Group of Five Power Rankings 2019: Mountain West rising in Week 3

Appalachian State climbs back up into the Group of Five Power Rankings after a week away, thanks to their 15-point home win against visiting Charlotte to improve to 2-0 on the year. The Mountaineers were in control at home, consistently scoring two touchdowns each quarter to stay ahead of the 49ers the whole way.

It was a rather undisciplined affair in Week 2 in Boone, as the two teams combined to rack up 24 penalties for 228 lost yards. Appalachian State was on the receiving end of 13 of those flags, losing 148 yards in the process. But the defense came through with a key interception and another turnover on a fumble recovery to stymie Charlotte’s ambitions of an upset.

More than anything, Darrynton Evans stole the show for Appalachian State at Kidd Brewer Stadium. The junior running back carried the ball 19 times for 234 yards and three touchdowns, pacing the Mountaineers to victory. Zac Thomas added 182 yards and three touchdowns through the air on 14-of-20 passing, providing the necessary balance to make the offense hum.

Now Appalachian State looks ahead to a bye in Week 3 before they head east to Chapel Hill to face a resurgent North Carolina team. If the Tar Heels win this week against Wake Forest, it would set  the Mountaineers up with a chance to make a real statement in the Group of Five race.