CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Western Michigan football team was selected to finish second in the MAC West Division by the Mid-American Conference media, the league announced on Wednesday. The Broncos were one of three teams to earn a first place vote. Western Michigan returns 13 starters from last year's championship team, including eight on defense.

The team has earned plenty of honors this summer with a pair of Doak Walker Award Watch List members in running backs Jarvion Franklin and Jamauri Bogan, a Paul Hornung Award Watch List player in defensive back/kick returner Darius Phillips, a John Mackey Award Watch List member in senior tight end Donnie Ernsberger and Outland Trophy Watch List members in offensive linemen John Keenoy and Chukwuma Okorafor.

The Broncos begin fall practice on Thursday, Aug. 3. Head coach Tim Lester will take the helm in his first season. The team will open the 2017 season on Sept. 2 at USC.

The complete poll follows: Team (First Place Votes) Points
MAC East Division
1. Ohio (11) 131
2. Miami (12) 129
3. Bowling Green (1) 88
4. Akron 79
5. Buffalo 41
6. Kent State 36

MAC West Division
1. Toledo (22) 142
2. Western Michigan (1) 107
3. Northern Illinois (1) 89
4. Eastern Michigan 74
5. Central Michigan 62
6. Ball State 30 2017

MAC Championship Game Winner: Toledo (21); Western Michigan (1); Bowling Green (1); Miami (1).