College Football Playoff Top 25 Projections after Championship Weekend

Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Florida Gators running back Jordan Scarlett (25) is brought down by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Da'Shawn Hand (9) during the third quarter of the SEC Championship college football game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

13 of 26

Dec 2, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Western Michigan Broncos wide receiver Corey Davis (84) and wide receiver Carrington Thompson (15) and quarterback Zach Terrell (11) celebrate after defeating Ohio Bobcats for the Mac Championship 29-23 at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Western Michigan avoided the fate that befell previous favorites in the MAC championship game, fending off a third-quarter charge by Ohio to win the league title 29-23 on Friday night. The WMU defense held the Bobcats to just 251 total yards of offense, yet two second-half interceptions by Zach Terrell allowed Ohio to remain in the contest. It was the first time they’ve failed to win by double digits against a MAC opponent this season.

It wasn’t pretty, but Western Michigan did everything they needed to do in the first championship game of the weekend. As the only undefeated Group of Five team, the Broncos are effectively locked into the automatic mid-major bid to a New Year’s Six bowl game. They’ll head to the Cotton Bowl, where they will likely face their third Big Ten opponent of 2016.

PROJECTED BOWL DESTINATION: Cotton Bowl (January 2)

Home/College Football Rankings