Group of Five Power Rankings, Week 8: Another unbeaten falls

Houston vaulted from sixth to third in the Group of Five Power Rankings this week thanks to a 13-point victory on the road against a key division rival. The Cougars took down Navy in Annapolis 49-36, keeping their New Year’s Six hopes alive at the site where the Midshipmen dashed College Football Playoff dreams two years ago.

The Cougars did give up more than 500 yards of offense to Navy in the Week 8 victory. But D’Eriq King threw for 413 yards and three touchdowns and ran for another 56 yards and a score. The Cougars finished with 570 yards, and Nick Watkins added a 50-yard interception return.

That defensive score was Houston’s second of the season, as their defensive backfield gets back to their ballhawking ways of successful seasons of the past. The defensive front also ranks in the top dozen nationally in total tackles for loss, as Ed Oliver and company regularly get into the backfield.

Houston’s success has primarily been thanks to an offense that ranks second nationally in scoring at 48.7 points per game. The Cougars will be tested at home this week by No. 21 South Florida, one of just two remaining unbeaten teams in the Group of Five.