Group of Five Power Rankings, Week 14: Last chance for contenders
By Zach Bigalke
5. Navy Midshipmen (8-2/AAC)
- LAST WEEK: won 35-28 vs. No. 25 Navy
- NEXT WEEK: Nov. 30 at Houston
When Navy takes to the field at TDECU Stadium in Houston two days after Thanksgiving, they will already know whether they are playing for a shot at the American Athletic Conference championship game — or just a ninth win before the Army-Navy Game. With Memphis and Cincinnati playing on Black Friday, that result will set the stakes for the Midshipmen on their trip to the Lone Star State.
That Ken Niumatalolo’s team still has a chance to win the AAC West is due to their Week 13 win over SMU in Annapolis. Boasting the No. 25 rank in the College Football Playoff selection committee’s Top 25, the Mustangs were bested 35-28 in what amounted to an elimination game in the division race.
Malcolm Perry threw for 162 yards, ran for 195 yards, and racked up three total touchdowns in the big win at home. Navy’s defense was just as big, holding Shane Buechele to 251 passing yards with only two touchdowns through the air, and Xavier Jones finished with only 61 yards on the ground. After going down 21-10 in the first half, the Midshipmen charged back to put themselves in position to take advantage if Memphis slips against the Bearcats the day before.
Even before the Houston game, Navy will know whether the Cotton Bowl is still within reach. The second 11-win season in Niumatalolo’s career is still within reach, though, with or without a chance to play Cincinnati. They will be hoping for a Bearcats takedown on Black Friday to increase the stakes on Saturday.