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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.
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.
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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.
Remember a few months ago when there was chatter of an interest in eventually forming a G5 playoff? Of course, it was shot down, first from Navy and then from a majority of the G5 with the playoff seen as admitting that the G5 programs should not be allowed to compete with the P5.
The thought behind a fight against a G5 playoff makes sense and it looks extremely unlikely that it would ever come to fruition. That is probably for the best as sooner or later a G5 program will break through into a playoff for the national title, certainly when the playoff eventually moves from four to eight teams.
But that doesn’t mean we can’t say “what if?”
With non-conference play virtually over for most of the G5, now is as good of a time as ever to imagine what a G5 playoff would look like. Remember, I am not advocating for a G5 playoff. Instead, I am just offering a “what if” scenario to break up a lazy week and give you reading material as you watch Georgia Southern and Arkansas State face off in Funbelt Wednesdays.
*****AGAIN, THIS IS JUST A "WHAT IF" AND I IN NO WAY WANT OR EXPECT TO SEE A G5 TOURNAMENT NOW OR IN THE FUTURE. JUST FOR FUN.******
Format:
Eight-team single elimination tournament.
How teams are chosen:
In what would be an eight-team tournament, all five conferences would get an automatic bid with three teams getting an at-large invite.
American Athletic Conference Champion
Mid-American Conference Champion
Conference USA Champion
Mountain West Champion
Sun Belt Champion
At-large
At-large
At-large
Sites:
The quarterfinals and semifinals would be at the higher seed’s home field like playoffs in the FCS. The title game would be in a neutral site that makes sense for the entire G5. New Orleans, Dallas, Atlanta, Tempe, Los Angeles, and Miami are too entrenched with the P5 playoff system and would make little sense as a piggyback location for the G5 tournament final. I would love to hear from you which location would make sense as a championship location. Be creative.
Now, let’s move on to the biggest argument piece of this article—the eight teams that make the cut. This is based only on the current outlook five weeks into the season. Please try to understand that I am not counting a hypothetical win over Toledo or Boise State in the future, only current work on the field. I am basing the teams selected and seeding on the CFO G5 Top 10 Poll.
San Diego State (MW Champion)
South Florida (At-large)
Central Florida (AAC Champion)
Troy (Sun Belt Champion)
Toledo (MAC Champion)
Navy (At-large)
Houston (At-large)
UTSA (CUSA Champion)
Yes, I know. That is a lot of AACin the tournament. I never said every conference would be equally distributed, but it is a bit wild that four of the eight teams would be from a single conference. It happens.
We are trying something new at College Football Outpost and reaching out to fellow “media” members for a more conclusive G5 Top 10 poll. Several took to the cause in the inaugural week so that you are subjected to a more varied top 10 than if I did it on my own.
Enough of my jabbering, let’s take a look at the CFO G5 Top 10.
1. San Diego State (5 First Place Votes): 95 votes.
2. South Florida (4 First Place Votes): 91 votes.
3. Central Florida (1 First Place Vote): 82 votes.
4. Troy: 48 votes.
5. Navy 46 votes.
6. Houston: 37 votes.
7. Toledo: 24 votes.
8. Memphis: 24 votes.
9. SMU: 19 votes.
T-10. UTSA: 16 votes.
T-10. Ohio: 16 votes.
Others considered: Northern Illinois 10, Western Michigan 9, Appalachian State 9, Colorado State 9, Boise State 7, Louisiana Tech 7, Marshall 1.
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Week two was such an up and down experience for the G5 as marquee matchup UCF/Memphis was lost to weather, while UTSA and five other teams took out P5 opposition. Hopefully we can get a bit of a respite from the weather and start to see more action from the top 10 of the G5 in the next few weeks so that we can get a real idea just which team is the best.
South Florida (2-0): The Bulls were unable to play on
Saturday due to weather issues. It has yet to be determined if the AAC game
versus UConn will be made up. Up Next: Illinois.
Toledo (2-0): The Rockets are flying under the radar, but they
continue to win after taking care of Nevada in week two. A much anticipated
matchup versus Tulsa should gather more attention to the MAC program. Up Next:
Tulsa.
Boise State (1-1): Despite losing to Washington State in
week two, the Broncos remain in the top three. The biggest question marks for
Boise State are on offense and there is little time to relax as New Mexico and
Virginia come to town in each of the next two weeks. Up Next: New Mexico.
