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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: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (1-0/C-USA)

  • LAST WEEK: won 46-14 v. Rice
  • NEXT WEEK: September 10 @ Alabama

The Hilltoppers opened their season by hosting Rice in a conference showdown, and the 46-14 demolition of the Owls put Western Kentucky into pole position in C-USA East. Despite losing Brandon Doughty at quarterback, WKU might be in even better shape at the position after junior Mike White gashed Rice for 517 yards and three touchdowns on 31 attempts. Taywan Taylor and Nicholas Norris both finished with over 100 receiving yards, and while the Hilltoppers were held under 100 rushing yards they have never depended on offensive balance. Meanwhile the defense held Rice under 300 total yards of offense and forced two interceptions, preventing any semblance of a comeback attempt.

Now Western Kentucky will try to do what USC could not manage as they head to Tuscaloosa next weekend to take on defending national champion Alabama. Should they manage even just to keep that contest close, another opportunity for an SEC statement win comes two weeks later when Vanderbilt comes to Bowling Green on September 24.

Next: 6. Toledo Rockets

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