WMU / CMU: 5 Reasons to watch

1) MAC WEST TITLE

I start with the most obvious. Western Michigan hasn't won a share of the MAC-West since 2000. The Chip's have waited longer for this opportunity. Their drought runs back to 1994. The winner of Friday's game will do all but lock up a trip to Ford Field for the MAC Championship game.

2) BEST RIVLARY IN MICHIGAN (THIS YEAR)

Michigan versus Michigan State was a bust this year. It may have been the biggest disappointment since the Matrix sequels. Obscure references aside, Western and Central are virtually equals competing for the right to a bowl game. Is there a better rivalry this year? If so, e-mail me at the above address and clue me in. K-College versus Hope will garner you zero replies.

3) ISMAIL RECORD WATCH

One of West Michigan's own has a chance to set a very impressive record. Holland (West Ottawa) native Ameer Ismail is one sack from tying the all-time sacks record for the MAC. The record is currently held by Central Michigan Senior Dan Bazuin, which was set in 2005. Bazuin broke former Bronco, Jason Babin's record of 15 sacks in a season by logging 16 last year. Ismail could break the record, in front of the man who set the record, with two sacks Friday night. That's a storyline you can't make up....unless you have a lot of time on your hand.

4) SEE JOHN L. SMITH'S REPLACEMENT

Step right up! Get a glimpse of Michigan State's future for just $15! The Brian Kelly rumor mill has been chuggin' away for a couple weeks now, but behind every rumor is a little truth...or a chat room guy trying to make a name for himself. All fingers point to Kelly's name at least being dropped behind closed doors in East Lansing. The search for John L.'s replacement has been extremely tight-lipped, even for MSU standards. Kelly does fit the bill for what the Spartans are looking for. True, Kelly needs more seasoning, but MSU can't afford to miss a guy in their backyard who could be a slam-dunk hire in two years. The search doesn't have to end with Kelly. If Western pulls off the mild upset this Friday, you might here Bill Cubit's name dropped in East Lansing. Cubit is the hard-nose authority figure that State clearly needs, plus he doesn't need the extra D1 work that Kelly's resume lacks.

5) WHAT ELSE ARE YOU GOING TO WATCH?

This is not a knock on high school football. That being said, please tell me a better game this weekend concerning a football in the state of Michigan. The Wolverines are in Indiana playing yet another game with nothing to gain...and the whole world to lose. Michigan State is counting down the hours to the end of the season....again (home vs. Minnesota). Hope College has already wrapped up the MIAA title, so no drama there. The closest thing to interesting might be the Lions going for back-to-back wins for the first time since September 19, 2004. If that actually excites you, remember, you have all day Saturday to prepare mentally.