Group of Five: 2017 college football preseason power rankings
By Zach Bigalke
The two-time defending Mountain West champions could have a hard time in their quest for a three-peat this season. San Diego State was hit hard by departures after last season’s championship defense. No departure from the team was bigger than that of running back Donnel Pumphrey, who is looking to make the Philadelphia Eagles roster as a fourth-round NFL Draft pick.
Last year Pumphrey broke pretty much all of Marshall Faulk’s school rushing records. He also set the FBS career rushing record over the course of his four years in San Diego. Though the team brings back Rashaad Penny, who has excelled in spot duty, they will not enjoy the same peace of mind that they had with the proven Pumphrey.
The other big thing working against a third straight Mountain West title for the Aztecs is an inexperienced offensive line. The entire unit boasts just 14 combined career starts entering the upcoming season. While quarterback Christian Chapman returns, he could face far more pressure this year as defenses tee off on the young line.
After two years of Mountain West supremacy, San Diego State will be right back in the hunt again in 2017. They remain the favorite in the MWC West, though they will face a stiffer challenge from the Mountain Division this season.