Group of Five: Week 4 Access Bowl Power Rankings

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Sep 17, 2016; Champaign, IL, USA; Western Michigan Broncos defensive end Andre Turner (5), defensive lineman Daniel Jackson (50), and defensive lineman Eric Assuoa (33) celebrate after sacking Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Wes Lunt (12) during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium. Western Michigan beat Illinois 34 to 10. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports /

After winning their second road game over a Big Ten team in Week 3, Western Michigan returned to Kalamazoo this week. There they took on Sun Belt leader Georgia Southern in a Group of Five showdown with potential Access Bowl implications. The Broncos dominated at home, forcing four Eagles turnovers in a runaway 18-point victory. WMU’s defense held the stout Georgia Southern option attack to just four yards per carry and is tied for 35th nationally in points allowed.

Now that non-conference play has ended for Western Michigan, they dive headlong into the MAC schedule with a road trip to face Central Michigan next week. The Broncos really can’t overlook any opponent in the league, but should they escape Mount Pleasant with a 5-0 record it sets them up for a possible undefeated run. Northern Illinois is down this year, but their remaining road trips after CMU are to Akron, Ball State, and Kent State.

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