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Group of Five Power Rankings: Houston clear choice for No. 1

By Tanner Sperry

Dec 31, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Tom Herman (C) poses with his players for a photo after defeating the Florida State Seminoles 38-24 during the 2015 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Tom Herman (C) poses with his players for a photo after defeating the Florida State Seminoles 38-24 during the 2015 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 26, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Southern Miss Golden Eagles quarterback Nick Mullens (9) throws a pass in the second quarter against the Washington Huskies at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Southern Miss Golden Eagles quarterback Nick Mullens (9) throws a pass in the second quarter against the Washington Huskies at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

Southern Mississippi had a strong season but lost its last two games following a six-game win streak. The Golden Eagles did pretty well in both games, but WKU and Washington each put their respective game away late.

Quarterback Nick Mullens had a standout year, finishing among the nation’s leaders with 38 touchdowns and 4,476 yards. He ranked fourth and sixth in the nation in those stats as he led a potent Golden Eagles offense.

Running backs Ito Smith and Jalen Richard each surpassed 1,000 rushing yards and had double-digit rushing touchdowns.

This year in itself was definitely something to be proud of, but now the expectations have risen for coach Todd Monken and the Golden Eagles in 2016. Don’t be surprised to see them in contention again for the Conference USA title.

Next: Temple

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