Group of Five: Week 8 Access Bowl Power Rankings

At home on Saturday, the Mountaineers did exactly what was expected of them against an Idaho team transitioning downward toward the FCS level. Though the Appalachian State defense allowed nearly 300 passing yards to Matt Linehan, they also picked off the Vandals quarterback three times. The defense also held Idaho to 64 rushing yards all day. Taylor Lamb, on the other hand, was solid as he completed more than 75 percent of his passes for 220 yards and adding a rushing touchdown. Jalin Moore was the spark plug for the offense, carrying 23 times for 114 yards and a score.

Scott Satterfield’s team is still on the outskirts of the Group of Five hierarchy. The Mountaineers lost both opporunities to take down Power Five compeition, missing out on the upset at Tennessee before being pummeled at home by Miami. They are still undefeated in Sun Belt play, though there is always the risk of a shared title in the one mid-major league without a conference championship. App State plays Troy on the road November 12, but they will not play Arkansas State this season. Only an undisputed team has a chance in the Sun Belt.