Which Underclassmen From The G5 And Below Declared For The Draft: Defensive Edition

As is the case in any off season, players make the decision to stay or forgo their final year of college football and head to the NFL Draft. Some make it while others fizzle out due to lack of talent, a bad fit, or other circumstances.

We have already taken a look at the offensive side of the ball so it is only fair to take a look at defense. Led by All-American Ed Oliver, there are 15 underclassmen defensive players looking to make an NFL roster via the draft.

Defensive Line: (8)

• Ed Oliver, DT, Houston: 192 tackles, 53.0 tfl, 13.5 sacks, 11 pd. 1 fr, 5 ff in 32 games played. Two-time All-American, 2017 Outland Award winner. 2017 AAC Defensive Player of the Year. #2 ranked interior lineman according to USA Today. 
• Maxx Crosby, DE, Eastern Michigan: 162 tackles, 41.0 tfl, 8 ff, 20.0 sacks, 1 int in 37 games played. 
• Trysten Hill, DT, Central Florida: 71 tackles, 20 tfl, 6 sacks, 1 ff in 33 games played. 
• Darryl Johnson, DE, North Carolina A&T: 106 tackles, 41 tfl, 19 sacks, 5 ff, 2 fr. 
• Youhanna Ghaifan, DT, Wyoming: 135 tackles, 27 tfl, 11 sacks, 5 pd, 4 ff in 30 games played. 
• Sutton Smith, DE, Northern Illinois: 139 tackles, 58.5 tfl, 30 sacks, 4 pd, 6 fr, 7 ff, 3 TD in 37 games played. Two-time MAC Defensive Player of the Year. 2017 All-American. 
• Sean Adesanya, DE, Central Michigan: Transfer from Illinois. 10 tackles, 1 tfl, 1 sack in 6 games at Illinois. 29 tackles, 7 tfl, 3 sacks in 12 games at CMU. Led nation in tfl and sacks in 2017. Led nation in tfl in 2018. 
• D'Andre Ferby, DE, Western Kentucky: 344 carries for 1,297 yards and 20 TD in 34 games. Listed as a DE in NFL information, so a position change looks to be imminent. 

Let's start with the obvious and discuss Ed Oliver. The junior from Houston is one of the most physically gifted player to come out of college football in a long time. Every defensive lineman gets compared and falls well short of Aaron Donald, but Oliver is a good comparison. I will get into the similarities in a later article. Oliver is the truth and I believe he will be the best of the best in one of the best defensive lineman groups in NFL Draft history.

While not a household name like Oliver, Sutton Smith is no slouch. He put up mind boggling stats at NIU and deserved every accolade thrown at him. The biggest issue with Smith is how he will be used in the NFL. His size mandates a move to linebacker and question abound about his ability to defense the pass. The combine will make or break his draft ranking.

Crosby, Hill, Ghaifan, Adesanya, and Johnson will not hear their names called early, but have the chance to make a roster. For those players, it is all about the fit they show within a defensive scheme. It may be better if some do not get drafted so that they can find the right fit in free agency.

Linebacker: (2)

• Jeff Allison, LB, Fresno State: 267 tackles, 11.0 tfl, 2 int, 2 ff, 2.5 sacks in 34 games played. 2018 MWC Defensive Player of the Year.  
• Josiah Tauaefa, LB, UTSA: 255 tackles, 22.5 tfl, 11.5 sacks, 1 int, 1 fr, 2 ff in 32 games played. 

Of the two G5 linebackers adding their names to the draft list, Tauaefa is the more explosive player. He is a hybrid DE/OLB that may need to find his true position at the NFL level. Can he cover backs and tight ends or is he an undersized pass rusher in a 3-4 scheme?

Allison may not make as many splashy plays in the backfield as other linebackers, but he is a smart and instinctive tackler. He is always around the ball and makes plays in the passing game when needed. Think of a player like Wesley Woodyard when you think of Allison. A leader in the huddle and during play.

Secondary: (5)

• Mike Bell, S, Fresno State: 199 tackles, 9.0 tfl, 4 int, 1 ff, 0.5 sacks in 37 games played.  
• Sean Bunting, CB, Central Michigan: 104 tackles, 3.5 tfl, 9 int, 4 ff in 35 games played.
• Clifton Duck, CB, Appalachian State: 158 tackles, 8.5 tfl, 1 sack, 12 int, 10.5 pr average on 31 returns in 38 games played. 
• Malik Gant, DB, Marshall: 190 tackles, 14.0 tfl, 1 sack, 2 int, 13 pd in 29 games played. 
• Xavier Crawford, CB, Central Michigan: Transfer from Oregon State. 87 tackles, 2 tfl, 1 sack, 1 int, 12 pd in 17 games at Oregon State. 24 tackles, 3 tfl, 1 int, 12 pd, 2 fr at CMU. 

This is a not so ready for the NFL group of players, except for Clifton Duck. The junior has shown up since his freshman season in big games and has the play-making ability that NFL teams love. He can make plays and isn't afraid to take a chance or two in order to change a game. If he does not hear his name called in the first 100 picks, I would be very surprised.

Honestly, the rest of the group will need to have very good pro days and combines, if they are invited, to get on the NFL radar. Choices like Xavier Crawford smell of a player ready to leave college behind and see what happens rather than being truly ready for the NFL.

Which G5 Underclassmen Are Headed To The NFL: Offense Edition

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Every year, college players ready to no longer "play school" declare their intentions to join the revolving cast of the NFL. Some are guarantees like Houston defensive tackle Ed Oliver, while others decide to make the jump without knowing what their futures bring.

With that said, let's take a look at the offensive players of the G5 that have declared for the upcoming draft.

Quarterbacks: (1)

• Tyree Jackson, QB, Buffalo: 6,999 yards passing with 55.8% completion percentage and 49 touchdowns. 201 rushes for 757 yarrds and 16 touchdowns in 32 games played. 2018 MAC Offensive Player of the Year. #7 best QB according to USA Today. 

