Group of Five Power Rankings

The group of five teams have been whittled down to just one unbeaten team and three one loss teams heading into November. The possibility of Houston making the playoff if they went undefeated with wins over Oklahoma and Louisville has disappeared. But a new year’s six bowl game is still up for grabs so here are the group of five power rankings after week nine.

1. Western Michigan Broncos

The Broncos are easily the leader at the moment given that they are the last remaining unbeaten team. They also have a manageable schedule to finish the season with Toledo the toughest opponent at home on 25^th November. The MAC title game would follow against Ohio but they would certainly be favored. P.J. Fleck has done a fantastic job with this program and would love to lead them to a 13-0 season followed by a big bowl game.

2. San Diego State Aztecs

The loss at South Alabama early in the season could deny San Diego State if Western Michigan wins out. But in terms of resume, the Aztecs are in great shape with a win over California already plus a trip to Wyoming before the end of the season. Running back Donnel Pumphrey is one of the most dynamic playmakers in the country and is starting to draw national attention.

3. Boise State Broncos

With two wins over power five teams as well as a win against BYU, the Broncos were the front runners for the group of five spot in the New Year’s Six bowl games. They fall from that spot after losing a crazy game late in Wyoming which leaves them now relying on the Cowboys losing twice in conference play for them to make the MWC championship game.

4. Wyoming Cowboys

The biggest surprise of the 2016 season in the group of five conferences given few predicted them to even make a bowl game pre-season. The loss at Eastern Michigan probably counts them out of contention for New Year’s Six bowl game and they were also beaten heavily at Nebraska early. But they control their own destiny in the Mountain West division race after beating Boise State this past weekend.

5. Temple Owls

The AAC has usually dominated but has suffered as teams have all started beating each other this season. Houston are relying on Tulsa and Navy losing again just to make the AAC championship game. Temple scored a crucial victory over USF earlier in the season so they should make this title game given a very manageable final three games. With three losses, their best hope is an AAC title and a good bowl game though.