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

Hawaii’s continued streak of success against the Pac-12 is a major reason why Memphis finds itself holding level at No. 4 this week. The Rainbow Warriors leapfrogged the Tigers thanks to their second straight statement win over a bigger opponent. After Arizona fell at Aloha Stadium, this time it was Oregon State that came to Honolulu and crashed out.

Cole McDonald was back at starting quarterback after getting benched in the season opener, and he responded with 421 yards and four touchdowns on 30-of-52 passing. JoJo Ward was his favorite target on the day, as the senior hauled in all four receiving scores while piling up 189 yards on his 10 catches.

Hawaii’s defense was stout against the Beavers, especially in the second half. After going into the locker room down 28-21 at halftime, the Rainbow Warriors clamped down and held Oregon State to 120 total yards of offense on 40 plays in the third and fourth quarters. By contrast, the Beavers racked up more than 300 yards on 36 plays in the first half.

With Washington losing in a shocker against California in Week 2, could the Rainbow Warriors head to Seattle this weekend and compound the Huskies’ misery? Given how they are playing lately, it is entirely possible that Hawaii could finish the year 3-0 against Pac-12 opponents and strengthen their case for more than just a New Year’s Six berth if they run the table.