The Wiz of Odds

Western Michigan

Perhaps there is substance behind P.J. Fleck's "Row The Boat" slogan. The Western Michigan coach came up with the expression two years ago and his Broncos stumbled to a 1-11 season. In 2014 — Fleck's second season at Kalamazoo — the team improved to 8-5. Fleck is said to be pulling in strong recruiting classes and his Broncos will have the opportunity to shock the college football universe in the home opener against Michigan State on Sept. 4. Then there's the Sept. 26 trip to Columbus to play Ohio State.

Poster designed by Old Hat Creative. As always, click any poster to enlarge.

Toledo Edges Western Michigan in Overtime

It was football weather in Kalamazoo, Mich., site of Saturday's Mid-American Conference game between Toledo and host Western Michigan. Wiz correspondent Greg Laughlin was in attendance and watched the Rockets win in overtime, 20-19.

Despite the weather, it's clear Kalamazoo has a lively tailgate scene. Check out the photos after the jump.

Western Michigan

Coach P.J. Fleck and his curious "Row The Boat" slogan is back for season No. 2 at Western Michigan. Fleck is 33 and by most accounts a master recruiter. But after last season's 1-11 record, one has to wonder if Fleck will be around to see his talent turn into victories.

Click on the poster for an enlarged view.

Poster designed by Old Hat Creative.

Northern Illinois Is the Picture of Perfection

Wiz correspondent Greg Laughlin spent Tuesday night in frigid Dekalb, home of the Northern Illinois Huskies, who were playing host to Western Michigan. Northern Illinois completed an undefeated regular season with a 33-14 victory and advanced to the Mid-American Conference title game on Dec. 6 at Ford Field in Detroit.

There are more photos after the jump.

Western Michigan

P.J. Fleck is only 32 and entering his first season as Western Michigan's coach. To say he's off to a curious start is an understatement.

First there is the team's slogan — "Row The Boat." Fleck is featured in the team's poster holding an oar with the slogan, but that's just a start. He has wooden, boat-shaped business cards. He has helmet stickers of oars for his players. He created a “Row the Boat” dance.

On Tuesday night, he posted a photo on his twitter account that suggested his staff was about to walk barefoot across a bed of hot coals. Of course the last time someone tried that stunt it didn't end well. Perhaps Fleck has been to one too many Tony Robbins' motivational events.

Poster designed by Old Hat Creative. Thanks to Elaine.

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Western Michigan

Scoring wasn't a problem for Western Michigan in 2011. The Broncos put up a hefty 35.3 points a game. It was the defense, which gave up 28.6 a contest, that prevented the team from bigger and better things. Rich Nagy takes over as defensive coordinator in an attempt to shake things up. Quarterback Alex Carder is back for his senior season, and a writer who covered the Broncos last year said Carder was the best quarterback in the state of Michigan. Move over Denard Robinson.

Click the image to enlarge. Thanks to Elaine.