Boise State, Tulane gain momentum in new Group of 5 power rankings

Tulane has emerged as a serious contender in the American Athletic Conference

Marshall fell to Bowling Green 34-31

The Thundering Herd fell into a MAC trap, one week after pulling off their stellar upset at Notre Dame. They committed three turnovers and couldn’t contain Bowling Green QB Matt McDonald from torching the Herd for four touchdown passes.

Now that the Thundering Herd have come back down to Earth, they can shift their focus in planning for their first crack at their Sun Belt conference foes.

Tulane defeated Kansas State 17-10

Up to No. 9 in my Group of 5 college football power rankings is Tulane after upsetting Kansas State from the Big 12. The Green Wave are off to an outstanding 3-0 start, something they haven’t done since 1998 when they finished 12-0 and ranked No. 7 in the final AP Top 25 college football poll that year. Tulane has a tough remaining schedule. Seven of their eight opponents are currently ranked in my G5 Top 20. But for now, what an accomplishment for Willie Fritz and his Green Wave, especially after his team went 2-10 last season.

South Alabama lost to UCLA 32-31

I hate to do it, but I’m bumping up South Alabama to No. 8, despite losing their Week 3 game to UCLA. You have to give the Jags credit for rolling the dice late in the game and attempting a fake field goal while up two with less than three minutes left. It was blown up and the Bruins were able to whittle the clock down and kick the game-winning field goal as time expired. An actual win vs the Pac-12 might have vaulted this team even further up the rankings.

Boise State defeated UT-Martin 30-7

Boise State running back George Holani put the Broncos on his back and went to work against UT-Martin last week. He recorded 110 rushing yards and a touchdown on 24 carries on the ground. Plus, he caught four passes for 48 yards and a touchdown. QB Hank Bachmeier is starting to hit his stride after Head Coach Andy Avalos benched him in the opener vs Oregon State. Turns out, that was the exact wake-up call he needed to get to work and ball out. Boise State has played really well the last two games and has plenty of momentum heading into their final non-conference game of the season vs UTEP.

East Carolina defeated Campbell 49-10

It turns out East Carolina is the team everyone thought the Houston Cougars were going to be this year. They are a missed game-winning field goal away vs No. 13 NC State from being ranked and likely the best Group of 5 team in college football this season.