I have been absolutely SHOCKED (and intensely proud) of how well my alma mater, Western Michigan University, has played this football season. I have always had the utmost pride in my school, and its ability to continually improve in the face of being considered mediocre, both academically and athletically. Our academics have been ranked higher than so many “brand name” schools for years that it really shouldn’t be a question anymore how good WMU is, but with this added athletic recognition, I’m hoping that Western can really make a mark.

However, I’ve been equally shocked at how roughly WMU has been treated by the AP and College Playoff ranking committees. While I know that WMU isn’t a storied school, and sits soundly (generally) in the middle of the Group of 5, this season has been an absolute standout for them. Going 12–0, even for a Power 5 school, is incredible. So when a Group of 5/Mid-Major school does it, why has that been so soundly ignored?

As an exercise to see if this was strictly personal bias, I wanted to take a look at how WMU did overall, and where it sits compared to other schools, which are ranked above WMU either in AP or the Playoff rankings.

These rankings are for the full 2016 regular season, out of a total 128 teams in NCAA-FBS, and stats are generated via AP stat tracking.

Team stat rankings:

12th in total offense (Washington State is 14th, Ohio State is 21st)

41st in passing offense (Alabama is 60th)

13th in rushing offense (Alabama is 14th, Michigan is 25th)

6th in first downs (Ohio State is 9th, Michigan is 40th, Alabama is 44th)

6th in overall offensive team efficiency (Texas is 9th, Clemson is 14th, Ohio State is 16th)

38th in total defense (WVU is 58th, Boise State is 50th)

32nd in passing defense (Nebraska is 42nd, Louisville is 39th)

59th in rushing defense (Boise State is 71st)

20th in interceptions (Michigan is 38th, WVU is 38th, Auburn is 49th)

43rd in overall defensive team efficiency (Notre Dame is 46th, Oregon is 108th)

3rd in extra points (Okay, this stat is mostly for fun)

63rd in overall special teams efficiency (Ohio State is 65th, Clemson is 67th)

Player stat rankings:

3rd overall rated QB (with only 1 thrown interception all season)

23rd ranked QB for passing yards

10th ranked QB for touchdown passes

7th ranked WR for receiving yards

1st ranked WR for receiving touchdowns

42nd ranked DE for sacks

20th ranked RB for total yards

41st ranked RB for rushing touchdowns

23rd ranked CB for interceptions made

1st ranked CB for yards via interception

1st ranked CB for pick-sixes

Western has more Big 10 wins than 3 Big 10 teams, and the same as 2 more. Western has ALL their games against teams in their StdDv of difficulty or higher, all season. Western stood a chance at losing every single game they played this season, and rose to the occasion through skill. By comparison, look at that nice win against Chattanooga that Alabama had. Was that a challenge? How about Ohio State’s victory against Tulsa? Tough game?

Heck, look at USC, currently ranked above WMU. A win against Utah State? A loss against Utah? Or Florida State, also ranked above WMU. A loss to Louisville and North Carolina? But wins against “Charleston Southern” and “South Florida” to pad out that WIN column.

But okay. Tell me again how Western Michigan University (12–0!) deserves to be ranked BELOW USC (9–3), Florida State (9–3), and Oklahoma State (9–2).

Western Michigan has routinely proven that they are a serious team this season. And by all metrics, should be ranked 10th in the AP, and at least 15th in the Playoff rankings. To list them at 13th and 21st respectively is insulting and clearly demonstrates the monetary bias of the AP and Playoff committee to the Power 5 and only a very few Group of 5 teams, of which WMU is not.

I suppose at the end of the day, it should be no surprise that money talks, especially when you look at the broadcast value of many of these teams in specific regions (heck, look at why Rutgers is in the Big 10: That sweet sweet New York TV market!) That said, I firmly believe that Western should get their shot at a solid Bowl game. None of this crap “middle of December” stuff. I want a real game. I want us to stand up and snag a real legacy. We can do it. Let us take our shot.

I’ll always be a proud Bronco, no matter what happens, and this season has been no exception. Thanks so much for all the memories this season, and in all years past, Western.

Row The Boat, Broncos!

Fight on, fight on, for Western.

Love,

A Proud Alumnus, class of 2010