Memphis (1-0): The Tigers were unable to play Central
Florida in week two, but have arguably the marquee G5 game of week three as
UCLA comes to town. Memphis needs to prove that the weather was the only reason
for the lack of a passing game versus ULM. Up Next: UCLA.
San Diego State (2-0): If UCLA at Memphis is the #1 G5 game
of week three, the Aztec playing host to Stanford is #1A. SDSU looks as good as
ever on offense with Penny replacing Pumphrey, but are not quite the dominant
defensive team of the past few years. Up Next: Stanford.
Houston (1-0): The Cougars took care of business on Saturday
in squeaking by Arizona despite the Wildcats having already played a game
before the matchup. Ed Oliver was once again his dominant self and Kyle Allen
looked good in his H-Town debut. Up Next: Rice.
Western Kentucky (1-1): It is easy to begin to worry about the
Hilltoppers after two weeks. They struggled to put away EKU in week one and
looked inept on offensive versus a not very good Illinois squad. Until WKU can
put things together, they will be sitting at the back end of the top ten. Up
Next: Louisiana Tech.
Appalachian State (1-1): A week after missing out on a
golden chance to take out an SEC program, the Mountaineers had a much needed cupcake
game versus Savannah State. Time will tell how good they are, but the schedule
is set up for Appalachian State to head into November at 7-1. Up Next: Texas State.
UTSA (1-0): The Roadrunners got their first win over a P5
program in downing Baylor in week two. They would have been higher up the list
if not for Baylor already sporting a loss to Liberty in week one. Up Next: Southern.
Arkansas State (0-1): The Red Wolves are sitting at tenth
despite losing their only game of the season to Nebraska. I can’t fault them
for waiting another week to play after Miami canceled their trip to Jonesboro.
After a cupcake versus Arkansas-Pine Bluff, we get to see what they are made up
with a trip to Dallas to face SMU. Up Next: Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
Others considered: Navy,
Central Florida, Old Dominion, Louisiana Tech, MTSU, Army, CMU, EMU, Ohio, Troy,
Air Force, Colorado State.
Always full of compelling matchups including both the G5 and P5, the MWC knows how to schedule. Of course, Boise State leads this list with three mentions, but there are several others quality games like New Mexico-Tulsa and UNLV-Idaho that will keep the masses entertained. If you are willing to stay up late or catch a Friday night matchup, you will not be disappointed.
Boise State at BYU (October 6): An annual series since the 2012 season, the Cougars and Broncos are destined to put on a show. Even if it is a 7-6 final like in 2012, it is a fun game that is worth the watch. Last season was a wild show with Boise State doing everything possible to give BYU the win before coming up with a blocked kick to hold on for the win. That turned into BYU’s only loss in their final nine games. The Cougars lost four games by a combined EIGHT points last fall. This is another battle of star quarterbacks as Rypien matches up with Tanner Mangum.
Virginia at Boise State (September 22): This game just jumps out as one that must be watched. Virginia head coach Bronco Mendenhall is looking to turn the program around after the first season that saw them lose to a terrible UConn squad and Richmond of the FCS. He is quite familiar with the Broncos from his time as head coach of BYU. Boise State is coming off of a year that seemed one step off in every possible way. They blew multiple chances to win the MWC and eventually played right out of a chance at winning their division. Despite Virginia being much improved from 2016, this should be a game the Broncos control throughout and win convincingly.
Toledo at Nevada (September 9): What this game could have been if James Butler decided to stay with the Wolfpack. The star running back took advantage of the graduate transfer rule and headed to Iowa in the offseason. Instead of Butler, the Wolfpack will likely rely upon Alabama quarterback transfer David Cornwall to light up the Rockets defense. Toledo has players to replace (especially at running back and tight end), but there are players on the roster to fill the gaps. I can’t see anyone handling wide receiver Cody Thompson in man coverage. Expect the Rockets to roll.
Troy at Boise State (September 2): The first matchup of two historically excellent G5 programs, this game should be a treat. The Trojans are stacked on offense with the Sun Belt’s top two returning receivers, an excellent running back, and arguably the best quarterback in the conference. The battle of Brandon Silvers and Brett Rypien is easily worth the viewing. Boise State head coach Brian Harsin is very familiar with the Trojans from his time at Arkansas State.
