The Broncos had a lot to look forward to after an outstanding 2008-09 season in which they finished with a 9-4 record. The team held their heads up even after a tough 14-38 loss in the 2008 Texas Bowl, as they knew that they had great potential to be even better in the upcoming season. However most of this potential was based around the

 return of quarterback Tim Hiller who had a stellar 2008-09 season in which he threw for 3,725 yards with a completion rate of 65%. This whole positive mentality changed when Hiller suffered a torn ACL late last season and was forced to undergo surgery in January. 

With Hiller having to sit out spring practices, head coach Bill Cubit declared the quarterback position an open race for backups Drew Burdi and Alex Carder. If the Broncos do in fact promote one of their backups it will most likely be Burdi as Carder is inexperienced and has only ran the scout team offense during is short tenure at Western Michigan. Burdi is a lot more mobile than Hiller, which would enable the Broncos to add a new weapon to their already potent arsenal.

On a positive note for the offense, coach Cubit will have his star running back Brandon West back for his senior year. Last season West was able to capitalize in the pass heavy offense by running for 1,026 yards on only 204 carries. If West can continue to move the ball like this in the upcoming season he will be able to take a lot of pressure off the quarterback.

The defense is going to face a minor setback due to the amount of graduating seniors from last year’s team. The secondary will be hit the hardest as they lose virtually all their prime-time players such as standout safety Louis Delmas who led the team in interceptions along with tackles. The Broncos are going to need Mario Armstrong to contribute to the secondary and put up big numbers similar to what Delamas did a season ago.

The Broncos will face a very intimidating schedule in the 2009-10 season as they are set to play in-state rivals Michigan, Central Michigan and Michigan State. These three games will be tough but not by any stretch impossible. They match up very well with all three teams and will be able to use the underdog card to help them get amped up and ready for the games. If Cubit’s team can beat Central Michigan at home as well as steal a win from either Michigan or Michigan St. on the road than I believe they can improve upon last years record and receive their second straight bowl invitation.