How Western Michigan Could Reach the 2016 College Football Playoff
By Zach Bigalke
5. Get a Louisville Upset in the ACC Title Game
The best scenario for Western Michigan would be for Louisville to lose to Houston on November 17, then for Clemson to lose to Wake Forest two days later. That would put the Cardinals into the ACC championship game rather than the Tigers, who beat Louisville head-to-head earlier this season. If Bobby Petrino’s team does take that second loss, and to a Group of Five school no less, it would already be enough to damage the ACC’s chances of making the College Football Playoff.
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But the Broncos would benefit even more if whoever among Virginia Tech and North Carolina was to knock off Louisville in Orlando to steal away the ACC crown. Even if the Hokies or the Tar Heels run their schedule to win the conference title, either would be a three-loss school. Of course, a win by the Big Ten West champion or the SEC East champ would have an even bigger impact, but this is by far the most plausible of the possibilities after what we’ve seen from the ACC this season.
As you can see, the prospects of a Western Michigan spot are not absolutely impossible, though they are a longshot that depends on an absolutely perfect series of results both within and outside of their control. At least you’ll get to see them play a Power Five team in the Cotton Bowl if they win out.