The 2014 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl features a surprising Western Michigan team who finished with an 8-4 record and went 6-2 in the MAC. While the best player on the field may be Freshman Running back Jarvion Franklin, there are a few players to keep your eye on in the secondary for Western Michigan who have impressed this season.
Air Force also had a bounce-back season looking to add another victory. Look for them to stick to their strategy: run, run, run to set up the occasional pass.
By: Matt Vahey
Western Michigan
Donald Celiscar, CB- #34, 5’11, 183
At the beginning of the year Celiscar had a scary moment where he took a serious hit and had a serious concussion where, at the time, many were unclear if he were going to be able to return. But he came back and had an excellent season and was named to Phil Steele’s First-Team All-Conference for the MAC. Has good speed and fluid hips where he can stay in opposing receivers back pockets. Where it seemed opposing QBs were testing him all season, he has shown excellent ball skills this, with 4 interceptions 17 breakups and 21 passes defended. Is very aggressive and not afraid to pursue and make tackles at the CB spot (the play in which he received his concussion he was going in for a big hit). Celiscar will be the best corner on the field this weekend.
Justin Currie, SS – #33, 6’2’’, 204
Currie acted as the field general on the defense for the Broncos, and could be found around the ball on seemingly almost every play. At 6’2’’, 204 he plays faster than you would expect for a safety at his size. He has great play recognition and finds the ball and attacks, as can be seen with his high production making almost 100 tackles on the season. Can be a little stiff in coverage, but has shown the ability to track down in the air. Keep an eye on the ball, as he will be involved in a lot of plays on Saturday.
Air Force
Kale Pearson, QB #2, 5’9, 175
Pearson is likely to return after missing the last game due to an ankle injury. Pearson is the driving force behind this offense, and without him they are without their most dynamic playmaker. Pearson has returned from a torn ACL last year and has shown no adverse signs in terms of athleticism. Has shown a better ability to throw this year completing about 60% of his passes, however he truly relies on his legs (as does the run heavy Air Force offense). He is undersized and lacks the arm talent to be a quarterback at the next level, and will likely be looking at a position change if he wants to further his football career.
Will Conant, P-PK #30, 6’2, 215
Certainly not a glamour position, but Will Conant has played quite well this season not only as a place kicker but as the team’s punter as well. This certainly adds to his next level value but being successful at both which will give a team flexibility roster-wise. Conant has made 17 straight field goals on attempts under 60 yards. He also averaged 43.8 yards per punt and landed 18 of them inside the 20.
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