Welcome back to the 18Stripes G5 Top 10. This week was a “slower” week for G5 compared to others; but still some interesting games to talk about. Let’s dive into the new Top 10.
Also Considered: Army, Liberty, Western Michigan, UAB, Marshall
Week 4 Recap
Movers and Shakers
Let’s start with one of the headliners from this week. The second game this season between two teams in the top ten (at the time) UTSA shocked Memphis, winning 31-28 late. After surrendering a quick 21 points to Memphis, UTSA leaned on its running game to claw back into the game. Sincere McCormick led the way with 42 carries for 184 yards and 3 TDs. The Roadrunners looked to control the clock to try and limit Memphis’ offense from beating them. That combined with two key Memphis fumbles kept the game close for the Roadrunners.
The game winning field goal came after the Roadrunners burned the final 2:30 from the clock. The Roadrunners jumped up to #5 with their win, having a good chance to win almost every game left on their schedule. The issue is that I don’t think that there will be any respect for them compared to a potential one loss Cincinnati or Coastal Carolina.
The other big game that saw someone break down the door to the Top Ten is The Battle for the Iron Skillet in Fort Worth. With UCF falling a level with their loss to Louisville, I was wondering who could be the next team to step in the AAC. I thought it would be Memphis, but SMU seems to have taken the mantle. After a shootout in the first half, the defenses adjusted and hunkered down a bit. However, the Mustangs outscored the Horned Frogs in the second half, earning the win. We also had a flag planting at midfield, putting an exclamation point on their game and their entrance into the Top Ten.
Finally, on Friday night, we saw one of the bigger upsets of the season thus far. I didn’t think that Liberty was going to lose a game until potentially UAB or Ole Miss. However, the offense outside of Malik Willis struggled in the Carrier Dome, only scoring 21 points on the day. Syracuse, much like UTSA in their game, relied on their rushing attack to keep the Flames at bay. They didn’t have as much success against Liberty, but the one mistake of the game proved to be the difference. Willis fumbled the ball after a Cuse rush to give the Orange prime field position to hit a game winning field goal. Syracuse did just that and Liberty drops their first game of the season.
Top Teams Wraparound
The big game on Thursday saw App State have their first home crowd since 2019 as they welcomed Marshall into Boone. After losing last year in West Virginia, the Mountaineers had revenge on their minds. While they struggled early, they came back in the fourth quarter to secure a 31-30 victory. Marshall will be fine, despite losing consecutive fourth quarter leads, as their schedule (besides UAB) is incredibly manageable.
Fresno State, late on Friday, struggled on the road against UNLV. The Bulldogs were sleepwalking through most of the contest, until their three big offensive weapons stepped up. Jake Haener threw four second half touchdowns, three of whom went to Jalen Cropper. The third Haener to Cropper connection was the score that put Fresno State up for good, with them escaping Vegas with a 38-30 victory.
Western Michigan continued to move up the G5 ladder with their 23-3 domination of San Jose State. The Spartans’ MWC chances also took a hit as it appears Nick Starkel is dealing with a serious arm injury after leaving the game against the Broncos. Louisiana overcame a slow start against Georgia Southern, who Sunday fired their head coach, to win 28-20 on the road in their conference opener. San Diego State took care of Towson 48-21, BYU ended the weekend with a 35-27 victory over USF, and Coastal hammered UMass 53-3.
Week 5 Preview
Headliners
Best helmet matchup of the season thus far?
This is the big one. Cincinnati at Notre Dame. I will dive in more detail on this game on Friday, but I want to say that this game has all the makings for Cincinnati to put themselves on the map nationally. I reference the 2016 Houston team a lot considering they are truly the only other Group of 5 team that had a chance to break through into the CFP (sorry UCF). A win here puts them in a similar position as that Houston team, winning their marquee non-conference games heading into their conference season.
While not on the level of Cincy-Notre Dame, there are other games this weekend. The other headliner involves two teams on the cusp of cracking the Top Ten. Liberty has to turn around from a trip to upstate New York to Birmingham, AL. UAB will be opening their new stadium this Saturday as they host the Flames. The Blazers held off Tulane last week and this is a great final chance for a solid non-conference win as they enter C-USA play.
Conference Highlights
UCF @ Navy (American): This is the first game for UCF post Dillion Gabriel injury. It appears that either Junior Joey Gatewood or Freshman Mikey Keene (or both) will be under center for the Knights. Navy kept it close with Houston on Saturday, but they may speak more to the shaky ground in H-Town more than the mess of the Navy team.
UNLV @ UTSA (C-USA): I’m not saying the roadrunners will have a let down spot here. I’m merely making the observation that UNLV gave Fresno State trouble at home after their big win. Luckily this game is in San Antonio, and a crowd should be behind the Roadrunners as they try to get more votes in the polls (Rank UTSA AP).
Western Michigan @ Buffalo (MAC): This may be one of the more fun MAC games on the schedule, and a potential CCG preview. The Bulls seem to have not taken too much of a step back after losing some of their offensive weapons and head coach in the offseason. Western Michigan has shown the offensive firepower to match anyone, so this could be our first taste of MACtion of the season.
Nevada @ Boise State (MWC): While the paths these two teams have taken this season might not have been what they wanted, this still has some stakes in the Mountain West. If Nevada wants to try and keep pace in the Mountain Division, this is a game they need to try and steal. It will not be an easy ask for Carson Strong, but they can find their season turned around if they can get a win on the blue turf.
Louisiana @ South Alabama (Sun Belt): Louisiana should win this game. This is one of the other good teams in their division (maybe Arkansas State as well), so they should win on paper. South Alabama is undefeated and hosting Louisiana. Their first trip away from home since Week 1, I am keeping an eye on this game to make sure the Ragin’ Cajuns take care of business.
Top Teams Roundup
Let’s do a quick whip around the rest of the top ten to end things today. Coastal Carolina hosts UL-Monroe in a game they should win easily. BYU looks to firmly cement their claim as the best team in Utah as they head to Utah State. The Aggies struggled last week with Boise State and seemed susceptible to the Cougar offense. Fresno State goes on island to take on Hawaii in conference play. App State gets a shot at Georgia Southern and their new interim coach. SMU hosts USF in a perfect follow up to their rivalry win. That’s all I’ve got for you all today. Sound off below on your thoughts on anything talked about today!
