Group of Five Power Rankings, Week 8: Undefeated UTSA continues to surprise

AP Top-25 Ranking: No. 22
USA Today Coaches Poll Ranking: No. 21

Week 7 Status: Won 19-13 @ San Jose State

San Diego State got a tough road win against the always-formidable SJSU. It was a game that will boost the confidence of the Aztecs before heading into this week’s difficult game against Air Force. Hopefully, the physical play from San Jose State didn’t wear down the Aztecs too much. They’ll need everyone firing on all cylinders to get a road win at Air Force.

AP Top-25 Ranking: No. 24
USA Today Coaches Poll Ranking: No. 25

Week 7 Status: Won 45-0 vs Rice

UTSA has finally done it. They are ranked in the AP Top 25 for the first time in program history after demolishing Rice. Quality wins against Illinois and Memphis in previous weeks, coupled with an offense bonanza against WKU, shows the Roadrunners can play against multiple styles and be successful. The Roadrunners will need to be careful not to look too far ahead at games against UTEP and UAB. They need to take care of business against Louisiana Tech this week on the road. We’ve allowed UTSA to leapfrog SDSU because of their dominating win vs SDSU squeaking out a win this week.

AP Top-25 Ranking: No. 21
USA Today Coaches Poll Ranking: No. 19

Week 7 Status: Bye Week

SMU was off this week, spending time to prepare for a Thursday night conference game against Tulane at 7:30 PM ET on ESPN. The Ponies, with one of the most exciting offenses of anyone in the Group of Five, are steamrolling their opponents this season, scoring an average of 40.7 points per game.

AP Top-25 Ranking: No. 14
USA Today Coaches Poll Ranking: No. 16

Week 7 Status: Bye Week

Coastal Carolina didn’t play this week but will hit the road to take on Appalachian State in a Wednesday night game on Oct. 20 at 7:30 PM ET on ESPN2. This will be the best team Coastal Carolina has faced so far this season. The Chants should win, but it could be a tough game for them in a hostile environment.

AP Top-25 Ranking: No. 2
USA Today Coaches Poll Ranking: No. 3

Week 7 Status: Won 56-21 vs UCF

The Cincinnati Bearcats once again looked like the best team in the country this week, obliterating an injury-ravaged Central Florida by 35 points. The Bearcats won their previous conference game against Temple by nearly 50 points. The road to the College Football playoffs will go through SMU when Cincinnati takes on the Mustangs on Nov. 20. The Bearcats will have to remain focused before their date with destiny.