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Group of Five: Week 1 Power Rankings

By Zach Bigalke

Sep 3, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars cornerback Brandon Wilson (26) catches a missed field goal attempt and returns it for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars cornerback Brandon Wilson (26) catches a missed field goal attempt and returns it for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Joey Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Joey Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Tulsa Golden Hurricane (1-0/AAC)

  • LAST WEEK: won 45-10 v. San Jose State
  • NEXT WEEK: September 10 @ Ohio State

In a shift of focus, Tulsa opened its 2016 campaign by leaning on its running game to overpower visiting San Jose State. Dane Evans, the senior quarterback who threw for more than 4300 yards last season, had a pedestrian opener as he completed just 12 of 23 attempts for 198 yards and a touchdown. Instead it was junior running back D’Angelo Brewer who stole the spotlight, carrying 22 times for 164 yards and three scores. Defensive tackle Jesse Brubaker also nabbed an interception and returned it for a touchdown, punctuating the rout.

Their schedule gets much tougher next week, as they head to Columbus to face Big Ten favorite Ohio State. Tulsa doesn’t necessarily need to defeat the Buckeyes, but given that it is their only Power Five opportunity, the Golden Hurricane will at least need to keep the score close. More important for Tulsa’s Access Bowl hopes will be their October 15 trip to Houston, the current front-runner in the AAC West.

Next: 7. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

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