College Football: Group of Five Week 5 power rankings

Two years ago, Houston was the darling of the Group of Five. Last year, they looked poised to take up that title once again. But much like Boise State, the Cougars seem to be slipping in the absence of the coach that turned around their program’s fortunes. For the first time since the 2013-2014 bowl season, Houston lost to a Power Five program in Week 4.

Texas Tech came to TDECU Stadium and pushed the Cougars to their limit on Saturday. The Red Raiders snapped Houston’s 16-game home winning streak in a 27-24 upset. Kyle Allen looked uncomfortable against the Texas Tech defense, averaging only 5.6 yards per attempt and throwing two interceptions. Major Applewhite and the offensive coaches pulled Allen in the fourth quarter, and Kyle Postma offered a bit of a spark. But that proved too little too late.

Now that they are no longer undefeated, Houston’s margin of error gets a lot tighter. But the primary goal is still winning the American Athletic Conference, and that is still within reach for the Cougars. Conference play begins this week with a tough road test at Temple, followed by their AAC home opener against SMU. Memphis and Navy must also both come to TDECU Stadium this year, giving the Cougars an advantage in their league schedule that could make the difference.