Jackson is an interesting case for the new NFL. Among the quarterbacks eligible for the draft, Jackson is one of the best dual threat players on the board. His size, 6-7 and 245 pounds, is intriguing and he has an impressive arm, but a completion rate below 60% is worrisome and may scare off some teams. He will get drafted, but do not expect Jackson to go in the first three rounds.

Running Backs: (7)

• Darrell Henderson, RB, Memphis: 431 rushes for 3,545 yards and 36 touchdowns. 63 catches for 758 yards and 8 touchdowns in 38 games played. Finished 10th in 2018 Heisman voting. 2018 Consensus All-American. #1 in NCAA in rushing ypa., #2 in rushing touchdowns, #2 in rushing yards. #8 best running back according to USA Today.
• Joshuwa Holloman, RB, Eastern Michigan: Track athlete. 
• Alexander Mattison, RB, Boise State: 581 carries for 2,829 yards nad 33 touchdowns. 60 cathces for 511 yards nad 1 touchdown in 38 games played. #2 nationally with 302 rush attempts in 2018, #7 nationally in rushing touchdowns (17), #8 nationally with 1,415 yards rushing. 
• Devin Singletary, RB, Florida Atlantic: 714 carries for 4,287 yards nad 66 touchdowns. 51 catches for 397 yards and  touchown in 38 games played. 2017 CUSA MVP. Most rushing attempts in NCAA, #4 in rushing yards, #1 in rushing touchdowns in 2017. #8 in career rushing touchdowns (66). 
• Darwin Thompson, RB, Utah State: Only played one season at Utah State. 153 carries for 1,044 yards and 14 touchdowns. 23 cathes for 351 yards and 2 touchdowns in 13 games played. 
• Kerrith Whyte Jr., RB, Florida Atlantic: 232 carries for 1,358 yards and 11 touchdowns. 22 catches for 227 yards and  touchdowns in 37 games played. Career 26.1 yards per kickoff return. 
• Tony Pollard, RB/KR/WR, Memphis: 139 carries for 941 yards and 9 touchdowns. 104 catches for 1,292 yards and 9 touchdowns in 40 games played. 30.1 yards per kickoff return for his career, including 7 touchdowns. Career leader in kickoff return touchdowns and led the nation with a 40.0 kickoff return average in 2017. 

Let's start with the best of the group. Memphis running back Darrell Henderson was the most explosive running back in the nation last season. He is a bit undervalued due to his time at Memphis, but the Tigers have produced quality NFL players in the past. He is easily a 2-3 round pick in my opinion and has more explosion than any other back in the draft.

Mattison and Singletary are both impressive players that carried the ball quite a bit in their college careers. There are worries that Singletary is more of the player he was as a senior rather than the dominant back he was as a junior. Mattison was a workhorse in 2018, giving scouts the thought that a bit of tread is gone from the tire. Both should hear their names called in the 5-6 rounds of the draft, if not earlier.

Thompson has the chance at being a late round pick, but would have benefited from spending one more season with the Aggies. Same with Kerrith Whyte Jr. He would have been the feature back in the Owls offense with the opportunity to shine in Kiffin's offense.

Tony Pollard is an interesting prospect. He set the kickoff return touchdown record in three seasons and has a full season averaging 40 yards per return in 2017. Whether he is drafted or not, Pollard should be on a roster with a chance to earn a KR/PR job and has the ability to produce in the running and passing game as needed.

Tight End: (3)

• Kahale Warring, TE, San Diego State: 51 catches for 637 yards and 8 touchdowns in 19 games played. 
• Dax Raymond, TE, Utah State: 72 catches for 873 yards and 3 touchdowns in 27 games played. 
• Keenen Brown, TE, Texas State: One year at Texas State. 51 catches for 577 yards and 5 touchdowns in 12 games played. Top 10 in Sun Belt in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns in 2018. 

Of the three, Brown is the most intriguing. Brown was a no factor with the Cowboys, but turned into a receiving option of choice at Texas State. He has the size and ability to block, but has to prove he is willing to do so at the NFL level.

Warring and Raymond have a chance to make a roster, but their chances of getting drafted depend on how multiple their skill sets can be at the next level.

Wide Receiver: (9)

• Jalen Guyton, WR, North Texas: Transfer from Notre Dame. 103 catches for 1,580 yards and 15 touchdowns in 25 games played. 
• Diontae Johnson, WR, Toledo: 135 catches for 2,235 yards and 23 touchdowns in 999 career games played. 
• Dredrick Snelson, WR, Central Florida: 106 catches for 1,519 yards and 15 touchdowns in 32 games played. 
• John Ursua, WR, Hawaii: 189 catches for 2,662 yards and 24 touchdowns in 33 games played. #9 in receptions (89), #5 in receiving yards (1,343), and #1 in receiving touchdonws (16) in 2018. 
• Preston Williams, WR, Colorado State: Transfer from Tennessee. 16 catches for 247 yards and 2 touchdowns in 7 games played at Tennessee. 96 catches for 1,345 yards and 14 touchdowns for Colorado State in 2018. #1 nationally with 96 receptions, #4 with 1,345 receiving yards, and #3 in receiving touchdowns (14) in 2018.
• Penny Hart, WR, Georgia State: 203 catches for 2,960 yards nad 19 touchdowns in 29 games played. Top 10 in Sun Belt in receptions in 2015, 2017, and 2018. Led Sun Belt in receiving yards in 2015 and 2017. 
• Cortrelle Simpson, WR, Richmond: Transfer from Temple. 96 catches for 1,670 yards and 11 touchdowns in 20 games played at Richmond. 
• Jovon Durante, WR, Florida Atlantic: Transfer from West Virginia. 60 catches for 726 yards and 7 touchdowns at WVU. 65 catches for 873 yards and 5 touchdowns at FAU in 36 total games played.
• Jazz Ferguson, WR, Northwestern State: Transfer from LSU. 2 catches for 17 yards at LSU in one game played. 66 catches for 1,117 yards and 13 TD at Northwestern State in 11 games played.

One thing the NFL has realized in the last several years is that talent at wide receiver can be found at all levels. This group has multiple transfers from P5 programs in addition to very effective players that battled injuries.

