The Knights have been the best Group of 5 school the past two seasons. But with their two losses this season against Pitt and Cincinnati, it’s time we ask. Who’s the new UCF?
Having this conversation is nothing new. Before this past year, we’ve been asking who the new Boise State is? The Broncos have been the dominant Group of 5 team since 2007, and are still at the top of the game today. But since the resurgence of UCF, Boise has been knocked down a peg. Now we ask who the new UCF is instead of the new Boise State. Especially after the Broncos’ 28-25 loss to BYU.
So, besides the Knights and Broncos, who’s the best Group of 5 team? Keep in mind, these are not organized in any particular order. They are merely organized by their AP ranking.
#16 SMU Mustangs
If you’re wondering where the Mustangs came from, don’t worry; so are we. SMU has come seemingly out of nowhere to be 7-0 for the first time since 1982. That year they bought their players with new Trans Am’s and had a massive pay-to-play scheme (if you don’t know the story, watch the 30 for 30 titled “Pony Excess.” You will not regret it). Head coach Sonny Dykes is leading his team of transfers to a strong start, and their first ranking in the AP Poll since 1986. Led by Texas transfer Shane Buechele and West Virginia transfer Reggie Roberson, the Mustangs pose a potent offensive attack that is sure to strike against anybody. They’ve scored at least 40 points in 6 consecutive games. That should tell you enough about the offense.
The defense has been suspect at times. The Mustangs rank second to last in the AAC in passing defense, giving up 251 passing yards per game. However, they lead the AAC in interceptions, so this defense is clearly talented. Led by Senior defensive end Delontae Scott, Senior safety transfer from Illinois Patrick Nelson, and Senior safety Rodney Clemons, this team has the talent to go undefeated. If they can limit offenses in the passing game, this team will do big things in November and December.
Even after a very good win at home against a one-loss Temple, SMU still has a very tough schedule in conference play. Thursday night they play Houston on the road, the next Saturday they play Memphis on the road, and they end the year at Navy and home against Tulane. That’s 3 of the American championship contenders in 4 games. Losing one game would not be the end of the world. But if they go unbeaten, they could contend for a top 10 spot in the final CFP rankings. And a win against TCU in Ft Worth helps too.
#18 Cincinnati Bearcats
Yes, the Bearcats are still in this. Why wouldn’t they be? Their only loss is at the Horseshoe to Ohio State, and they have wins over UCF and Houston. They have a very winnable schedule too. Their difficult games are the last two: Temple at home and Memphis on the road. The fact that they’re already getting this much love in the AP Poll means that they should be contending for a top 15, possibly top 10 spot in the final CFP rankings come December.
Cincinnati’s offense has been on point this year, with sophomore Quarterback Desmond Ridder throwing for 1,399 yards, 14 touchdowns, and only 5 picks. He’s also run for a touchdown, with 202 yards on 72 carries. He hasn’t been throwing to one guy though. Ridder has spread the ball around well, with Wide Receiver Alec Pierce having 410 yards on 20 catches and 2 touchdowns, and Tight End (!!) Josiah Deguara having 293 yards on 21 catches and 4 touchdowns. This offense is very good, and under third year head coach Luke Fickell, the Bearcats are looking dangerous offensively.
Let’s not forget about the defense too. This defensive front has some good pass rushers and a good secondary. Lead by junior linebacker Michael Pitts (team leader in sacks with 4.5), sophomore safety Ja’von Hicks (team leader in interceptions with 4), and junior safety Darrick Forrest (team leader in tackles with 61), this Bearcat defense can really disrupt the quarterback. Just ask UCF quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who only had 300 yards passing and had 3 turnovers. This defense has gotten much better since the 42-0 drubbing from Ohio State, and look to be major contenders in the American, and most definitely a New Year’s Six bowl.
#21 Appalachian State Mountaineers
I’ve been waiting for this day for quite a while. Everyone, say it with me: APPALACHIAN STATE IS RANKED! After an impressive 11-2 season last year, in which we saw App State go to overtime with Penn State and then win the Sun Belt championship, the Mountaineers are back for more. This time it’s with first year head coach Eliah Drinkwitz. After Scott Satterfield left to coach Louisville after the 2018 season, nobody knew what App State was going to be. But lead by junior quarterback Zac Thomas and junior running back Darrynton Evans, they have dominated most of their opponents. They even took down North Carolina in Chapel Hill on a play that looked a bit familiar.
