Group of Five: Week 1 Power Rankings

10. Navy Midshipmen (1-0/AAC)

• LAST WEEK: won 52-16 v. FCS Fordham
• NEXT WEEK: September 10 v. Connecticut

Navy matched up against an FCS playoff team from 2015 in its season opener. While they figured to win the game, though, Navy was unable to keep Fordham off the scoreboard and allowed the Rams to pile up 464 yards of offense. The Midshipmen lost Tago Smith, the senior quarterback finally getting his chance to start after the graduation of Keenan Reynolds, to a first-half injury and were forced to scramble for reinforcements. But the triple-option offense still generated 550 yards and seven touchdowns, demonstrating the disparity in strength between Navy and its lower-division opponent.

Smith’s knee injury means that Will Worth and Malcolm Perry (who was pulled out of the crowd after beginning the game in the stands with the Brigade of Midshipmen) will try to replicate his productivity, even as the competition level only ramps up in the coming weeks. Air Force and Army still remain on the annual schedule, as does Notre Dame, and the showdown in Annapolis against Houston on October 8 will determine which team is likely to represent the West in the AAC championship game. Major statement opportunities lurk in the near future, but Navy at least survived adversity to begin its season.

Next: 9. San Diego State Aztecs