The most exciting of the transfers is Colorado State's Preston Williams. The former Vol looked like a bust in Knoxville, but made the trip to the MWC and led the nation in catches. More impressive is the fact that he did so on a down Rams team that struggled with consistent quarterback play.

Ursua, Hart, and Johnson are pass catching machines, but past injuries will be scrutinized by the medical crews of NFL teams. Hart in particular is small but explosive and could be a steal for the right team in the right offense.

The FCS is sending two players from the wide receiver group and I feel like both are in need of another year at the college level. Ferguson was especially explosive in 2018, but he only had two college catches before last season.

Offensive Line: (2)

• Chidi Okeke, OT, Tennessee State: Transfer from LSU. Two-year starter at TSU. First-team OVC in 2018. 
• Tyler Roemer, OT, San Diego State: Started 23 straight games for SDSU. Former USA Today Freshman All-American. Kicked off SDSU team in 2018. 

Finally, the offensive line comes to the party. Okeke seemed like a player ready to declare for the NFL as soon as he set foot on the Nashville campus of TSU. He seems a year away, but it remains to be seen if he will hear his name called this spring (not incredibly likely).

Roemer is very interesting because he will fall into the character issues category. He is a former Freshman All-American and started 23 games in a row before being suspended and then removed from the Aztec roster.

Which G5 And Below Players Will Be In The Buffalo Bills At Jacksonville Jaguars Matchup?

By Keith Allison from Hanover, MD, USA - Flickr

Wild card weekend in the NFL is here and now is a great time to take a look at the "small program" players that will participate in the upcoming games. We will start with the 3/6 matchup of Buffalo and Jacksonville.

Buffalo (17):

AAC (3):

• Dion Dawkins, LT (Temple): Starting left tackle. 11 starts as a rookie in 2017.
• Charles Clay, TE (Tulsa): Starting tight end. 49/558/2TD. 318 catches for 3,447 yards and 23 touchdowns during his career.
• Zay Jones, WR (East Carolina): Backup wide receiver. 27/316/2TD as a rookie in 2017.

MAC (1):

• Cap Capi, DE (Akron): Backup defensive end. 5 tkl, 1 sack in 2017.

CUSA (2):

• Jordan Mills, RT (Louisiana Tech): Starting right tackle. 16 starts in 2017. 66 career starts.
• Joe Webb, QB (UAB): Third team quarterback. 35 yards passing, 54 yards rushing in 2017.

MW (2):

• Eddie Yarbrough, DE (Wyoming): Starting defensive end. 34 tackles, 1 sack in 2017.
• Tanner Vallejo, LB (Boise State): Backup MLB. 4 tkl in 2017.

Sun Belt (1):

• Mike Tolbert, FB (Coastal Carolina): Backup RB/FB. 66/247/1TD in 2017. 696/2,649/34TD during his career.

Independents (1):

• Vladimir Ducasse, G (Massachusetts): Starting right guard. 12 starts in 2017. 42 career starts.

FCS and below (7):

• Colton Schmidt, P (UC Davis): Starting punter. 44.7 punt average in 2017. 44.1 career punting average.
• Colt Anderson, S (Montana): Backup free safety. 3 tkl in 2017.
• Ryan Davis, DE (Bethune-Cookman): Backup defensive end. 26 tkl, 3 sacks in 2017.
• Ramon Humber, LB (North Dakota State): Backup WLB. 89 tkl, 1 sack in 2017.
• Deon Lacey, LB (West Alabama): Backup SLB. 7 tkl in 2017.
• Khari Lee, TE (Bowie State): No stats in 2017.
• Cedric Thornton, DT (Southern Arkansas): Backup defensive tackle. 27 tkl, 2 sacks in 2017.

Jacksonville (15):

AAC (2):

• Blake Bortles, QB (UCF): Starting quarterback. 3,687 yards passing and 21 TD in 2017. 14,928 yards passing and 64 career touchdowns.
• AJ Bouye, CB (UCF): Starting cornerback. 56 tkl, 6 INT in 2017. Pro Bowl selection.  

MAC (2):

• Barry Church, S (Toledo): Starting strong safety. 74 tkl, 1.5 sacks, 4 INT in 2017.
• Blair Brown, LB (Ohio): Backup WLB. 15 tkl, 0.5 sacks in 2017. 

CUSA (1):

• Josh Walker, OL (MTSU): Third string left guard.

MW (2):

• Tashaun Gipson, S (Wyoming): Starting free safety. 64 tkl, 4 INT in 2017.
• Peyton Thompson, S (San Jose State): Backup free safety. 12 tkl in 2017.

Sun Belt (1):

• Montay Crockett, WR (Georgia Southern):No stats in 2017

Independents (0):

• None.

FCS and below (7):

• Keelan Cole, WR (Kentucky Wesleyan): Backup wide receiver, but second on the team in catches. 42/748/3TD as a rookie in 2017.
• Chris Ivory, RB (Tiffin): Backup running back. 112/382/1TD in 2017.
• James O’Shaughnessy, TE (Illinois State): Third team tight end. 14/149/1TD and 5 tkl in 2017.
• Donald Payne, LB (Stetson): Backup MLB. 13 tkl in 2017.
• William Poehls, OT (Montana): Third string right tackle.
• Chris Reed, OL (Minnesota State): Backup left guard.
• Josh Wells, OL (James Madison): Backup left tackle. 

Notes:

• Three of the five starters on the Buffalo offensive line are from the G5 (Temple, Louisiana Tech, Massachusetts). 
• Three of the four starters in the Jacksonville secondary are G5 (UCF, Wyoming, Toledo).
• Blake Bortles is one of 10 G5 or below quarterbacks to start a majority of the season for his team. 
• Undrafted free agent Keelan Cole is the only NAIA player to participate in this game and is second on the team in receptions as a rookie. 
• Including special teams, there are 10 starters in this game from the G5 and below. A case could be made the Zay Jones and Keelan Cole are basically starters despite being listed as #2 on the depth chart. 

