Group of Five season preview: Who is this year's Cinderella?

Group of Five season preview: Who is this year’s Cinderella?

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 01: UCF players hoist the trophy after winning the AAC Championship football game between the visiting Memphis Tigers and the UCF Knights on December 1, 2018, at Spectrum Stadium in Orlando, FL. (Photo by Joe Petro/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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PROVO, UT – OCTOBER 05: Utah State Aggies quarterback Jordan Love (10) celebrates his touchdown by telling the fans to be quite 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) /

Mountain West

The Fresno State Bulldogs won the Mountain West last year to cap off a 12-2 record and perhaps the best season in school history. However, they come into 2019 with only nine returning starters and have to replace quarterback Marcus McMaryion. Coach Jeff Tedford will have the defense ready to go, but points might be a struggle early on.

This should open the door for last year’s runner up Boise State to be the favorite going into the season. They too have to replace their quarterback and leading rusher, but their defense will be top-notch led by Curtis Weaver. The Broncos could be a serious threat to reach a New Year’s Six bowl.

Utah State may have the best player in the conference in quarterback Jordan Love, but the Aggies have to replace nearly everything around him. If Love is good enough to elevate the new-look offense, then the Aggies will be a big challenge to Boise State, and their meeting on Nov. 23 will be an important one.

Finally, we have to mention San Diego State as they have proven to one of the most consistently competitive teams throughout the entire Group of Five. The offense was an eye-sore in 2018 ranking 120th in points, but defense and the running game will keep them in most games. If they are able even to become average passing the ball, they will be Fresno State’s threat in the West.

Hawaii is an under the radar team that may not win a ton of games but will be fun to watch with Cole McDonald at quarterback.