Colorado vs. Colorado State (September 1): Typically a close matchup with nine of the last 15 meetings settled by a touchdown or less, this is always a game to watch. We finally get both teams on the upswing at the same time, keeping us from falling prey to another 44-7 drubbing. It wouldn’t surprise me to see the Rams head into Denver and make this a compelling game, but I do not think they have the weapons to pull out a win.
UNLV at Idaho (September 9): In a magical 2016 season that saw the Vandals return to a bowl game, it was this game that seemingly turned the corner. Idaho pulled out an overtime win in the third of three straight road non-conferences games before Sun Belt play. UNLV was all over the place last season, losing to San Jose State while beating Hawaii and Wyoming. The Rebels have a ton of promise but have to take a step forward this season.
Oregon at Wyoming (September 16): Last season saw these two teams head in completely different directions. Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl entered the season on the hot seat and nearly won the MWC to retain his job. He has who some are calling the eventual #1 pick of the NFL Draft under center and some weapons ready to replace the losses from last season. Oregon has a new head coach in Willie Taggart. They have a lot of work to do to fix the multiple issues that resulted in a disappointing 4-8 season.
Stanford at San Diego State (September 16): Despite lacking the 5-star commits of USC or the exotic schemes of Washington State, all Stanford does is win. The Cardinal is coming off of another 10 win season last fall, but lose a game changer at running back for this season. The Aztecs feel their pain as they attempt life after Pumphrey. Luckily, they have a more than capable replacement in Rashaad Penny. It is on defense where SDSU is capable of being exposed this fall.
Oregon State at Colorado State (September 23): Has it really been 42 years since these two teams met previously? Colorado State is coming off of a season that started terribly but found its groove once the offense started humming. The Beavers had a tough 2016 season under Mike Riley, but are hedging their bets on Idaho quarterback castoff Jake Luton to fix their offensive woes. Luton has the physical tools and could blossom into a star under the right coaching.
New Mexico at Tulsa (September 23): Love them or hate them, you have to give credit to Tulsa. They are happy to play any G5 team as evidenced by a non-conference slate that includes Louisiana (Sun Belt), New Mexico (MWC), and Toledo (MAC). The Golden Hurricane sport a bruising running game that includes three potential first team All-AAC offensive linemen. The Lobos are no stranger to the run game with head coach Bob Davie leading an option attack. If you love the run game and points scored, this is the game for you.
Others to watch: Hawaii at UMass, USF at SJSU, Wyoming at Iowa, Nevada at Northwestern, Boise State at Washington State, NMSU at New Mexico, SDSU at Arizona State, Utah State at Wake Forest, NIU at SDSU, Air Force at Navy, Army at Air Force.
No conference does a better job on a yearly basis of scheduling compelling G5/G5 games than the MAC. From CUSA to the MWC, every conference is represented with games you must watch. Let's just hope that more of the MAC can win a few games in these matchups and make the entire conference look better this fall.
Let's take a look at the ten MAC non-conference games to watch.
Tulsa at Toledo (September 16): Why do we not get games like this every year? Two quality G5 teams playing one another rather than wasting it with a lower quality opponent. The Golden Hurricane will have time to recover from the Oklahoma State game to start the season and should be able to control the line of scrimmage in the run game. Toledo could be in position to make some noise nationally if they can get through Elon, Nevada, Tulsa, and Miami (Fl.) to start the season. This game could be the toughest of the season for the Rockets.
Miami at Marshall (September 2): A matchup that goes well into the history of both programs, the Thundering Herd and RedHawks could end up giving us one of the most interesting games of the non-conference season. Among the many aspects of the game to watch, the battle of quarterbacks Gus Ragland and Chase Litton nearly guarantees us a high-scoring affair. Currently, Miami looks like the early favorite to win this game.
Boston College at NIU (September 1): After the disaster of the 2016 season, the Huskies host a solid P5 team with a chance to make national news. The Eagles are coming off of their third bowl berth in the last four seasons, attempting to improve on a consistent 7-6 record in those three seasons. NIU must quickly have players step up in the offensive backfield and at wide receiver if they want to win. Expect this game to be a lower scoring affair with the winner scoring no more than 24 points.
UAB at Ball State (September 9): This is the first FBS game for the Blazers since putting together the pieces of a disbanded program not all that long ago. UAB is a complete mystery full of players that have been with the program more than a year before playing their first game. Do not expect them to beat Ball State, but it may be more competitive than many think. Ball State needs a hot start to the season if they want to go bowling and this is a must win game.
