The Eastern football team is set to take on Alex Carder and Western Michigan at 6 p.m. Saturday in Kalamazoo, Mich., taking on one of the most dynamic offenses in the country.

Carder ranked ninth in the nation in passing yards last season, recording more passing yards than USC quarterback Matt Barkley and No. 1 overall NFL draft pick Andrew Luck.

This year, Carder is the nation’s top returning passer after averaging 337 yards per game in 2011.

Carder had a presence at the wide receiver position last season in Jordan White, but his departure leaves the Broncos with several questions at the wide receiver position.

“Whatever (Carder) does, I’ve got faith in my defense,” Eastern quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo said. “I have faith they will shut down the pass game and the run game. They will handle him.”

In Western Michigan’s week one loss to the Illinois Fighting Illini, Carder was limited to 229 passing yards and threw three interceptions.

Although he struggled against the Illini, he developed a connection with freshman wide receiver Jaime Wilson. He had eight catches for 59 yards against the Illini.

Although Western Michigan is praised for having a high-powered offensive scheme, Eastern boasts a strong defense that ranks near the top in several defensive categories.

The Panthers rank first in the FCS in turnovers gained, after forcing six turnovers in their season opening win against Southern Illinois-Carbondale. They also have a pair of defensive players who are nationally ranked at their respective position.

D.J. Bland and Nick Beard are both nationally ranked cornerbacks.

Bland is ranked third in passes defended after breaking up two passes and recording an interception.

Beard is ranked 10th in passes defended, also breaking up two passes against Southern.

The Panthers also feature a pass rush that recorded four sacks in the win against Southern. Robert Haynes, Jerone Williams, Judes Amilcar and Pat Wertzall recorded sacks.

Senior defensive end Artaveous Dowdell also forced and recovered a fumble.

“Game in and game out I know the team is counting on me on third down and fourth down to get a good pass rush,” Dowdell said. “That’s what I take pride in is getting better every day in practice to make sure I’ll be ready when my number is called.”

The Panthers hold the all-time series advantage, winning the two teams’ only meeting in 1996 by a score of 28-20. Eastern missed three field goals and had another blocked in the game.

The Broncos were then coached by former Eastern coach Al Molde.

Eastern is 3-4 all-time against Mid-American Conference teams, beating Eastern Michigan, Northern Illinois and Western Michigan, but losing to Toledo and Central Michigan each twice.

Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, Mich.

The game will also be aired on ESPN3.

Jordan Pottorff can be reached at 581-2812 or jbpottorff@eiu.edu.