Group of Five Power Rankings, Week 8: Undefeated UTSA continues to surprise
AP Top-25 Ranking: N/A
USA Today Coaches Poll Ranking: N/A
Week 7 Status: Won 34-17 vs Hawaii
Nevada has looked great in 2021, save for a blow-out loss to Kansas State in Week 3. They beat California this year and have won by double digits against every other opponent this season. QB Carson Strong continues to look like one of the best players in the Mountain West Conference, throwing 16 touchdown passes and only 3 interceptions. The Wolfpack will travel to Fresno State on Oct. 23 in their toughest test yet in 2021.
AP Top-25 Ranking: Receiving Votes (13)
USA Today Coaches Poll Ranking: Receiving Votes (18)
Week 7 Status: Won 41-14 vs Appalachian State
Don’t look now, but the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns are quietly becoming one of the best teams in the Group of Five. Since losing to Texas in Week 1 — a game they lost by just 20 points — they’ve won five straight. Louisiana’s dominating win last week against the Mountaineers gives them a quality win and makes them the natural challenger to dethrone Coastal Carolina.
team. 881. . 5-1. Previous: 11th. Cougars . 8
AP Top-25 Ranking: Receiving Votes (2)
USA Today Coaches Poll Ranking: Receiving Votes (11)
Week 7 Status: Bye Week
Houston isn’t a flashy team and they’re ok with that. They let their defense do their talking, never allowing more than 22 points in a game this season. The Cougars host East Carolina this week in a battle to determine the best AAC team not named Cincinnati or SMU.
Previous: 10th. Falcons . 7. team. 894. . 6-1
AP Top-25 Ranking: Receiving Votes (19)
USA Today Coaches Poll Ranking: (20)
Week 7 Status: Won 24-17 vs Boise State
Air Force is playing great football, earning quality wins against FAU, Wyoming, and Boise State in recent weeks. As usual, the Falcons have a punishing run game, with six players totaling 100 or more total rushing yards this season. Three of those have more than 325 yards each—a staggering number. A thrilling matchup vs San Diego State will be must-see tv for fans of the Mountain West Conference.
897. . 5-2. Previous: 9th. Bulldogs . 6. team
AP Top-25 Ranking: N/A
USA Today Coaches Poll Ranking: Receiving Votes (1)
Week 7 Status: Won 17-0 @ Wyoming
Fresno State is one play away from being 6-1 and likely ranked in the AP Top 25 if not for some goal-line heroics by Hawaii’s defense on Oct. 2.
QB Jake Haener is still slinging the ball, totaling 2,326 passing yards thus far into the 2021 season. A tough matchup against Nevada this week could catapult the winner into the bottom of the AP Top 25 in the next round of college football rankings.