MVPTom Elias
CaptainTed Grignon, Tom Elias
Home stadiumWaldo Stadium
Seasons
← 1970
1972 →
1971 Mid-American Conference football standings
Conf Overall
Team W   L   T W   L   T
No. 14 Toledo $ 5 0 0 12 0 0
Bowling Green 4 1 0 6 4 0
Western Michigan 2 3 0 7 3 0
Miami (OH) 2 3 0 7 3 0
Ohio 2 3 0 5 5 0
Kent State 0 5 0 3 8 0
  • $ – Conference champion
Rankings from AP Poll

The team's statistical leaders included Ted Grignon with 912 passing yards, Larry Cates with 819 rushing yards, and Keith Pretty with 352 receiving yards.[5] Quarterback Ted Grignon and linebacker Tom Elias were the team captains.[6] Elias also received the team's most outstanding player award.[7]

Schedule

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DateOpponentSiteResultAttendanceSource
September 11Illinois State*W 35–7
September 18at Ball State*W 9–0
September 25Northern Illinois*
  • Waldo Stadium
  • Kalamazoo, MI
W 27–17
October 2at Bowling GreenL 6–23
October 9Kent State
  • Waldo Stadium
  • Kalamazoo, MI
W 31–017,200[8]
October 16at No. 17 ToledoL 24–35
October 23Marshall*
  • Waldo Stadium
  • Kalamazoo, MI
W 37–0
October 30at OhioW 28–14
November 6Miami (OH)
  • Waldo Stadium
  • Kalamazoo, MI
L 6–7
November 13Pacific (CA)*
  • Waldo Stadium
  • Kalamazoo, MI
W 25–21
  • *Non-conference game
  • Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game

References

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  1. ^ "Football Records: Annual Results". Western Michigan University. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
  2. ^ "Football Records: Year-By-Year Results - 1970 - 79". Western Michigan University. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
  3. ^ "1971 Western Michigan Broncos Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
  4. ^ "Waldo Stadium". Western Michigan University. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
  5. ^ "1971 Western Michigan Broncos Stats". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
  6. ^ "Football History: All-Time Captains". Western Michigan University. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
  7. ^ "Football History: Team Awards". Western Michigan University. Retrieved July 5, 2016.
  8. ^ Olg Olson (October 10, 1971). "Western Michigan back on beam 31-0". Battle Creek Enquirer. p. D2 – via Newspapers.com.