Group of 5 Conference Power Rankings, Week 3: San Diego State on the rise
Navy Midshipmen 2-0 (0-0)
Last week: Def. Tulane 23-21
Last rank: NR
Navy moved into our power rankings after a nervy 23-21 win over an improved Tulane squad, but needed an assist from WKU to break into top 10. The two-time defending C-USA champion Hilltoppers were upset 20-7 by Illinois, leaving the league without a representative in our weekly G5 power rankings. The Midshipmen earned the No. 10 spot here over candidates like Army, UTSA and UCF.
Quarterback Zach Abey completed only four of 12 pass attempts against the Green Wave, fumbled away what turned into a 52-yard touchdown return and tossed an interception, but he connected with Tyler Carmona on a 79-yard pass and catch to give Navy a 14-13 lead late in the second quarter. Abey also gained 108 rushing yards on a workmanlike 29 carries to lead the team.
The Middies played terrific defense against Tulane, and limited the Green Wave to 262 total yards and 4.4 yards per play.
Toledo Rockets 2-0 (0-0)
Last week: Def. Nevada 37-24
Last rank: 9th
Division rivals Central Michigan and Eastern Michigan picked up wins over Power Five opponents (Kansas and Rutgers, respectively) to improve to 2-0, but the lone MAC representative in this week’s rankings is Toledo. After beating Elon 47-13 in the season opener, the Rockets travelled to Reno and took care of business with a 37-24 victory over Nevada last week.
Quarterback Logan Whiteside completed 19 of 27 pass attempts for 232 yards and two touchdowns, running back Terry Swanson picked up 101 rushing yards and two touchdowns and receiver Cody Thompson recorded eight receptions for 101 yards and a TD in a solid, though unspectacular, all-around offensive performance as the Rockets were actually outgained 426-386 on the day. However, the Rockets stepped up with two big fourth quarter turnovers on defense, including a pivotal Ja’Wuan Woodley interception to secure the win.