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College Football Rankings 2016: Projected AP Top 25 After National Championship

By Zach Bigalke

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) scores a touchdown on an 8 yard run past against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second quarter in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) scores a touchdown on an 8 yard run past against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second quarter in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Western Michigan Broncos wide receiver Corey Davis (84) catches a touchdown pass in front of Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Sojourn Shelton (8) during the second half of the 2017 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Western Michigan Broncos wide receiver Corey Davis (84) catches a touchdown pass in front of Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Sojourn Shelton (8) during the second half of the 2017 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Western Michigan failed to cap its perfect regular season and MAC title with a New Year’s Six victory. But they acquitted themselves well against Wisconsin a 24-16 loss at the Cotton Bowl. They spotted the Badgers a 14-point lead early in the game before finally finding their stride. An interception early in the third quarter let Wisconsin regain a two-touchdown lead. The Broncos still hung with the Big Ten West champs for most of the game, but time ran out on their comeback bid as they failed to get one last stop.

Even with the loss, Western Michigan was one of just three teams (along with national title participants Clemson and Alabama) to win at least 13 games this season. They will inevitably drop in the final AP Top 25, but they should still earn enough votes to remain in the teens. The Broncos went 2-1 against Big Ten opponents, beating Northwestern and Illinois before losing to the Badgers. They swept their MAC schedule and entered the postseason as one of two undefeated teams along with Alabama.

All the success could lead to a step back next year. They not only lose talent like receiver Corey Davis and quarterback Zach Terrell, but coach P.J. Fleck will be patrolling the Minnesota sideline next season. After securing their first conference title since 1988 and the Group of Five spot in the Cotton Bowl, WMU will finish a season in the AP Top 25 for the first time ever.

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