Group of Five Power Rankings, Week 11: SMU, Air Force in free fall

A ton of movement in this week’s Group of Five football power rankings after more losses from SMU and Fresno State—two teams that were darlings of these very power rankings for a majority of the season.

Our top five in the power rankings features a returning member that’s been way down the list in recent weeks. We also welcome back Army into the rankings after they seem to have gotten back on track after consecutive losses.

Let’s take a look at this week’s Group of Five power rankings

Air Force, darling of the Mountain West Conference this season, starting the year off 6-1—they’ve since dropped two straight (to San Diego State and Army). A career-high 226 passing yards from quarterback Haaziq Daniels was not enough to fend off Army, losing 14-21 in OT. The last time an Air Force quarterback had that many passing yards in a game was in 2019 when Donald Hammond III threw for 327 yards at New Mexico.

After five-straight victories and being (arguably) the best team out of the Mid-American Conference, Northern Illinois lost on the road at Kent State 47-52. This game was all about the offense for both teams. Huskies QB Rocky Lombardi recorded 532 passing yards and 3 TDs. But, it was Kent State’s 322 passing yards, 360 rushing yards and 7 total touchdowns that proved to be too much for NIU to overcome.

A roller coaster of a season is finally back on track for Army. They started off the season 4-0, but then lost 3 consecutive games to Ball State, Wisconsin and Wake Forest. The fact that they were able to stop their skid against rival Air Force makes it all the more sweeter. Air Force had more passing yards and more rushing yards, but in the end it didn’t matter. Army escaped with an OT win 21-14.

With the 52-38 win over Louisiana Tech, UAB becomes bowl eligible for the fourth time in five years. Sophomore running back DeWayne McBride put the team on his back and exploded for 210 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns on just 14 attempts. A tough test against Marshall await the Blazers Nov. 13.

Boise State notched a massive upset over No. 23 Fresno State, winning 40-14. Defense was the key in this game for the Broncos, recorded three interceptions against the sniper-like Jake Haener. Previously, the Fresno State QB hadn’t thrown an INT since Oct. 2 at Hawai’i. Boise State hopes to get another win or two to become bowl-eligible. Games against Wyoming, New Mexico and San Diego State lie in wait.