College Football Playoff 2016: Week 9 New Year's Six Projections

College Football Playoff 2016: Week 9 New Year’s Six Projections

Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) attempts to tackle Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 15, 2016; Akron, OH, USA; Western Michigan Broncos wide receiver Corey Davis (84) tosses the ball after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Akron Zips at InfoCision Stadium. Western Michigan Broncos won 41-0. Mandatory Credit: Jason Mowry-USA TODAY Sports /

Cotton Bowl: Western Michigan (Group of Five) v. Auburn (at-large)

After Boise State fell to Wyoming over the weekend, Western Michigan became the only undefeated Group of Five team left in the country. The Broncos are on pace to win their first MAC title since 1988 and their first-ever appearance in a New Year’s Six bowl. Ranked in the top 20 nationally in both scoring offense and scoring defense, WMU has two signature wins over Big Ten opponents to bolster their credentials before the CFP committee.

Their opponent is likely to come from the SEC, and the committee is more likely to pick a team like Auburn than projected SEC championship game loser Florida. The Tigers have surged back to prominence after early-season losses thanks to the nation’s third-best rushing attack. The defense is also allowing just 16 points per game, and other than their Iron Bowl showdown against Alabama over Thanksgiving weekend Auburn should be favored in every other November contest.

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