Group of 5 rankings: Could Utah State steal UCF's New Year's Six bowl?

Group of 5 rankings: Could Utah State steal UCF’s New Year’s Six bowl?

PROVO, UT - OCTOBER 05: Utah State Aggies quarterback Jordan Love (10) during a college football game between the Utah State Aggies and the BYU Cougars on October 5, 2018, at Lavell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Boyd Ivey/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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CINCINNATI, OH – NOVEMBER 10: Michael Warren II #3 of the Cincinnati Bearcats runs for a touchdown during the game against the South Florida Bulls at Nippert Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

4. Appalachian State Mountaineers (SBC) 7-2

The Mountaineers got Zac Thomas back at quarterback in Week 11 and had no trouble dispatching Texas State. Thomas completed 25 of his 36 passes for 247 yards and a pair of scores in the 38-7 win.

With their two losses, Appalachian State is not recognized in the national rankings like other teams in the top ten. However, putting the losses in context shows they belong with the other top Group of 5 teams. One loss was in overtime at Penn State, and the other was a game in which Thomas left almost immediately with an injury. The team has also been without starting running back Jalin Moore since October 9.

The team is 5-1 in the Sun Belt Conference and can clinch a spot in the inaugural SBC title game by winning their last two games, including the season-finale versus 6-0 Troy.

Up next: Saturday vs. Georgia State.

3. Cincinnati Bearcats (American Athletic Conference) 9-1

Michael Warren II ran for three touchdowns in the third quarter alone to turn a 16-14 halftime deficit into a 35-23 win for Cincinnati in Week 11. Warren also had a touchdown reception in the first half.

The win moves the Bearcats to 9-1 on the season and 5-1 in AAC play. It was the third loss in a row for USF, who falls out of the Group of 5 top ten. Quarterback Blake Barnett did not play due to a shoulder injury for the Bulls. Warren finished with 28 carries for 151 yards rushing and 27 yards receiving on two receptions to go along with his four touchdowns.

Cincinnati moves up to 19 in the AP poll and 20 in the Coaches’ poll this week. College Gameday will be on hand in Orlando this weekend as the Bearcats visit UCF in what will likely be the premier Group of 5 matchup of 2018. The Knights are currently 6-0 and one game ahead of Cincinnati and Temple in the AAC East.

Up next: Saturday at Central Florida.

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