Idaho at WMU (September 16): This is a sneaky good game that could make up for the two duds we got from the Georgia Southern-Western Michigan series. The Vandals are in their final year of FBS play and could be sending out their best team in a very long time. Led by star quarterback Matt Linehan, they can put up points in bunches. Idaho scored 37+ points in each of the last four games of the 2017 season. The Broncos have arguably the best duo of running backs in the nation this season. Between Bogan and Franklin, WMU can run over the majority of its schedule without resorting to the passing game all that much. Expect lots of points.
Ohio at Purdue (September 8): In what has become a common occurrence, the Bobcats are again favored to win the MAC East Division and play for the conference title. Ohio is a very disciplined team that makes other teams work to beat them. Purdue is a big of a question mark with former WKU head coach Jeff Brohm taking the reins. The Boilermakers are probably a year or two away from amassing the talent that can make Brohm’s system run, but they are still a dangerous team. I feel like this is a game Ohio can and should win.
Toledo at Nevada (September 9): What this game could have been if James Butler decided to stay with the Wolfpack. The star running back took advantage of the graduate transfer rule and headed to Iowa in the offseason. Instead of Butler, the Wolfpack will likely rely upon Alabama quarterback transfer David Cornwall to light up the Rockets defense. Toledo has players to replace (especially at running back and tight end), but there are players on the roster to fill the gaps. I can’t see anyone handling wide receiver Cody Thompson in man coverage. Expect the Rockets to roll.
Cincinnati at Miami (September 16): This is a game that will show just where both teams are headed into conference play. The Bearcats are in rebuilding mode, but have some talent on the roster left over by Tuberville. The program is being built the right way by Fickell and company, but that means a rough 2017 is in store. Miami has high expectations and a win over, albeit down, Cincinnati would do wonders for the RedHawks.
Ball State at WKU (September 23): A year after watching MAC rival Miami nearly knock off one of the top three G5 teams in the nation last season, the Cardinals look to do the same. There is quite a bit of talent on the Ball State roster, but it will take a nearly perfect effort to knock off the kings of Conference USA. The Hilltoppers are in a very slight rebuilding process, but still have Mike White, a stable of talented running backs, and the most dynamic return man in the nation. WKU has questions on defense, but they can normally score enough for that to be only a small problem.
Northern Illinois at San Diego State (September 30): I have never seen a team struggle more with games they should win than the Aztecs. They lost in back to back seasons to a decent at best South Alabama squad and the Huskies had every chance to take control of their matchup last season. SDSU loses a lot on defense and must replace Donnel Pumphrey, but recruiting is not a problem in San Diego. The Huskies would love to have a signature win like this in 2017, but this is asking a lot. A win here could quell many of the shouts for Rod Carey’s job.
Just missed the list: Buffalo at Minnesota, Charlotte at EMU, Ball State at Illinois, WMU at Michigan State, Bowling Green at Michigan State, Kent State at Clemson, Western Michigan at USC.
Others to watch: Charles Williams UNLV (141/763/3TD), Izzy Matthews CSU (153/734/13TD), Timothy McVey Air Force (83/708/10TD), Dontel James FRESNO STATE (208/697/5TD), Richard McQuarley UNM (143/656/18TD), Lexington Thomas UNLV (124/642/8TD).
As much as Conference USA loves to light it up in the air, the MWC is all about the ground and pound. It has to be considering two teams run the option. While the MWC will again put together a great season on the ground, it will be with a new set of faces. Gone are Pumphrey, Hill, McNichols, Butler, and Gipson. Tyrone Owens is the top returning rusher and his finished sixth in the conference last season with 1,097 yards, nearly 200 less than teammate Teriyon Gipson.
The name to watch is Aztec running back Rashaad Penny. He broke the 1,000-yard mark as a backup last fall and is poised to have an outstanding season with an increased workload.
Others to watch: Christian Chapman SDSU (1,994/20TD), Nick Stevens CSU (1,936/19TD), Ty Gangi NEVADA (1,301/8TD), David Cornwall NEVADA (Transfer), Lamar Jordan UNM, Arion Worthman AIR FORCE.
While the overall class is not that outstanding, the cream of the crop behind center is among the nation’s best. Between Rypien and Allen, you are looking at two potential first round picks, with Allen’s name thrown around as a possible #1 overall pick. Don’t sleep on Dru Brown and the invigorated Hawaii offense. Brown was outstanding in his first year as a starter and could put up some monster numbers this fall.
