Group of Five: 2017 college football Week 2 power rankings
By Zach Bigalke
The Aztecs are the two-time defending Mountain West champions, yet they are still often overlooked in terms of Group of Five squads in the bidding for New Year’s Six invites. But San Diego State is once again the favorite for the MWC West. Their 38-17 win over FCS UC-Davis is notable less for the victory than for the fact that it showcased how good the Aztecs should be despite losing record-breaking running back Donnel Pumphrey.
Rashaad Penny carried 21 times for 197 yards and two touchdowns in the win at home. Penny added an 18-yard kick return on special teams. Juwan Washington also looked good in the backfield, running for 66 yards and a score in relief. And Christian Chapman completed 16 of his 21 attempts for 220 yards and two touchdowns, offering balance to what was a run-heavy offense in 2016.
The next two weeks will really determine where San Diego State stands in the Group of Five pecking order. In Week 2, the Aztecs travel to Tempe to face Arizona State. The following Saturday, Stanford comes to San Diego for a second straight Pac-12 battle.
Colorado State faltered when faced with back-to-back games against Power Five competition. San Diego State will try to improve the Mountain West’s record against its bigger western counterpart. Even one win would bolster the Aztecs’ claim for a New Year’s Six invite should they win a third straight MWC crown.