The Rhode Island Rams travel to face the Western Michigan Broncos in Week 5 of the 2025 regular season. Scheduled for Saturday, September 27, 2025, the game will be held at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, MI, with kick-off set for 6:30 PM. Fans can catch the action on ESPN+. The Rhode Island Rams enter this matchup with a challenging start, having recorded a loss to the Minnesota Golden Gophers last season by a score of 48-0. Without a conference affiliation, the Rams will look to improve their performance on the road against the Broncos. Their most recent outing highlights the need to enhance both their offensive and defensive strategies. Western Michigan Broncos, part of the Mid-American Conference, come into this game with a 1-3 record for the season. They are coming off a narrow 14-13 win against the Toledo Rockets in their most recent home game. Looking to capitalize on their home-field advantage, the Broncos will aim for consistency and a second win this season.
Western Michigan vs Rhode Island At a Glance
- Game Time and Date: The game is scheduled for Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 6:30 PM.
- Location: Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, MI will host the game.
- Broadcast: Fans can watch the game on ESPN+.
- Western Michigan Record: The Broncos have a current season record of 1-3.
- Rhode Island Record: The Rams are coming into the game with a 0-1 record from last season.
- Game Odds: Western Michigan is favored with a moneyline of -285, while Rhode Island is at +230.
Western Michigan Broncos Set Sights on Next Victory
Team Overview
The Western Michigan Broncos have had a mixed start to their 2025 season. With a 1-3 record, they are looking to build momentum after a narrow victory against Toledo. The Broncos are ranked 86th in points scored, indicating room for improvement on offense.
Defensively, the Broncos have been more impressive, especially with their sack and interception rates. Ranking 8th in sacks and 4th in interceptions shows their ability to disrupt opposing offenses. This defensive strength could be crucial in upcoming games.
Quarterback Performance
Broc Lowry has led the Broncos as their primary quarterback, accumulating 445 passing yards over four games. While Lowry’s ranking of 122nd in passing yards may not stand out, his ability to manage games is essential for the team’s success. His single passing touchdown so far suggests a need for more offensive production.
Brady Jones has served as the backup quarterback, participating in three games and recording 122 passing yards. Jones has yet to score a passing touchdown, indicating his role primarily supports Lowry. The Broncos will need both quarterbacks to step up if they aim to improve their offensive output.
Rushing and Receiving Corps
Jalen Buckley is the standout in the Broncos’ backfield, rushing for 167 yards in four games. However, with no rushing touchdowns, Buckley and the running game need to find the end zone more often to increase scoring potential. Devin Miles and Ofa Mataele add depth, although they too have yet to score a rushing touchdown.
In the receiving department, Tailique Williams leads the way with 186 receiving yards over three games. Despite not having any receiving touchdowns, his contributions are vital for the Broncos’ passing attack. The team will look for more scoring opportunities from their wide receivers and tight ends.
Special Teams Impact
Kicker Palmer Domschke has been reliable, converting all three field goal attempts this season. His consistency in scoring could be crucial in tight games. The Broncos’ special teams play will be an important factor as they look to capitalize on scoring chances.
Betting Trends
- SU – As Favorite: Last 11 Games (2023–2024) → 10-1 (90.9%)
- ATS – Home Games: Last 3 Games (2024–2025) → 3-0 (100.0%)
- O/U – As Favorite: Last 10 Games (2023–2024) → 8-2 (80.0%)
- ATS – As Favorite: Last 11 Games (2023–2024) → 8-3 (72.7%)
- O/U – Home Games: Last 11 Games (2023–2025) → 8-3 (72.7%)
Rhode Island Rams: Seeking Redemption in Their Next Game
Offensive Struggles
The Rhode Island Rams’ offense has encountered significant challenges this season, as evidenced by their 137th rank in points scored. With only 117 passing yards, ranked 190th, and 18 rushing yards, ranked 208th, their ability to advance the ball effectively is under scrutiny. Achieving just six first downs in their last outing highlights the necessity for offensive adjustments.
Defensive Outlook
Despite the offensive hurdles, the Rams’ defense has shown some resilience, especially in limiting opponents’ points, ranking 18th with 48 points against. However, generating turnovers has been problematic, as they rank 1st with zero interceptions and 16th with no fumbles recovered. The Rams’ defense needs to create more opportunities for their offense to capitalize on.
Recent Performance
The Rams’ latest game was a challenging one, suffering a heavy 48-0 defeat to the Minnesota Golden Gophers. With a mere six first downs and three interceptions, their offensive inefficiencies were apparent. Their defense, while not allowing a large number of rushing yards, struggled against Minnesota’s potent passing attack.
Key Players to Watch
Marquis Buchanan, a standout wide receiver, has been a bright spot with five receptions for 64 yards, indicating his potential to be a game-changer. Running backs Malik Grant and Jaden Griffin, though limited in yardage, are crucial for the Rams’ ground game improvement. The team’s offensive success will largely depend on these players’ performances.
Betting Trends
- O/U – All Games: Last 4 Games (2021–2024) → 4-0 (100.0%)
- O/U – As Underdog: Last 4 Games (2021–2024) → 4-0 (100.0%)
- O/U – Away Games: Last 4 Games (2021–2024) → 4-0 (100.0%)
- ATS – Totals ≥ 50: Last 3 Games (2021–2023) → 3-0 (100.0%)
- O/U – Totals ≥ 50: Last 3 Games (2021–2023) → 3-0 (100.0%)
- ATS – All Games: Last 4 Games (2021–2024) → 3-1 (75.0%)
Injury Concerns
No current injury data is available for the Rams, which could be seen as a positive sign. The team must remain healthy to have any chance of improving their season outlook. Avoiding injuries will be critical as they look to turn their season around.
Upcoming Challenges
As the Rams prepare for their next game, they are 7.5-point underdogs with a total set at 43.5. This indicates the betting market’s skepticism about their chances. Their ability to defy these odds will be vital to changing the narrative of their season.
Western Michigan vs Rhode Island Prediction: Western Michigan -7.5
Western Michigan Broncos are playing at home in Waldo Stadium as 7.5-point favorites. They have shown strong performance trends, particularly with a 3-0 record against the spread in their last three home games. Their recent 14-13 victory over Toledo adds to their confidence, making them a formidable opponent for the visiting Rhode Island Rams.
The Rams have had a tough time on the road, as evidenced by their 0-1 record. Their offensive stats from last season also highlight struggles, ranking last in points for, and this could be an issue against Western Michigan’s solid defense. With Western Michigan’s strong track record as a favorite, they are well-positioned to cover the spread.
Western Michigan’s defense has been effective in limiting opponents, ranking 75th in points against this season, which should further challenge Rhode Island’s ability to score. With the Broncos’ ability to capitalize on home field advantage, a convincing win seems likely.
In this contest, expect the Broncos to utilize their balanced offensive attack and home advantage to secure a victory that covers the spread. A projected final score of 24-10 in favor of Western Michigan seems plausible.
- Western Michigan vs Rhode Island Prediction: Western Michigan -7.5
- Western Michigan vs Rhode Island Score: Western Michigan 24 – Rhode Island 10