A name to pay attention to is David Cornwall at Nevada. He is looking to break a string of Alabama quarterback transfer misses but will have his hands full holding off Gangi for the starting job.
Receiving:
Michael Gallup, Colorado State: 76/1,272/14TD
Cedrick Wilson, Boise State: 56/1,129/11TD
Keesean Johnson, Fresno State: 66/773/6TD
Devonte Boyd, UNLV: 45/746/4TD
Jamire Jordan, Fresno State: 45/713/2TD
Others to watch: Wyatt Demps NEVADA (53/686/9TD), John Ursua HAWAII (53/652/3TD), Justin Holmes SJSU (36/613/3TD), Olabisi Johnson CSU (28/613/4TD), Ron’quavion Tarver UTAH STATE (46/602/3TD), Mikah Holder SDSU (27/581/5TD), Tre Hartley SJSU (33/572/4TD).
Simply put, the MWC is not a pass happy league like CUSA or the Big 12. No one in the conference puts up astounding numbers, although a few have been able to break the glass ceiling. Michael Gallup is one of the few receivers that would look just as at home on WKU’s roster as Colorado State. He is explosive and talented and should put up great numbers in the Ram’s offense.
I have been on the Devonte Boyd wagon for what seems like forever. For a variety of reasons, he has yet to take a step into the elite receiver category that I pegged him years ago. Here is his one last chance to take the conference by storm and he will have to do so with a redshirt freshman quarterback.
Next week, we will take a look at defense and special teams for the Mountain West Conference before rolling out conference previews.
Another week is in the books for the 2015 college
football season with the Mountain West Conference going 5-7. Conference play kicked
into gear with four MWC games played. Let's take a look at the good, bad, and
ugly of week five Independent football action.
Another week is in the books for the 2015 college
football season with the Mountain West Conference going 6-4 with two conference
games taking place (New Mexico-Wyoming, Fresno State-San Jose State). Let's
take a look at the good, bad, and ugly of week four MWC football action.
Week four of the college football season get
underway tomorrow with Cincinnati and Memphis getting a seat on the big stage.
Mountain West action kicks into gear with the Boise State-Virginia on Friday
night.
Another week is in the books for the 2015 college football season with Mountain West going 2-10 with no conference games taking place. Let's take a look at
the good, bad, and ugly of week three Mountain West football action.
Week Three Scoreboard:
Boise State 52, Idaho State 0
Arizona State 34, New Mexico 10
Michigan 28, UNLV 7
Michigan State 35, Air Force 21
Texas A&M 44, Nevada 27
Washington 31, Utah State 17
Colorado 27, Colorado State 24 (OT)
Oregon State 35, San Jose State 21
South Alabama 34, San Diego State 27 (OT)
Washington State 31, Wyoming 14
Utah 45, Fresno State 24
Hawaii 47, UC Davis 27
Who/What Looked Good:
Brian Hill, Wyoming: The sophomore running back has been one of the few
bright spots for a Cowboys team that is 0-3. In the last two games, Hill has
carried the ball 41 times for 381 yards and two touchdowns.
Rashard Wiggin’s Health: After missing the loss to Minnesota due to
injury, Wiggins was again his impressive self with eight catches for 125 yards
and a touchdown versus Colorado. The Rams might easily be 3-0 if not for his
injury.
Hawaii: Say what you will about the win over UC Davis, but Hawaii is
2-1 with a win over a team that beat UMass and Colorado State. Max Wittek (43-86/541/5TD)
bounced back from a poor showing at Ohio State with his second 200+ yard
passing game of the season.
Who/What Looked Bad:
Non-conference Woes: The MWC went 2-10 in non-conference play during
week three and has no non-conference wins over FBS competition since week one.
For a conference expected to be among the best in the G5, the start to this
season has been disastrous.
San Diego State’s Defense: The biggest question mark for the Aztecs was
on offense heading into the season. Instead, the vaunted defense was the one to
disappoint in week three, with South Alabama racking up over 500 yards of total
offense. SDSU is playing on a razor’s edge with a bad offense and cannot afford
to play like that one defense.
Utah State’s Offense: The Aggies are struggling badly with only 14.3
points per game, under 300 yards of total offense per game. Injuries have
played a major role, but this could get ugly before the season ends.
With 12 games being played by Mountain West teams to start the 2015 season, Week One should be a very good start to the season as I have all but two teams winning their season opener.