College Football Outpost's All-G5 Team (1st, 2nd, and 3rd Team)

We are down to the final regular season game of the 2017 college football season. It has been a whirlwind of fantastic and surprising play. Starting on Monday, we will take a look at each conference and do a season in review, but today is all about the individuals.... starting with the CFO All-G5 team.

First Team:

Offense:

• Quarterback: McKenzie Milton, Central Florida
• Running Back: Rashaad Penny, San Diego State
• Running Back: Devin Singletary, Florida Atlantic
• Wide Receiver: Anthony Miller, Memphis
• Wide Receiver: Michael Gallup, Colorado State
• Tight End: Adam Breneman, Massachusetts
• Offensive Line: Will Hernandez, UTEP
• Offensive Line: Chukwuma Okorafor, Western Michigan
• Offensive Line: Max Scharping, NIU
• Offensive Line: Jeremi Hall, South Florida
• Offensive Line: Dejon Allen, Hawaii

Defense:

• Defensive Line: Ed Oliver, Houston
• Defensive Line: Sutton Smith, NIU
• Defensive Line: Marcus Davenport, UTSA
• Defensive Line: Ja’Von Rolland-Jones, Arkansas State
• Linebacker: Shaquem Griffin, Central Florida
• Linebacker: Ulysees Gilbert, Akron
• Linebacker: Leighton Vander Esch, Boise State
• Defensive Back: Jeremy Reaves, South Alabama
• Defensive Back: Parry Nickerson, Tulane
• Defensive Back: Andrew Wingard, Wyoming
• Defensive Back: Delvon Randall, Temple

Special Teams:

• Return Specialist: Tony Pollard, Memphis
• Punter: Corey Bojorquez, New Mexico
• Kicker: Dominik Eberle, Utah State

Second Team:

Offense:

• Quarterback: Riley Ferguson, Memphis
• Running Back: D'Angelo Brewer, Tulsa
• Running Back: Diocemy Saint Juste, Hawaii
• Wide Receiver: Courtland Sutton, SMU
• Wide Receiver: Anthony Johnson, Buffalo
• Tight End: Jake Roh, Boise State
• Offensive Line: Gabe Kuhn, Memphis
• Offensive Line: Elijah Nkansah, Toledo
• Offensive Line: Steven Rowzee, Troy
• Offensive Line: Austin Corbett, Nevada
• Offensive Line: Antonyo Woods, Florida Atlantic

Defense:

• Defensive Line: Justin Lawler, SMU
• Defensive Line: Anthony Winbush, Ball State
• Defensive Line: Maxx Crosby, EMU
• Defensive Line: Oshane Ximines, Old Dominion
• Linebacker: Genard Avery, Memphis
• Linebacker: Frank Ginda, San José State
• Linebacker: Dalton Herrington, New Mexico State
• Defensive Back: Darius Phillips, WMU
• Defensive Back: Jalen Davis, Utah State
• Defensive Back: Clifton Duck, Appalachian State
• Defensive Back: Jalen Young, Florida Atlantic

Special Teams:

• Return Specialist: Darius Phillips, WMU
• Punter: Joe Davidson, BGSU
• Kicker: Emilio Nadelman, South Florida

Third Team:

Offense:

• Quarterback: Logan Woodside, Toledo
• Running Back: Terry Swanson, Toledo
• Running Back: Ito Smith, Southern Miss
• Wide Receiver: Cedrick Wilson, Boise State
• Wide Receiver: Diontae Johnson, Toledo
• Tight End: Ryan Yurechek, Marshall
• Offensive Line: Colby Gossett, Appalachian State
• Offensive Line: Jake Bennett, Colorado State
• Offensive Line: Brandon Ray, Western Kentucky
• Offensive Line: Aaron Evans, Central Florida
• Offensive Line: Lanard Bonner, Arkansas State

Defense:

• Defensive Line: Curtis Weaver, Boise State
• Defensive Line: Joe Ostman, CMU
• Defensive Line: Carl Granderson, Wyoming
• Defensive Line: Tee Sims, Appalachian State
• Linebacker: Auggie Sanchez, South Florida
• Linebacker: Khalil Hodge, Buffalo
• Linebacker: Tony Lashley, Idaho
• Defensive Back: Darious Williams, UAB
• Defensive Back: Mike Hughes, Central Florida
• Defensive Back: Amari Coleman, CMU
• Defensive Back: Kameron Kelly, San Diego State

Special Teams:

• Punter: Corliss Waitman, South Alabama
• Kicker: Wyatt Bryan, Colorado State
• Return Specialist: Rashaad Penny, San Diego State

Superlatives:

• Offensive Player of the Year: Rashaad Penny, San Diego State
• Defensive Player of the Year: Ed Oliver, Houston
• Coach of the Year: Lane Kiffin, Florida Atlantic
• Team of the Year: Central Florida
• Game of the Year: Central Florida 62, Memphis 55 (AAC title game)

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Conference breakdown:

• Mountain West: 19 (7 first team)
• American: 18 (8 first team).
• MAC: 17 (4 first team)
• Conference USA: 10 (3 first team)
• Sun Belt: 10 (2 first team)
• Independent: 1 (1 first team)

College Football Outpost's G5 Top 10 Rankings (11/28/17): The Trojans Are Back

By Fliry Vorru (talk) - I created this work entirely by myself., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18588335

It has been a wild roller coaster of a season for Troy. From defeating LSU to losing to South Alabama, there has rarely been a boring week for the Trojans. A few plays here and there and Troy could be sitting at 11-0 heading into a de facto Sun Belt title game. Instead, they are sitting at 9-2 and will at the very least share the Sun Belt with a win over Arkansas State.

Let's take a look at the weekly poll.

Others Receiving Votes: Houston 4, NIU 3, Ohio 3, Army 2, Arkansas State 2, Central Michigan 2. 

Voters This Week: @TheJayBir, @Sports4Heretics, @BenMoore247, @AStateFanRules, @LaTechReport, @NorthCoastBias, @cfoutpost, @HuskieUnleashed, @DPattersonTX.

