Group of Five Football Power Rankings, Week 13: Air Force, Northern Illinois see biggest gains

Western Kentucky continues to have one of the most remarkable mid-season turnarounds among any Group of Five football team. They will try to end the season with a seventh-straight win by topping a very good Marshall football team. QB Bailey Zappe continues to dazzle, leading all quarterbacks in touchdowns (48) and passing yards (4,640).

Utah State was riding a five-game winning streak heading in to their game against Wyoming at home. Somehow, Wyoming (6-5, 2-5 in conference) was able to completely dismantle the Aggies, winning 44-17. Regardless of how the season ends, Head Coach Blake Anderson has done a superb job in year one in Logan, Utah.

Boise State pitched a shut-out against New Mexico, winning 37-0. They quickly turn their attention to their final opponent: No. 19 San Diego State. The Broncos hit the road to play a team that has just one loss on the season and has been extremely poised in late game situations. Six of their 10 wins this season have been by eight points or fewer. Will the Broncos be able to pull off the upset to cap off an uneven season?

Air Force got one of their most impressive wins of the season last week at Nevada when they faced one of the best quarterbacks in the Group of Five, Carson Strong. The Falcons are hoping to notch their ninth win of the season this week, which would be just the second time they’ve done that since 2017. Air Force fans will be competing in a bowl game for just the second time since 2016.

Northern Illinois appears to be the team that’s emerging as the best in a crowded MAC. The Huskies have a lot to play for against Western Michigan (6-5) this week in their final game. The Huskies haven’t won nine or more games in a season since 2014. Thomas Hammock is putting together a program Northern Illinois fans can be proud of.