Here’s how the top teams in the Group of Five stacks up heading into rivalry week.
The stage is set for a huge rivalry weekend across the Group of Five, with a potential shot at the New Year’s Six on the line for some teams. UCF continued its remarkable undefeated run by blasting Temple 45-19, moving up to No. 13 in the AP Poll in the process. That sets up a winner-take-all War on I4 in the AAC East after South Florida survived a 27-20 scare against Tulsa to move to 9-1 on the season.
The winner of that rivalry showdown will meet Memphis in the AAC Title Game, as the Tigers earned one of the most impressive G5 victories of the week with a 66-45 romp over a decent SMU team. If Memphis beats East Carolina next week then manages to top either UCF or USF in the title game, Mike Norvell’s team should be heading to the New Year’s Six.
Boise State is also lurking as a potential major bowl team if it gets some help and clinched a spot in the Mountain West Championship Game with a blowout win over Air Force. The Broncos will meet surprise West Division champion Fresno State, which just so happens to host Boise State in the regular season finale on Saturday.
Navy nearly pulled off the G5 upset of the season, falling just short in a hard-fought 24-17 loss to rival Notre Dame. Other notable results around the G5 included Florida Atlantic crushing Florida International to remain perfect in Conference USA play, as the Owls prepare to meet upstart North Texas in the Conference USA Championship Game.
Here’s how the top 10 Group of Five teams stack up heading into all-important rivalry week.