College Football Outpost's G5 Top 10 Rankings (11/20/17): The AAC Is King

This week saw the top four continue to pull away from the rest of the top ten with virtually every voter ranking UCF, Memphis, Boise State, and USF in some combination of the top four. Fresno State is back in the top ten, giving the MWC three of the top ten to go along with three AAC programs. Only the Sun Belt is not in the top ten this week, but Troy is very close to giving the conference representation.

Others Receiving Votes: Troy 15, Ohio 15, Army 4, Navy 3, Houston 2. 

Voters This Week: @TheJayBir, @Sports4Heretics, @BenMoore247, @meangreennation, @LaTechReport, @NorthCoastBias, @cfoutpost, @HuskieUnleashed, @warriorboutit, @TheTowelRackWKU.

Week 11 Statistical Leaders

I know, I fell off the wagon and have not been up to date with the weekly stat leaders among the G5. I have found time to do so this week and passing was the name of the game. The fifth highest passing total was over 330 yards, making it the elite group to break into during week 11.

Passing:

1. Tyree Jackson, Buffalo: 23-37/406/3TD
2. Conner Manning, Georgia State: 26-40/368/2TD
3. Andrew Ford, UMass: 21-39/355/4TD
4. Cole Garvin, USA: 25-45/343/2TD
5. Mike White, WKU: 28-41/334/3TD

Rushing:

1. Malcolm Perry, Navy: 33/282/4TD
2. Alexander Mattison, Boise State: 23/242/3TD
3. Tavares Thomas, MTSU: 29/195/2TD
4. Jarvion Franklin, WMU: 22/191/1TD
5. Dontrell Hilliard, Tulane: 28/189/2TD

Receiving:

1. Anthony Johnson, Buffalo: 8/160/2TD
2. Korey Robertson, USM: 8/159/2TD
3. Andy Isabella, UMass: 8/152/3TD
4. Diontae Johnson, Toledo: 9/144/1TD
5. Courtland Sutton, SMU: 7/123/2TD

Tackles: 15+

1. Emmanuel Ellerbee, Rice: 17
2. Jaylin Minor, Cincinnati: 16
3. Houston Robert, Rice: 15
4. Joel Iyiegbuniwe, WKU: 15

TFL: 3.0+

1. Malik Reed, Nevada: 4.5
2. Roderic Teamer, Tulane: 4.0
3. Doug Costin, Miami: 3.0
4. Charles Harris, Buffalo: 3.0
5. Quentin Poling, Ohio: 3.0
6. Maxx Crosby, EMU: 3.0
7. Tobenna Okeke, Fresno State: 3.0
8. Easy Anyama, Texas State: 3.0

Interceptions:

1. Dameon Baber, Nevada: 3
2. Sean Bunting, CMU: 2
3. Marcus Jones, Troy: 2

Sacks: 2.0+

1. Roderic Teamer, Tulane: 4.0
2. Malik Reed, Nevada: 3.5
3. Doug Costin, Miami: 3.0
4. Quentin Poling, Ohio: 3.0
5. Maxx Crosby, EMU: 3.0
6. Tobenna Okeke, Fresno State: 3.0
7. Xavier Thigpen, USM: 2.0
8. Anthony Johnson, FIU: 2.0
9. Lakota Wills, Air Force: 2.0

Punting: 4+

1. Mac Loudermilk, UCF: 51.3 avg.
2. Blake Cusick, Fresno State: 49.8 avg.
3. Jake Julien, EMU: 48.0 avg.
4. Michael Carrizosa, SJSU: 48.0 avg.
5. Marcus Ripley, Texas State: 47.0 avg.

Kicking:

1. Brandon Wright, Georgia State: 4/4 FG, 3/3 XP, long of 48.
2. Parker Shaunfield, USM: 3/3 FG, 4/4 XP, long of 51.
3. Kaare Vedvik, Marshall: 3/3 FG, 3/3 XP, long of 44.
4. Nick Rice, ODU: 3/3 FG, 4/4 XP, long of 41.
5. Chandler Staton, Appalachian State: 2/2 FG, 3/3 XP, long of 53.

Offensive player of the week: Malcolm Perry, Navy.

Defensive player of the week: Malik Reed, Nevada.

Special Teams player of the week: Brandon Wright, Georgia State.

College Football Outpost's G5 Top 10 Rankings (11/13/17): Army Joins The Party

Due to some technical difficulties, the weekly G5 Top 10 is out a little later tonight than usual. We experienced a bit of upheaval throughout the top 10 with Army and Houston taking advantage in earning a spot. Overall, this was a closer than usual vote (other than the top four) with NIU and Houston only two votes ahead of Troy and North Texas.

Others Receiving Votes: North Texas 11, Troy 11, Fresno State 8, Wyoming 5, Florida International 4, Navy 1. 

Voters This Week: @TheJayBir, @Sports4Heretics, @AStateFanRules, @meangreennation, @LaTechReport, @NorthCoastBias, @cfoutpost, @HuskieUnleashed, @warriorboutit, @TheTowelRackWKU.

College Football Outpost's G5 Top 10 Rankings (11/6/17): The MAC Represents

One thing I never saw coming this week was a takeover from the MAC with three teams earning spots in the top 10. Ohio joins Toledo and NIU in the rankings, making the MAC tied for the most most represented with the AAC.

Others Receiving Votes: Houston 14, Fresno State 14, Troy 11, Army 8, Florida International 3, North Texas 3, SMU 2. 

Voters This Week: @TheJayBir, @Sports4Heretics, @AStateFanRules, @meangreennation, @LaTechReport, @NorthCoastBias, @cfoutpost, @HuskieUnleashed, @warriorboutit, @TheTowelRackWKU, @BenMoore247, @The_DailyDragon.

College Football Outpost's G5 Top 10 Rankings (10/30/17): #1 Goes Down!!!

By breezy421 from Orlando - originally posted to Flickr as IMG_2923.jpg, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9104204

Apparently nothing can go according to schedule this season. South Florida looked to be in control after San Diego State failed to hold the top spot. That didn't last for long as the Bulls fell in devastating fashion to Houston on Saturday. 

The Bulls were not the only top 10 team to fall as Colorado State and Fresno State also fell, opening spots for Arkansas State and San Diego State to join the party. 

