In Week 6 of the 2025 college football regular season, the Western Michigan Broncos will travel to Amherst, MA, to take on the Massachusetts Minutemen. The game is set to take place at Warren McGuirk Alumni Stadium, an outdoor venue where the Minutemen will look for their first win of the season. Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 2:30 PM, and fans can catch the action on ESPN+.
The Broncos enter the game with a 2-3 record, having secured both victories at home and seeking their first road win. Recently, they achieved a commanding 47-14 victory over the Rhode Island Rams at Waldo Stadium. On the other hand, the Minutemen are still searching for their first victory of the season, with a record of 0-4, including two losses at their home stadium.
According to the consensus odds, Western Michigan is heavily favored with a moneyline of -493, while Massachusetts stands at +370. The spread is set at -12.5 for the Broncos and +12.5 for the Minutemen, with the total over/under at 46.5 points. The game presents an opportunity for Western Michigan to improve their road performance against a struggling Massachusetts team.
Massachusetts vs Western Michigan At a Glance
- Game Timing: Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 2:30 PM
- Location: Warren McGuirk Alumni Stadium in Amherst, MA
- Broadcast: Available on ESPN+
- Western Michigan Record: 2-3 overall, 0-2 on the road
- Massachusetts Record: 0-4 overall, 0-2 at home
- Odds: Western Michigan favored with a moneyline of -493
Massachusetts Minutemen Look to Rebound in Upcoming Game
Offensive Challenges
The Massachusetts Minutemen have struggled offensively this season, ranking 94th in points for with only 49 points scored. Their passing game has been particularly ineffective, ranking 118th with just 654 passing yards. The rushing attack has also been underwhelming, sitting at 136th with 249 rushing yards.
Last season, they managed to accumulate 270 points, suggesting a significant drop in offensive output this year. This decline is reflected in their passing and rushing ranks, which were previously 113th and 75th, respectively.
Defensive Struggles
Defensively, the Minutemen rank 107th in points against, having allowed 158 points so far this season. However, their defense has been successful in creating turnovers, with 8 sacks and 3 interceptions, ranking 13th and 4th, respectively.
Despite these defensive successes, the Minutemen have failed to recover any fumbles, an area where they need improvement. Last season, they had a higher points-against ranking of 140th, indicating some defensive progress.
Recent Performances
Massachusetts’ recent games have been challenging, with notable losses including a 42-6 defeat against Missouri and a 47-7 loss to Iowa. Their closest game was against Bryant, where they fell short by one point, losing 27-26.
In these games, the Minutemen’s offense struggled to generate first downs and yardage, a pattern that has persisted throughout the season. The team must address these offensive woes to compete more effectively.
Injury Concerns
The Minutemen have been plagued by injuries, including key players like Zachary Franks and Joshua Nobles, who are out for the season. Brandon Rose and Brock Taylor are also listed as questionable, adding to the team’s challenges.
These injuries have undoubtedly impacted Massachusetts’ performance, particularly on the offensive line and quarterback positions. The team will need depth and resilience to overcome these setbacks.
Betting Trends
- O/U – Home Games: Last 4 Games (2024–2025) → 4-0 (100.0%)
- O/U – All Games: Last 8 Games (2024–2025) → 7-1 (87.5%)
- O/U – As Underdog: Last 7 Games (2024–2025) → 6-1 (85.7%)
- O/U – After Loss: Last 7 Games (2024–2025) → 6-1 (85.7%)
- O/U – Totals ≥ 50: Last 6 Games (2024–2025) → 5-1 (83.3%)
- O/U – Away Games: Last 5 Games (2024–2025) → 4-1 (80.0%)
- ATS – Totals ≥ 50: Last 5 Games (2024–2025) → 4-1 (80.0%)
- ATS – Away Games: Last 16 Games (2022–2025) → 10-6 (62.5%)
Western Michigan Broncos Aim for Another Victory on the Road
Offensive Performance
The Western Michigan Broncos have had a mixed offensive season, ranking 69th in points for with a total of 97. Their passing game has struggled, sitting at 113th with 723 yards. However, their rushing attack is slightly better, ranking 83rd with 665 yards.
Despite the offensive challenges, the team has managed to secure 82 first downs, placing them 45th in that category. This indicates their ability to extend drives and control the clock.
Defensive Strengths
Defensively, the Broncos have shown impressive prowess with their ability to create turnovers and pressure the quarterback. They rank 3rd in sacks with 18 and 5th in interceptions with 4. This defensive playmaking has been crucial in their recent games.
Their defense has also been effective in recovering fumbles, tying for 3rd with 4 recoveries this season. This knack for forcing turnovers could be a key factor in their upcoming game.
Recent Game Performance
Western Michigan’s recent performances have been a mixed bag, but they are coming off a dominant 47-14 win against Rhode Island. Their offense showed balance, racking up 156 passing yards and 216 rushing yards in that game.
In contrast, their previous game against Toledo was a narrow 14-13 victory, highlighting their ability to win close contests. The Broncos’ defense was crucial, limiting Toledo to just 89 passing yards.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Broc Lowry has led the team with 588 passing yards and 2 touchdowns in five games. On the ground, Jalen Buckley and Devin Miles have combined for over 280 rushing yards, providing a dual-threat in the backfield.
Tailique Williams has been a standout receiver, with 217 receiving yards over four games, making him a key target for the Broncos’ aerial attack.
Injury Concerns
The Broncos have several players dealing with injuries, including August Johanningsmeier and Jeremy Schleicher, who are out for the season. Cornerbacks Jordon Thomas and Corey Webb are questionable, which could impact their defensive backfield.
Noah Bishop and Nathan Sines are also listed as questionable, and their availability will be key for the Broncos’ depth on defense and special teams.
Team Betting Trends
- SU – As Favorite: 11-1 (91.7%) over the last 12 games.
- ATS – Home Games: 4-0 (100.0%) over the last 4 games.
- O/U – As Favorite: 9-2 (81.8%) over the last 11 games.
- ATS – As Favorite: 9-3 (75.0%) over the last 12 games.
- ATS – All Games: 5-1 (83.3%) over the last 6 games.
Massachusetts vs Western Michigan Prediction: Over 46.5
In this upcoming game between Massachusetts and Western Michigan, the offensive and defensive statistics suggest a higher scoring affair. Western Michigan has scored 97 points across 5 games this season, averaging nearly 19.4 points per game. Meanwhile, Massachusetts has allowed 158 points, showing vulnerabilities on defense.
Massachusetts has been effective in games hitting the over, with a 7-1 record in their last 8 games and 4-0 at home. Their defense has struggled to contain opponents, which has led to higher-scoring outcomes. On the offensive side, while Massachusetts has only scored 49 points in 4 games, they have shown the ability to break down against weaker defenses.
Western Michigan’s road games have been less favorable, but their offense has enough potential to exploit Massachusetts’ defense, particularly in passing where Massachusetts ranks poorly. This could lead to additional scoring opportunities for both teams. Given the trends and performance metrics, the over 46.5 is an appealing choice.
Projected final score: Western Michigan 31 – Massachusetts 21. This score reflects Western Michigan’s ability to capitalize on Massachusetts’ defensive issues, while Massachusetts contributes enough to push the total over the set line.
- Massachusetts vs Western Michigan Prediction: Over 46.5
- Massachusetts vs Western Michigan Score: Western Michigan 31 – Massachusetts 21
