Group of Five: Week 6 Access Bowl Power Rankings

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Oct 8, 2016; Annapolis, MD, USA; Navy Midshipmen cornerback Jarid Ryan (9) breaks up a pass intended for Houston Cougars wide receiver Linell Bonner (15) on the second to last play of the game at Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Navy defeated Houston 46-40. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

team. 2394. . (5-1/AAC). Previous: . Navy Midshipmen. 3

Navy’s win over Houston completely reconfigured the Group of Five power rankings, taking into account the Midshipmen’s new front-runner status in the AAC. Will Worth led the option offense, rushing for 115 yards and a touchdown and completing three of five passes for 76 yards and two scores. But it was Navy’s defense that was the difference-maker against the Cougars. The Middies nabbed two interceptions off Greg Ward Jr. and forced a fumble to finish plus-three in turnover margin and win on a day where they allowed nearly 500 yards of offense.

Now, as the only unbeaten team in conference play, it is Ken Niumatalolo’s team rather than Tom Herman’s that has the inside track to hosting the AAC championship game. Given the AAC’s preeminent status among Group of Five leagues, that puts Navy at the top of the one-loss pack. They have a bye next week after their game at East Carolina was moved to November 19, so they have extra prep time for their showdown with Memphis on October 22. They could also make a major statement by putting away a Notre Dame team skirting close to a losing season when they meet in their annual battle on November 5.

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