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How Western Michigan Could Reach the 2016 College Football Playoff

By Zach Bigalke

Sep 17, 2016; Champaign, IL, USA; The Western Michigan Broncos defense celebrates after the interception by Western Michigan Broncos linebacker Robert Spillane (10) during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. Western Michigan beat Illinois 34 to 10. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Champaign, IL, USA; The Western Michigan Broncos defense celebrates after the interception by Western Michigan Broncos linebacker Robert Spillane (10) during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. Western Michigan beat Illinois 34 to 10. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 30, 2013; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive end Carl Lawson (55) reacts after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide during the fourth quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Auburn Tigers won 34-28. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2013; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive end Carl Lawson (55) reacts after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide during the fourth quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Auburn Tigers won 34-28. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Witness Thanksgiving Chaos Across the Country

Western Michigan can’t get to the College Football Playoff alone. They need a lot of help around the country in the form of upsets that drive down the number of one-loss and two-loss teams. Anything that happens next weekend would be wonderful, obviously, but there would be no better time for another weekend of chaos like Week 11 to occur than over the extended Thanksgiving slate of rivalry games as the entire country is watching. Chief among the possible upsets would be another Auburn win over Alabama in an Iron Bowl upset in Tuscaloosa, which would earn WMU the distinction of the last unbeaten team in the country.

They could also get a lot of help from any number of other upsets. Iowa plays Nebraska on Thanksgiving Day to open the possibilities. A Washington State victory over Washington in the Apple Cup on Black Friday would kill the Huskies’ chances of making the playoff, opening the door for other contenders. Other Friday upsets that would benefit the Broncos include a Boise State loss at Air Force to eliminate any Group of Five competition, Iowa State over West Virginia, Michigan State over Penn State, and Minnesota over Wisconsin, and Notre Dame over USC. WMU will also root for Northwestern to ensure bowl eligibility against Illinois. On Saturday the Broncos will root for South Carolina to take down Clemson andColorado State over San Diego State.

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