Group of Five Power Rankings, Week 4: I-4 rivals hold position at top

Thanks to all the attrition around the country, Boise State held firm just outside the AP Top 25 among the top vote-getters in the others receiving votes even as they sat on the sideline for their bye week. The Broncos stayed at No. 27 in the country in the AP Poll, while remaining in the top 25 of the Coaches Poll.

The Broncos lost their only chance for a Power Five statement win when they fell 44-21 at Oklahoma State in Week 3. They weren’t done any favors when the Cowboys dropped out of the AP Top 25 and fell six spots in the Coaches Poll, making that loss look worse in retrospect. It isn’t completely disqualifying, but it does Bryan Harsin’s squad no favors.

Without any other major-conference opponents on the schedule, getting back to the top of the Group of Five race will depend on losses by the still-unbeaten teams in the race. They do get to play BYU later in the season, an independent team that has been on a roll that includes a takedown of Wisconsin in Camp Randall Stadium.

A win over the Cougars would bolster their New Year’s Six case. As long as they win the Mountain West, Boise State will always present an attractive option for the College Football Playoff selection committee. For now, though, they climb just back into the top five of the Group of Five Power Rankings thanks to Akron’s loss and San Diego State’s uninspired performance.