The Undefeateds: Alabama and …Western Michigan?
November 14, 2016
After Iowa stunned Michigan at Nile Kinnick stadium on Saturday with a last second field goal, only two unbeaten teams were left standing: The Alabama Crimson Tide and the Western Michigan Broncos.
Alabama’s dominance is not surprising by any means, but no one would have assumed that PJ Fleck and the Broncos would be 10-0 at this point. Western ranks 16th in the nation in total offense and 33rd in total defense, but is tied for first in turnover margin, only turning the ball over four times on the entire season.
Alabama, on the other hand, is 23rd in total offense, 2nd in total defense, and 45th in the country in turnover margin. It’s clear to see that these teams have been polar opposites this season.
Alabama’s remaining schedule features two games at home against Chattanooga and Auburn, then a likely SEC Championship Game appearance. Western Michigan plays their final two games at home as well, one against Buffalo, where ESPN’s College GameDay will be visiting (Saturday, Nov. 19 at 3:30), and finishing their season with a tough matchup against the 8-2 Toledo Rockets (Friday, Nov. 25, time TBD). The Broncos will look to clinch a spot in the MAC Championship Game in one of their last two games.
Alabama will most likely be a lock for the College Football Playoff, and while WMU doesn’t realistically have a chance to crack the final four, they very well could be in the mix for a New Year’s Day Six bowl game. If they can maintain their current CFP rating and win the MAC, they could even appear in the Cotton Bowl.
Both of these unbeatens have worked hard to win every game, and both look to finish their seasons strong and keep that loss column clean.