Others Receiving Votes: SMU 14, Ohio 7, Troy 6, Houston 6, Army 5, Colorado State 5, North Texas 4, Marshall 3, Florida International 3, Fresno State 2. 

Voters This Week: @TheJayBir, @Sports4Heretics, @AStateFanRules, @meangreennation, @LaTechReport, @NorthCoastBias, @cfoutpost, @HuskieUnleashed, @warriorboutit, @TheTowelRackWKU.

Which Teams Are Most Likely Heading To The AAC Title Game?

By Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, httpscommons.wikimedia.orgwindex.phpcurid=52623792

We are at a point in the season where clarity in division races starts to take shape. For the most part, the AAC is falling into place with teams like UConn, Tulane and East Carolina falling to the wayside. Realistically, only six teams have a chance at winning a division with only four looking likely.

What is great about college football is the fact that we will likely not know which teams are heading to the title game until the end of Thanksgiving weekend. With that said, let's take a look at the AAC and which teams are in position to win the conference.

AAC East Division:

Contenders: UCF, USF

Pretenders: Connecticut, Temple, East Carolina.

• USF (7-1, 4-1 AAC): Despite falling in brutal fashion to Houston, the Bulls still hold destiny in their own hands. If they win the AAC, they will almost assuredly go to a NY6 bowl and have a chance on a national stage to beat a traditional power. The road to that goal is through Orlando versus rival UCF. No matter what, this was going to be a game they had to win to win the division and it will be even more important as UCF will likely (maybe?) head into this matchup undefeated. Chance of winning the division: 30%.
• UCF (7-0, 4-0 AAC): Sure it was FCS program Austin Peay, but the Knights continue to blow the doors off of everyone in their paths. Navy was the only team to hang within 10 points of UCF this season and the schedule is set up for a 10-0 record when they face USF. SMU is a tough matchup, but do not match up well in the November 4 matchup. Even if they do fall, a win over USF in the finale would seal the division. Basically, take care of business versus the Bulls and they are golden. Chance of winning the division: 70%.

AAC West Division:

Contenders: Memphis, SMU, Navy, Houston.

Pretenders: Tulane, Tulsa.

• Memphis (7-1, 4-1 AAC): This division is still very much up for grabs, but the Tigers are in the driver’s seat down the stretch. They have wins over Houston and Navy, while facing SMU later in the season. Memphis should have no trouble with Tulsa or ECU, making the SMU game the only real chance for anyone to catch up to the Tigers. For the reading impaired, Memphis would need to lose two times down the stretch for Navy or Houston to win, but would give up the division if SMU wins out. Pretty simple route. Chance of winning the division: 75%.
• SMU (6-2, 3-1 AAC): I wouldn’t have thought that the Mustangs would be in the running for an AAC title at this point in the season, but here they are. The problem moving forward is the difficulty of schedule. They have UCF, Navy, and Memphis in a three week stretch before hosting Tulane in the season finale. While running the table is possible, it is unlikely. Outside of going 3-1 in their final four games with one win being over Memphis, we could be looking at chaos. Chance of winning the division: 15%.
• Navy (5-2, 3-2 AAC): The Midshipmen are in a tough spot, but can get back into the race if a few things go their way. Either way, they will need two Memphis losses to jump ahead in the standings, while also beating Temple, SMU, and Houston. Otherwise, too many things would have to happen for Navy to realistically win the division. Chance of winning the division: 4%.
• Houston (5-3, 3-2 AAC): The Cougars were on the edge of elimination, but came through with an almost miracle win over South Florida to stay in the race. They hold a tiebreaker over SMU, but lost to Memphis, necessitating two losses by Memphis down the stretch to get the win. That perplexing loss to Tulsa will likely be the main reason that Houston misses out on a chance at winning the AAC West Division. Chance of winning the division: 6%. 

Projected AAC Title Game: Memphis at Central Florida. 

Which G5 Team Has The Best Shot At Going Undefeated? UCF or USF?

Remember just a few weeks ago when so many teams had hopes of being the G5 program to run the gauntlet and end up in a New Year's Six bowl like Western Michigan last fall or Houston the season before? Eight teams were looking at perfect season with many already holding a win over a P5 program.

Well, that number has gotten much smaller with teams losing the expected (Appalachian State v. Miami) to the surprising (UTSA v. Southern Miss). Now, we sit heading into Halloween weekend with only two undefeated teams among the G5 ranks... South Florida and Central Florida. 
One thing for certain is the fact that we will end the regular season with no more than one G5 undefeated team as the two programs are on a collision course for a Black Friday matchup in Orlando. 

Let's take a look at the two AAC programs and their chances of making a run to an undefeated record. 

***Don't forget. Either USF or UCF will have to play, most likely, Memphis in the AAC title game before heading to a bowl.**



#17/#14 South Florida (7-0, 4-0 AAC): 
What a roller coaster it has been for the Bulls. They started the season as the top ranked G5 program and a dark horse pick to give the playoff committee some pause before eventually choosing a 10-2 P5 program for the playoff. Then the season started. USF struggled in the opening two games of the season versus inferior competition and tumbled down the ranks. From San Diego State to Memphis, multiple teams have been the flavor of the month while the Bulls just win. Don't look now but they are sitting at 7-0 and a tricky game versus Houston from heading to the season ending matchup at UCF.

What makes USF so good? 

Heading into the season, the USF offense got all the accolades. Thy had star quarterback Quinton Flowers leading one of the most explosive offenses in the nation. Don't get me wrong, they are the #7 rushing team in the nation and #13 in points scored per game, but defense is what has changed in Tampa. 

South Florida had great athletes last fall, but still gave up a lot of points in the process. They lost games they should have won due to lapses on that side of the ball. When Willie Taggart left for Oregon, it gave the program a chance to bring in a defensive mind. It has worked with Charlie Strong. The former Texas head coach has the Bulls #18 in the nation in total defense, #24 in points allowed per game, #1 in interceptions, #9 in rushing defense, #26 in sacks per game, #5 in TFL per game, and #20 in defensive touchdowns. 

