Group of Five Power Rankings: Houston stands alone after Memphis, Temple lose

Nov 14, 2015; Annapolis, MD, USA; Navy Midshipmen quarterback Keenan Reynolds (19) and teammates celebrate after the game against the Southern Methodist Mustangs at Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Navy Midshipmen defeated Southern Methodist Mustangs 55-14. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Houston overcame a big deficit to beat Memphis and with Temple losing, Tom Herman’s Cougars are the runaway leader in this week’s Group of Five power rankings.

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Houston survived, but a number of surprises happened around the Group of Five conferences last weekend. The Cougars coming back against the Memphis Tigers was the most important win and they remain in contention for a New Year’s Six bowl game. Further, Tom Herman could be in line for a big job opening next month.

The most surprising game was Boise State’s home loss to New Mexico. The Lobos have improved and are already bowl eligible this season, which marks the first time since 2007 that New Mexico has reached a bowl game.

Boise State had four turnovers, which has been the defining factor this year in whether or not Boise State wins. Against Utah State the Broncos had six, and last weekend they had four given to the Lobos. The loss moves Boise State out of the top ten listed below.

The second surprise was Temple losing by a big margin to South Florida (44-23). The win gives South Florida bowl eligibility with its sixth win of the season.

As the last undefeated team of the Group of Five, it’s all up to Houston if any G5 team will crack the playoffs this season. Temple and Memphis’s second losses do open the way for conferences outside of the American Athletic to snatch the Group of Five bid for a major bowl game.

Missed the cut: Georgia Southern, Louisiana Tech, San Diego State, Boise State, Air Force

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