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

Fresno State set up a rematch of the 2017 Mountain West championship game as they won their 10th game of the season in a walkover against hapless San Jose State on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The Bulldogs finished two games ahead in the MWC West standings, proving they were clearly the dominant team in the division in 2018.

Against the Spartans, Marcus McMaryion threw for 317 yards and two touchdowns on 20-of-29 passing. His effort was bolstered by a group effort in the backfield, led by 92 yards on 17 carries by Ronnie Rivers and a 55-yard, one-touchdown effort from Jordan Mims. McMaryion also contributed 30 rushing yards on three keepers.

Now the Bulldogs turn their attention to their rival. In 2017, Boise State lost their rivalry game in Fresno but won the MWC title in a 24-17 victory on the Smurf Turf. Fresno State lost earlier this season on the road against Boise State in a 24-17 defeat on November 9, as the Broncos claimed the Milk Can. Last year, Fresno State won the rivalry game but lost the conference title. If Jeff Tedford’s team can reverse the script in 2018, they will go to a New Year’s Six bowl if UCF loses.