Group of Five Power Rankings, Week 1: Temple makes a statement

A close 14-12 win against a struggling Vanderbilt team may not be that impressive, but the fact that Vanderbilt comes from the SEC will give Western Kentucky just a bit of credibility. However, the other issue is Western Kentucky had way less yards than Vanderbilt, as the Commodores had 385 to 246, but gave the ball up three times to WKU’s zero turnovers. Vanderbilt just needed a two-point conversion to tie up the game. With a more convincing win Western Kentucky would have climbed a spot or two higher in the Power Rankings, but they earned a spot here with a win.

With quarterback Brandon Doughty back, Western Kentucky should have some even more good fortune in the coming weeks. Doughty had the most passing yards and touchdowns of any player in the FBS in 2014 (4830, 49). It was pretty good news for WKU that the defense came up with the biggest plays that won their first game.

Western Kentucky has some big games left, which should help their case if they can be competitive in them. Games at LSU (another SEC foe) and vs Marshall are the highlight match-ups ahead of the Hilltoppers. This week Western Kentucky faces Louisiana Tech at Home.

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7

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (W Vanderbilt, 14-12)

Last week: 1-0 record
Last rank: n/a

Western Kentucky barely stays alive in SEC territory.

A close 14-12 win against a struggling Vanderbilt team may not be that impressive, but the fact that Vanderbilt comes from the SEC will give Western Kentucky just a bit of credibility. However, the other issue is Western Kentucky had way less yards than Vanderbilt, as the Commodores had 385 to 246, but gave the ball up three times to WKU’s zero turnovers. Vanderbilt just needed a two-point conversion to tie up the game. With a more convincing win Western Kentucky would have climbed a spot or two higher in the Power Rankings, but they earned a spot here with a win.

With quarterback Brandon Doughty back, Western Kentucky should have some even more good fortune in the coming weeks. Doughty had the most passing yards and touchdowns of any player in the FBS in 2014 (4830, 49). It was pretty good news for WKU that the defense came up with the biggest plays that won their first game.

Western Kentucky has some big games left, which should help their case if they can be competitive in them. Games at LSU (another SEC foe) and vs Marshall are the highlight match-ups ahead of the Hilltoppers. This week Western Kentucky faces Louisiana Tech at Home.

Next: Number 6: Memphis