Kalamazoo Times

Western Michigan University has posted its challenging four-game nonconference football schedule for the 2022 season on the school's website.  

The Broncos, who were 8-5 last year, open their season on Sept. 2 in East Lansing, Mich., against the always talented Michigan State Spartans of the Big Ten Conference. Two weeks later, WMU faces defending ACC Champion Pitt in a home game after the Broncos upset the Panthers last fall at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.

The nonconference schedule also includes a trip to San Jose State on Sept 24. The Broncos defeated SJSU last year at Waldo Stadium. The final nonconference game is Oct. 1 against New Hampshire. It will be the first-ever meeting between the two schools. Game times and broadcast availability will be announced at a later date.

The Mid-American Conference schedule will be announced in the coming weeks. 

The Broncos begin spring practice on Feb. 21 with the spring game set for March 26.

Head coach Tim Lester signed a two-year contract extension last month as a reward for a highly successful 2021 season. The Broncos defeated Pitt 44-41 and Mid-American Conference Champion Northern Illinois, 42-21, and Mountain West Champion San Jose State, 23-3. Western Michigan culminated the season with its second bowl win in school history and first on American soil with a dominating 52-24 triumph over Nevada.

The Broncos' offense and defense led the MAC in eight different statistical categories and were second in five other categories. 

"We look forward to continued success on the field and in the classroom and to the opportunities we will have to help our student-athletes grow,” Lester said when his contract extension was announced. “Let's Ride."