Group of Five: Week 5 Access Bowl Power Rankings

This past weekend Western Michigan took down Central Michigan on the road in a game that was never close. Lest we forget, this is the same Chippewas team that dealt Oklahoma State a defeat. The Broncos have been leaning on their running game, and Jarvion Franklin piled up 132 yards and two scores against CMU. Zach Terrell had an efficient if statistically calm day, throwing for 170 yards and three TDs. The defense held the Chippewas under 300 total yards despite having the possession advantage.

Boise State has been getting more love in the polls, but Western Michigan boasts the better resume. Their wins over Northwestern and Illinois might be marginally less impressive than defeating Oregon State and Washington State, but they also have a solid win over Sun Belt contender Georgia Southern in what amounted to a virtual Group of Five elimination game. WMU has one of the ten best scoring offenses in the country, and their defense is allowing fewer than 19 points per game. They also get to play NIU, Eastern Michigan, and Toledo — their three biggest challengers for the MAC West — all at home.