Group of Five Power Rankings, Week 14: Championship week hierarchy

Appalachian State took down Trop 21-10 in a Thanksgiving week game that settled the Sun Belt East title. In the first season where the conference will hold a championship game, the Mountaineers earned the right to host the title game in Boone thanks to the takedown of the Trojans.

Zac Thomas had a so-so day against Troy, throwing for only 113 yards on 12-of-24 passing. The Mountaineers quarterback did throw two touchdown passes, though, and he added 33 yards on the ground as well as another touchdown. Darrynton Evans was the leader in rushing for Appalachian State, racking up 108 yards on 20 carries.

The Mountaineers will enter the inaugural Sun Belt championship game as a clear favorite. They will take on a five-loss Ragin’ Cajuns team that ranks 117th nationally in scoring defense. Louisiana gives up more points than they score despite a top-35 offense that puts up nearly five touchdowns per game.

With the Mountain West champion the likeliest team to get in if UCF doesn’t, though, Appalachian State needs not only to blow out Louisiana but also hope for mitigating factors that make the MWC title game winner less attractive to the selection committee.