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Group of Five: Week 1 Power Rankings

By Zach Bigalke

Sep 3, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars cornerback Brandon Wilson (26) catches a missed field goal attempt and returns it for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars cornerback Brandon Wilson (26) catches a missed field goal attempt and returns it for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Western Michigan Broncos (1-0/MAC)

  • LAST WEEK: won 22-21 @ Northwestern
  • NEXT WEEK: September 10 v. FCS North Carolina Central

Western Michigan set themselves up as the MAC favorites after claiming their first win over Big Ten opposition since 2008. Against Northwestern the Broncos survived a late challenge, taking the lead with 5:38 remaining and then holding on as the Wildcats surged inside the WMU 10. Linebacker Robert Spillane, playing his first game since being injured last October, became the hero for the Broncos when he punched the ball away from Northwestern quarterback Clayton Thorson and preserved the slim victory with time fading away. Nine different receivers caught passes from senior quarterback Zach Terrell as the Broncos generated the upset.

They’ll try to go 2-0 against Big Ten competition in two weeks when they head back to Illinois to face the Illini in Champaign. They’ll also take on Georgia Southern before September ends, and should they survive to reach October undefeated the Broncos will have one of the strongest resumes in the nation among mid-majors. Then it comes down to whether or not WMU can fend off Toledo, who they’ll play on November 25 in what could be a MAC championship play-in game.

Next: 2. Southern Miss Golden Eagles

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