There are always surprises and disappointments in any college football season. Tomorrow we will talk about the biggest surprises, but today is all about disappointment. Here are my choices for the most disappointing G5 teams so far this season.
- Central Florida: Where to start? The Knights lost to Florida International in the season opener, but upped the ante with a 16-15 loss to Furman. UCF has scored no more than 15 points this season. An even competent offense and UCF may be looking at a 2-2 or 3-1 start. No doubt the most disappointing team at the quarter pole.
- UTEP: Hopes were high for the Miners heading into the season, but the defense never got the memo. UTEP has been repeatedly gouged for 48, 69, 47, and 17 points this season. I only add the 17 because it was versus Incarnate Word. Yes, I said Incarnate word. A 27-17 win over Incarnate Word was the saddest win for a G5 team this season.
- Eastern Michigan: Some people actually had the Eagles as a dark horse candidate to win a division or make a bowl game this season. Four weeks into the season, we can officially call those dreams dead. EMU is sitting at 1-3 and coming off of a 22-point loss to an Army team that is terrible. They only have LSU next on the schedule, no biggie.
- Massachusetts: Another team that was predicted to finish at or near the top of their division in the MAC, the Minutemen are sitting at 0-3. Taking out blowout losses to Colorado and Notre Dame, the most disappointing moment of the year was playing Temple hard and having the game basically in hand with an extra point attempt to make the lead four. The attempt was blocked and ran back for a score. Minutes later, Temple kicked a game winning field goal. I don't know if UMass recovers from that.
- Utah State: No one can deny that Utah State can play some defense. It is the offense that has let the Aggies down this season. The team has scored no more than 17 points in a game this season. As well as the defense is playing, you could make a case that Utah State could be 3-0 right now if they had a competent offense.
- Wyoming: Oh Wyoming, it just keeps getting worse. A loss to an FCS team in the season opener, followed by a 19-point loss to another one of the G5 most disappointing teams in EMU made for a rough start. Losses to Washington State and New Mexico haven't helped the cause. Right now, I only see UNLV keeping the Cowboys from 0-12.
- Fresno State: No one expected Fresno State to win the MWC this fall. No one even expected them to win their division. Even with low expectations, a 1-3 start that includes being outscored 167-68 versus FBS competition is disappointing. 3-9 is completely possible at this rate.
- Texas State: You almost have to give applause to a team when they play defense as badly as Texas State has this season. The Bobcats have given up 49.5 points per game, including 50+ versus all three FBS opponents. The defensive coordinator has already resigned and we could be seeing an implosion from within the Bobcats program.
- Arkansas State: Despite looking terrible versus USC and Toledo, the Red Wolves didn't look bad versus Missouri. Health issues have been a part of the problem for Arkansas State, but things could get worse before they get better. I still have some faith in them due to a reasonable Sun Belt schedule. They are one of the few disappointing teams that can turn things around.
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