Welcome back to the 18Stripes G5 Top 10. We had a couple of great games shaking up the snow globe of the Group of 5 this weekend. Before we dive into that, let’s take a look at the new Top Ten.

Also Considered: Nevada, Liberty, Utah State, Air Force, Northern Illinois

Week 9 Recap

Movers and Shakers

We have to start with the game of the weekend, and the best finish of Saturday. While the Irish were taking on North Carolina, SMU and Houston decided to also put on an offensive showcase. Clayton Tune of Houston threw two first quarter TDs to Nathaniel Dell to help a 17-7 first quarter lead for the Cougars. Tanner Mordecai responded in the second quarter, with two TD passes of his own to help tie the game close to the end of the half, with Houston getting a field goal as time expired for a 23-20 halftime lead.

That lead lasted all of fifteen seconds in game time, as Bryan Massey returned the second half kickoff back for a touchdown. That started four straight possessions that ended in touchdowns, with Houston ultimately leading by three. Mordecai threw the first interception of the game. That would set the brief tone of a defensive struggle, with SMU desperately trying to tie the game with a field goal. With time running out, and with only one timeout, SMU marched down the field to get into range with 30 seconds left. Blake Mazza, who had a PAT blocked earlier in the game, hit the FG to tie the game. 

Things would go sideways for the Mustangs after that. Marcus Jones took the kickoff two yards deep into the end zone. He was only touched once, by the kicker around midfield. The Cougars superstar returned his 9th career kick for a touchdown, giving Houston the win. The Cougars have the inside path to the AAC Championship with the win, and aren’t expected to lose again until they get there. 

As this game was wrapping up, the other big game of the weekend was just starting. The question of whether the Fresno offense would be better than the San Diego State defense landed firmly in Fresno State’s favor. The Bulldogs scored the first 20 points in their contest against the Aztecs. The Fresno defense forced three turnovers, which accounted for 17 of their 30 points in the 30-20 victory. The major takeaway from San Diego State is a potential QB change as they try to recover and win the West Division.

Top Teams Wraparound

On Thursday night, Coastal Carolina rebounded from their loss to App State with a 35-28 win on the road to Troy. The offense got back on track after a dreadful second half the previous game, but the defense seems to leave a lot on the table. They need help to get into the Sun Belt Championship Game. App State continued their winning ways, making quick work of UL-Monroe 59-28. Louisiana also made quick work of their opponent in Texas St, shutting them out 45-0.

On Friday, Carson Strong and the Nevada offense asserted themselves as the best team in the state by knocking off UNLV 51-20. Nevada has some tough games ahead of them, especially if they want to stay in the West Division race with Fresno State. While the defenses were shining in Carson, the offenses were going off in Provo. BYU lost a 21-0 first quarter lead to Virginia by giving up 35(!!!) second quarter points. The defense tightened up, along with an injury to UVa QB Brennan Armstrong (which he thought were broken ribs which may keep him out the Notre Dame game two Saturdays from now). BYU ran it up, winning 66-49. 

Cincinnati sleepwalked a bit through their game in Tulane. I will not participate in the Cincinnati Playoff Discourse, but I feel like these types of games need to be behind them the rest of the way if the Bearcats want to crash the CFP Party.

Week 10 Preview

Headliners

This week has a little bit of a step back in terms of the main level games between G5 teams. The biggest game in terms of two big names is Boise State making a trip to Fresno State. This rivalry is one of the best G5 rivalries, and one that doesn’t get talked about enough. Boise State is not at their normal standards this season, already losing two games in conference and 4 games in the regular season. Fresno State, however, is coming off of a big upset win to put themselves in the driver’s seat for the Mountain West. This game could be close for a little bit, but I imagine the firepower of the Bulldogs will be too much to overcome.

The other headliner involves the Virginia University that shall not be named, led by Malik Willis. Their team has a trip to Oxford, in one of their final big chances for a big win this season. I think there will be defenders on the field, but I’m unsure of how much defending they will be doing. If the Ole Miss defense can limit Willis, the rest of the offense can’t carry the Flames to victory.

Conference Highlights

Tulsa @ Cincinnati (American): ESPN and Gameday will be at Cincinnati for the first time ever, and it’s well overdue. With the SMU loss, there is a chance Cincinnati won’t face a CFP ranked team (we’ll know more about that Tuesday) until the AAC Championship Game. Tulsa has taken a step back since their 2020 run, and Cincy should handle them with ease.

UTSA @ UTEP/Marshall @ FAU (C-USA): We have two matchups with the two front runners for their divisions in UTSA and Marshall going on the road to what could be their biggest test for the conference. UTEP fell short to FAU on Saturday and needs to rebound for their biggest game of the season. FAU is looking to continue momentum and knock off the C-USA East power house.

Northern Illinois @ Kent St (MAC): MACTION IS BACK BABY! Weekday football came back with some fun and interesting Fun Belt games but now we have the OG weekday football in the MAC. The highlight of the week is the great story from Northern Illinois taking on the offensive powerhouse in Kent State. NIU has a two game lead in the MAC West over everyone and this game is one they need to win to keep that lead.

Air Force vs Army (Mountain West): I am a sucker for the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy games. I like that Army vs Navy have their own weekend to bask in the college football spotlight (minus the Heisman but that’s usually wrapped up). This year Air Force has a chance to win the Trophy before Army and Navy step on the field to face one another. Air Force knocked off Navy earlier in the year and can clinch the trophy with a win over a B- version of their own offense. Air Force also wants to try and win the Mountain Division with a Utah State loss.

Georgia St @ Louisiana (Sun Belt): The Ragin Cajuns continue to perplex me in their performances. They’ve all but wrapped up the Sun Belt West Division, so now their sights are towards either a) a rematch with App State or b) a chance at Coastal that they didn’t get in 2020.

Top Teams Roundup

Houston, in following up with their win over SMU, takes a trip to Tampa to take on South Florida. SMU, on the other hand, make a trip to a depleted Memphis squad. The Sun Belt East continues to ramp up as App State goes to Arkansas State, still in control of their own destiny. Coastal, on the other hand, makes a trip to Georgia Southern. San Diego State looks to rebound from their loss with a trip to the island to take on Hawaii late Saturday night. Nevada looks to break through into the Top Ten again as they host the still reigning Mountain West Champions San Jose State. Finally, BYU takes on their FCS opponent in Idaho State.

That’s all I have for you all today. Sound off below on thoughts on the games!