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

2. Fresno State Bulldogs (MWC) 7-1

Fresno State is the new number two in the rankings. The Bulldogs have been nothing short of dominant since a Week 2 loss at Minnesota. They are 4-0 in conference games with an average margin of victory of more than 25 points.

Hawaii came to town in Week 9, and left with a 50-20 beatdown. The game was still within reach until just before halftime. It was 24-13 with just over a minute to play when Marcus McMaryion hit Jordan Mims with a 21-yard touchdown pass with 58 seconds left.

Hawaii moved the ball to the Fresno St. 35-yard line and tried a field goal on the last play of the half. Instead, the Ryan Meskell kick came up short, and Jamire Jordan returned it from the back of the end zone the full length of the field for another score to make it 37-13.

The route was on from there.

As well as the Bulldogs have played over the last six weeks, it would be interesting to see how they would fare against tougher competition. They do play Boise State and San Diego State in the season’s last month, then they would have a potential Mountain West Title game versus Utah State. Ideally, they could be selected for a New Year’s Six game and square off against one of the nation’s best.

Up next: Saturday at UNLV.

1. Central Florida Knights (AAC) 7-0

UCF had a week off in Week 9. I hope they spent it productively because they get an early start for Week 10. The Knights host Temple Thursday night in Orlando. The top spot in the AAC East is on the line, as both teams enter the game with perfect 4-0 conference records. Head Coach Josh Heupel is not sure if quarterback McKenzie Milton will be able to play. Milton missed the Knights last game against East Carolina due to an undisclosed injury. Heupel said Milton is day-to-day.

Up next: Thursday vs. Temple.