Group of 5 Conference Power Rankings, Week 3: San Diego State on the rise
App. State Mountaineers 1-1 (0-0)
Last week: Def. Savannah St. 54-7
Last rank: 8th
The season got off to a disappointing start for Appalachian State, who lost 31-10 at Georgia in Week 1. Few expected the Mountaineers to actually upset the Bulldogs, but most expected a more competitive matchup. Nevertheless, App State rebounded with a resounding 54-7 over a hapless Savannah State team last weekend.
Through two games, Taylor Lamb has completed 71.4 percent of his passes for 455 yards and five touchdowns without an interception. Running back Jalin Moore has gained just 95 rushing yards and one touchdown on 22 carries, but Terrence Upshaw has 103 yards and a TD on 17 carried after leading the team with 86 rushing yards – including a 50-yard scoring run – against Savannah State.
Memphis Tigers 1-0 (0-0)
Last week: Idle
Last rank: 7th
Memphis lost an opportunity to make a statement last week when its AAC opener at UCF was cancelled because of Hurricane Irma. An impressive showing against the Knights would help justify a spot in our power rankings given the Tigers’ inability to put away ULM in Week 1.
Playing in sloppy rainy conditions, Memphis jumped out to a 30-7 lead over the Warhawks, seemingly taking control of the contest by the midway point in the third quarter. However, ULM responded with three methodical touchdown drives, including a TD pass with 0:40 seconds left on the clock, as well as a successful two-point conversion, to pull to within one score.
The Memphis defense surrendered 425 total yards, but forced four turnovers. Darrell Henderson scored on runs of 55 and 63 yards and totaled 169 yards on the ground, and Tony Pollard scored on a 99-yard kickoff return, which helped make up for a poor passing performance from Riley Ferguson, who completed just 10 of 25 passes for 97 yards and an interception.