Group of 5 power rankings, Week 10: Fresno State UCF's top threat?

Group of 5 power rankings, Week 10: Houston, Fresno State charging fast

HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Houston Cougars quarterback D'Eriq King (4) gains nine rushing yards on a key third down conversion late in the game during the football game between the USF Bulls and Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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STATESBORO, GA – OCTOBER 25: Shai Werts #4 of the Georgia Southern Eagles runs runs for a big gain against the Appalachian State Mountaineers in the second quarter on October 25, 2018 in Statesboro, Georgia. (Photo by Chris Thelen/Getty Images) /

6. Appalachian State Mountaineers (Sun Belt Conference) 5-2

Appalachian State traveled to Statesboro, Georgia last Thursday to take on the newest member of the power rankings, Georgia Southern. What should have been a good matchup of two of the Group of 5’s best turned into a nightmare quickly for Appalachian State.

Already missing star running back Jalin Moore to a season-ending knee injury, quarterback Zac Thomas went down on the team’s opening possession. He would miss the rest of the game with concussion-like symptoms.

Neither backup quarterback– first Peyton Derrick, then Jacob Huesman–could get the offense moving. The two combined to complete 11 of 26 passes with four interceptions. Appalachian State finished the night with five turnovers and only 288 yards of offense. Georgia Southern rampaged the Mountaineers 34-14. It isn’t clear how much time, if any, Thomas will miss. The Mountaineers have three manageable games the next three weeks, but face division rival Troy in their regular season finale.

Up next: Saturday at Coastal Carolina.

5. Georgia Southern Eagles (SBC) 7-1

A week after moving into the rankings, Georgia Southern made a big statement in their win over the Mountaineers–regardless of the fact that Thomas was out. Shai Werts completed only one of this three passes, but it went to Darion Anderson for a 57-yard touchdown. Werts led the team in rushing with 14 carries for 129 yards and a score. Wesley Fields was also productive out of the backfield, with 98 yards on 18 rushes and two touchdowns.

Up next: Saturday at Louisiana-Monroe.

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