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Group of Five: Week 9 Access Bowl Power Rankings

By Zach Bigalke

Dec 22, 2015; Boca Raton, FL, USA;Toledo Rockets tight end Michael Roberts (80) is brought down by Temple Owls defenders in the 2015 Boca Raton Bowl at FAU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Duyos-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2015; Boca Raton, FL, USA;Toledo Rockets tight end Michael Roberts (80) is brought down by Temple Owls defenders in the 2015 Boca Raton Bowl at FAU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Duyos-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 29, 2016; Laramie, WY, USA; Boise State Broncos quarterback Brett Rypien (4) throws against the Wyoming Cowboys during the fourth quarter at War Memorial Stadium. The Cowboys beat the Broncos 30-28. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; Laramie, WY, USA; Boise State Broncos quarterback Brett Rypien (4) throws against the Wyoming Cowboys during the fourth quarter at War Memorial Stadium. The Cowboys beat the Broncos 30-28. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports /

At this point Boise State remains in the rankings (including entering the first College Football Playoff ranking at #24 on Tuesday evening) largely on reputation than a great shot at winning the Access Bowl berth. Bryan Harsin’s team has no margin for error anymore, and they need help just to have a chance to win the Mountain West this year. Like last season, a division loss could unravel Boise State. The Broncos’ loss to Wyoming means that they now need the Cowboys to lose twice just to win the division.

Over their past three games, Boise State has won by five, won by one, and now lost by two. The trend should reverse itself when they play a Friday night showdown on the Smurf Turf against San Jose State. The trip to Hawaii the following weekend isn’t likely to make the Broncos sweat their chances either. The home finale against UNLV on November 18 should pose few problems for Boise State, making the regular-season finale at Air Force their biggest remaining test. The Falcons took down the Broncos in 2015, and Boise will hope to return the favor in 2016.

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