College Football: Group of 5 Week 4 power rankings

Boise State’s narrow loss to Washington State looks better by the week as the Cougars continue to climb up the AP Top 25. The Broncos recovered from their triple-overtime heartbreak in Pullman to take down New Mexico in their conference opener. After missing out on playing for the Mountain West title for two straight years, every league win matters greatly for Boise State if they hope to return to a New Year’s Six bowl again this season.

Against the Lobos, Montell Cozart didn’t put up huge numbers. But he was incredibly efficient in relief of injured Brett Rypien, completing 15 of his 19 passing attempts for 137 yards and two scores. He also rushed for 71 yards and another score on the ground as Boise State rolled to a 28-14 victory at home.

After falling short on the road to Washington State, this weekend’s test against Virginia takes on added significance. The Cavaliers come to Boise sporting a 2-1 record and hopes of playing a spoiler in the ACC this year under Bronco Mendenhall. When Mendenhall was the coach of BYU, he split four games against Boise State. If the Broncos can survive the rubber match against their old nemesis, they will have the Power Five win. Lose, though, and they could be out of the New Year’s Six race.