Defensive backs Deatrick Nichols (2 INT), Devin Abraham (4 INT), and Mazzi Wilkins (3 INT) have combined for nine picks, but the fact that linebackers Auggie Sanchez (2 INT) and Nico Sawtelle (2 INT) have combined for four picks is downright impressive. This true air patrol has helped to lift USF to the best turnover margin in the nation at +13. 

Remaining Schedule:

• 10/28: Houston
• 11/4: At UConn
• 11/16: Tulsa
• 11/24: At UCF

Chance at undefeated: 55%.

#18/#17 UCF (6-0, 4-0): 
Raise your hand if you saw the Knights sitting at 7-0 with wins over Memphis, Maryland, and Navy. If you raised your hand, you are either a liar or a huge homer for the program. Not only did they win those three games, they won all three by a combined 109-44. Only Navy has been within ten points of UCF at this point in the season. Scott Frost and company have done what no one has done at UCF in school history... start the season 7-0. There is no reason to think they won't be sitting at 10-0 heading into the game versus South Florida. 

How did UCF turn the switch and turn into one of the best teams in the nation? 

A team first attitude and the maturation of McKenzie Milton. 

On offense, the Knights have a group of players willing to perform in their roles to better service the team. Taj McGowan has the role of battering the opposing defense as evidenced by his 3.8 yards per carry average. Since he does his role so well, it allows players like Adrian Killins Jr. (49/413/5TD) and Otis Anderson (18/157/1TD) to run free to the second level. Just looking at the fact that seven different players have at least 14 carries for this team shows just how much the wealth is spread. 

Defensively, the Knights rank as the #30 team in the nation, giving up only 347.5 yards per game. That number jumps to #16 nationally in scoring defense, #17 in first downs allowed, #9 in interceptions, #34 in rushing defense, and the #3 turnover margin in the nation. 

A player like Shaquem Griffin might be disappointed to only have five TFL and two sacks, but he is doing his job and playing a role to help win games. If that means busting up blockers so that Pat Jasinski can swoop in and make the tackle, then he does it. 

The secondary may be the most talented and athletic position group on the team, but the linebacker corps is the heart and soul of the defense. Jasinski, Chequan Burkett, Griffin, and Titus Davis all have 24 or more tackles and have combined for 10.5 TFL and 3.5 sacks, Davis has not earned a sack on the season, but leads the team with five quarterback hits.

I could go on an on about Milton, but just look at what he has done so far this season. in 186 fewer pass attempts, he is only 261 yards behind last year's total. He has a completion percentage higher by nearly 12%, has six more touchdown passes than all last season, and has only been sacked three times. His rating is second in the nation behind Baker Mayfield, while also second in the nation in yards per attempt (11.4). In addition, Milton has taken more control of the entire offense as a sophomore, making a step that many did not think would come until his junior season. 

Remaining Schedule: 

• 10/28: Austin Peay
• 11/4: At SMU
• 11/11: UConn
• 11/18: At Temple
• 11/24: USF

Chance at undefeated: 45%. 

College Football Outpost's G5 Top 10 Rankings (10/23/17): Fresno State Joins The Party

It is amazing just what two weeks can do to a program. San Diego State went from undefeated and #1 in the poll to unranked with two straight losses. The most recent loss was a complete drubbing at the hands of Fresno State, our newest member of the rankings. Along with Fresno State hitting the top 10, we have a season-high 20 teams receiving votes in this week's poll. 

Others Receiving Votes: San Diego State 11, Troy 6, Arkansas State 6, SMU, 5, Appalachian State 4, Florida International 4, Florida Atlantic 3, Houston 2, Army 1, Ohio 3. 

Voters This Week: @TheJayBir, @Sports4Heretics, @AStateFanRules, @meangreennation, @LaTechReport, @NorthCoastBias, @BenMoore247, @cfoutpost, @HuskieUnleashed, @The_DailyDragon, @HerdNation.

College Football Outpost's G5 Top 10 Rankings (10/16/17): South Florida Leads The Way

1874 College Football

After one of the wildest weekends of college football that we have seen in a very long time, we have a new #1 along with two new entries to the top 10. In total, 19 different teams received votes among the 11 members that took part in the weekly poll. That is a jump from 17 teams receiving votes last week.

Let's take a look at the Post Week Seven Top 10.

Others Receiving Votes: Appalachian State 12, Houston 8, Fresno State 5, Army 4, Troy 3, Ohio 3, North Texas 1, Arkansas State 1, SMU 1. 

Voters This Week: @TheJayBir, @Sports4Heretics, @AStateFanRules, @meangreennation, @LaTechReport, @NorthCoastBias, @BenMoore247, @cfoutpost, @HuskieUnleashed, @warriorboutit, @HerdNation.  

G5 Scoreboard (10/14/17)

American:

• #22 UCF 63, ECU 21 4th quarter
• South Florida 33, Cincinnati 3 4th quarter
• FIU 23, Tulane 10 Final
• Memphis 30, #25 Navy 27 Final
• Connecticut 28, Temple 24 Final
• Tulsa 45, Houston 17 Final

Conference USA:

• UAB 25, MTSU 23 Final 
• North Texas 29, UTSA 26 Final
• Southern Miss 24, UTEP 0 Final
• FIU 23, Tulane 10 Final
• Marshall 35, Old Dominion 3 Final
• WKU 45, Charlotte 14 Final

MAC:

• Akron at WMU: To be played on Sunday
• Army 28, EMU 27 Final
• Kent State 17, Miami 14 Final
• NIU 14, Buffalo 13 Final
• Ohio 48, BGSU 30 Final

Mountain West:

• New Mexico 0, Fresno State 0 1st quarter
• Nevada at Colorado State
• Boise State at #19 San Diego State
• San Jose State at Hawaii
• Air Force 34, UNLV 30 Final
• Wyoming 28, Utah State 23 Final

Sun Belt:

• Arkansas State 51, Coastal Carolina 17 4th quarter
• NMSU 35, Georgia Southern 27 Final
• Georgia State 47, ULM 37 Final
• Appalachian State 23, Idaho 20 Final
• South Alabama 19, Troy 8 Final

Independent:

• Army 28, EMU 27 Final

College Football Outpost's Guide To Week Seven

Can you believe that we are at this point in the season? We already have a team that is bowl eligible and many that could join San Diego State this weekend. Outside of the AAC and a few select teams in the MAC and Mountain West, it has not been the banner year everyone was hoping for months ago. Nevertheless, we are hitting Mid-October in stride with nearly every conference open for multiple teams to claim the crown.

