While most of you are probably still basking in the glory of yet another USC embarrassment in Notre Dame Stadium, there were ripples through out the Mid Major conferences that shuffled a couple of things up. Let’s dive into this week’s Top Ten.
Also Considered: Georgia St, SMU, UNLV, Georgia Southern
Three And Out Takeaways
First Down: Mountain West After Dark
Boise, we officially have a problem. The Broncos held a 30-10 with four minutes left to go in the game in Fort Collins, before allowing 21 unanswered points, including a Hail Mary at the gun to lose 31-30. There was much talking about taking out the first team defense on HC Andy Avalos’ side, but credit to Colorado State. This is a team taking positive steps forward as a program and get their signature win (their first ever over Boise State) on the season after missing out against Colorado.
However, that was not the main event of the day for Mid Major games, the game two hours south was. Air Force fought off Wyoming in a classic 34-27. This game happened during the USC destruction so you may have missed the late game drama. Wyoming ran into special teams problems. Down 27-21 in the fourth, the Cowboys offense marched down the field and scored on a fourth and goal misdirection throw back. However, the subsequent PAT was blocked. The next play from scrimmage, Jensen Jones, AF backup QB called to duty after star Zac Larrier was injured earlier in the quarter. Wyoming stalled and missed a FG. John Lee Eldridge III, on Air Force’s next drive, took a 3rd and three pitch from Jones and took it to the house for the decisive score of the game.
The Falcons now are firmly on track for a spot in the Mountain West Championship Game, and look to host it with their unbeaten record. Fresno State and Wyoming are hot on the Falcons trail, trying to face off against the still unbeaten service academy. However, there is a potential looming threat waiting in the wings that we will dive into on the Week 8 preview.
Second Down: Tulane is Still Top Dog
The other big showdown we saw this weekend was Friday night. Tulane showed its might over the course of their game against Memphis, ultimately pulling it out 31-21. Tulane had a little bit of a middle 10 minutes problem at home, allowing all twenty one points within the last five minutes of the first half and the first five of the second.
However, once the score turned 21-10 Memphis, Tulane turned on the nos and ratcheted up their game. The Wave scored on their next three offensive drives, two of which were sandwiched by an interception of Memphis QB Seth Henigan. Tulane still seems to have voters respect (we will get to that) so NY6 is absolutely still on the table. Memphis still seems to be in line for a rematch at the beginning of December, but they do have to work through some unbeaten teams like zombie UTSA and SMU. The latter team comes to Memphis in late November, so that game looms large over the American race.
Third Down: The AP Poll Makes No Sense
For the first time this season, the AP voters have deemed two Mid Major teams worthy of a little number next to their name; Air Force (#22) and Tulane (#23). A name missing from this list? The undefeated and #1 Mid Major Team James Madison. The Dukes getting no respect in a week where two teams from non-power conferences are ranked is a crime. JMU made mincemeat of Georgia Southern this past weekend 41-13. The Dukes are not only the class of the Sun Belt, they are the class of the Mid Major conference teams, and a bunch of NCAA rules make them ineligible for one of the biggest statements for moving up to FBS that has ever happened. It’s a damn shame. The JMU players and coaches deserve better.
Week 8 Preview
Western Kentucky @ Jax State: We once again have CUSA football during the week. Jax State, another team restricted by the FBS Transition Rules, missed a chance to have a win against one of the top teams in the conference. This week, Rich Rod and his squad have a chance to take down the next best team. WKU can potentially wrap up CUSA conference play for all intents and purposes with a win here.
James Madison @ Marshall: A game that matters more for Marshall for a spot in the conference championship game, JMU can look to once assert its dominance over potential “division champions” in Marshall. Rasheen Ali once again has a big stage to show off his prowess for potential Doak Walker consideration if Marshall can pull off the upset here.
Air Force @ Navy: We got ourselves a potential service academy let down spot! This game is in Annapolis at noon eastern on CBS. The health of Larrier is important but also important is making sure that the team remains motivated as they know are firmly the favorite for the final NY6 spot.
Toledo @ Miami (OH): Our first of two consecutive weeks where the MAC hierarchy will settle itself for the final month. Ohio made things more complicated by a dreadful fourth quarter against Northern Illinois, so Miami (OH) has some wiggle room here. A potential classic and harbinger of the MAC Championship Game.
UTSA @ Florida Atlantic: Both of these teams are undefeated in conference play. UTSA would be an understandable team in this position, but not so much FAU. The Owls have a chance to put themselves firmly in their new conference by knocking off UTSA. (This could be a win to put Tom Herman in the hunt for a new job in one of the next two years as well)
Colorado State @ UNLV: The most non-descript one loss Mid Major team is UNLV. Standing at 5-1 the Rebels are almost assuredly going to a bowl with a game against New Mexico still to play. However, this week they get a Rams team that has been frisky. If UNLV wants to remain in the MWC hunt, they need this game before a major stretch (@ Fresno, @ NM, vs Wyo, @ AF) really tests their merits.
Georgia State @ Louisiana: Georgia State had a very good, convincing win over Marshall on Saturday. They appear to be a really good Sun Belt team. However, they have a tough stretch ahead of them. They play a resurgent and talented Ragin Cajuns team, go to Ga Southern five days later before a home game against JMU. The Panthers probably need a 2-1 minimum record from those three games to remain at the top of the division.
That’s all I have for you all this week! Once again enjoy the football this week (especially with no Irish game this week) and RANK JAMES MADISON!
There are some arms and prolific offenses in G5. I got to watch a bit of a lesser known Byrum Brown at USF who’s a duel threat and only a Freshman. Brown can really launch one, if they could only protect him – 28 sacks. Their leading rusher, he’s a three star from NC recruited by Charlie, Jr now at Ole Miss with Lane and Jaxson Dart. Will Charlie, Jr being getting interviews for openings soon, too, perhaps in a G5 or Northwestern or other BIG West?
How about a dark, dark horse? New Mexico State has a slim chance to finish second in the C-USA playing the current bottom half of the conference plus Western Kentucky away and finishing with Jacksonville State at home in Las Cruces. Liberty crushed them in Virginia, but with four wins so far this would be the first time they’ve ever had two bowl games consecutively (only five bowls in their history prior to last year). Holy frequent flyer points for those C-USA teams. Jax St, of course, can’t go to a bowl, too, right?
The Boise collapse in Fort Collins is inexcusable. Of course, until Watts had that final scoop and score, and to a lesser extent Price’s Kickoff return for a TD, I was a bit worried USC would do the same to us.
The Air Force – Wyoming game was another exciting one in the Mountain West. I’m sad Wyoming didn’t pull it out at the end. UW’s defense is the definite strength of that team, however, as we know, it can be difficult to
ESPN’s FPI has SMU as the highest rated Group of 5 team. They have losses to Oklahoma (who is probably playoff bound) and TCU. They are followed by Tulane and then Air Force, Fresno, and JMU. Not that I put much stock in FPI, just an interesting contrast.