Group of 5 power rankings: Can Memphis upset undefeated SMU?

College GameDay is headed to the Group of 5 to see Memphis host undefeated SMU in a game that will have major ramifications for next week’s power rankings.

It was the obvious choice, as I’m sure there aren’t two top ten teams duking it out at the World’s Largest Cocktail Party down in the SEC. Though these two programs may not be power programs (it doesn’t count if you haven’t been relevant for 30 years, Mustang fans), the actual game may be a lot more fun to watch. Both teams rank in the top 10 in points per game and the top 25 in total offense. Expect a lot of points to be put up in what should be an entertaining offensive explosion (and now that I’ve said that, take the under).

Though I could use the rest of this article to write about how much fun it will be to watch these programs get the type of treatment reserved for top 10 matchups or major rivalry games, let’s talk about how the rest of the Group of 5 is shaping up.

10. Utah State Aggies

This number ten spot was tough to decide between Utah State and San Diego State. The Aztecs only have one loss, but it came at the hands of Utah State. In addition, Utah State has played a much tougher schedule with games against LSU and Wake Forest accounting for two of their defeats. However, it doesn’t get easier for the Aggies from here. They play BYU next weekend, and then Fresno State, Wyoming, Boise State and New Mexico. They have a real chance of winning out, and they have a real chance of dropping four of those games.

9. Tulane Green Wave

I had Tulane as a dark horse for a New Year’s Six Bowl bid before they got absolutely throttled by Memphis, and their second straight loss to Navy is not making me look any smarter. However, they don’t drop down further because Navy is really freaking good this year (more on that later). The Green Wave really had a gutsy performance to come back from down 24-0 and tie it up. Tulane still has one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the country in Justin McMillan, who threw for 290 yards and three touchdowns and ran for another two scores. The AAC is probably out of the question, but they should be able to secure a decent bowl.

8. Air Force Falcons

Welcome back, Air Force! The Falcons have been in and out of these rankings all year, but I think they may have solidified their position with a blowout win over Utah State this weekend. The Falcons have been a pleasant surprise this year, especially on offense. Air Force has scored thirty points or more in every win they’ve had this season. Their only losses have come to Boise State and Navy, both of which are really good teams. And the schedule gets even friendlier from here on out ESPN’s FPI gives them an 80 percent chance or better to win in each of their remaining four games.

7. UCF Knights

UCF had a statement win this weekend, beating Temple by a whopping 42 points. Otis Anderson and Bentavious Thompson led the way on the ground as Anderson ran for 205 yards and Thompson added two touchdowns. Dillon Gabriel also stepped up, throwing three touchdown passes. After two disappointing losses this season, it appears as if the Knights are back on track. They should only keep rolling against a depleted Houston team this weekend.

6. Navy Midshipmen

Navy has been absolutely thrilling to watch this season. It’s not often a triple-option offense puts up 34 points or more in all of its first seven games, but the Midshipmen have pulled it off. A game-winning field goal from Bijan Nichols gave Navy a crucial win over Tulane this weekend. Malcolm Perry continues to be one of the best running quarterbacks in the country, and Jamale Carothers had a fantastic game, rushing for over 150 yards and three scores. The Midshipmen are already bowl eligible after going 3-10 last season, which must make this season’s success even sweeter for the team. They have a matchup with Notre Dame looming on November 16th, but a game against UConn and a bye give them a ton of time to prepare. Could we see an upset in South Bend?

5. Memphis Tigers

Memphis! GameDayis comin’ to your city! This is a huge deal for the Group of 5, as two of its best teams have the national spotlight this weekend. The country should be in for some entertaining football as two of the most prolific offenses in the country take the field. Memphis enters the game coming off a one-point win over Tulsa (who also took SMU to overtime). The Tigers have an explosive offense, but it’s their running game that has shined lately. Kenneth Gainwell rushed for 149 yards and three touchdowns this weekend and is averaging an absurd 7.15 yards per carry (good for sixth in the country). Look for Memphis to continue to feed him the rock and control the ball against SMU.

4. Boise State Broncos

Coming off a bye, the Broncos take on San Jose State this weekend. The rest of their schedule should be a breeze, as the Broncos are favored in every matchup according to ESPN’s FPI. Their toughest remaining opponent? Utah State.

3. Appalachian State Mountaineers

Appalachian State took care of business against South Alabama this weekend, as expected. The Mountaineers stormed Mobile and won 30-3. They play one of the few weekday games this week as they take on Georgia Southern Thursday night. This gives them a long week to prepare for their biggest game of the season: South Carolina. If they can come into Columbia and take a victory, a New Year’s Six bowl bid could be locked up.

2. SMU Mustangs

Here we go! SMU is traveling to Memphis to take on the Tigers with the eyes of the country on them. They’ve generated a ton of hype this season with their undefeated run, but they’ll have to prove it’s for real this weekend. Look for Shane Buechele to reintroduce himself to the country in his highest-profile game since his time as a Texas Longhorn. This game is going to be a memorable one folks, and as assuredly as I’m talking about how great each team’s offense is, it will likely somehow end up a defensive struggle.

1. Cincinnati Bearcats

I’m not going to knock Cincinnati down just because they had a bye and SMU is playing in a GameDay game. I thought really hard about it, but I just couldn’t do it. I think Cincinnati is the better overall team, and hopefully, we’ll get to see these two settle this in the AAC championship.

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