It’s Wednesday, which means it’s time to reveal the latest edition of the Group of Five Power Poll.
As always, remember that these rankings are fluid, and will change from week to week depending on what transpires on the gridiron.
Here’s this week’s installment:
* Please note that BYU is not included in these rankings since the Cougars cannot capture this bid!
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1. Houston (5-0) — At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I’ll say that the Cougars have separated themselves from the rest of the pack. Sure, the only Power 5 win that Houston has is over Louisville, but that “W” will look more impressive over time. Regardless, the Cougars turned in another solid performance against SMU last week, throttling the Mustangs 49-28. At first, that might not sound all that impressive, but it’s worth noting that that margin of victory is actually larger than what TCU beat SMU by. While that doesn’t mean Houston would necessarily beat the Horned Frogs, it’s not a stretch to think that it could happen, especially since the Cougars rank 6th nationally in total offense, 6th nationally in scoring offense, 9th in rushing defense, and 1st in turnover margin.
2. Toledo (5-0) — Although many would expect to see Boise in this spot, the Rockets deserve it based on how well they’ve played this season. After all, UT opened the campaign with a win over Arkansas and followed it up with a win over Iowa State, making it the only school on this list to post back-to-back wins against Power 5 conference opponents. More importantly, the Rocket defense is one of the best in the nation under pressure, allowing its opponents to score just one touchdown and three field goals in 13 red zone opportunities this season. If — and it’s a big if — Houston should fall, Toledo could find itself playing in the biggest bowl game in the school’s storied history.
3. Boise State (5-1) — The Broncos are playing as well as any team in the country right now, rolling to their fourth straight victory by 30 or more points. Boise’s defense is one of the top units in the country, ranking 5th nationally in total defense and 1st in interceptions. The offense has been just as good — if not better — than the D with Brett Rypien under center, averaging 532.67 yards per game in his three starts. With wins over Washington and Virginia, the Broncos will definitely be in the mix on Selection Sunday. But, if any of the other teams on this list finish undefeated, they’ll likely be on the outside looking in.
4. Temple (5-0) — Despite opening up the season with a 5-0 record — which includes wins over Penn State and Cincinnati — many experts still aren’t sold on the Owls just yet. I certainly am. Temple’s defense is the best in the AAC, leading the league in scoring defense, total defense, and third down conversion defense. It has also held two opponents (Penn State and Tulane) to under 200 yards of total offense, and is allowing a pedestrian 1.6 yards per carry at home this season. Why’s that important? The Owls’ two toughest remaining games — Notre Dame and Memphis — will be played within the friendly confines of Lincoln Financial Field. A pair of wins would vault TU all the way to the top of the rankings, setting up a de facto playoff game with Houston for a chance to play in a New Year’s Day bowl — something it hasn’t done since 1934 when Pop Warner guided the team to a berth in the first Sugar Bowl.
5. Memphis (5-0) — The Tigers are back at No. 5, even though they had the week off. Memphis’ resume looks really good compared to the other “mid majors,” posting victories against Kansas, Bowling Green, and Cincinnati. Unfortunately, the Tigers don’t have a win over a big name school like the teams listed above them. (I’m not saying it’s right, but that likely will matter to the Selection Committee). However, that could change this weekend with a win over Ole Miss. While that might not seem very likely, anything is possible with Paxton Lynch — who averages 307 yards per game and has an amazing 10-0 TD-to-INT ratio — at the controls.
6. Bowling Green (4-2) — By virtue of their wins over Purdue and Maryland, the Falcons would actually be tied for first place in the Big Ten West right now. All kidding aside, Bowling Green’s offense is one of the most explosive units the country, averaging 604.7 yards per game. It also ranks in the top 10 nationally in third down conversions (8th), passing plays greater than 10 yards (2nd), and passing offense (2nd). With that type of firepower, the Falcons could easily move up in the rankings if they were to defeat archrival Toledo in the Battle for I-75 on November 17. However, the hard fought 44-41 loss to Memphis will probably prevent them from earning a New Year’s Day bowl bid, even if BG wins out.
7. Navy (4-1) — While Western Kentucky and Georgia Southern have played very well over the past few weeks, the Midshipmen deserve to remain in the rankings. Sure, the loss to Notre Dame stings, but Navy’s overall body of work — which includes wins over East Carolina, Connecticut, and Air Force — is still pretty impressive. Considering that Middies have run the ball well against everyone this season (335.4 yards per game, 5.93 yards per rush), they still have a chance to move up this list if — and it’s a big if — they can beat Memphis and Houston in November.
Others receiving consideration: Western Kentucky, Georgia Southern, Air Force, Utah State, Ohio, Arkansas State, Tulsa, Western Michigan
