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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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Kareem Hunt - Toledo Football
Mandatory Credit: Robert Duyos-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Toledo Rockets (1-0/MAC)

  • LAST WEEK: won 31-10 @ Arkansas State
  • NEXT WEEK: September 10 v. FCS Maine

While they didn’t face a Power Five opponent in their road opener, Toledo nevertheless soundly knocked off a team with Sun Belt and Access Bowl aspirations to keep pace with Western Michigan in the MAC West. The Rockets dominated Arkansas State, holding Chad Voytik under 125 passing yards and the Red Wolves rushing game under 150 yards. Logan Woodside looked particularly crisp at quarterback for Toledo, completing nearly 75 percent of his passes for 371 yards and three scores. Woodside was balanced by the tandem of Damion Jones-Moore and Kareem Hunt, who combined for 159 of Toledo’s 185 rushing yards.

The Rockets have been regular challengers in the MAC, but they also haven’t won their division since 2004. Without any Power Five opponents on their schedule, Toledo will have to prevent any slip-ups against league competition and will have to make the most of their trip to Provo to face independent BYU in Friday-night prime time on the last day of September. Unless they end up undefeated, though, they could still be pipped by another Group of Five champion with a stronger schedule.

Next: 5. Boise State Broncos

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