UNLV and Memphis notched major wins in Week 3. Beating Kansas further strengthened the Rebels spot atop the Power Rankings this week. It's been fun to watch exciting football in Vegas this year, and the Rebels are ranked in a major poll for the first time.
The Tigers made the biggest move up the rankings after truly dominating Florida State. I don't care what the perception is of the Seminoles this season, that was still impressive to see from the Tigers. Memphis' defense was a major question mark but has turned into a strength alongside the offense. This could be one of the more balanced Memphis teams we've seen in quite a while.
Keep an eye on what is going on with the following teams who are currently not ranked but could make their way onto the list by next week: Navy, James Madison and Fresno State. All three are quietly playing good ball and have significant matchups this week that could catapult them into our Top 10.
Group of Five rankings remain important. Though these conferences get a significantly lower financial guarantee from the new 12-team CFP, they are on a more equitable field when it comes to the competition: The four highest ranked conference champions get byes, and the five highest ranked champs get auto-bids, but nothing is to say that the supposed "Power Four" are guaranteed those four byes or four of those five spots; if a Group of Five team were to outrank, hypothetically, the Big 12 champion, it would get a bye and home game. And with those spots comes financial windfalls based on success in the tournament.
| 1 | |
| The Runnin' Rebels have knocked off two Big 12 teams in Houston and Kansas. A welcomed bye week here in Week 4 before they take on a good Fresno State team. Rebels aren't without concerns, however. They could stand to be a bit smoother within their passing game. (Last week: 1) | |
| 2 | |
| The No. 23 Huskies take on Buffalo off of a bye. This will be a test to see if NIU spent the off week preparing and getting better or reading their own press clippings. (LW: 3) | |
| 3 | |
| Regardless of what you think about Florida State, it's still a big win for this Tigers program with regards to the postseason. Unbeaten Navy is up next, which makes for a potential trap game. (LW: 6) | |
| 4 | |
| The Flames did what they needed vs. UTEP last weekend. Arguably their best defensive performance of the season, forcing three turnovers. Liberty still hasn't played a clean game yet, but maybe that changes this Saturday vs. East Carolina. (LW: 4) | |
| 5 | |
| The Broncos were off last week and upcoming opponent Portland State already canceled one game due to a whooping cough outbreak. Could potentially be two weeks off for Boise State. (LW: 5) | |
| 6 | |
| Back-to-back turnovers on the final two drives were uncharacteristic of the Bobcats,, who snatched defeat from the jaws of victory against Arizona State. We'll see if they'll let one loss become two as they prepare for Sam Houston in two weeks. (LW: 2) | |
| 7 | |
| America's Cajuns have had two weeks to prepare for Tulane. What's good about the timing of this matchup is that the Cajuns are rested, while the Green Wave are coming off of back-to-back losses to Kansas State and Oklahoma. Could be a perfect spot for the Ragin Cajuns to get a huge nonconference win. (LW: 7) | |
| 8 | |
| Toledo dominated Mississippi State from start to finish. The Rockets looked more like the SEC team than the Bulldogs. It was great to see Rockets QB Tucker Gleason bounce back from a subpar performance against UMass and put together a masterful one on the road. (LW: NR) | |
| 9 | |
| Coach Ken Niumatalolo's defense has been excellent so far. With a defense like that, the Spartans will be in every game. Offensively speaking, they are both efficient, complementary and do not beat themselves. Huge game this week against Washington State. (LW: 10) | |
| 10 | |
| Rice is next for Army, which has an outstanding defense. We know about the offense and how difficult it can be for opposing teams. Right now, the Black Knights have to be feeling good about both their schedule and a chance to crash the playoff party if they are able to take care of business. (LW: 8) | |
No longer ranked: Tulane