Group of Five power rankings: SMU-Cincinnati set for New Year’s Six elimination game

The Group of Five race for the New Year’s Six bowl bid features an elimination game on tap between No. 9 Cincinnati at No. 14 SMU in the game of the week.

Last week was a fairly light schedule in the Group of Five. There were three games, one in the American and two in Conference USA, postponed due to the coronavirus and contact tracing. But the games we got delivered in a big way, especially Memphis downing UCF in an offensive shootout.

The Tigers defeated the Knights in a marathon game 50-49. Veteran quarterback Brady White threw for 486 yards and six touchdowns as both teams combined for 1,501 total yards. However, neither has cracked the top-five in our Group of Five power rankings for this week.

There is a new member of the power rankings this week. The Liberty Flames defeated the Syracuse Orange in a rather convincing fashion in the Carrier Dome. And we also saw another Group of Five team join the ranks of the AP Top 25 with the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers coming in at No. 25 after seizing control of the Sun Belt with their 30-27 win over the Lafayette Ragin Cajuns 30-27 in Conway, South Carolina.

Editor’s Note: Independents BYU, Liberty and Army are eligible for our Group of Five power rankings even though the FBS doesn’t qualify them for the New Year’s Six bowl bid. 

Group of Five power rankings

5. The Liberty Flames

After a dominant win in the Carrier Dome against the Syracuse Orange, the Liberty Flames find themselves undefeated at 3-0. Flames head coach Hugh Freeze knows how to put points on the board, and he’s proving it in Lynchburg.

The Flames are a team that likes to get it done on the ground. Four players have at least 30 rushing attempts this season, including quarterback Malik Willis. The ground game was in full effect against Syracuse to the tune of 48 rushes and 338 yards. If the Flames continue playing like this, the administration for Liberty is going to have to figure out how to keep Freeze around.

4. Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

The Chanticleers won a key game Wednesday when they defeated Louisiana. The win makes Coastal Carolina the last undefeated team in the Sun Belt. The win puts Coastal in the driver’s seat in the Sun Belt, but there is still work to be done. Coastal has yet to play Appalachian State this season.

Whoever plays the Chanticleers have to contend with one of the best offensive foursomes in the Group of Five. Dual-threat quarterback Grayson McCall is a star waiting to happen. Next to McCall is senior running back CJ Marable. If you can stop the run game — that’s a big if — McCall has the wide receiver/tight end duo of Javion Heileigh and Isaiah Likely. Good luck to any defense in the Sun Belt stopping this offense.

3. Cincinnati Bearcats

The 9th ranked Bearcats come in third this week despite being the highest-ranked team in the Group of Five. One reason for this is SMU is favored in their game this weekend. Second, BYU has been dominant in every game this season except one. The Bearcats are unconsciously penalized because they do not play the way everyone else plays, especially on offense.

Legendary wrestling announcer Jim “JR” Ross would describe Cincinnati’s offense as “Bowling Shoe Ugly.” Desmond Ritter is not Dylan Gabriel or McCall for that matter. Cincinnati wants to grind you down with their running game, throw when they need and play aggressive, attacking defense. Make no mistake, the Bearcats are good despite going against the grain.

This weekend’s game against SMU is for control over not just the American, but also for control of the New Year’s Six. Cincy must score in order to win this game and Ritter must not throw interceptions.

2. SMU Mustangs

After a run of dominant victories, the SMU Mustangs had their first “survive and advance” game against the Tulsa Green Wave. Their game against Memphis was supposed to be close, but Tulane is one of those teams difficult to prepare for since you only see their offense once a year. The Green Wave and their hybrid option-air-raid-rpo offense took the SMU to overtime, falling 37-34.

The Mustangs’ most encouraging sign was their ability to replace the injured wide receiver, Reggie Roberson. Without Roberson, quarterback Shane Buechele spread the wealth with four wide receivers having 100 receiving yards. Replacing Roberson’s production is key since the Bearcats have a pivotal matchup against fellow undefeated Cincinnati this weekend in Dallas.

1. BYU Cougars

This season could be “what could have been” if the Cougars continue playing this well the rest of the season. BYU could go undefeated and not receive an at-large New Year’s Bowl invite because their schedule was dismantled due to COVID-19. This schedule would look much stronger with a Wisconsin win.

Instead, the Cougars might have to settle for another Holiday Bowl invite. After their “survive and advance” game against UTSA, BYU put the boots to Houston 43-26. After being down 17-14 at halftime, the Cougars outscored Houston 29-6 in the second half. Unfortunately, it might not be enough for New Year’s.

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