College Football Rankings 2016: Projected AP Top 25 after Week 6

Oct 8, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Drew Morgan (middle) returns a kickoff for a long gain during the second quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Drew Morgan (middle) returns a kickoff for a long gain during the second quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /
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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
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 /

Western Michigan moved to 6-0 on the season with a win against Northern Illinois, taking charge of the MAC West race in the process. Zach Terrell finally had to have a big passing game and delivered, throwing for 327 yards and three touchdowns. Jarvion Franklin added 169 yards and a touchdown on the ground as the Broncos finished with 573 total yards of offense. The defense bent but didn’t completely break against NIU, allowing nearly 500 yards but forcing two turnovers along the way.

The Broncos arrive at the midpoint of the season as one of the top Group of Five teams with a shot at the automatic New Year’s Six bowl bid. They already have statement wins over Northwestern and Illinois, and trips to Akron, Ball State, and Kent State shouldn’t present too much danger to their record. Neither should home games against Eastern Michigan or Buffalo. The regular-season finale at home against Toledo will likely decide which of the two teams represents the division in the MAC championship game in Detroit.