The Mountaineer defense has been stingy too. They’ve held 4 teams under 400 total yards of offense. That defense is lead by senior linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither (team high 43 tackles), junior defensive lineman Demetrius Taylor (team high 5 sacks), and sophomore defensive back Shaun Jolly (team high 3 interceptions). The defense has to keep playing well in order to keep the unbeaten run alive. App State should be favored to win all of their games, but have a date with South Carolina in early November. If they can pull off another upset, this team will certainly be in top 15, maybe even top 10 contention when December comes around.
Memphis Tigers
Here comes Memphis! The Tigers are rolling yet again after back-to-back American Western Division titles and are looking for their third 10-win season in program history. Ever since Justin Fuente took over in 2013, Memphis has been one of the premier Group of Five teams. They haven’t missed a beat with current head coach Mike Norvell, who’s been at the helm since 2016. The Tigers have proven themselves, with an opening week victory over Ole Miss, a 12-point victory over conference contender Navy, and an absolute drubbing over a previously on fire Tulane team. One more win and the Tigers are sure to get enough AP votes to crack the top 25.
Memphis’ offense is hot. And I mean scorching hot. Lead by junior quarterback Brady White, who’s passed for 1,884 yards, 18 touchdowns and only 4 picks, White has been exactly the passer that Memphis has needed. He has got a lot of help from the ground game however, mostly from their star running back, redshirt-freshman Kenneth Gainwell. Gainwell has been running all over defenses this season, rushing for 830 yards on 113 carries and 8 touchdowns. He’s even their leading receiver, with 34 catches for 440 yards and 3 touchdowns. This offense has put up large numbers, scoring under 30 points just twice this year, and putting up over 400 yards of offense in 5 of their 7 games.
The defense has done very well as well this year. Memphis has allowed to teams to score over 30 points, and held 4 opponents under 350 yards in a game. Lead by sophomore defensive back Sanchez Blake Jr (team high 45 tackles), junior defensive lineman Joseph Dorceus (team high 2.5 sacks), and freshman defensive back Quindell Johnson (team high 2 interceptions), the Tigers have a defense that can stop anyone in their league. And they’ll need this defense to be at their best to end the year. They get SMU at home in 2 weeks, and finish the season hosting Cincinnati. They most likely would have to play Cincinnati twice to finish with a one-loss record. But if they can get this done, the Tigers would be a lock for a New Year’s Six bowl with a 12-1 record.
San Diego State Aztecs
Boise State has new competition in the Mountain West, and they reside in Southern California. San Diego State has been getting it done with a fantastic defense that leads the conference in total defense. They don’t have the offensive firepower that most of these teams have, ranking last in the conference in total offense. Lead by senior quarterback Ryan Agnew, who’s throwing for 1,242 yards and 9 touchdowns, senior running back Juwan Washington, who has 343 yards on 103 carries and 2 touchdowns, and sophomore wide receiver Kobe Smith, with 436 yards on 34 catches and 4 touchdowns., this offense has done just enough for the Aztecs to win games.
The staple of this SDSU squad? The defense. Ranking first in the Mountain West in total defense, rushing yards allowed, and points allowed, this defense has stifled all competition. They haven’t allowed opponents to score more than 23 points all season. Lead by senior linebacker Kyahva Tezino (team high 59 tackles), senior defensive lineman Myles Cheatum (team high 3.5 sacks), and senior cornerback Luq Barcoo (team high 5 interceptions), this defense can’t seem to be solved by anyone so far.
The Aztecs play 2 teams above .500 to end the season, a home game against Nevada and a road game against Hawai’i. They end the year at home against BYU, who is always a tough out after beating USC and Boise State. If they can finish the season 5-0, they’ll most likely play Boise State in the conference championship game with both teams having an 11-1 record. San Diego State wins the title? They would certainly be in contention for a top 15 CFP spot come December.
So, who’s most likely to win out?
Let’s be real, the committee will probably put a one-loss Boise State in over any of these teams. That sucks but it’s the nature of being a brand. Personally, I think SMU is for real. Buechele has been just what they needed for this offense, and is enough of a veteran to be able to handle the pressure of the late season push. And beating a Big 12 school on the road certainly will help their case. If they go unbeaten, there is no doubt in my mind that they would be right around the top 10. I think they can do it, but it’ll be tough. They have to get through Memphis, Tulane, and (most likely) Cincinnati in a conference championship game. Win out, and they’re in. Simple as that.