Let’s take a look at this weekend’s games and the need to know information.

Five Week 7 Storylines:

• How does the Toledo offense look without Cody Thompson?
• Can North Texas defeat UTSA and take full control of the CUSA West?
• How early will Memphis/Navy hit the over of 71 at the Liberty Bowl?
• Boise State may be the final hurdle for #19 San Diego State?
• ULM is in "danger" of going 4-0 in Sun Belt play and only two games from bowl eligibility.

Biggest Line:

• East Carolina (-36) at UCF

Five Closest Lines:

• Navy At Memphis (-3.5)
• Utah State at Wyoming (-3)
• UTSA (-1.5) at North Texas
• Fresno State (-2) at New Mexico
• MTSU  (-5) at UAB

Biggest G5 Over P5 Favorite:

• None

Before I break into this week’s schedule, I am keeping my eye on Conference USA this week. CUSA has not been good as a whole for a majority of the season. WKU suddenly forgetting how to play offense, MTSU fighting key injuries, Old Dominion lacking a signal caller plus injuries, and Louisiana Tech not playing up to par are just a few of the serious problems this conference is facing at the moment.

That does not mean there is no good to be seen. North Texas and UTSA have seen their stocks rise, along with Southern Miss making year one of the Hopson era look more like an aberration than the norm. In the east, the renaissance of Marshall from 2016 doormat to contender, along with FAU looking somewhat formidable under Kiffin is something to watch.

That being said, the only team in CUSA that is looking like a legitimate top 10 ranked team at this is Marshall with North Texas getting a shot to impress voters this week.  

Mid-season CUSA title game prediction: Marshall vs. North Texas

Week Seven Schedule:

10/11:

• South Alabama 19, Troy 8 Final

10/12:

• Texas State at Louisiana, ESPNU

10/14:

Morning:

• EMU at Army, 11:00 AM, CBSSN
• Connecticut at Temple, 11:00 AM ESPN News

The Eagles are coming off of a close loss to Toledo, while Army beat yet another CUSA opponent in dominating fashion. If EMU can slow down the option attack of Army and actually attack downfield versus an Army side that can be beaten for big plays, we could be in store for a good game. If you do not have CBSSN, well I guess it could be a fun game to see how many times the Owls defense sacks Bryant Shirreffs on Saturday.

Early Afternoon:

• UNLV at Air Force, 1:00 PM
• Old Dominion at Marshall, 1:30 PM, ESPN3
• Akron at WMU, 2:30 PM, CBSSN
• Miami at Kent State, 2:30 PM, ESPN3
• NIU at Buffalo, 2:30 PM, ESPN3
• Ohio at BGSU, 2:30 PM, ESPN3
• Toledo at CMU, 2:30 PM, ESPN3
• #25 Navy at Memphis, 2:45 PM, ESPNU
• Houston at Tulsa, 3:00 PM, ESPN News
• Charlotte at WKU, 3:30 PM
• Wyoming at Utah State, 3:30 PM

Apparently, the MAC has decided it is better to just start every game at the same time in conference play. It is an interesting philosophy and allows the MAC to dominate a time slot with five of the eleven games starting from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM. However, the fact that Navy-Memphis is during that same slot will make it hard to give too much attention to the MAC. Expect a few points to be scored in that crucial AAC matchup of the Midshipmen and Tigers.

Late Afternoon:

• Georgia State at ULM, 4:00 PM, ESPN3
• Appalachian State at Idaho, 4:00 PM, ESPN3
• NMSU at Georgia Southern, 5:00 PM, ESPN3
• MTSU at UAB, 5:30 PM

The wasteland of G5 football is again in the late afternoon with none of the four games available without some sort of computerized device. ULM could be fun to watch as they have thrown caution to the wind and go for a shootout on a weekly basis. That has resulted in a team that scores 39.2 per game, gives up 37.0 per game, and is sitting at 3-0 in the Sun Belt with a chance to get their fourth win of the season versus a Georgia State team that only has wins over Charlotte and Coastal Carolina. Is Idaho ready to make a run at a second straight bowl appearance? They might want to get going if that is to be a reality.

Primetime:

• ECU at #22 UCF, 6:00 PM CBSSN
• UTSA at North Texas, 6:00 PM, ESPN3
• UTEP at Southern Miss, 6:00 PM
• Tulane at FIU, 6:00 PM
• Coastal Carolina at Arkansas State, 6:00 PM, ESPN3
• Cincinnati at #18 South Florida, 6:30 PM, ESPNU

I have my eyes on Denton, Texas and Hattiesburg, Mississippi. I admit that I make it seem like I thought Southern Miss was a trash team and made the entire CUSA look back in beating UTSA last week. That was not my intention at all. I am just not sold on the Golden Eagles, but taking care of business in a game they should dominate would help some. I mean they do have one of my favorite players in college football in Ito Smith. Otherwise, North Texas can put a stranglehold on the west if they beat the visiting Roadrunners. Many interested parties in Birmingham and Hattiesburg will be following this game closely.

Late Night:

• New Mexico at Fresno State, 9:00 PM
• Nevada at Colorado State, 9:15 PM, ESPN2
• Boise State at #19 San Diego State, 9:30 PM, CBSSN
• San Jose State at Hawaii, 10:59 PM

You just spent an entire day of watching college football and now you are relaxing with an adult beverage as the kids go to bed. Now is the time to power through and find CBSSN one more time to watch the #19 San Diego State Aztecs take on perennial power Boise State in late night Mountain West action. Can you call it a rivalry if they have only played four times? Well, I will. This may be the last major hurdle for the Aztecs before a trip to the conference title game to possibly face Boise State once again.