Group of 5 power rankings, Week 8: UCF, USF avoid upsets

MEMPHIS, TN - OCTOBER 13: Joey Connors #91 of the Central Florida Knights celebrates at the end of the game against the Memphis Tigers on October 13, 2018 at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee. Central Florida defeated Memphis 31-30. (Photo by Joe Murphy/Getty Images) /

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TAMPA, FL SEPTEMBER 22: Quarterback Blake Barnett #11 of the South Florida Bulls celebrates with teammate wide receiver Darnell Salomon #3 after the two connected for a touchdown reception in the second quarter of the game against the East Carolina Pirates at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Joseph Garnett Jr./Getty Images) /

4. South Florida Bulls (AAC) 6-0

South Florida got all they wanted on the road at Tulsa Friday night. The Bulls faced a 24-10 deficit after Tulsa running back Shamari Brooks ran for two 3rd quarter touchdowns. Brooks was a bellcow, hitting the 100-yard mark even on 28 carries.

USF was in comeback mode the whole 4th quarter. Blake Barnett scrambled for a one-yard touchdown with 7:10 left, but Coby Weiss’ extra point attempt was blocked. After a three-and-out by Tulsa, Barnett led the Bulls 80 yards down the field. He punctuated the drive with a 12-yard rushing score. The two-point conversion failed, leaving USF trailing 24-22.

The South Florida defense continued to do their part, forcing another Hurricane punt. Barnett and the offense took over at their own 43-yard line. Completions of 15 yards to Mitchell Wilcox and 32 yards to Tyre McCants sandwiched a roughing the passer penalty that brought the ball down to the Tulsa 5-yard line, where Weiss kicked the game-winning field goal with only two seconds left.

Up next: Saturday vs. UConn.

3. Cincinnati Bearcats (AAC) 6-0

The Bearcats got a bye last week. While they weren’t in action, they moved up in the national polls due to other teams losing. They are now at 20 in the AP poll and 21 in the Coaches poll. It is the team’s highest ranking since 2009 when they went 12-1 in Brian Kelly’s last year as head coach.

Up next: Saturday at Temple.