Did Western Michigan just make a statement for the Mid-American Conference?

It could be.

Consider that as the Broncos get set for the USA Fall DIAA final, the MAC get them ready as well as just about any conference could. 

Sure WMU was undefeated in the regular-season play in the MAC, but it wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t easy anywhere, for anyone. Defending national DIAA Fall champs, Bowling Green, lost twice in the regular season, once to Western Michigan, and once to Louisville. That wasn’t a fluke for Louisville, which ended the season 6-3 (including playoffs) and beat IUPUI to take 3rd in the conference.

It's Iowa Central And Western Michigan In DIAA Final

IUPUI made the playoffs in the team’s first year after moving up to DIAA. Cincinnati ended up 4-3 in conference play, including a win over Louisville (you see how these results get circular)..

“Playing in the MAC has been really good for us,” said WMU Head Coach Mark Allen, DDS. “We had two teams make the DIAA final four. Then IUPUI and Louisville were right there at that level. Cincinnati was not far behind. So we had five teams that always gave each other good games. It’s so valuable.”

Remember also that while WMU did beat Bowling Green in the regular season, Bowling Green returned the favor in the conference final. So there’s a nice rivalry between those two, and building with the others.

There’s plenty of respect among these teams, too. 

Looking ahead, Western Michigan may well have the pieces to defeat Iowa Centra CC. They play superb defense, are physical, and have athletes, too.

And the Broncos can deal with adversity, whether it’s entering the playoffs after the MAC Final disappointment, or winning a national semifinal without their starting prop.

Win or lose, they’ll know that they will return to one of the best conferences in DIAA rugby next year.